We must train on even the most difficult of situations.  Any defense against a gun threat is difficult, but in this video we are dealing with an extremely delicate scenario.  I would think that plenty of bad things had to of happened to get you here, but nonetheless, we must have a way to get out of this position should this ever happen.

With the gun placed on the back of your head while you are on the ground, your options are limited.  We can still redirect the weapon off of our head, but we must attempt to control the weapon prior to counterattacking as we are in no position to strike.  It is rare that we don’t strike immediately while defending, but our hands are forced in this particular scenario.

After redirecting the weapon, we must cup it with the opposite hand to prevent the attacker from pulling away from us.  From here the fight is on.  Hopefully I can trap the gunman’s hand and roll him over the top of me as shown in the video.  At the very least if I can make a successful redirection and hold the weapon with both of my hands I will have a legitimate chance at fighting my way out and up onto my feet.

As usual, when dealing with a gun, after I successfully defend I must always assess the situation to figure out what I should be doing next.  I will never assume that an attackers gunman will be suitable for me to use, and depending upon my knowledge of firearms, I may have to use it as a blunt object.

I hope none of you are ever in a situation like this, but I think this response would give you the best chance at survival.

Ok, that’s all for now.  Enjoy the video, be safe… and GO DO SOME KRAV MAGA TODAY!

-AJ  @AJDraven – Twitter

Your feedback on the post is welcome.

Krav Maga has been a part of my life for almost 15 years.  What started as a cool and different way to work out and learn how to defend myself, eventually became my job, and is now the backbone of my life.

My life has evolved in many ways over these years.  Most dramatically, when I became a father 15 months ago.  Before this life changing event, I  never talked about time in “months” – but as a parent, I now see time so differently. Every moment counts, and I value my time here on this earth so much more than I ever imagined was possible. It was in this metamorphosis that Krav Maga became more than just my job, my workout, and my hobby.

When my son was born I was overwhelmed by the feeling that it was my job to protect him and keep him safe and happy in our sometimes difficult and dangerous world.

I no longer do Krav Maga just for me.  I do it for him.  I do it for my family.  I do it to keep my wife and child safe, and our extended circle of beloved friends and family as well.  And while yes, I still do it for me, it’s now to keep myself healthy and fit so I can be there for them (and with them) to enjoy this incredible life for as long possible.

There are many fathers (and mothers) out there that do Krav Maga for the same reasons I do, and today I salute you all.  Know that you are appreciated for committing to keep your families and communities safe.  Know that you are doing something that will improve your life and the lives of those around you, even people you haven’t met yet… because of your ability to protect yourself and others even in the most dangerous of situations.

I am so thankful to be a father, and to value my time and my life in this way. And I am truly grateful for the practice of Krav Maga, helping to empower all of us to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe.