How to Disarm a Gunman With Krav Maga

Only a fool would take on a gunman unarmed. But if you're schooled in the self defense system Krav Maga, you'd have a chance to do just that. Both the United States law enforcement and the Israeli Army use this self defense system. It teaches techniques to defend against an attacker wielding a knife, club or gun. With this knowledge, you can disarm a gunman.

Instructions

1. Take control of the situation. Shift the attacker's focus off the gun and his plan of attack.

2. Redirect the line of fire by reaching forward with one hand and deflecting the direction of the gun. Use your palm to grab the barrel and rotate to turn the gun sideways away from you, stepping to the opposite side from which the gun is now pointing.

3. Hit the gunman with your free hand. Strike him in the nose with the heel of your palm, hit him in the throat or jab your fingers into his eyes. Do this simultaneously while deflecting the direction of the gun.

4. Gain control of the gun by using the same hand you hit the gunman with to grab the handle of the gun. You can twist the gun around to break the gunman's finger if it's still in the trigger guard. Or, with both hands now on the gun, kick or knee the gunman if he's still trying to attack.

5. Move backward away from the gunman. Continue to point the gun at the attacker. You are now in possession of the gun and have successfully disarmed the gunman using the Krav Maga technique.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform this technique as quickly and effectively as possible. Even a moment's hesitation may allow the gunman to take back control.

• If the gunman tries to pull the gun away from you, go with it, throwing your weight forward. Don't allow him to break your hold.

• Move away from the gunman as quickly as possible once you attain possession of the gun. Don't get into a prolonged physical attack; this may allow the gunman to overpower you and take back the gun.

• If the gunman attacks from behind, look back and determine his location and distance before trying the Krav Maga technique.

• Don't put your back to the attacker, even if it seems he's immobile.

• Run if disarming the gunman is not an option. If, for instance, he's out of arm's reach. Run in a zigzag pattern, or take cover behind furniture or other objects, if possible.

• Don't attempt the Krav Maga technique if the gun is held low, at the stomach or lower. This limits the ability to move quickly.

• Don't try this technique if you are not properly trained. Engaging the gunman without being able to disarm him may increase the likelihood of injury or death.