Knife Parrying - passing or blocking?

[Keeper]

I think I remember asking a similar question in the past.... but I obviously didn't get the answer I was looking for coz I still got the question lol

The question is, what is the more effective method of defending against strikes in a knife to knife scenario?

Strike at the attacking limb and check it (trapping) or to use 'passing' techniques (redirecting the attacking weapon)?

Reason I ask is that we tend to prefere the trapping method in Presas style, but i've seen a lot of others such as Pekiti Tirsia use the redirecting stuff. Just like to look at all angles.

(please lets not start another discussion on the morality and reality of knife-fighting - we all know it's best to just run)

Thanks for your insights

Keeper

[swan104]

By trapping, do you mean blocking it and then going to grab the wrist?

[Keeper]

Yep, that's it. Stike the attacking arm with the weapon, grab and secure it with the live hand and kill him with the weapon.

As oposed to using the length of the blade to hook over or under the attacking arm and scoop it into a new position - usually repositioning you to the outside of the attack.

[swan104]

I'm not sure which one is better. I just don't have the experience in it. If the attacks come in on either side (angles 1 and 2), it does seem more natural for me to put a barrier up, and then go for the wrist to limit the attackers control over it.

[Nit]

all in all I feel better trapping it, because it means you can control the situation better. Just deflecting it means that they can have another go. Although I would employ any tactic what so ever to avoid a knife strike.

[Sun_Helmet]

tapping or trapping

It all depends on the target attacked, scenario, length of weapon, the angle and the force generated by the attacker. Sometimes the attack is a fake to get beyond the barrier.

However, I doubt the answer can be found in the written word- you'll probably have to test it out against various sparring partners and diverse scenarios.

Your last sentence is a good beginning!

--Rafael--
Sayoc Kali

[JKD-Escrima]

I have found that it depends on the angle of attack, and distance.
Usually, I prefer a block/elbow break (elbow check in training) followed by a pass and stab.
sometimes it is best to pass without checking, but it is situation-dependant.

[andresbonifacio]

How you defend a strike is dependent on what angle your are stationed in. What I mean is if you were to look at your opponent as a cross, are you in the left side of the vertical line or the right side? Do you prefer long range fighting or close range? Each scenario dictates different defenses...