WHEN SELF DEFENCE ADVICE IS DANGEROUS
This latest so-called self-defence video has pushed my limits regarding politeness. Over the years, I have struggled to offer my opinions on other people's content, as no one wants to hear that they are wrong or that their content is ineffective.
In the last few months, when posting my thoughts, I have attempted to combine offering my critique for what it's worth in a fashion that provides some tips and what I would do differently, along with a touch of humour.
There is a wide array of self-defence advice online, and sadly, the best videos often get lost in the sea of complex, ineffective videos.
I've found the worst one yet. I laugh at many videos, but this one has caused me to feel strongly about it because it is irresponsible and dangerous.
Many self-defence instructors consider the topic of knife defence to be the most intimidating and challenging to teach due to the complexity of its aspects. With so many knife defence systems, they are again offering complex options, ignoring the realities of an actual knife attack. Just watch any knife attack video, and rarely do you see any defence that resembles what is taught.
In this video, we see a defence that has virtually no chance of working and has a high probability, almost a guaranteed chance, of being stabbed. I always say that anything can work, but this is one case where I see a 0.0000001% chance of working, and that's being generous.
Here are a few observations.
If someone has a knife and demands your valuables, an excellent option is to give them up. If they leave, great. If they do not, at least you will have more knowledge of what is likely to happen. In this case, he visually says not to do this.
In this video, the masked dude with the knife is right in front of him. Still, instead of using distraction, dialogue or distance (close or far) to his advantage, he ignores the knife and uses both his feet to attempt to trip the guy while sitting and keeping his hands down!
The moment he attempts this risky defence, he is entirely open to being stabbed or struck, which his partner should do to show how STUPID this defence is.
This defence is IRRESPONSIBLE and DANGEROUS. If even one person thinks a video like this could work, it should be blocked on all social media sites.
It's scary how many people will like, comment, and provide their approval for garbage like this.
Keep SAFE!
Chris Roberts
SAFE Violence Prevention & Self Defence
