grappling with weapons

[disgruntled]

i was wondering... what if a fight went to the ground and then your attacker got a hold of a knife... how would that change how you grapple... are their techniques that would work in that type of situation?

[sirdarksol]

Well, at that point, I would consider myself screwed. The ground is not my favored place to be in combat, and I know nothing to effectively deal with an armed attacker while on the ground.

[Hatori]

Whilst being on the ground isn't a particularly favourable place to be, in Systema we have covered knife defense whilst on the ground. The focal point is obviously the knife as that is the greatest threat but you'll be surprised just how much you CAN do

[sirdarksol]

I do not doubt that there are ways to defend one's self while on the ground fighting an armed attacker. I just think that, at this point in my training, I would be screwed.

In the moments before I likely get knifed in the ribs, I would try to get my hands on the knife hand and my knee in the guy's groin or sternum.

[disgruntled]

Originally Posted by Hatori

Whilst being on the ground isn't a particularly favourable place to be, in Systema we have covered knife defense whilst on the ground. The focal point is obviously the knife as that is the greatest threat but you'll be surprised just how much you CAN do

like what kind of stuff??

i would think that you would want to try to keep the person really close to you andh restrict the movement of their arm with the weapon any way you can

[Hatori]

Correct. It also focuses on position of the knife, type of knife ie single-sided blade, double sided, serated edge etc, how you are pinned, is knife on your body etc

[disgruntled]

i would imagine that you would really want to work on limiting their range of motion in the arm with the weapon. that way, even if you get stabbed it should have limited effects.

[Hatori]

Exactly! It works well if the assaillant has the knife against your body as you can pin it or trap it there thus reducing any damage it can inflict on you.

[disgruntled]

what kind of locks work best?

[Hatori]

you want to restrict the movement of the arm as you don't want to give them too much movement or flexibility or they may squirm their way out. Elbow and shoulder locks work well as they immobilise the arm. Personally I would strike at nerve points on the hand or inside of wrist to force the hand open and therefore drop the knife. You can also try finger/thumb locks to disarm the knife too. I like to teach Thumb locks because "thumbs are your chums"