Wrestling / BJJ and boxing, with an emphasis on defensive skills (footwork, head movement, stopping takedowns, clearing collar-ties, getting up quickly, etc.).
The value of unarmed self defense in a world with weapons is that you aren’t guaranteed a clean draw of your weapon, so having something to bridge the gap can be helpful. That’s really all though – beyond that weapons are entirely superior, with a little asterisk next to knives because it’s too easy for a stronger person to turn your own knife against you.
seconding BJJ or wrestling as focus (and learning to sprint well), boxing or kickboxing as second if you feel the need. The vast vast majority of civilian fights that can’t be de-escalated are not cinematic circling-and-striking but instead are very sloppy tantrums that immediately go from shoving, to clinching, to the ground. Being able to control someone’s limbs is important, especially if they might have a weapon and there is no de-escalation possible or as you said you can’t access yours if you have one. I also think something like a stun gun or mace would probably be safer option than a knife to end a fight. People, especially under adrenaline, can keep going not even realizing they’ve been stabbed 50 times, and by that point you’ve added a much more ugly variable thrown into the mix (and it’s also harder to grip somebody who is covered in blood)
That said always avoid fights or escape those circumstances if you can, and try to never be alone where fights might happen. And where there are fights, like serious fights with someone trying to do you harm, be as unfair and brutal as you can immediately.
Wrestling / BJJ and boxing, with an emphasis on defensive skills (footwork, head movement, stopping takedowns, clearing collar-ties, getting up quickly, etc.).
The value of unarmed self defense in a world with weapons is that you aren’t guaranteed a clean draw of your weapon, so having something to bridge the gap can be helpful. That’s really all though – beyond that weapons are entirely superior, with a little asterisk next to knives because it’s too easy for a stronger person to turn your own knife against you.
seconding BJJ or wrestling as focus (and learning to sprint well), boxing or kickboxing as second if you feel the need. The vast vast majority of civilian fights that can’t be de-escalated are not cinematic circling-and-striking but instead are very sloppy tantrums that immediately go from shoving, to clinching, to the ground. Being able to control someone’s limbs is important, especially if they might have a weapon and there is no de-escalation possible or as you said you can’t access yours if you have one. I also think something like a stun gun or mace would probably be safer option than a knife to end a fight. People, especially under adrenaline, can keep going not even realizing they’ve been stabbed 50 times, and by that point you’ve added a much more ugly variable thrown into the mix (and it’s also harder to grip somebody who is covered in blood)
That said always avoid fights or escape those circumstances if you can, and try to never be alone where fights might happen. And where there are fights, like serious fights with someone trying to do you harm, be as unfair and brutal as you can immediately.