Learning Modern Knife Self-Defense From History’s Greatest Edge Weapon Experts

Roman military doctrine was shaped by centuries of battlefield experience and a relentless pursuit of efficiency. Among the most telling examples of this pragmatism is the Roman centurion’s preference for a short, deep stab over a long, sweeping slash. This tactical choice was not arbitrary it was rooted in the cold logic of lethality and discipline.

Why the Roman Centurion Preferred the Stab

Roman centurions were trained to favor a short, forceful stab over a long, sweeping slash in combat. This doctrine is famously captured by Vegetius in De Re Militari:

“Caesa enim, quovis impetu veniat, non frequenter interficit, cum et armis vitalia defendantur et ossibus; at contra puncta duas uncias adacta mortalis est.”

Literal Translation: “A stroke with the edges, though made with ever so much force, seldom kills, as the vital parts of the body are defended both by the bones and armor; on the contrary, a stab, though it penetrates but two inches, is generally fatal.”

Meaning " The 4 inch stab is more dangerous that a 12 in slash"

The Modern Self-Defense Perspective

This principle remains relevant in contemporary self-defense scenarios, especially those involving knives or similar weapons. Analysis of real-life attacks shows that:

Most knife attacks are sudden, close-range ambushes, with attackers using rapid, repeated short thrusts at different angles rather than wide, sweeping slashes.

Stabbing wounds, even if only a few inches deep, are more likely to cause serious or fatal injuries because they can penetrate vital organs or major blood vessels.

Slashing attacks, while potentially disfiguring, are less likely to immediately incapacitate an assailant, especially if the target is wearing thick clothing or if bones deflect the blade.

Practical Lessons for Self-Defense

Efficiency and Lethality: Just as the Romans found, a controlled, targeted thrust are more dangerous than a wild slash. In high-stress, close-quarters encounters, gross motor skills (simple, direct movements) are more reliable than complex, sweeping motions.
Minimizing Exposure: The Roman use of the shield to protect the body while thrusting parallels modern advice to keep your vital areas guarded and to use barriers or improvised shields when possible.
Realistic Expectations: Most real-world attacks involve multiple rapid stabs, not dramatic, telegraphed slashes. Self-defense training should reflect this reality, focusing on defending against and surviving repeated thrusts rather than choreographed, single-move attacks.
Two On One V Grip: Technique used to intercept the thrusting knife. Using both hands in the shape of a V take a double wrist grab on the aggressor knife hand and gain control.

The Roman centurion’s preference for a short, powerful stab over a long slash was based on hard-earned battlefield experience and anatomical reality.

For those interested in personal self-defense, understanding and applying this doctrine favoring simple, direct, and effective movements can be a life-saving principle. As Vegetius observed centuries ago, even a small, well-placed thrust can be far more decisive than a dramatic but superficial cut.

Violence Prevention and Self Defense Resources

The goal of the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense is to stop violence by educating at-risk people and empower them with the skills needed to protect themselves both online and live training. CVPSD's live training is available to people of all ages.

Through workshops and seminars we educate participants about violence prevention and guide them on assessing risk factors while establishing boundaries in relationships. Additionally practical self defense classes equip people with hands on skills and effective strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of assault.