How to Defend Yourself With Krav Maga

Krav maga is a martial art developed for use by Israeli military personnel. As the art was developed to be used by military personnel, it places a strong emphasis on defense at any cost, and has a focus on protecting the user from attack with dangerous weapons. When faced with an attacker that is brandishing a gun, krav maga practitioners can perform a defense maneuver known as the RCAT (redirect/control/attack/take), an acronym that allows for easy recollection of the steps.

Instructions

    • 1

      Comply with the demands of the assailant. When you are unarmed and facing an attacker with a weapon, it is best to attempt to defuse the situation without resorting to physical confrontation, and further danger can often be avoided by handing over any property the attacker is asking for.

    • 2

      Keep your hands down. When your hands are up, it is easy for your attacker to see what you are doing with them, making it difficult to use the RCAT technique.

    • 3

      Redirect any weapon so that it is no longer pointed at you and you are not in immediate danger. If instructed to put your hands up, this is the ideal time, as they are already expecting your hands to be moving. Bring a hand up to push the gun aside and away from your face and body.

    • 4

      Control any gun wielded by the assailant by grabbing around the barrel of the gun and moving it down towards the assailant's hip, being sure to keep the barrel pointed away from you.

    • 5

      Attack the assailant with your free hand, striking him around the face and chest to stun him.

    • 6

      Take the weapon away from the assailant. Bring your other hand down to grab the gun near the base of the grip. Turn your hands so that the gun rotates 180 degrees, breaking the assailant's trigger finger and causing them to loosen their grip, then rotate your hands back and pull to take away the weapon.