[flingha]

All self defense programs and martial arts have some sort of defense against knife, weapon attacks, but it is assumed that the attacker does not have technique in using the weapon.

Here's the question, how will self defense moves work against attackers who are experienced in weapon martial arts?

For example Krav Maga's bursting against fencing's straight thrust?

This is an extremely rare occasion but tell me what you guys think.

[Luther]

Pray to God they don't know Kali and Silat. Both these arts make Krav look like childs play.

Don't worry, nobody is gonna mug you with a sabre or katana.

As for the straight thrust, I would use either A: A low 'Tapi-Tapi' move. Or B: Drive the blade back into the attacker which is quite easy to do from a 'thrusting' stab. I would never recommend doing such an attack personally.

-Luther

[Cromwell]

If they have a weapon and you aren't trained for a weapon, and if, on top of that, they're trained with that weapon, you're probably completely fucked. This was the first realization that piqued my interest in Silat and Kali. I still haven't experienced Kali, but I have enough Silat that I wouldn't recommend coming at me with a knife--even if you know how to use it...;-)

For realistic self-defense on the street, I think you're rather missing the point or have an inaccurate perspective on the realities of true street attacks if you do not consider knives, clubs, etc. in your training. Take me, for example. I really like BJJ, and I think it is great for 1-on-1 with no weapons. But what if that isn't the situation?

I've heard so many die-hard BJJ guys say, "Oh, nothing works against multiple attackers" and "If they have a knife you're better off running, anyway." This is ludicrous! If you can run, you should run regardless of the presence of a knife! And what of bladed warfare?! Were there not many, many people who proved victorious in the battlefield due to superior talent/training?

Given the reality of potential weapon deployment in a street fight -- even if improvised -- I think it is of paramount importance that one is prepared to handle this potentiality with more than an assumption that he will be able to run away or is screwed either way.

One final point, my BJJ instructors are great! They were very honest when teaching the use of the defenses against knives. They are last-ditch, desperation attempts to keep from getting killed. If the guy knows how to use the knife, you're screwed. Later when I experienced Silat I learned how true those statements were.

Cromwell

[Hesbehindthedoor]

I mug people dressed up in a kilt with blue face paint and wielding a claymore. Does Silat have any counters against that or do they just safely assume it won't occur often unless you are in Pittsburgh?

[Luther]

Generally Silat recommend shooting these people, but only if the kilt is plaid. If not, Silat instructs to join the highlander in his quest for bloodshed.

-Luther

[Cromwell]

Originally Posted by Hesbehindthedoor

I mug people dressed up in a kilt with blue face paint and wielding a claymore. Does Silat have any counters against that or do they just safely assume it won't occur often unless you are in Pittsburgh?

Well, there is a story about similarly equipped invaders (can't remember if Spanish or Portuguese) who were also wearing armor attacking a fishing village that was completely unprepared. The workers in the village grabbed up what was handy and damn near defeated the invaders despite being severely out-numbered. That is the sort of thing Silat is capable of, so I would advise you avoid your tactics against any pesilats lest you wish to move more immediately into the afterlife...;-P

Cromwell

[Hesbehindthedoor]

Then I will arm the proletarian with potato guns!

[TimeFighter]

That is actually a good question.

All the info above would explain, but I think that it all dependes on the person, not the type of martial art.

[flingha]

cool, ur answers got me interested in silat

[JollyRoger]

if, on top of that, they're trained with that weapon, you're probably completely fucked

Agreed. People skilled with a weapon don't allow opportunities for the unarmed person to get an advantage.

I talked about this a little before about the marker fight test. My cousin who does escrima tried it on me and I couldn't isolate his knife hand or block strikes without getting hit because of his change in strike angle, hand switching, divsersion attacks with other limbs, feints, multiple stroke draws, and speed.

I would've died. It's easier to disarm a gun at point blank than a knife.