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Writer's pictureGil Peleg

Self-Defense, Gun Threat to a Head in an Israeli Krav-Maga: Static Mode, Scenario A

Updated: Jun 16, 2022

In this article, we will go over what is a pistol threat? What types of assault scenarios exist in pistol threat incidents? What is the difference between a threat with a pistol and an initial intent to murder? What is a pistol front static threat, scenarios A? What is psychological preparation in Israeli Krav-Maga? What is the importance of personal protective equipment in Israeli Krav-Maga?

 
Warning!
The concepts presented here are for illustrative purposes only. Before attempting any technique discussed or presented in this article, seek professional training from a reputable instructor.
 

What is a pistol threat?

A gun threat is a type of incident that has occurred in the past, is occurring in the present, and will always occur in the future, as long as through it, the criminal wants to get something from the victim. This type of scenario is common among police officers when the attacker threatens with the gun and demands that they give him something in return for the victim's life. Also, this scenario is common when the attacker wants through the threats to rob or rape. Important Note: If an attacker wanted to kill you, he probably would simply approach you and shoot you without warning. Most of the people who will point a gun at you, do to scare and threaten you.


Gun Scenario Analysis:

Let's look at two opponents, namely the attacker and the victim in a simple way: the gun is aimed at the victim. In such an event the victim is usually surprised, and the attacker claims his demands, then waits for the victim's expected response. In scenario A - for this event, the victim can: obey or fight. In Israeli Krav-Maga, there are tactical schools that teach these scenarios to the level of animal instincts, that is, teach the dynamics of human reaction time, and prepare psychologically for such an event. Usually, an unskilled person goes into atomic pressure in such an event, due to which his chance of surviving the event is very low. Important Note: Even if the victim does not take any action against the attacker, it is important to be psychologically and mentally prepared. That is, relax and obey the attacker's instructions calmly. Admittedly the attacker is not always satisfied with the objects he demands, and sometimes the assault moves to the plane of rape. At this point, not everyone is ready to complete, so it is good to know how to defend oneself in such an event and especially when the attacker at this moment is not focused on attacking by the gun, that is in his indecent acts. It may be at this point that the right timing can be found to attack him and get the gun out of his hands. In any case, intensive and focused training in tactical self-defense is required to reach this level of skills. In Israeli Krav-Maga, there are focused courses whose function is to concentrate on this specific event and to teach the trainees how to survive this horrible event in life.


What types of assault scenarios exist in gun threat incidents?

There are two main scenarios of gun threat: static mode, and more commonly a threat mode with a gun in motion along with the victim. These two scenarios are divided into sub-scenarios, i.e. three main threat directions: front, rear, and side:

  • Gun threat protection - static front.

  • Gun threat protection - static rear.

  • Gun threat protection - static side.

  • Gun threat protection - front in motion.

  • Gun threat protection - rear in motion.

  • Gun threat protection - front, victim's attachment to the wall.

  • Gun threat protection - rear, victim's attachment to the wall.

It is important to note that the range of a gun threat is divided into three: A - a long-range threat, when it is a distance of several meters to the attacker; B - a medium-range of threat, when the gun is aimed from a distance of up to one meter and the victim can’t physically touch it; C - a short or zero threat range, i.e. physically attaching a gun to the victim's body. Cases A and B are beyond the victim's ability to cope, no matter how skilled he is. It is usually mandatory to assume that the gun is loaded and ready to fire. It is true that it is possible to move from case B to case C by means of an initiated reduction of the range, i.e. by the victim or when the attacker resolutely approaches the victim and thereby reduces to zero range (to touch the victim's body by the gun). In this article, we will discuss scenario A of gun threats on the head-static front. In the following articles, we will discuss the other threats gradually.


What is the difference between a threat with a pistol and an initial intent to murder?

In such an event it is important to know that the situation can develop into two extreme scenarios when: In the first case - the attacker wants to murder the victim, in which case the chance of getting out of the incident tends to be zero; A second case - where something can be done to defend oneself, is when the attacker's intention is not to murder, but only to rob and escape from the incident. Important Note: In such a case an unskilled person would prefer to give everything to stay alive. Although sometimes it is not just a robbery but a rape. As a result, not everyone will be able to be with this incident and will prefer if he can defend himself. Admittedly a person who decides to defend himself in this scenario, takes the risk of his life, meaning the attacker will simply be able to pull the trigger of the gun and in a second it is all over. In such an incident even a person skilled in self-defense can’t survive. In this article, we will go over Israeli Krav-Maga techniques in a variety of threat scenarios that can happen. One thing is for sure, it is best to be physically and mentally prepared for such events, and give to oneself a little chance to survive them.


What is a pistol front static threat, scenario A?

In this scenario, the victim of the assault must perform a number of actions to disarm the gun from the attacker's hands. When we understand that the victim has made a decision to oppose this assault threat. That is, it is a reasonable person who understands that every little mistake can be fatal to him. The victim based on the tactical self-defense preparation course does four basic steps: In stage A - he transmits signs of obedience and submission. I mean, I'm willing to do anything just do not hurt me. If the attacker is content with your money, then give it to him and walk away, and with that end this event. Provided the attacker took the money and did not release you, then there is no other way to move from a passive self-defense program to an active self-defense program. That is, to stage B.

In stage B - he approaches the gun very slowly with his hands raised and close to his body. Stage C - takes out a suitable timing to unload the gun from the attacker's hand and perform neutralization blows using the same gun towards the attacker's face. When stage D - is in dispute: to leave the scene of the incident or to take control of the attacker with a clear intention, to hand him over to the authorities for a fair trial. When the latter requires in-depth knowledge in Israeli Krav-Maga, regarding the issue of taking over and submission. Important Note: A person without expertise in disarmament and continuation of taking over at the level of animal instincts, it is not recommended to try even this exercise. So let's go over the technique of making a disarm of the gun (the issue of taking over will be detailed in the following articles), assuming that the attacker holds the gun with his right hand.


Scenario A - The gun is attached to the head

Bring your hand close to the gun, i.e. in our case near the head. When this movement must be the slowest and most natural that can be done. In a submissive and obedient position, pretend the attacker controls you, and you fully obey him. At the appropriate time, the victim will perform a number of actions to disarm the gun. Below we will go through scenarios A, which constitutes an optimal solution - according to Israeli Krav-Maga. So let's start:

Action A - The victim's left-hand grabs the left-hand wrist, and the right hand holds the gun. I.e. by Action B - In parallel with Action A using the right hand, the victim will grab the barrel of the gun. Action C - is a timed combination of Actions A, B, and C. When while action C the victim takes the right foot backward by bending down to get out of the danger zone of the shooting, and at the same time performs a continuation of actions A and B, i.e. quickly and powerfully pulls the barrel up and lowering the right hand together with the gun down, i.e. the gun pulling action. If the exercise was performed correctly, then the attacker's finger is broken during the pulling (unloading) of the gun. Neutralization blows will be immediately done using the gun towards the attacker's head.

Warning: Do not perform the exercise without the supervision of a qualified instructor! Do not carry it out with a real gun! During training, you can use a rubber pistol, and do not hold a finger on the trigger (the attacker) in a straight and close manner on a rubber pistol!

What is psychological preparation in Israeli Krav-Maga?

It is necessary to prepare the trainee, first of all, for the psychological aspect, for stress resistance in cases of assault using a weapon. For this purpose, many exercises and repetitions are performed using rubber equipment that simulates various and very common attacks, until the reaction becomes a defensive instinct. When threatened by an enemy armed with a pistol, usually, the decision must be made regarding one action or another at the level of animal instincts. As a result, it is necessary to prepare the trainee, first of all, for the psychological aspect, for stress resistance in cases of assault using a weapon. Trainees go through many repetitions under red pressure, to prepare for such attack scenarios. Many studies suggest that our brain stops thinking when such an event occurs, and the real battle ends in a matter of seconds. As a result, these courses teach first of all to turn off the consciousness when you are in this event, otherwise, the stressful situation will not allow for further coping. It is imperative to learn such scenarios from the experts in the field otherwise you will acquire incorrect knowledge or one that you will never actually need, and your subconscious will find incorrect solutions in the most stressful situation in your life. This can lead to unfortunate consequences, especially since we are talking about an enemy armed with a gun. Any mistake can lead to a fatal outcome. Such training greatly increases the chances of survival. In the Israeli army and police, tactical self-defense is a mandatory course for cadets, and various operational units receive such training at completely different levels.

 

What does the training equipment of the Krav-Maga trainer include?

Following the history of the method, great importance is attached to the formation of functional muscles. On the one hand, it is necessary to work on speed and agility in movement, and on the other hand, to develop muscles to increase strength and power. To succeed in this task: Need to work with small weights, many reps in each set; Also combine with strength training, it is advisable to consult with a trainer so as not to damage the muscle ligaments; It is recommended to work with a wrist expander and rubber for dynamic loading; With heavy training rope; a lot of reps on a heavy and light boxing bag; With a punching bag, etc ... It is imperative to practice throwing, choking, blocking, kicking and punching. Punches and knees on the trainer's abdomen may only be performed with suitable and safe belly protectors! In the tactical training of Krav-Maga, rubbery equipment is used like knives, padded sticks, etc... One needs to use equipment that has passed strict safety tests. When signing up for a club, check if their gym floor is well protected and if there is a suitable protective pad against falls, throws, etc. Below is a list of the recommended trainer equipment when teaching Krav-Maga:

How important is personal protective equipment when practicing Krav-Maga?

Good schools understand the importance of protective equipment when teaching martial arts in general and in combat in particular. Demonstrations and battles are not allowed without appropriate protective equipment! These are usually inexpensive shields compared to the physical damage they prevent. Also, there is no insurance without protective equipment! When striking a punching bag, be it a jab, cross, hook, or uppercut, boxing gloves should be used. It is recommended for full contact to use a body protector that maintains the integrity of the ribs. Also, shields for the head, teeth, groin, and legs are recommended.

It is very important to practice Krav-Maga using rubber training knives and even more important during training to wear appropriate protective equipment: such as glasses designed to protect the eyes; a body protector; a Head guard against receiving an unwanted blow. The following is a list of recommended equipment for knife defense studies in Israeli Krav-Maga:

With what equipment is it recommended to practice Krav-Maga at home?

To learn Krav-Maga, one needs to practice the same thing, many times over. This is not a theoretical area compared to other martial arts where one can learn from a trainer by watching directly through a computer. So practice and interaction are of the utmost importance. Although, it is worth it and even recommended to work at home on punches and kicks, strength training, etc. For this purpose, it is possible to purchase minimal personal equipment that does not take up much space at home. Prepares physically for classes in the section. It also improves the following parameters: Strength, flexibility, cardiopulmonary endurance, and more.

Using a yoga mat, abdominal muscles can be improved; Training weights are to improve muscle strength; Using an adjustable strength bench can strengthen chest muscles by lifting weights; A free-standing punching bag is a perfect solution for punching and kicking improvement at home ... Below is a list of recommended equipment for home exercise:






Home training is recommended to be performed under the supervision of a certified trainer. It is recommended to avoid exercising alone at home!

How important is cardiopulmonary endurance in Krav-Maga workouts?

First of all, this is health, and secondly, in a battle that does not end in a short time, the one who has cardiopulmonary endurance wins. To improve cardiopulmonary endurance, it is recommended to take brisk walks, combined with running, to increase and decrease the pace. These runs can be done outdoors, on the coast, on a Treadmill, or on a Home spinning bike. Recommended: Wear suitable shoes while running, and document and monitor your calorie burn and heart rate with your Smartwatch. Also, with the help of this it is very easy to see improvements in cardiopulmonary endurance, In fact, all your actions are recorded using a computer, and there is a training history. The following is a list of recommended personal equipment for home workouts, for developing cardiopulmonary endurance, and for monitoring and controlling progress:







Home training is recommended to be performed under the supervision of a certified trainer. It is recommended to avoid exercising alone at home!
 

Summary: Self-Defense, Gun Threat to a Head in an Israeli Krav-Maga: Static Mode, Scenarios A

In this article we have started to discuss a wide range of topics of protection against a threat using the gun; Types of assault scenarios that exist in gun threat incidents; Difference between gun threat and initial intent to murder; Gun Threat Protection - Static Front Scenario A; Psychological preparation in Israeli Krav-Maga and the importance of using personal protective equipment.

 

Written by Gil Peleg.

Professional consultant in Krav-Maga Mark Fesler.

 

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