KerwinBenson.com Hidden Gems of Martial Arts

In a Grapple, The Hidden Knife Wins

Before we concentrate on the response everyone wants to read (next article: Solution 3), let's consider this martial surprise ....

Do you know the assumption that Wrestlers make about the tackle part of a fight?

Those of you have "10 Days to Better Knife Fighting" know of at least one way to hold a knife out of view of your attacker. (See page 34.) I know a lot of grapplers who feel that, because they attack with forward energy, any response mid-attack wouldn't work. This isn't a 100% guarantee..

These power tacklers don't mind if you try to punch them, because they are barreling you over with force. They feel that the punches would just glance off.

A few of them would even attack someone holding a weapon, thinking the same logic -- they will tackle before the knife can be put into play.

Actually, they do have some reason to their thoughts. If you aren't prepared for a behemoth to tackle you, then you might not be able to respond.

Get a Partner and Tackle

Grab your protective gear. Get a partner, and a practice knife (rubber?).

Your partner stands about 15 feet from you.

You conceal the weapon.

One, two, three ... Go!

Your opponent charges you, and tackles you.

Your goal is to use your knife:

Here's one for you: Can you prevent the grapple, by using your knife?

Your opponent wants to grapple, but ... (what would you do, to stop the attack).

By the way, have you forgotten that in each attack, the knife is hidden?

Your opponent has to pretend that it's not there, until he or she sees it.

End note:

If you like the above game, try shortening the distance. And again.

Could you respond with an attacker close enough to suddenly drop and tackle without taking more than a step toward you?

Of course, if I had been placed in the grappler camp, I would suggest practicing the reverse ... the bad guy has a knife and is about to attack you.

This time the grappler is the good guy. (Hey, it could happen ;-)

You see the knife. What initial moves will you do to neutralize the weapon, so you can proceed with your tackle?

How will you deal with the knife?

And no, the answer is not, "I'd ignore the knife completely."

Are you enjoying this grappling discussion?

There's more:

Tackled from Behind , Part 3

Tackled from Behind , Part 1

The Original Problem of Knocked Down From Behind