Krav-maga: Principles of Defence Againts Firearms
The neutralisation of an armed man must be rapid, according to the rules that we have learned, technically precise and must consist of minimal amount of danger. Basically it is performed in three steps: first, neutralising the weapon, then the aggressor and finally getting the hold of the weapon. A person treating with a firearm wants to obtain something: money, goods, information, a hostage, . Killing will not necessarily be his primary objective. However, this should not make any difference when a life (of the person involved or a third party) is endangered. Sometimes waiting is not an option, one must react rapidly, without hesitation and as soon as possible. The best moment to react is when the aggressor is distracted by something or when he speaks or gives orders ("Hands up!", "Give me your money!"). It is also possible to create such situation by asking questions. It is important to consider that the aggressor might be a trained combatant. This possibility should not be ignored nor the aggressor should be underestimated, placing all the attention on the weapon. It is equally imprudent to count on his cooperation, expecting him to take certain actions. He fights for his life too! The dangerous part of an firearm is, naturally, the roar. Therefore, the first thing to do is either to change its direction or to draw out of its way, or both at the same time, taking over the weapon immediately. After having neutralised this first threat the aggressor is still very dangerous, being still in possession of the weapon. He must be prevented from firing or hitting with its butt. The counterattack must be performed with determination, followed by taking over the weapon and putting it out of use. The action is not over until the attacked person is no longer endangered and has a full control over the weapon. To prevent the aggressor from using his weapon after we have deviated its roar, we have to grab the roar or the armed hand with our hand, putting on it the pressure of our weight, in order to limit the motions of his hand. If this is not possible; the alternative is to grab the weapon with both hands and deliver a kick to the aggressor. When commanding the basics of those elementary techniques they must be practiced on different distances, from different angles and in particular situations like, for example, when the aggressor is hiding behind some kind of obstacle, in a vehicle, when one is pushed, dragged on the ground etc. The described techniques are sometimes difficult to apply. They are not to be used unless one is very well trained and when it seems that the aggressor is prepared to use his weapon, what may lead to casualties. In this case, when there is nothing to loose, an intervention can only contribute to saving lives.
" Krav-Maga Self-Défense " Editions EM
