Fighting in built-up areas, engaging in combat in urban surroundings, often forces you to fight with very little room to maneuver. Whether you’re on the battlefield, defending yourself in a home-invasion robbery, or facing a violent attacker in any other urban or suburban setting, space can be at a premium and you’re at greater risk.

It’s always important to note that when you’re fighting in built-up areas, one of the most important survival principles is to gain access to a weapon.  If you’re in the city, there should be plenty of improvised weapons around you (such as bricks, sticks, metal bars, etc.) and if you’re a soldier, you will most likely have your weapon with you when fighting.  In built up areas, however, it’s also very easy to lose your weapon due to the confined space you’re fighting in. (more…)

Ok, you’ve practiced how to disarm a handgun a few thousand times and you’ve reached the level of expertise where you can rip anything short of a howitzer out of your training partner’s hands.

But a handgun disarm technique requires much more than just nimble fingers and a willing partner. For your disarm to truly be ready for a “gun in your face” encounter, your timing must be dead on.

Unfortunately, while handgun disarm techniques are a dime a dozen in close combat DVD’s these days, one crucial element is often ignored…

…and it’s perhaps the most important step in your disarm technique. (more…)