subject: Principles Of Gun Disarming [print this page] The martial arts and self-defense industry is probably the most opinionated industry that exists today.
In this community there is no more wildly debated topic than that of self-defense against a weapon such as a knife or a gun.
What I'd like to talk to you about today are principles that will save you when confronted with an attacker armed with a gun.
Like I said, this community is highly opinionated on the subject, but everyone has come to a general consensus on the basic guideline as to dealing with a firearm.
What I want to give you today is a set of principles that will help you escape this encounter, and not a specific set of techniques that I would recommend using.
I developed a set of principles from a variety of defensive tactics systems and applied it to the Hybrid Fighting Method, and arranged it in a way that will help you remember it easily.
I have created an acronym - ARCADE.
ARCADE represents the principles of self-defense against a gun.
When in this situation, you are safe to assume that if your attacker actually wanted you dead, he would have shot you already. This is not to say that he WON'T shoot you at some point throughout this encounter, but he hasn't YET. The fact that he hasn't, is an indication that he has a demand ("give me your wallet", etc.)
Side note: YOU MAY DECIDE TO JUST GIVE HIM YOUR WALLET! And that might not be such a bad idea!!
This is where the first principle comes into play, and that's:
A - ACT
This is your chance to win that Academy Award!
You need to act submissive, cooperative and terrified; helping your attacker's guard come down. Here he feels in control. He feels empowered. He feels a little more relaxed thinking he's going to get exactly what he wants from you.
The goal here is to appear compliant. It also gives you a chance to raise your hands closer to the gun.
Once you've engaged in this act, you can move onto the second principle, which is:
R - REDIRECT
The dangerous part of the gun is the muzzle. You need to make sure the line of fire is OFF of you! You MUST redirect the line of fire.
After you redirect the line of fire, you need to:
C - CONTROL
You need to control the weapon! Or, control the arm holding the weapon. This is to ensure that the line of fire doesn't go back onto you.
After this:
A - ATTACK
Depending on the physical position or mental state you are in right now, you have the option of attacking the attacker to make sure that he is rendered unconscious and unable to use the weapon.
For example, imagine that your attacker is sitting on top of you with a gun digging right into your face. You manage to redirect the gun, secure a grip on it, and roll your attacker off of you. BUT NOW THERE'S A STRUGGLE BETWEEN YOU AND HIM FOR THE GUN!!!
You are now between his legs while he uses them to pull you in towards him. You use one hand to pin his weapon arm to the ground, while your free hand attacks his vital reachable targets such as his eyes, throat, and groin.
Next, you have the option of:
D - DISARM
You may choose to attack, or choose to disarm, or attempt both in tandem. If you can disarm his weapon safely, then you may choose this to increase your security.
After you secure the weapon, you make your final step, which is:
E - ESCAPE
This step is self-explanatory. But always, always, ALWAYS get away safely as soon as possible in any self-defense context!
