It is extremely dangerous to fight in close quarters with an armed attacker. It’s even more dangerous if you fight with your naked hands. Greg Thompson says that fighting with bare hands is dangerous, but you are still able to win the fight.
Learn Close Quarters Combat from the Experience of Others
Greg Thompson is a world-renowned expert on close quarters combat, also known as close quarters battle (CQB). He has been the primary civilian contractor for the U.S Army’s Special Forces for over 20 years. He also trains elite federal law enforcement units. His experience with these front-line warriors has given the veteran unique insight into the realities of fighting for life and death.
Thompson said that “guys will return to me and give feedback on the difficulties they’re facing during battle.” “Then, we’ll create a scenario and go through it over and again until we find the right solution.”
One such incident occurred in Iraq with a soldier. He was the first to enter to clear a house and was then shot in the hand in the face by a gun-wielding rebel. He was unable to return fire and he closed the door hard.
After tackling the insurgent to the ground he was able to pin the pistol and call for help, who dispatched his enemy. This and other similar events led Thompson to develop a unique strategy for fighting unarmed against weapons, whether as part of a group or as an individual.
Fast Close with 100% Commitment
Many martial arts offer a variety of empty hand defenses against weapons. These defenses are not effective against someone who is actively using a weapon, but they do work against someone who is brandishing a gun. Someone “brandishing” weapons is threatening to shoot you or stab at you. Someone is actively firing at you or stabbing at your body with a weapon.
Although there are many cases of people disarming someone with a weapon, there are far less instances of active weapon users being overcome.
Although it is difficult, it is possible to overcome an actual attack with a deadly weapon. Thompson stated that the most important thing to do is to decide to act and then to commit 100%. Although it is the best defense against a weapon, you can avoid or escape from the situation entirely. Sometimes that is not possible. It’s not always possible to get a weapon of your choice right away.
If you are facing an edged weapon, it is important to gain some distance. You must close fast if you are facing a firearm or other obstacles to your ability to gain distance against a blade.
“If you don’t close quickly, you are going to be shot or stabbed. You need to close quickly so that you can manage their weapon hand. Thompson said, “Once you have the weapon, push them to the ground using forward pressure.” Use the environment to your advantage. You don’t need to be the best wrestler in order to get a takedown. If you can force them to sit down, it will work.
Although you may be shot or stabbed while you are moving in, it won’t necessarily render you incapacitated. Thompson trained a soldier who was stabbed in his skull, but he still managed to overcome his attacker.
Pin, Secure, Call Support
It is ideal to initially control the weapon arm of the opponent using two hands, one at the triceps, and one at your wrist. This requires skill and the right angle. It is possible to simply wrap the weapon arm in a bear hug or overhook that pins it.
Once you have isolated the weapon arm, it is time to immediately get the opponent under control. Thompson stated that the keys to securing the weapon and calling for help are to pin it, secure it, and then call Thompson. In civilian situations, it is important to immediately notify anyone who may be able to help you that your attacker has a weapon.
Although it is unlikely that you will be able to disarm yourself, it is possible. Thompson strongly recommends training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and wrestling to facilitate this. Thompson also recommends that sparring partners practice submission holds as if they had a weapon.
Place yourself so that you aren’t cut or shot and then apply your submission to that arm. If you can’t do the same against an unarmed opponent, it’s likely that you won’t be able to do it against one with an arm.
These are difficult situations, and you need to be a little more lucky. Thompson said that these techniques have been used in combat many times before by men I’ve trained and they’ve proven to work. There are no easy answers. You need to understand your environment and your capabilities, make a decision and then fully commit to it.
Visit USSOCP.com for more information about Greg Thompson.
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Personal Defense World published the article Pin, Secure, Call Support: Greg Thompson Discusses Close Quarters Combat.
