Consider these two scenarios:
Scenario No. 1
It’s late at night. You’re walking to your car in a parking structure. Your mind is occupied, and you’re obviously not as aware of your surroundings. Without warning, a man steps out of the shadows. You can’t see his face, but you can see the semi-automatic pistol in his hand. It hovers a few feet away, pointing at your chest.
“Give me your car keys now!” he orders.
Startled out of your thoughts and frightened by the gun, you dig into your pocket and pull out the keys.
“Give them to me!” he commands, and you obey.
“Back up. Get back!” Again, you do as you’re told.
The gunman snatches the keys, gets in your car and drives away.
Scenario No. 2
It’s late at night. You’re walking to your car in a parking structure lit by a few dim bulbs spaced too far apart. Your mind is occupied, and you’re obviously not as aware of your surroundings as you ought to be. Without warning, a man steps out of the shadows. You can’t see his face, but you can see the semi-automatic pistol in his hand. It hovers a few feet away, pointing at your chest.
“Give me your car keys now!” he orders.
Startled out of your thoughts and frightened by the gun, you dig into your pocket and pull out the keys.
“Give them to me!” he commands, and you obey.
“Back up. Get back!” Again, you do as you’re told.
The gunman snatches the keys, then backs away and shouts, “Now get in the trunk!”
The first scenario is a clear argument for complying with a gunman’s demands. A handgun represents a significant threat to your life. If you can maintain your safety by giving him what he wants, do it. Your car, your wallet and your jewelry are meaningless. Going home to your family is everything. The actions described in scenario No. 1 are replayed on the streets of America every day. Unfortunately, so are those described in scenario No. 2. You can cooperate with an armed assailant and give him everything he asks for — and still end up in mortal danger. The worst part is that you may never know which scenario you’re facing until it is too late. This simple, unnerving fact is the clearest reason for including realistic gun defenses in our Krav Maga training.
Students often ask whether they are allowed to shoot the gunman once they have taken away his weapon. The answer depends on the context. Such decisions must be made by you in the heat of the moment. However, sound tactics must at least include the possibility of using the weapon if you believe your life is still in danger. If the gunman charges after you once you’ve taken his weapon, the assault clearly is not over. Consider his mental state in that situation: He threatened you with deadly force, you defended yourself and disarmed him, you are now armed, and he still attacks you. In this scenario, it makes tactical sense to retain the weapon and hold it in a position where it may be used. It will then be up to you to determine your own course of action.
Gun disarms are one of the pillars of our self defense classes and will give you the training necessary to execute proper gun disarm techniques if you ever find yourself in a situation where you deem it necessary. Our goal is to give you the experience necessary to deal with any situation that may arise in the real world. Be prepared and be the last one standing when reality strikes. See you in class.