Krav Maga expert Ryan Hoover from Fit-to-Fight and Funker Tactical breaks down what you should try to do in a self-defense situation when you’re unarmed and everything goes wrong.
About the author: S.H. Blannelberry is the News Editor of GunsAmerica.
© 1997-2024 GunsAmerica.com LLC All rights Reserved.
Just saw this. I love that guy’s Action Man beard.
A Kabar TDI is my go to back up in the event of a firearm malfunction, easy to carry and quick to deploy.
Reading the comments here about the knife as back up weapon, I have to giggle some.
The knife while a very fine back up, IN TRAINED HANDS is far from a good choice for most.
Ever been in a knife fight? It’s a messy, make ya puke kinda deal. It takes more than just a little gumption to stick a knife into the vitals of another human being without hesitation, and hesitation will get one killed. It also takes a high degree of skill and a knowledge of anatomy to get in so close as to deliver fualtlessly a fight ending strike. And that is what we are talking about right? Ending the fight? It requires the kind of skills black belt martial artists and highly trained elite military posess, not many on civvy street.
Also it should be pointed out that in the mano a mano knife fight (a rarity in the real world) the first guy to draw blood will probably win. Ever cut yourself or been cut severly? That banging, immobilizing rush of kidney screamin’ adrenalin is your nervous system telling your brain that something is seriously amiss! If you don’t have the trained ablity to get past that without a blink, stay out of knife fights, because that is where you will loose and maybe be really buggered. “In a gun fight you may be shot. In a knife fight you WILL be cut.”
For the most part the knife is an ambush weapon, a stealth weapon, the choice of the assassin. This is why in many places, carrying a concealed fire arm is a misdomeaner, while carring a concealed knife is a felony.
Thnk about it, would you want your mark to know you were going to be inside is circle of action? He might take that knife and use it on you.
So to all couch commando’s everywhere I will leave you with the statment of the man considered by many folks in the know, to have made the finest fighting knives in the world. One who had been and done. Who said when informed that his were among the worlds finest fighting knives:
“The best fighting knives in the world? Not me pal! The best fighting knife in the world is Colt’s very fine Model 1911 Pistol in .45acp!!!”- Robert W. Loveless
If all you’ve got in your pocket/hand is a knife, know what to do with it. I carry a folding S&W locking blade. I’ve spent a long time learning how to sharpen it properly until I can shave with it. And the point is always sharp too. But using it is another matter. If you’ve been taken down by surprise and are grappling on the ground(my preference to standing & taking swipes), a quick slash behind the knees,ankles,or inside the elbows, is effective. Chasing you after these cuts are made? Not likely. They are both painful and disabling. The perps. hands are then busy trying to comfort the slash and stop the bleeding. Getting away and staying alive is the objective. Do not hesitate.
Pull a Mike Tyson on them & bite their ear off. I got bit on e and it freaking HURT ! Tell them you have AIDS. Nobody wants to mess with that đŸ™‚
Don’t fuck around. Stab to the neck 5-6 times. Walk away and call 911
I disagree with the comments that say this video is incorrect. Obvious no one move is correct for all situations but this is a great tool to have in your tool box. I believe he is 100% correct in that after you land a strong blow your opponite will either dive in on you (most people do not like to stand toe to toe and exchange). I can think of atleast twice this has happened to me. My opponite stood head up until I hit him hard enough that he didn’t want to be hit again and tried to clinch. I think the key to the video is how he went right to power blows. Same as shooting a gun to keep heads down at this point your best defence is a quick offence. My2cents… I actually feel I learned something and I’m 46 and have fought both professionally as well as on the street. Key to a real street fight is controlling the situation as best as possible.
have you ever had to really fight for your life ? or has it all been “training” scenarios ? the ability to “out-think” and do the unexpected is the key to surviving….
Ya Henry, many times, and your absolutely right about using your head.
I remember a time in Mexico when some fellow surfers acted like they where my friends and tried to lure me and my very beautiful and sexy girlfriend (now wife) to a remote area where nobody was around.
They said the waves were good there (they were shit) and got out of the car and stood there telling me to come out of my truck and take a look.
I could tell they were up to no good and decided to drive away.
I never saw them again.
Without thinking ahead, me and my wife would have probably died in a remote part of Mexico.
Things can definitely go wrong, though less likelihood with a revolver than a semi-auto.
I carry a .357 magnum, but also always carry a small-to-medium sheath knife, readily accessible on my belt. I have a whole suitcase full of knives, so rotate the choice around a bit. I prefer around a 5-inch blade, longer if the clothing permits it handily. The most important characteristics (aside from good quality, of course) are ease of draw (no straps, just friction-fit), and SHARPNESS. I also tend toward a very sharp tip, for penetrating thick winter clothing.
I’d rather have a good knife as my backup weapon than most any firearm.
ya a knife is right there and very ready.
I actually walk with my keys in my hand, ready to flip out, a raptor like 2-1/2 inch blade on my keyring.
And I always have my 3 inch utility blade clipped in my pocket as well. Very sharp, instantly opens.
I most likely would use those 1st, your right.
Hey SHF, what make and model .357? / My dad and I are considering to carry a small one.
I don’t go anywhere without my little Smith & Wesson folding knife. It’s legal, black and sharp as a razor. I can shave with it, no problem. When I first bought it, it was stiff and tight. Watching TV, I opened and closed it hundreds of times, after lubing the hinge with wd-40 a lot. Now I can flick it open with one hand in a flash. No it doesn’t beat a gun, but it’s just as lethal in close combat.
What a bunch of crap. The instant you throw your left forearm up to the perps neck, you have left your whole left side totally unprotected and he is gonna’ pound the shit out of your stomach and ribs. One good uppercut at the rib/diaphram juncture will break several ribs, and take your breath, then he has time to finish you off…rob you…rape your daughter…get your keys… and drive off!
Some of his videos have been informative…but not this one.
I’m going to agree with that, ibjj.
As a Kenpo guy,(the bad guy) I would mangle that arm touching me.
My solution would be (good guy) make distance, and draw.
I don’t _ _ _ _ around with my life.
It’s not a game, and there’s no referee.
YOU GUYS HAVE FORGOTTEN JUST WHAT THE ANAMAIL KINGDOM HAS TAUGHT US, TAKE OUT THE EYES AND I MEAN JAB YOUR FINGER INTO THE LIMIT, THEN A HARD UPWARD STRIKE TO THE NOSE SHOULD EITHER BREAK INTO THE BRAIN CAVAITY MOST LIKELY ELIMINATING THE SUBJECT OR AT VERY LEAST CAUSE SOME DISTRACTION IF IN FACT THAT WAS NOT ALREADY DONE. NOW EITHER RUN LIKE HELL OR DRAW AND FIRE. ALL THIS LEFT ARE IN THE NECK IS B.S.
Too much work, don’t want to get my hands dirty.
Eye rakes are the best offensive move when it’s your life on the line. Do not stop there, punch the neck hard, palm to the nose in an uplifting move. Bite if you can get close. This isn’t a friendly street fight I’m talking about, one to see who’s the bad as*. This is for your life, or death. Best defense is to try to avoid. Shed ego, run away. IF YOU CAN.