We’ve been focusing on knife defenses in Fight class for the last several weeks, gradually increasing the intensity of the drills by combining the defenses with higher levels of contact. One drill looked like this:

The knife-wielding attacker wore headgear, mouthpiece, and a body protector. He or she was restricted to upward and downward stabs with the right hand, but the assault was frenzied and relentless.

The defender wore headgear, mouthpiece, and a 16-oz glove on the right hand only. Ideally, he or she made a 360° Defense against the first stab with a simultaneous counter with ACTUAL impact, transitioned to a control position, and continued with combatives until the threat was neutralized or enough space was created to escape the room.

The defender performed the drill five times consecutively. Each iteration began with decreased space between the participants. The first began with enough space that the defender could use a Defensive Front Kick if he or she chose. The last began nose-to-nose.

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