Most schools that teach knife defenses, are unrealistic in their approach. Most knife fighters, rarely use the crude simplistic methods that most are trained to defend against.

These schools use this to pump up students with a false sense of self-confidence, and to promote their own limited sense of importance and power.

Very few resources are available for training against knives.

Some of the classics talking about weapons.

36 Secret Songs of Baguazhang #31(When ) the opponent carries a sharp weapon, I am not use (i.e.). alarmed). The flying sword reaches my side from a distance. Watch it's coming and use the Hen and Ha (i.e., the sounds of emitting and neutralizing Jins) to avoid. It is a good rule that evil cannot defeat the rightous.

48 Secret Songs of Baguazhang

#17 Connect Single Remedy with Double Method Let us talk not but about the two bare hands fighting against the strong weapon. One to and one fro, is its capability. Sealing the right hand the left hand is useless. (If) coming with both hands, it is even harder (for him) to acheive his goal.

#25 Steady Eyes Technique (against weapons)... Shorten your body and steady your eyes, inspect the path (i.e. surroundings) widely. (then you will be able to execute what you wish. (keep your posture as low as possible)

#26 Receiving the Weapon Technique Though it is essential(i.e. important or critical) that (if I) have long or short, single or double weapons, still, they (the weapons) are not as agile as both bare hands. Especially if you have trained "Iron Sand Palm," then it is the same as (I) you have weapons. (If I) have only bare hands, then) I will (be) aiming at the (opponent's) forearms and wrists.

Above by: Baguazhang, by Liang Shou-Yu and Yang Jwing-Ming

I would emphasize, that controlling the opponent's forearms and wrists, controls his weapon, and the range of his attack.

Some other tenets: you will get cut, so learn to sacrifice pick up anything, to use as slash- bait block to the outside if you are good enough to trap the hand holding the knife, do not let go until they have dropped the knife or are knocked out. with a knife, little effort or tension is needed, so they are quicker than most punches CLOSE COUNTS WITH CUTS Kevlar gloves and sleeves.

I have found that side-kicks are great for attacking, since they keep a distance, while not exposing the internal organs. Cresent kicks and sweeping circular block patterns, are helpful for catching, or knocking the knife away.