Unarmed Knife Defense develops functional capability against knife attacks through a progressive Pyramid of Priorities. Rather than beginning with predetermined defensive techniques, the course begins with Recognition and progresses through Prevention, Protection, Striking, Catching, Grabbing, Disarming, Takedowns, and Recovery. Each priority builds upon those beneath it, giving practitioners increasingly greater options as circumstances require. The objective is not to memorize answers to specific attacks, but to develop the skills, judgment, and adaptability needed to recognize problems, respond appropriately, and recover under the unpredictable conditions of a real knife assault.