Why is it that when it comes to a topic as serious as dealing with a knife attack we see so many plainly ludicrous techniques and tactics being taught throughout the martial arts world. It even happens in so called "reality based" circles. It seems as though people who are referred to as masters of edged weapon use and defense seem to be missing something. These people have obviously spent a great deal of time working their craft and learning to perform intricate sequences of blocks, traps, locks, strips, and all other sorts of complicated moves that, honestly, I could probably not do if I tried. One thing is certain, what is not missing is dedication. So why is it that people who spend such a large amount of time training in and around a certain topic never seem to stumble on to functional methods?

In my opinion, many people's training approaches are missing what I refer to as "The Brother Factor". Here is how "The Brother Factor" comes into play:

Johnny goes to class and learns some "awesome" knife disarm. He practices it again and again with his training partner. Eventually Johnny gets really good at this disarm and is called on frequently in class or at seminars to demonstrate the technique. Johnny rocks the techniques like nobody's business.

One day Johnny is holding court with some of his friends in the back yard, dazzling them with some of his moves. Out comes Johnny's brother. Mockingly Johnny's brother (who has no interest in martial arts) comments on how "that s$#t won't really work!" Despite Johnny's insistence that his teacher is awesome and knows what he's talking about, Johns brother is not swayed.

Finally, the gauntlet is thrown down, "OK man, try that stuff on me".

Johnny's brother attacks with the only tools he has; strength and aggression. When it's all over, Johnny has been repeatedly stabbed and slashed by the carrot stick his brother was using for a knife. His brother walks away laughing while Johnny stands there wondering what went wrong.

That was the Brother Factor in full effect.

There are many Johnnys out there. Some of them never encounter the Brother Factor and eventually become instructors and pass on the same techniques to their students...And the beat goes on.

The reason this is called the "Brother" factor is simple. In the martial arts world, most people will not question what they are taught by their instructor out of a fear for being rude. Sometimes, people just accept that the instructor always knows better (he is an expert after all). Other times it is simply intellectual laziness. Fortunately, most of us have a family member or close friend who isn't afraid to question what we say or do. These people can be one of our greatest training assets.

In my case, I indeed have a brother (in this case a younger brother) who has no problem putting me to the test. He is one of my best training partners because he is never concerned with making me look good. It is not done out of any negative motivation. In fact, it is out of genuine concern for a family members future well being and safety that we push eachother.

The Brother Factor can and should be achieved with all of our training partners. While we always want to keep safety in mind, it is crucial that we also test our techniques thoroughly. Especially when it comes to matters as serious as dealing with a knife attack. Giving realistic pressure should never be taken personally. Neither should questioning the effectiveness of any technique.