When facing an armed attacker, your first priority should be safety, both during the confrontation and in training. Training with real weapons is never advisable. Instead, use training guns designed with safety features. These replicas, often marked with red tips or other indicators, ensure that everyone involved in the practice remains safe. Remember, even if you check to ensure a weapon is unloaded, the risks of using real firearms in training far outweigh any potential benefits.
Distance plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of any disarm technique. If the attacker is too far away, the chances of successfully disarming them are slim. The goal is to be close enough that you can reach out and touch the gun. When the attacker is within this range, you have a better chance of executing a successful disarm. Trying to engage someone holding a gun from too far away might lead to ineffective actions and increased danger.
One common scenario is facing a gun pointed directly at you. Begin by raising your hands to show compliance and reduce the attacker’s anxiety. This initial gesture helps to avoid provoking the attacker. Once you’ve shown submission, move in closer to the attacker, which reduces their ability to control the gun’s direction. The next step is to clear the weapon by moving it away from your body. After that, isolate the gun, deliver a groin kick to cause pain and distraction, and then pull the weapon down to your hip. This position makes it harder for the attacker to grab it back. Finally, step back and ensure that the weapon is cleared and out of the attacker’s reach.
When the weapon is pointed from the side, the approach is similar but adjusted for the angle. Raise your hands and position them inside the weapon’s line of fire. Clear the weapon, then move into a position where you can handle the disarm as you would from a frontal attack. Isolation and a kick or punch to incapacitate the attacker follow, then pull the weapon down to your hip. As always, step back and check that the weapon is no longer a threat.
Handling an attack from behind requires a slightly different strategy. Start by establishing contact to determine the attacker’s position and the hand holding the weapon. By peeking or feeling, you can get a sense of where the weapon is and how to approach it. Clear the weapon by rolling into it, and then apply a shoulder lock to control the attacker’s arm. A knee kick may be used to increase their compliance. Finish by pulling the weapon away, ensuring it is cleared, and stepping back to gain distance.
Lastly, be prepared for variations such as attackers using both hands or being left-handed. The principles remain the same, but adjustments may be needed based on the attacker’s grip and handedness. Training with these variables ensures you can handle a range of situations effectively.
Understanding these disarm techniques and practicing them safely can significantly increase your chances of handling dangerous situations effectively. Each technique builds on the fundamental principles of clearing the weapon’s line of fire, using pain compliance, and ensuring you maintain control of the situation.
