After last nights black belt session at the Warwick-TKD club and the knife defence skills we practiced I thought I would post the below CCTV footage of a knife attack (please be aware it is graphic) but it allows you to see what a typical knife attack looks like and thus be a little bit more aware and ready if you are unfortunate enough to be in this situation.
This was an unprovoked attack probably the worst scenario as you probably won't have any warning that it is going to happen, with gang culture there is a badge of honour attached to this sort of attack!!! At least if you are being robbed, normally you will be threatened first and the knife is just a motivation tool to get your personal items from you! However there are a number of learns from this footage as expressed to you many times in class:
When out always be aware of your surroundings especially at night and especially during and after closing times, alcohol fuels violence.
If with a friend or in a group look out for each other for impending danger, cover your arcs
Dont flash your expensive phone around, keep it concealed unless needed
Don't have head phones on it takes away one of your senses
Don't be reading/writing texts especially with your head down
Don't text/phone and walk:
If you need to talk on your phone or text have your back to the wall
If someone you don't know is moving towards you and they look suspect make sure you keep a distance from them, have some reaction distance
If you can get the hell away from the situation do it, don't engage less totally and utterly necessary and there is no other option:
Give up your valuables and run
Or if possible just run
If you HAVE TO then engage:
If possible assess the situation as quickly as possible, what are your options
Always assume there is a weapon, many attackers will keep it concealed until the last second
Realise that if a knife is involved you WILL be cut defending yourself just make sure its superficial by doing the right thing
Engage with shock and awe
If there are appropriate objects you can use as a weapon or barrier use them, chairs, brolly, bike etc
Control the arm with the weapon, priority!
Keep going until the threat is totally nullified and the weapon is away from the attacker. Don't stop until this is achieved or you can safely and fully escape
Always be aware of the attackers friends joining in
Phone for the police ASAP
There are a number of emergency apps that you can download on your phone so you just hit a button and a message is sent off:
http://www.techlicious.com/tip/free-personal-safety-apps/
So with all that in mind and the skills we practiced last night take a look at the footage and put yourself in their position!!!