Multiple attackers is always something you have to consider in your training if you want to be prepared for Real Self Defense training.

Often facing one attacker in the street escelades to facing two attackers or even more…multiple attacker training is complex and it involves putting “single attacker street scenarios” together with another one and with all the tactical considerations involved with the combined two scenarios. First let me start by saying this type of training should not happen with students in their first FIGHT rotation. The students should have a Solid understanding with a fluent execution of the regular single street scenarios before putting them together as a multiple attack scenario. Also, the level of control between the 3 students working on the scenario should be good enough to be intense but without sacrificing safety. The amount of contact should be firm but with total control.

On the first level, it should be two empty hand attacks scenarios, giving the student the chance to build up emotionally with 2 attackers coming at him/her at the same time or in a planned sequence of attack. This will allow the student to learn how to read body language first before scanning for weapons. If the student learns how to read the body language of the attackers good at this stage, the student will learn to detect the ignition of the two attackers. That will help in the next stage…the stage of adding a weapon to one of the attackers.

Only after enough repetitions was practiced at the “2 attackers at empty hand stage”, should the FIGHT Instructor move his students up to the next stage. The stage of one attacker un-armed and one with a knife!

At this stage , every little mistake will be amplified to a fatal cut or stab. This stage is Very important in nature and infuses a harsh reality. First this stage should be practice without marking on the training knife, let the student build the proper mechanics and technical skills involved in the drill. Then to elevate stress,  introduce marking on the training blade. After the scenario is done, then the Instructor can evaluate the marking, or the none marking , on the defending student.

This week is “Defense From An Under Stab” on the rotation schedule, here at the National Headquarters in Davie FL, we will work this technique as part of a multiple attacker scenario. First without the marking….building up to drilling it with marking.

Its going to be a Gooooooood week of training!!!