Non-Firearm Defensive Tools Archives | Personal Defense Network

Why the Knife for Self Defense?

May 24, 2017 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

Image courtesy Wikipedia I was recently asked why I’m so quick to recommend a knife, not a gun, as a primary personal-protection tool. For the purposes of this article, what I mean by a “knife” is one of the very commonplace folding knives found in… Read More

Less-Lethal Defensive Tools – Exploring Non-Lethal Weapons

August 16, 2016 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

From time to time, I get a student who openly admits they would have a problem shooting someone. Read More

Emotional Components of Knife Defense, Part 3

May 23, 2016 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

Now we are going to discuss some psychological concepts and principles that can help students diminish their innate reluctance to use violence. Read More

EMOTIONAL COMPONENTS OF KNIFE DEFENSE AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM THROUGH TRAINING, PART 2

May 9, 2016 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

In the first part of this article, we explored some of the factors that help form our attitude toward knife use and knife defense and how they may negatively influence our ability to protect ourselves. Read More

Emotional Components of Knife Defense, Part 1

April 25, 2016 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

When I teach my defensive knife courses, at least one student always says, “I’d rather defend against a handgun than a knife. Knives scare me more than guns!” Read More

Conventional and Unconventional Knife Grips

February 18, 2015 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

Understanding and utilizing a final fighting grip for a knife in a personal protection situation may be dictated by the urgency of the situation or the advanced preparation of the knife carrier. Read More

Principles of the Clinch

July 31, 2013 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

When dealing with a surprise attack or an over-amorous acquaintance, skill in the clinch is important to personal defense.Whether you’re a serious student of combative arts or just a casual fan of the combat sports, you’ve probably heard the term “clinch.” There seems to be… Read More

Pride and Glory, Life and Limb, Part II: Bridging the Gap Between Competition and Combat

June 20, 2012 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

Adapting your training to account for what your opponent is likely to be wearing can open up new opportunities and counters. In Part I of this series, we discussed some of the differences between training for sport MMA and training for… Read More

Pride and Glory, Life and Limb Part I: Differences Between Competition and Combat

June 7, 2012 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

Opinions on training for competition, such as sport Jujitsu or Mixed Martial Arts, versus training for real-world conflict fall over a wide spectrum. On one end is a crowd that advocates “If it won’t work in the cage, it won’t work anywhere,” and at the other extreme is an equally… Read More

Bare-Knuckle Striking: The Issue of Form

March 20, 2012 By Chris Fry & filed under All Articles, Non-Firearm Defensive Tools.

With the rise of MMA, more people than ever are training with the closed fist. These skills can be just as useful when the gloves come off.Throwing a good punch is a complex process that employs the entire body from the soles of the feet… Read More