Unarmed Defense Against Knife

A Great Deal From Burton Richardson Systems

I. Preparation
Ranges
-Long Range - Opponent can't hit you without moving forward.
-Middle Range - In range where opponent doesn't have to move forward and can get the most power with thrusts and slashes. The ring of fire.
-Close Range - Clinching range where opponent can still hit you with the knife but you have the best change of getting control of the weapon arm.

Basic Order of Operations
1. Run Away - Out of range aggressor brandishes knife. The circumstances of the situation allows for retreat.
2. Arm Yourself - Out of range aggressor brandishes knife and moves toward you but the context of the situation doesn't allow for retreat. If you judge you have the time & opportunity, create distance and draw your own weapon or use an improvised weapon such as a chair.
3. Get Control Of Arm Holding The Knife - The attacker is upon you. Defend against the attack, get control of the knife holding arm.
4. Disarm, Damage, Disengage - Once you have control of the attacker's arm, you will try to disarm him, damage him or disengage and retreat.

Control Positions
1. Baseball Bat Grip (The preferred position) 

When entering you have to commit with forward pressure. Once you have the two on one grip make him carry your weight by shifting down and into opp wrist, with your shoulder pressing into him.
2.

II. Core Techniques

Baseball Bat Grip
A. Entries To Baseball Bat Grip

1. Defense against hammer grip thrust to midsection (Angle #5 or #7)
-Shield and grab to baseball bat grip Richardson 1

2. Defense against ice pick grip thrust to neck (Angle #1)
-Dive entry to arm control *Burton Richardson example

B. Disarms From Baseball Bat Grip 

Opp. Using Hammer Grip

-Disarm using opp. leg (knife side) *Burton Richardson example
-Disarm using opp. leg (other leg when opp. steps back
-Disarm using your hand *Burton Richardson example *Sean Sutton example
-Disarm using ground *Burton Richardson example **Burton Richardson example

Opp. Using Ice Pick Grip

-Disarm using opp. leg
-Disarm using your hand *Burton Richardson example

III. Drills

Unarmed vs Knife Drills

https://www.urbanfitandfearless.com/2016/09/self-defence-against-knife-attacks.html