The Mighty Maul

One of the most forgotten weapons in the axe family is the maul. The maul is a hammer-shaped axe blade (basically, a sharpened wedge) attached to an axe handle. It is used to split large logs into smaller pieces, either by direct blows with the sharpened edge, or by pounding metal splitting wedges deep into the log with the flat poll of the head.

The maul is also a great weapon in an emergency. Its length allows you to keep attackers at a better distance: for example, a maul can keep an attacker with a knife at bay. Its long handle allows for easy blocking of sticks and other striking weapons. One blow with the maul head will crush bone and tissue easily.

However, like most long-handled axe-type weapons, it is not easy to use at high speed. Fancy or exotic attacks with the maul will look lumbering and predictable to an opponent, who could easily step out of the way of a swing. We recommend you look at attacking with a weapon like the maul as a four-step process.

First, you need to ready the weapon. Holding it casually or loosely will place you instantly at a severe disadvantage. An attacker will usually succeed if you wait for him to move first. Instead, at the first sign of trouble, hold the maul with the head in one hand, the handle in your stronger hand. This does not require an overtly aggressive stance, with the maul poised to strike: it merely means you have a controlled grip on the weapon and it's ready to move. Sometimes, this alone can dissuade a person from getting closer.
Second, you need to clear his weapon or hands. Using the handle of the weapon, sweep his hands clear, or knock his weapon clear. Do not give him any opportunity to block or defend your attack. His only real defense is to retreat and escape from you, ending the fight. Remember, a heavy weapon means power, but it can also anchor you fatally. Make this move count: do not lazily push his hands clear, or he will retreat. If he grabs your weapon, be ready to retain it (itself a good way to occupy his hands for the next step).
Then, you need to control his response. This is usually a powerful strike to his head or neck, stunning him or injuring him enough to interrupt his planned counterattack. A good strike can even end the fight here, before it escalates. Remember the element here is to control his response: do not let him regain control. In this example, a powerful shot with the maul to his face or chest will disorient him slightly.
Finally, the opponent will be neutralized, assuming the first three steps did not ward him away from attacking you. This constitutes a slower, powerful swing into his upper body. Attempting this swing before you controlled him will allow him to dance clear of the swing, and leave you dangerously exposed. A solid swing should impact heavily, and take him to the ground long enough for you to escape.

If the opponent attacks you with a weapon, you need to counterattack. The process is similar to the above, but we need to consider what he can do with a weapon. In most cases, the four-step process becomes modified as follows:

First, as before, you need to ready your weapon. Hanging it down the side will not let you react fast enough. If you see his weapon, you should immediately ready your weapon and plan your counter. However, it may also be the case that you do not see the weapon until he attacks; in this case, your ability to ready your weapon must be immediate. If you fail to see his weapon at all (which is quite common in many actual attacks), the above four steps can obviously help as well, but not as quickly. Remember, in a counter, you are responding, rather than preventing.
Second, you need to check his weapon. Using the handle of the weapon, drive it into the oncoming wrist or hand. Don't even bother trying to block his weapon: full-speed attacks (and full-speed training simulations) show that few people can consistently identify the weapon, determine its shape, and estimate its length in enough time to stop the actual weapon. However, it is much easier to stop his wrist, hand, or forearm provided you direct it away from you (so that the weapon doesn't reach you anyway). Not only is this easier by far, but it also stops the weapon.
Third, you need to grab his arm or weapon, if possible. This can be risky if he has a knife, but most other weapons will allow you to grab them. The intent here is not to disarm him: only to prevent him from trying to strike you again. If he does, or if he has a weapon that may be more dangerous to grab (such as a knife), you may need to control him with a strike, as described above. Attempting to disarm him with one hand will probably fail and waste precious time.
Finally, you again neutralize, using a powerful swing or two to make him stop. If he releases his weapon, that is usually a good sign...unless he reaches for something else. It is important to remember that he was, moments ago, attempting to kill you with his weapon: simply letting go of his weapon and stepping back will only make him more determined to attack again. A powerful strike can stop the attack long enough for you to get away, disarm him with a second strike, or stun him until you can clear your head and reassess your situation.