The Reality of Weapons Disarming Techniques – Why They Don’t Work (And What to Do Instead)

By Liam Musiak

Weapons disarming techniques are often glorified nonsense, taught in martial arts classes and self-defence courses that ignore real-world violence. The idea that you can smoothly disarm an attacker wielding a gun or knife is fantasy, and attempting it in a real fight is more likely to get you seriously injured or killed.

If you are facing an armed attacker, your focus should not be on taking their weapon away—it should be on survival, using realistic strategies that actually work.

1. The Fatal Flaw of Disarming Techniques

Most disarming techniques taught in martial arts are:

• Overly complex – Requiring multiple precise movements to work.

• Reliant on compliance – The attacker is expected to react a certain way, which never happens in reality.

• Designed for controlled environments – They fall apart under real-world stress, speed, and resistance.

The truth is, disarming an attacker is incredibly difficult, even for highly trained professionals. Attempting to grab the weapon is often the worst thing you can do because:

• The attacker already has control of it—they aren’t just going to let go.

• You don’t know how strong their grip is, and struggling for the weapon can increase their aggression.

• Why change what you already know? You know exactly where the weapon is, which means your focus should be on controlling the attacker—not trying to wrestle the weapon away.

2. Pre-Emptive Striking – The Key to Survival

In any life-threatening situation, waiting for an attacker to make the first move is a mistake. If someone is armed or about to draw a weapon, your best chance of survival is to strike first and strike hard.

Why Pre-Emptive Striking Works

• It disrupts the attack before it happens.

• It puts the attacker on the defensive, giving you control.

• It prevents them from using the weapon effectively.

A well-timed throat strike, eye gouge, or knee kick can stop an attacker before they even get the chance to fully draw their weapon.

If someone is acting aggressively, reaching for their waistband, or about to attack—waiting for them to go first is gambling with your life. Strike first and strike decisively.

3. The Reality of Gun Disarms

A common myth is that you can grab a gun before the attacker pulls the trigger. In reality:

• A bullet travels faster than human reaction time—if the attacker is ready to shoot, you’re already too late.

• If the gun is pressed against your body, moving it even slightly off-line is only a temporary advantage—they can fire again instantly.

• The attacker’s finger is already on the trigger—any sudden movement could cause them to fire reflexively.

What Works Instead?

• Control the attacking limb – Redirect the gun away from vital areas while moving your body out of the line of fire.

• Explode into a counterattack – Instead of focusing on the gun, attack the person holding it. Eyes, throat, knees—anything that disables them fast.

• Disrupt their balance – If they can’t stand properly, they can’t aim properly.

Trying to take the gun itself is a last resort, not a primary strategy. The best way to stop an attacker is to disable them first.

4. The Knife Disarm Lie

Knife disarming is even more dangerous than gun disarming because:

• Knives don’t need to be aimed—they can cut from any angle instantly.

• Most real-life knife attacks involve multiple rapid stabs, not a single slow thrust like in training drills.

• Trying to grab a knife almost guarantees getting cut.

What Works Instead?

• Control the attacking limb – Keep the knife away from your body.

• Move your body away from the weapon – Don’t stay in front of the attack.

• Strike hard in weak spots – Eyes, throat, groin, or knees to disable the attacker before they can continue stabbing.

5. What You Should Actually Do in a Weapons Attack

1. Pre-Emptive Strike if Possible – If the attacker is about to draw a weapon, don’t wait—hit them first.

2. Control the Attacking Limb – Instead of focusing on the weapon, control the arm or hand holding it.

3. Move Away from the Weapon – Adjust your position so the weapon is not pointed at your vital areas.

4. Strike Hard in Weak Spots – Go for eyes, throat, knees, or groin to disable the attacker quickly.

5. Escape as Soon as Possible – Your goal isn’t to “win” a fight—it’s to survive.

Conclusion

Weapons disarming techniques, as commonly taught, are unreliable and dangerous. Instead of focusing on trying to take a weapon away, use pre-emptive striking, limb control, and powerful counterattacks to neutralise the attacker before they can use the weapon effectively.

Your first priority is survival, not looking cool in a dojo. Forget Hollywood disarms—do what actually works.