Explain the defense and disarming techniques used in combatives against weapons.

In combatives training, defense and disarming techniques are crucial skills when facing armed attackers. These techniques focus on minimizing the threat posed by weapons and creating opportunities for self-defense. Here are some defense and disarming techniques used in combatives against weapons:

1. Empty-Hand Defense:

* Redirect and Control: This technique involves redirecting the weapon's trajectory while simultaneously gaining control of the attacker's arm or hand. By redirecting the weapon away from the defender's body, it reduces the risk of injury and creates an opportunity to disarm the attacker.
* Deflect and Strike: Deflecting the weapon's strike or redirecting its path using blocks or parries while simultaneously executing strikes to vulnerable areas of the attacker's body. This technique disrupts the attacker's balance and focus, allowing the defender to gain control of the weapon.
2. Disarming Techniques:

* Snatching: Snatching techniques involve quickly seizing and controlling the weapon, utilizing swift and precise movements to neutralize the threat. This technique aims to surprise the attacker and create a momentary imbalance that allows the defender to gain control of the weapon.
* Joint Manipulation: Joint manipulation techniques focus on using joint locks and leverage to force the attacker's hand or arm into a position that weakens their grip on the weapon, enabling the defender to disarm them.
* Weapon Stripping: Weapon stripping techniques involve using rotational or pulling motions to remove the weapon from the attacker's hand, often combined with strikes to disorient or distract the attacker.
3. Improvised Weapons:

* Utilizing Environmental Objects: Combatives training emphasizes the use of available objects in the surroundings as improvised weapons for defense. These objects can include everyday items such as belts, bags, or even furniture. Understanding how to wield and leverage these objects effectively can provide an advantage when facing an armed assailant.
4. Retention Techniques:

* Weapon Retention: When the defender is the one possessing a weapon, retention techniques are essential to prevent the attacker from disarming them. These techniques focus on maintaining a secure grip on the weapon, utilizing body positioning, and controlling the attacker to minimize the risk of losing control of the weapon.
5. Situational Awareness:

* Awareness of the weapon's location, the attacker's body language, and the surrounding environment is critical in combatives training. Developing situational awareness helps the defender anticipate potential threats, identify vulnerabilities, and make informed decisions regarding defense and disarming strategies.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of defense and disarming techniques against weapons relies heavily on proper training, repetition, and realistic simulations. Combatives training emphasizes continuous practice, refining techniques, and adapting to different weapon types and attack scenarios. Safety precautions, such as using training weapons and protective equipment, should be observed to minimize the risk of injury during training sessions. Additionally, combatives training encourages the development of mental resilience and the ability to remain calm and focused under high-stress situations involving weapons.