When Tenths Of A Second Are All You Have | Active Self Protection

Published on May 29, 2026
Duration: 9:27

This lesson from Active Self-Protection, hosted by John Correa, analyzes a defensive gunfight in Masejo, Brazil. It emphasizes the critical importance of speed, surprise, and violence of action when immediate lethal threat is present. The video details a technique for disarming an attacker, focusing on covering distance, deflecting the weapon, dominating the gun arm, distracting the assailant, disarming, and disabling. It also addresses the complexities of multi-attacker scenarios and the necessity of accuracy and speed in gunfights, highlighting that gunfights are won and lost in tenths of a second.

Quick Summary

In a defensive gunfight, the aggressor sets the terms, creating an initiative deficit. The recommended strategy is purposeful compliance to create an opportunity for a counter-ambush. When engaging, prioritize speed, surprise, and violence of action. In multi-attacker scenarios, address the most immediate threat first, and remember that gunfights are won and lost in tenths of seconds, requiring both speed and accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Fight After the Fight
  2. 00:22Active Self-Protection: Research-Informed Defensive Lesson
  3. 00:30Scenario Analysis: Brazil Robbery Gunfight
  4. 01:04Initiative Deficit and Purposeful Compliance
  5. 01:30Threat Assessment: Multiple Attackers
  6. 01:56Engaging with Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action
  7. 02:11The 5 D's of Disarmament Technique
  8. 02:38Real-World Disarmament Dynamics
  9. 02:52Second Attacker and Good Guy's Response
  10. 03:04Timing and Opportunity in Gunfights
  11. 03:18Engaging Multiple Threats: Accuracy and Transitions
  12. 03:39Addressing Threats: Biggest Threat First
  13. 03:57The Criticality of Tenths of a Second
  14. 04:15Speed vs. Accuracy in Gunfights
  15. 04:35Justification for Shooting in the Back
  16. 04:48Firearm Capacity in Multi-Attacker Scenarios
  17. 05:39Key Takeaways: Willingness to Fight and Accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary strategy recommended for dealing with a firearm threat when immediate lethal force is not apparent?

The recommended strategy is purposeful compliance. This involves waiting for an opportunity to defend yourself, rather than immediately resisting. The goal is to create an opening for a counter-ambush, which is considered the best approach in such situations.

What are the key principles for engaging in a defensive gunfight?

The key principles are speed, surprise, and violence of action. These elements are crucial for gaining an advantage. Additionally, accuracy is vital, as gunfights are won and lost in tenths of seconds, meaning both fast and accurate shooting is essential.

How should one approach a situation with multiple armed attackers?

When facing multiple armed attackers, it's advised to address the most immediate threat first. After neutralizing or addressing that threat, you then transition to the next attacker. Practicing target transitions is important for this scenario.

What is the recommended technique for disarming an attacker?

The technique involves several steps: cover the distance, deflect the firearm away from your body, dominate the gun hand and arm, distract the attacker, disarm them of the weapon, and finally, disable them from causing further harm.

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