Defenses against Firearms?

[RobJim]

Hey everyone.

I've been considering the application of Shaolin Kungfu to different scenarios this week. I was wondering, does anybody know of possible applications of Kungfu against opponents with firearms, or if anyone has had an experience (actual or theoretical)?

I realise that in most cases the kungfu exponent would probably have to be very high level to deal with such an attack and that it might not necessarily be a physical response, but perhaps more to do with very strong Shen and tactics?

Just an interesting thought!

Robin N

[AlexBaranosky]

I was just wondering this question myself earlier today.

Any suggestions?

[Omar]

First of all, be very good at running away

Then be good at disarming or distracting the assailant, those are options also found outside Shaolin kungfu.

I've read somewhere that the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba could dodge bullets.

Apparently this was done by him swiftly moving out of the line of fire when the intention and energy of the shooter moved towards pulling the trigger, as dodging a bullet after it has been fired towards you from a modern gun by sheer speed alone is impossible.

So yes, shen.

Also a very high level master could most likely defend using arts such as strike across space palm or one finger shooting zen?

I'm still leaning to the running away option though. Firearms are bad medicine.

[Antonius]

Defending against a firearm is easier than defending against a knife. If you can reach the firearm, then there's a lot you can do. If you can't reach it, then there's still a lot you can do!

Nevertheless, firearm and knife defense is fairly advanced in our curriculum. Until you get to that point in the training, my best advice is to smile from the heart, keep your awareness high, and avoid dangerous situations.

[RobJim]

Ah well it's good to know that these things can be dealt with at a higher level... I look forward to the time when I can consider myself ready!

Thankyou for your insight Sipak.

[parrapiti]

"Shaolin and the Art of Negotiations"...

Not everything in Shaolin has to do with combat. I would try to "negotiate" my way out of a potentially fatal outcome for many of the ones involved.

Piti

[shao]

I dont think its a good idea know matter how good you are at kung fu to try and fight someone who has a firearm you could end up dead trying. It's best to do what parrapiti explained instead.

[hakfudisciple]

"Shaolin and the Art of Negotiations"...

Not everything in Shaolin has to do with combat. I would try to "negotiate" my way out of a potentially fatal outcome for many of the ones involved.

Piti

Very Good advice!!!!

Never try to disarm or confront an armed person unless you have no other option! Engaging an armed attacker can only lead to something bad... in most cases YOU being shot. It can also lead to a robbery becoming a homicide! Most gun defenses are useless and risky to say the least as well as most knife defenses...