“From inside fortifications, the gun has no equal among weapons. It is the supreme weapon on the field before the ranks clash, but once swords are crossed, the gun becomes useless.”
— Miyamoto Musashi,
the world’s greatest samurai, victor of 60 life-and-death duels, circa 1643
Chuin vs. Remo scene from Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins
THE REALITY OF GUN DISARMS
The Chuin vs. Remo scene from Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins may seem over-the-top, but closing the gap and disarming a gunfighter is possible. The Destroyer pulp novel series, which inspired Remo Williams, was a favorite of Grandmaster Denis Decker, whose teachings influence our RAT Synthesis system.
The truth? Gun disarms are real and effective—but only under the right conditions, executed with absolute commitment and the right mindset.
The techniques work—but the biggest challenge isn’t skill; it’s handling the chaos.
“He who hesitates, meditates in a horizontal position” – Ed Parker
When the moment arrives, hesitation equals death. Your only option is immediate, decisive action. RAT Synthesis Mind Range™ Training develops the Zen mushin mindset, giving you the focus, control, and reaction speed needed to succeed in extreme scenarios.
There’s a reason Japan’s most fearless warriors, the samurai, embraced Zen.
SECOND TIER: ADVANCED RAT SYNTHESIS
In this tier, RAT Synthesis students train the art of neutralizing knives, bats, and close-range firearms, while seamlessly integrating powerful Kubotan techniques for total control and defense.
LONG RANGE: SURVIVAL THROUGH MOVEMENT
If you have distance, your best option is to run.
If running isn’t an option—like when you’re protecting your family—you may have no choice but to close the distance and disarm the assailant. See Middle Range below.
A study by Greg Ellifritz tested different running techniques—straight-line, zig-zag, and crouched—against an active shooter using simulated scenarios. The results? No significant difference in hit rates. However, running in a straight line resulted in fewer shots fired, while zig-zagging led to more hits on extremities.
Key Tactics for Long-Range Survival:
- Situational Awareness & Movement – Elite operatives and RAT Synthesis warriors develop hyper-awareness. Recognizing danger before a gun is drawn is the first line of defense.
- Preemptive Dodging – Reacting to the shooter’s body language before they pull the trigger increases survival odds.
- Explosive Evasive Maneuvers – Techniques that emphasize sudden, unpredictable movement, making targeting difficult. Sprinting off-angle, diving for cover, or breaking an opponent’s line of sight are essential survival tactics.
MIDDLE RANGE: THE GAP-CLOSING GAME
At mid-range, running may not be an option. Your best bet? Angle, evade, and rush.
- Use cover and concealment. Make yourself harder to hit.
- Unpredictable movement. Avoid patterns. If you’re moving, make them work for every shot.
- Commit to closing the gap. If escape is impossible, you must engage.
The Reality of Fighting an Armed Opponent
When unarmed against a firearm, your only viable strategy is to get close enough to grab it. Doing nothing guarantees death. Engagement is survival.
CLOSE RANGE: DISARMING THE THREAT
At close range (within arm’s reach), disarming becomes possible. RAT Synthesis specializes in weapon control and redirection.
Filipino Kali – “Defanging the Snake”
The U.S. Marine Corps learned firsthand the lethality of Filipino escrimadors during their campaigns in the Philippines. Kali practitioners could slice a Marine’s throat before he could fire, leading to the development of the Marines’ leather neckguard—which earned them the nickname “Leathernecks.”
In northern states like New Jersey, self-defense is not considered a lawful purpose for carrying a knife. It is also nearly impossible to get a concealed carry permit for a firearm unless you have connections. In RAT Synthesis, we use the legal Kubotan, a seemingly simple keychain weapon that, in the right hands, becomes a lethal tool.
A well-placed strike to the hand or arm (Kali’s “defang the snake” principle) can cause an opponent to drop their weapon. Then follow up with strikes to vital points like the temples, eyes, and throat.
Gun Disarm Techniques in Action
Viktor Marx Method.
Victor Marx is a former U.S. Marine who claims to be the world’s fastest gun disarmer. He is also a humanitarian, author, filmmaker, and martial artist.
Watch the technique here:
- Weapon Redirection – The key is controlling the weapon arm, not the weapon itself.
- Striking Vital Points – Once the weapon is controlled, finish the fight.
MULTIPLE GUNFIGHTERS: SURVIVAL STRATEGIES
Fighting multiple armed opponents is highly unfavorable, but not impossible.
Evasion & Manipulation:
- Use one attacker as a human shield – If possible, position yourself to force them into each other’s line of fire.
- Keep moving – A static target is a dead target.
- Eliminate the nearest threat first – If you must engage, go for the closest and most vulnerable opponent.
FINAL THOUGHTS: CHAOS AND RESPONSE
Gun disarm tactics work—but the mindset matters more than the method. Under extreme stress, chaos takes over. You won’t rise to the occasion; you’ll fall to the level of your training.
When the moment comes, there’s no thinking—only action. Respond with extreme prejudice. No hesitation.
