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longtooth wrote:Good to see you in print again. Maybe some 2 hand training might work but in my shape it would not take much of a hood to get me quick where I could not get to anything. You are a pretty good sized lad. Others of us are not blessed that way. I do want to get a shoot going for us some day. Keep praising HIM. Jerry.

None of the techniques require any great strength, and ALL have the purpose of gaining you a little time or distance so that you can better access your firearm without being overtaken.
This is especially true concerning knives. I shook your hand at the CHL class and you're no weakling!

All of the techniques used... involve redirecting force, instead of being contentious (or trying to use force against force). Often times.. an attack that occurs suddenly at close range, simply does not allow you to draw your weapon before the "perp" gets to you. By the time you recognize a threat, make up your mind to respond, and then execute a "draw"....2-4 seconds has run off the clock. Naturally, if you can not maintain or create distance, then you must do something...because they WILL be on you in that amount of time. I'm all for getting my weapon in my hand as soon as possible, but not if it doesn't allow me time to get off at least one well directed shot.

We have played this out in the Dojo countless times, I have someone draw while simultaneously pushing, punching, or blocking. Nearly always, what happens is... the arm they extend, becomes a handle for me. It is rare that anyone completes a draw that I am not able to unbalance them first, or trap (stall) the hand that is going for the weapon. For this reason, I advocate keeping both hands available until you are reasonably certain you can draw and fire without interference. You mentioned earlier that you practice "being aware", undoubtedly.. this is the single most important thing a person can do.

I think you'll be surprised to find that you can put me on my butt!
We can just look at any scenario's we are capable of recreating, explore some solutions, and you can judge the outcome for yourself.

I actually get more women interested in these things than men. They are generally "less sure" that they can protect themselves. You are doing are great job practicing what might be a life saving skill one day!

Anyway, it'll be fun, we don't even have to do anything tactical. I'm set up for plinking, and skeet shooting too. Whatever you guys and gals like.

JMM

longtooth wrote:Went to the range this morning for some one hand access practice. We have an outdoor range & some area where you can bring your own stands & set up how ever you want. I know it is impossible to set up a fully realistic beating, or knife attack but that is what I was simulating. Beating practice: I held target w/ fighting strength & shook it & jerked it around as I accessed pistol with one hand. Cluthced chest w/ off hand as I fired into attacker. I always practice in my street clothes & w/ the daily rig I carry. Polo shirt today. Get it up, access, & fire.That takes a long time when you really are getting beaten.
Knif drill. Started from being approached to arms length before attacked. Off arm up & knowing I am getting cut but "blocking" from vitals while backing up, access w/ one hand, clutch chest w/ off hand & fire. I was doing them both in about a 3-4 second window. That is a long time for anyone to be beat or cut on. I am 56, slow, & only a medium size guy. I have done this several times because I know the average shoot is between arms length & 4 or 5 yards. Any Ideas from you trainers for us guys who are older, can't run & sure cannot "whip" a 19-25 yr old street thug. I am very aware of surroundings. I "practice" awareness every time I am in a public area.

LT,

Glad to see you practicing such scenarios. IMO, it is beneficial to have thought out what you might (or might not) do in a given circumstance. My first knife instructor was fond of saying "In times of crisis, you will not suddenly rise to the occassion.....but will default to your level of training". I don't believe he was the first to say this, but who ever stated it first was certainly correct.

Your response to those threats may be exactly what you would need to do, or could be the worse thing to do...depending upon the totality of the situation. Creating distance in both of these attacks would be preferred... as you are well aware. Sometimes this is not possible and you may need to "fight your way" to your gun. I only bring this up because it may not always be advisable to "go for your weapon" at close quarters. Where edged weapons are involved, a more prudent defense might involve the use of both hands until you can safely gain distance, or create time for yourself by unbalancing your attacker...or putting something between you and him.

When we get together to shoot, I will demonstrate how easy it is to deliver a fatal wound while you have one hand "busy" trying to draw. Its quite an eye opener! I think it speaks to the need to have "some" empty hands skills in addition to firearms training. A few disarm and retention techniques will show anyone just how easy it is to lose your weapon. And even if you manage to get off a shot, a "mutual" kill is not acceptable.

Again, I commend you for practicing in a life like manner. I fully believe the tactics you described might be "dead on" for some circumstances. We'll look at some others as well.

And I'll keep it geared for us "old guys", I'm no spring chicken at 51!

Keep up the good work.