Gun from the Front, Pushing into the Stomach

Although the basic threat here is Gun from the Front, the gunman creates difficulty if he presses the gun hard into the stomach, perhaps to push the defender backward. If the gun is pressed deeply, it will be difficult to make the regular Gun from the Front technique (page 250). In this case, apply the defense for Gun from the Side, in Front of the Arm. You will need to add a pivot of your hips to allow the gun room to move. This example assumes you shift back on your right side.

Starting Position: Passive or neutral stance, with the gunman holding the gun to your stomach and pushing.

As the gunman pushes into your body, pivot your right hip back while your left hand slides in and redirects the gun by catching the gunman’s wrist exactly as in Gun from the Side, in Front of the Arm (page 257). The gunman’s push, combined with the pivot of your hip, may cause your right foot to step back. This is fine—just be sure the body motion precedes the foot step to avoid telegraphing.

Slide your right hand along your body and then forward to catch the muzzle of the weapon. Be sure your elbows are tight against your body to create a strong frame and support for your grip.

Disarm exactly as described in Gun from the Side, in Front of the Arm (page 257) and then continue with counterattacks.

Gun from Behind (Touching)

The technique for Gun from Behind is exactly the same as Gun from the Side, Behind the Arm (page 255), with a couple of small differences.

Starting Position: Neutral or passive stance, with the attacker behind you.

As the attacker puts the gun against your back with his right hand, look behind you! You aren’t really concerned about what is touching your body. You need to make sure the gun isn’t in the other hand.

Leading with your left arm, turn deeply enough to redirect the weapon and take your body out of the line of fire. The body defense should cause you to immediately lean back toward the attacker even before your feet move.

Continuing to reach with your left hand, burst in VERY DEEP so that your left foot is outside the gunman’s right foot. Wrap your left arm up, bringing your fist tightly to your chest to secure the forearm holding the gun. With your rear arm, deliver an elbow strike to the gunman’s face. As you deliver the strike, you can slide your other arm back to secure the wrist rather than the forearm.

Follow with kicks to the groin.

With your free hand, reach over, pinky up, and grab the barrel.

Snap down hard with your elbow to break his grip.

Lift the gun up to get it off the fin ger in the trigger.

Strike with an elbow or the muzzle and get out, creating distance.

Tips: If the gun is held low, your arm will make the redirection along with the body defense. If the gun is held high on your back, your arm will have little or no effect, and you’ll mostly make a body defense. However, your arm still helps your body rotate.