The best way to describe the challenge of a civilian facing one or more edged weapon assailant is to introduce the quote of another: 'civilians fight three battles: 1) the battle against one'self, 2) the battle against the assailant, and 3) the battle against the legal system.' On the strategic and tactical level, there are three distinct phases requiring education and training: the pre-attack phase, the attack phase and the post-attack phase. Each of these phases entails numerous 'choices' that determine the degree of injury of death; and whether or not your next home is a prison cell. Edged Weapons Response (EWR) training approaches fall within four distinct categories: military, law enforcement, traditional martial arts and hybrid/Reality Based Training. It is crucial to understand that the military and law enforcement approach are based upon different legal rights and usually have different objectives (kill or arrest) than the civilian (escape the physical and legal situation with as little harm to one'self and loved ones). The typical martial arts school teaches either the battlefield (military) approach (which will put one in jail for assault or murder) or numerous techniques unworkable under street conditions. Some combat schools teaching both the offensive and response aspects of small bladed weapons (SE Asian Archipelago martial arts, etc.) are the exception as they teach 'knife culture,' blade awareness and some practical techniques against a competent assailant.
Civilians need an EWR approach that allows them to effectively manage all three battles: against one'self, the assailant(s) and the legal system. First, there have been numerous studies regarding how human predators select their victims. Except for rare knife rampages in a mall or some other place, predators tend to go through a carefully scripted process. Thus, battle begins long before the first physical attack. The assailant(s) are looking for poor street etiquette, fear, an unlikeliness to effectively fight back and general obliviousness in people. Once found, they will begin the interview process - often containing dialogue. During and after this process, they physically position themselves to maximum advantage... up close and with the terrain advantage. They will either attempt to generate either tremendous fear or a sense of complete safety in the assailant. The physical attack then comes as a complete surprise from exceptionally close range. If there is little or no constant education and training regarding the pre-attack phase, the responder's physical, mental, and emotional control is utterly shattered and the attack will almost always succeed.
Here are some of the many very elementary EWR training tips found in the book:
• The person holding the simulated edged weapon should always have a training blade held at guard in his live hand. This visually reminds the responder that the live hand is 'live' and dangerous.
• Many simulated attacks should begin with an interview and positioning by the assailant. Not all interviews should lead to a physical attack. Keep it random.
• Use a ShocKnife and a NoLie Blade as training tools. The ShocKnife imitates much of the pain of a real blade without generating any physical damage and the NoLie Blade creates a red mark where the edge or tip makes contact. These tools provide objective feedback.
• Train frequently in real clothes wearing real shoes. Also frequently use a training suit such as HighGear. This allows you to work with the pros and cons clothing and footwear provide. After all, you are unlikely in real life to be attacked while naked or wearing a gi.
• Large spaces with flat floors and bright lighting is fine for learning something new but as soon as possible, practice along the walls and corners. Then shift the practice into hallways, doorways, porches, bathrooms and bedrooms. This forces you to understand the limitations of most physical techniques.
• When practicing, have several people standing around you periodically throwing nerf or other very soft items at you that you have to notice and dodge. Getting hit means doing something you do not enjoy. This teaches you to keep scanning your sixes and nines when facing a frontal attack.
• Wear an eye patch over one eye. Wear only one shoe and keep the other one bare. Immobalize one arm with a sling to simulate an injury. Practice in low light conditions on a cluttered floor. Practice in the rain. Of course, these require appropriate safety conditions.
• Get the simulated assailant to wear a helmet with a strong, clear visor and practice your eye pokes.
• Train at a level of discomfort by going against different body types, unfamiliar people, and uncomfortable surroundings. he discomfort level should be strong enough to cause noticeable awareness of it but not so strong that you burn out or freak out.
• Simulated attacks should often be unpredictable. People standing on the side who were neutral may choose to join the simulated assault.
• Record training simulations and then critique yourself in front of the group. When you and the group have nothing to improve, then that is either a good sign or the training is not detailed enough.
• Train under stress where the responder always has to get to an exit; reach and use a makeshift weapon or shield; and/or reach and get a personal weapon.
• Mix the assailant(s) weapons being used including unarmed, simulated firearms, edged weapons, impact weapons and spray. A properly trained student should expect multiple weapons on the assailant(s) - possibly of different types and be used to dealing with one after the other.
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