What to Do When Someone Attacks You With a Knife From Above

Published on October 20, 2021
Duration: 5:29

This video demonstrates the 'prayerful defense' technique against an overhead knife attack, presented by law enforcement and use-of-force instructor Dan Marcou. The technique involves a specific stance, de-escalation through communication, a 'power pivot' to evade the strike, and a joint manipulation to break the attacker's arm and disarm them. It is presented as a last resort when unarmed.

Quick Summary

The 'prayerful defense' is a self-defense technique against overhead knife attacks. It involves a stable stance, de-escalation, a 'power pivot' to evade the strike, grasping the attacker's arm, and a rapid joint manipulation to break the elbow and disarm them.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Overhead Knife Attack
  2. 00:06Instructor Dan Marcou Introduction
  3. 00:56Prayerful Defense Against Knife Attack
  4. 01:19Stance and Initial Defense
  5. 02:19Defensive Stance Breakdown
  6. 03:01Executing the Power Pivot
  7. 03:19Grasping and Sliding to Wrist
  8. 03:24Rotating to Lock Elbow
  9. 03:38Dropping Weight and Falling
  10. 03:55Demonstration from Other Side
  11. 04:05Attack, Capture, and Pivot
  12. 04:10Getting Down on Elbow
  13. 04:12Shooting Legs Out and Dropping
  14. 04:33Summary of Prayerful Defense
  15. 04:52Gun Giveaway Announcement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'prayerful defense' technique for knife attacks?

The 'prayerful defense' is a self-defense technique against knife attacks, particularly those coming from above. It involves adopting a stable stance, using de-escalation through communication, and executing a 'power pivot' to evade the strike, followed by joint manipulation to disarm the attacker.

How do you defend against an overhead knife attack when unarmed?

When unarmed against an overhead knife attack, the 'prayerful defense' involves a quick 'power pivot' to evade the strike, grasping the attacker's arm, sliding to the wrist, locking the elbow, and then dropping your weight to break the arm and disarm them.

What is the 'power pivot' in self-defense?

The 'power pivot' is a defensive maneuver used to evade an incoming attack, such as a knife strike. It involves a rapid rotation of the body to move out of the line of danger, often serving as the initial step in a counter-attack or disarming sequence.

Who is Dan Marcou and what is his expertise?

Dan Marcou is a seasoned law enforcement and use-of-force instructor with approximately 43 years of experience. He specializes in defensive tactics and shares techniques to enhance public safety.

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