Paradox unarmed m.a. vs. gun fu

[HI express]

When I learned unarmed m.a., we always were taught to move in within reach if you intended to fight to defend yourself. (Otherwise, I learned well the way of the run fu martial arts) When I went to Vitenam on vacation ('66-'68) I learned that the rifle was my friend and distance was to my benefit.

When I returned stateside, I stayed out of weapon craft for a long time then a friend introduced me to learning pistol craft...the old gun fu. I immediately found it a problem...in real contact self-defense, I automatically closed in to fighting distance but when I had a pistol, I needed to get distance. I have finally learned the old concept of do what you can and have to do at the time the old stinky stuff hits the ventilator then you move to a distance that is safe for you when you can move safely.

Anybody else have issues with combining unarmed martial arts with gun fu self defense?

 

[Don Gwinn]

I'm not good enough at either to worry about it.

 

[Jeff White]

Just remember, if you are armed there is always at least one gun in every fight

If you're armed, and you're not a peace officer or otherwise charged with taking people into custody, you probably don't have much business closing with an aggressor and going HTH. It might make more sense to train HTH to allow you to open the distance between you and your opponent where you can employ your weapon or escape.

Weapons retention is a serious issue for peace officers. Most CCW rigs don't lend themselves well to it. Losing your weapon in a fight is a bad thing.

Just some thoughts on the matter. It's not meant to start an LEO vs the world discussion. So let's not go there. I'd think long and hard before getting involved in anything off duty while I'm carrying my Glock 36 in it's KY-Tac kydex holster......Why...because there is always at least one gun involved in every confrontation I get into because I carry a gun.

Jeff

 

[Mulliga]

I completely agree with everything Jeff White said.

 

[HI express]

Older? Wiser?

Hi Don and Jeff,
Thank you for your responses. I guess I forgot to add now that I am many years older since those earlier years of getting into fights and protecting those that appeared to need protecting, I have also been exposed to the world of lawsuits and not "brandishing."
Many was the time that I wished that I had learned the value of avoidance and only "brandishing" a weapon when absolutely necessary, but we are what we are and are products of our experiences.
Such is the innocence of youth and being a product of being a "Good Samaritan."
I also did not learn what my limitations were in learning.
You are both right...Thank you for your wisdom.

 

[strambo]

Here's how I solve that....

If the attack happens within 6ft or so (close enough that I have no way of getting to my gun 1st) I close and go HtoH until I can get the gun out. Example: A guy walks up and asks for the time, at 6 ft from you, seeing you are wary he starts to reach for something quickly (like a weapon) and shows aggressive body language. Step in aggressively and left chinjab while drawing with the right hand. Step back creating distance, engage #1 if necessary and look for #s 2-?

If you had no gun, the 1st response would be the same in that example...step in and strike hard. Then instead of drawing a gun, continue to take out #1 (if necessary), then look for others, weapons, exits etc...

If you see the trouble coming ahead of time then create distance immediately, you would do this with or without a weapon. If they have a weapon that out-ranges yours (Rifle against your pistol) and you can't escape (always 1st choice) then you would have to close distance to within your pistol range. Preferrably a flank via concealed route. He will have a hard time swinging a rifle fast when suprised from the side.

 

[El Tejon]

Hi, HI, I recommend the folks at www.opskillsgroup.com, they are training the issues you raise. OSG's Benjamin Salas, without question, is a rising star in the "training community."

Best wishes.