VIDEO: How to Defend Against Knife Attacks

Edged-weapon attacks offer special threats to law enforcement officers, especially those who work on patrol or in corrections roles.

Edged weapons can be easily concealed, can often cause as much or more damage than a bullet, and have been the preferred weapon of choice in America's prison gang culture.

Officers must polish their skills to defend against these attacks. At POLICE-TREXPO East 2011, Al Giusto of Combined Combatives is teaching two sessions that directly address these threats.

At POLICE-TREXPO, Giusto will teach Countering Edged Weapons Training Course on Aug. 11 (instructor certification) and Aug. 12 (open to all officers).

"Most edged-weapon attacks are quick, continuous, ruthless and a surprise," according to the course description. "This session will show you how to counter, empty handed, against an edged weapon and stay on the offensive. The tactics and concepts are simple, easy to apply under stress, don't require years of training and will counter all types of edged weapons, regardless of angle of attack."

Giusto has prepared a 60-second preview of several of the counter strikes and takedowns he plans to teach.

Visit the POLICE-TREXPO East Web site for more information or to register for the show.