What action is recommended to stop the movement of an attacker’s weapon arm during an overhead stab?

The recommended action to stop the movement of an attacker’s weapon arm during an overhead stab is to execute a palm strike to the upper arm. This technique is effective because it targets a large muscle group, potentially destabilizing the attacker’s control of the weapon while not putting the defender in a position of vulnerability. By striking the upper arm, the defender can create a moment of disruption that allows them to follow up with further defensive or offensive actions.

In contrast, blocking with your own arm could result in injury or leave you exposed to follow-up attacks, as it does not redirect the energy or movement of the attack effectively. Ducking quickly may avoid the immediate threat of the weapon, but it does not provide a proactive measure to disarm or control the attacker. Grabbing the weapon can seem like a direct approach, but it is inherently risky and requires a high level of skill and timing. Each of these alternatives lacks the control and effectiveness offered by the palm strike to the upper arm.