Self-Defense Against Weapons

Regarding self-defense against weapons, Echanis was correct when he wrote that “the defense against an armed assailant by an unarmed defender creates a distinct and critical disadvantage integral to the survival of the unarmed soldier.” Weapons are integral factors in lethal capability, and an armed person, regardless of size and physical power becomes a more formidable adversary.

When it comes to weapons defense, the weapon is the primary concern, as it is what has the most capability of injuring or killing you, and most likely your opponent’s focus will be on using the weapon against you. According to Echanis, neutralization, stabilization, and disarmament of the weapon are the essential factors in survival.

When it comes to the 4 basic rules in unarmed self-defense against a weapons attack, Echanis taught that the movements and actions must be executed in the exact chronological order he laid them out. His 4 basic rules are, “first you must block and redirect the attack of the weapon to neutralize its lethal capability and clear the body of its trajectory of fire and angle of attack. Second, you must stabilize the weapon by controlling the wrist, hand, and weapon of the attacking arm of the enemy. Third, you proceed to disarm the weapon by breaking the joint of the locked extremity or simply by applying power to induce enough pain for control and disarmament.” And lastly, you must neutralize the enemy.

Or you can look at them this way:

1. Clear your body of the weapon’s line of fire and angle of attack.
2. Stabilize and control the weapon by breaking the base of the enemy’s balance. You may use low kicking and sweeping, joint locking and breaking and spinning to jerk the enemy off-balance.
3. Disarm the weapon by using joint-breaking, throwing and tearing techniques. Focusing his counterattack and mental concentration on the weapon the unarmed soldier never loses control or “feel” for the weapon. His primary concern is this one factor: giving lethality to his assailant’s attack.
4. Neutralize the enemy. Once the assailant has been disarmed, the enemy must be neutralized and physical control must be maintained.

Echanis also makes a point to warn people that, “No matter how proficient the unarmed expert becomes at disarming an armed assailant, he will remain vulnerable to even the smallest weapons expert.”

There are other theories and models when it comes to self-defense against weapons. And one could argue about them until the cows come home, and sadly some do. I believe it is more important to study the different models and take what you can to make yourself better than to argue over who or what is right, wrong, or better.

Echanis presents some fundamental concepts regarding self-defense against weapons. Incorporate them into your training, and use them to make your unarmed skills better. It’s the absorb what is useful concept. So please absorb and stay safe!