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Mastering Handgun Defense: In-Depth Strategies for Every Scenario

Writer's picture: Sifu Jeramiah GiehlSifu Jeramiah Giehl

Updated: Aug 2, 2024

In the realm of self-defense, understanding the nuances of handgun scenarios is paramount. Jeet Kune Do provides a holistic approach, considering four common scenarios involving handguns, the objectives of the gunman, and the fundamental principles of effective defense.

Four Scenarios Involving Handguns:

1. Hold Up:

  • Intimidation and Perceived Power: The firearm is brandished to instill fear and assert dominance.

2. Hostage Situation:

  • Power Dynamics at Play: The gun becomes a tool for control, heightening the stakes in the confrontation.

3. 3rd Party Involvement:

  • Navigating Complexities: A situation where a third party is threatened, demanding strategic responses.

4. Execution or Active Shooter:

  • Immediate Threat Recognition: Dealing with scenarios where the firearm is actively used for harm, requiring swift and decisive actions.

Objectives of the Gunman:

1. Possessions:

  • Material Gain: Money, valuables, and property become the target of the assailant.

2. Bodily Harm:

  • Violence and Control: Abduction, assault, or worse, indicating more sinister motives.

3. Information:

  • Coercion through Interrogation: The firearm is used to extract vital information from the victim.

4. Recognition:

  • Gaining Attention: The assailant seeks acknowledgment for personal grievances or a particular cause.

Principles of Gun Defense:

1. Redirect the Line of Fire:

  • Avoidance Strategy: Steer clear of the direct line of fire during a discharge.

2. Control the Gun:

  • Preventing Re-Engagement: Ensure that you maintain control to avoid being back in the line of fire.

3. Disarm:

  • Leverage for Safety: Strip the gun away by leveraging the barrel, neutralizing the immediate threat.

Tactical Considerations:

  • Strategic Distances: Varying responses based on the distance, incorporating lateral movement and seeking cover or concealment.

  • Cognitive Recognition: The race against time is not the trigger pull but the assailant's cognitive recognition of your defense.

  • Sensory Overload: Exploiting the gunman's sensory overload, induced by loud gunshots, pain, and visual confusion.

  • Survival Determination: Acknowledging the high survival rate (90%) and emphasizing the importance of a strong determination to survive.

  • Handling Malfunctions: Insights into dealing with semi-automatic malfunctions, emphasizing tactical solutions.

  • Multi-functional Gun Use: Recognizing the potential of the gun as both a firearm and a blunt striking weapon.


Jeet Kune Do's approach to handgun defense is a comprehensive guide, addressing not just physical techniques but also the psychological and strategic elements crucial for effective and empowered self-defense.

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