Sword of knife wielder vs unarmed

ok in most dojo they teach you how to defend againist knifes and bladed weapons BUT can you have cool headedness that you had in the dojo when your life is no the line that is the question i want to know. [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

truly, it all depends on the person. some people react well under pressure, others panic and crumble. training can be done to avoid panic, but it still takes a great amount of willpower to remain cool when your life is threatened.

i agree, but there are also ways to judge real life reactions.

one of my instructors will attack without warning, and attack hard, and generally while you are off the mat. he uses fake knives that look real, so on quick glance you can't tell (besides, they hurt like hell). the only way to see how you react under pressure is to add the element of surprise to practice. it's not 100% accurate, but it's better than forms or katas.