Defense against Rifle/Bayonet Stab—Live Side

The Defense against Rifle/Bayonet Stab to the Live Side is exactly like the Defense against Long Gun from the Front—Live Side (page 320). The only significant differences are: 1) with a bayonet stab we are less concerned with telegraphing movement while in the line of fire; and 2) we must reach past the blade to defend along the barrel.

Starting Position: Passive stance.

As your left hand makes the defense, lean forward so that you can reach past the blade.

Defense against Rifle/Bayonet Stab—Dead Side

As with the defense to the live side, the initial defense is almost exactly like the Defense against Long Gun from the Front—Dead Side (page 323). The considerations here are the same as those for defense to the live side (leaning forward to reach past the cutting edge).

Starting Position: Passive stance.

After the redirection is made with your right hand, sweep your right hand across his face to lift his chin (beneficial in military applications against opponents wearing helmets). With your left arm, deliver a “clothesline” with your left arm and step past the attacker with your left foot.

Drag the attacker up on your hip and “hang” him there, or take him down with a hip roll.

It is more difficult to execute this takedown on the live side because the attacker’s hip is back, making it harder to step past that hip for the takedown.

Gun Defenses Defense against Threat with a Handgun: from Behind at a Distance

This threat represents a difficult situation for the defender—not because the movement is difficult, but because it is often difficult to gauge depth when glancing behind you. We say “From Behind at a Distance” to distinguish from Gun from Behind, Touching, which we presented in Blue Belt. Keep in mind that “distance” must still mean “within reach.”

Starting Position: Neutral stance.

As the attacker makes the threat with his right hand, glance over your shoulder—do NOT make the move too aggressive.

Using the hand on the same side you have looked, send that hand backward in a straight line to the weapon. Be sure your hand goes straight up and back, and that it does NOT arc out to the side and up. Think of the same principles as Gun from the Front (page 250). As your hand moves up, keep your thumb hooked to increase your chances of making contact with the gun. As your hand reaches the gun and redirects it to the side, make a body defense by turning your shoulder in toward the gun.

Burst toward the attacker, pushing the weapon back as you punch with your free hand.

Recoil your punch and catch the attacker’s wrist. Be sure you keep your weight on the weapon as you deliver kicks, headbutt, or knee strikes.

To disarm, continue pushing the muzzle forward while pulling at the wrist. This will snap the weapon and loosen his grip.

Pull the weapon down at an angle and retreat. Be sure you do NOT roll the weapon straight down, or the muzzle will point at your legs.

Variation: It is possible to make the redirection and catch the wrist immediately, skipping the punch. The advantage of this is that you secure the weapon more quickly. However, your counterattack takes longer, giving the attacker more time to fight against you.

A Note Regarding the Live Side and Dead Side: This technique works equally well whether you end up on the attacker’s live side or dead side. If you make the defense to the attacker’s dead side, you will usually end up driving the weapon inward to his body. Be aware that there is some danger of the attacker turning so that his back is to you. Be prepared to move your feet! If you make the defense to the attacker’s live side, the attacker’s arm has range of motion (his body is not in the way). Be sure you drive the weapon back aggressively, or you will end up “chasing” the weapon as his arm moves into the open space.