THE SMS PRINCIPLE. Knife defense with "non-lethal" tools

The SMS (Sensitivity/Mindset/Skills) principle for knife defense was presented by Stephan Geillinger on SPARTANAT. Knife attacks can also be defended with so-called "non-lethal" weapons/equipment, as used by many professional groups, such as the telescopic baton, the RSG device, or a flashlight. knows Stephan Geillinger.

I don't think I need to explain the terms "Sensitivity" and "Mindset" any further, as they have been sufficiently explained in the author's view. It remains to discuss the "Skills" and the "tricks of the trade." Why am I not mentioning other objects and weapons as defense tools? Although many objects are suitable for defending against a knife attack, such as a knife itself, a jacket (!), a longer piece of wood, a wrench, etc., these objects are not accepted as defense tools or may not always be available.

So I focus on these objects/weapons that anyone can carry with them, or that belong to the tools of certain professional groups. Namely: telescopic baton, RSG device, flashlight. A craftsman usually masters his tools, unfortunately, this is not always the case for security forces and their tools. This ultimately brings us to the Skills.

Light as a Weapon?

Well, that's a cautious answer from me. I can disorient an attacker with it, especially if it's dark and I flash it in their face. But I most likely won't cause them physical harm that could give me an advantage. A few people react physically sensitively to strobe flashes, even to epileptic seizures. But I can't rely on that if I'm being attacked, that means "hit and run." If I see the attack early (now I'm coming back to the point of Sensitivity), then I shine the light in the face of the attacker (coming rapidly towards me) and simultaneously evade. I can do this by moving out of their line of attack, to get behind them or use their brief disorientation to escape. If I manage to get behind or to the side of them, perhaps several evasive maneuvers are necessary, it inevitably leads to a fight that can end very badly for the defender. If I have the chance to run away, I should take it, if the circumstances allow for it. Ultimately, if I decide to fight, using "Light as a Weapon" at close range is ineffective. If I'm too close, I can blind them, but the attacker can still injure me with the knife while blinded. In that case, the flashlight can be used as a striking tool like a Kubotan. And that should be done with all due seriousness. It's worth mentioning that there are now many tactical flashlights on the market. Make sure the chosen flashlight is operated with a thumb end switch, and that it can easily be switched to strobe mode (e.g., by pressing the end switch). Yes, this is where your advertisement could have been, but no willing sponsor has been found yet, so there will be no brand-specific buying recommendation! Note: A strobe effect achieves the immediate effect of disorientation on the attacker best.

RSG Device.

In the eyes of many, this is the all-around solution among defense tools. Not in mine! I see the RSG (animal defense spray, pepper spray) as a medicine. Okay, now that everyone has stopped laughing and can continue reading, I also want to provide some clarification. A medicine used correctly is a great thing if the always-present side effects are tolerable. The wrong medication doesn't bring the desired outcome but probably brings out the undesired side effects.

What am I trying to say: If I spray with the wrong nozzle or wrong viscosity, the side effects can be dangerous for me. Spray mist (forget that stuff immediately!) contaminates entire rooms (and thus myself) or forms a cloud outside, the result is uncertain. Foam/gel mainly contaminates the areas it hits, but they have minimal range, which is a huge disadvantage when the attacker is using a knife. A ballistic stream is probably the best option to use. Essentially only contaminating the areas hit and has a realistic range of about 4 meters. How do I use an RSG correctly? Forget the nonsense about the pointing finger theory. The idea that where the finger points is where I instinctively spray. Yes, maybe, but you have the RSG in your hand like a glass of water in a curve! Use your thumb to trigger the RSG, same targeting effect as with the pointing finger, but you have the RSG so firmly in your hand that you could also strike with it. Use short bursts to see if you hit the desired areas. For attackers wearing glasses or those shielding their face with their arm or hand, try to spray on the forehead if possible. The agent will eventually run down the face and hopefully achieve the desired effect. Eventually, effect! That's exactly the problem with RSG. Even with a direct hit of the active ingredient, an attacker can act unhindered for 30-60 seconds, at worst, it has no effect on some individuals (due to drugs, conditioned to spicy food, etc.). If the RSG is your weapon of choice, spray and evade, don't get close to the attacker, not even when the effects kick in, you could easily contaminate yourself. Only engage in close combat if there is no other option! If an RSG has been sprayed, it must be replaced. Even if there is some left inside, the propellant can evaporate after use, making the RSG useless. Shake it once a day for proper mixing of the active and propellant!

Let's talk about the telescopic baton.

It is not a bad defense tool, but it also carries risks when used against a knife attacker. Even with a baton, my goal should always be to get out of the line of attack. If the attacker and I are right-handed, the attacker’s left hand/arm can effectively protect himself while continuing the attack, and I may not achieve the desired effect on the target. So, when facing a right-handed attacker as a right-hander, I move into a "cross" position. This way, the hand holding the knife can be easily hit, and the attacker moving towards me can be steered past me. If the attacker is left-handed, I stay in my regular striking position and execute the counter with a so-called "Cave Man Hit." And once again, the attacker is thrown off course by a hit, putting me a little out of harm's way.

There are many more things that can be done with such a baton, but that would be beyond the scope of this article. One thing is very important, if you are attacked with a knife, it will be considered a deadly attack. In defense, you don't need to focus too much on target areas. However, this only applies when it's a matter of the attacker or me! Let's move on to the pros and cons of defensive tools.

Pros and Cons

To everyone's surprise, in a direct comparison of various factors, the flashlight and the baton emerge as the winners. From the perspective of pure effectiveness and success in a knife attack, I see the baton as the frontrunner. However, I may have to be prepared to seriously injure an attacker with it, which requires a good mindset, and thus we address this point once again.

I will now conclude my little excursion into the world of many ways to defend against knife attacks.

Remember: Running away is the best defense if that option is available!

The next courses are in the works! Check them out if you found this interesting. Stay tuned!

HERE is the first part: THE SMS PRINCIPLE. DEFENSE AGAINST KNIFE ATTACKS.

HERE is the second part: THE SMS PRINCIPLE IN ARMED PERSONNEL PROTECTION.

Until next time, Yours Stephan Geillinger

(Master Instructor Krav Maga Defcon, State-certified
Instructor for Defensive Shooting)

KRAVMAGA HOCHRHEIN on the Internet

SICHERHEITSAGENTUR GEILLINGER on the Internet