Police baton against knife attacker
There are so many articles and videos out there demonstrating the “correct” way to use a baton against a knife. The image with this article is the universally accepted and taught way to hold the baton. This is incorrect for a number of reasons.
- The torso, a large target area, is fully exposed to stabs and slashes
- If the free hand is in an extended position deterring the attacker from moving closer, this can also be slashed
The correct way to hold the baton is at a 45 degree angle close to the torso area with the following grip; dominant hand palm down, other hand palm up. This grip allows the defender to defend and counter stabs and/or slashes that are coming from any angle.
For a civilian this technique also works with an object such as a compact umbrella.
To find out more about these techniques please contact us.
Interesting article, Dave. I was an Officer Safety (Defensive Tactics) Instructor for 14 years with the Metropolitan Police, the last ten years of that as a full-time role (now working as a freelance personal protection and security advisor). The way we taught the ‘high profile’ baton stance differed a little from your picture there, with the baton off the shoulder, not resting on it; the body more ‘bladed’, i.e. turned side-on, with the weak side and arm further forward; and the weak arm extended a little more (assisting as a ‘range finder’). If the subject came within striking range, rotation of the body and simultaneous extension of the strong arm to deliver a strike would automatically cause the weak arm to withdraw at the same time.
Do I understand right that you’re suggesting holding the baton across the officer’s body with both hands, almost as a short stave?
Thanks.