A:  Facing an armed opponent with empty-hand techniques is the perhaps the most difficult challenge an advanced martial artist will face. It is generally acknowledged that the armed man will almost always have the advantage. So the rule of thumb in personal protection circles is to defend against a weapon with a weapon.

Don’t have a weapon? Uh-oh, you are in deep, deep trouble. Yes, you can disarm people who are threatening you with weapons. I also know guys who mountain climb without ropes, too. They can do it, but just like disarming techniques, any mistake has lethal consequences.

Generally, if you MUST disarm someone (he’s going to kill you right now anyway) you must attack the weapon. Not the wrist, the elbow or his eyes – the weapon! Control the weapon no matter what, even if you are getting pummeled.

If it is a gun, you must control the muzzle (the end where the bullets come out) and keep it pointed away from you. Use both hands to clamp down firmly on the gun using your entire body to twist the gun back toward the attacker. Expect the gun to fire, so keep your face away from it. Keep pushing into the attacker and strip the gun out of hands, breaking his finger if you have to. Forget all the B.S. about putting the web of your thumb between the hammer and the frame or to push your finger in the barrel to knock the slide out of battery, hold onto the gun for all you are worth and bite, kick, headbutt, and knee him until he breaks off the attack.

If it is a knife, you must control his hand (please don’t grab the blade despite the teachings of certain ex-Secret Service agents). Then use your body weight to DRIVE the blade of the knife to the ground. Keep control of his hand and wrist and keep the knife pinned to the ground. Bite his arm, thrust your head back into his face, but keep control of the knife!