In my system we require firearms training (weapons use, handgun retention, tactical use of a firearm). I am curious as to how many other instructors train students in the use of firearms.

I would say that to defend yourself against any weapon you would need to have even a basic understanding of how it works and operates. The same applies to firearms. If you don't know how your attacker is going to be using it, you don't know how to stop them from using it.

We don't actually learn how to operate firearms in our system but we are taught methods of disarming an attacker (if its possible). Personally though I have learnt to use a handgun and a shotgun and I wish that my MA training would include more of this.

Interesting. I know I wouldn't ever teach how to use a gun, but if I could, I would teach how to take one away from the assailant.

I believe they should be taught because it is a realistic threat in current times. To me it doesnt make sense the amount of time people spend learning weapons that have no relation to weapons found in society today, yet they completely avoid common weapons like guns and knives.

I kind of agree with cross. I think that learning to use a firearm is very important. Learning to take one away is only one part of the equation, and it would not be very common. Learning to fire the weapon, how to move strategically with the weapon, etc, are all very important things, I think.

I do not teach this, but I am learning it, currently. It really is a lot of fun!

If you are looking to learn self defense you need to know how to deal with guns. Not just disarming techniques and such, but how the guns work. Can you tell how many bullets a gun has just by looking at it? How does the gun fire and how much damage will it do? Can you identify the type of gun to the police?(deringer, rifle, revolver, ect...)If you gain control of a gun from an attacker you should know how to use it.

I think learning proper use and handling of firearms is important. It doesn't have to be from a martial arts platform either. Lets face it, guns and knives are a part of the criminal element as well as in the law-abiding elements of our society. It is good to at least familiarize yourself with them even if you personally don't choose to own or carry one.

I think any martial art seeking to promote itself for self-defense or as a "fighting art" needs to teach offensive and defensive firearms techniques.

i think u shud cuz wut if some1 pulled one on u, ud know what to do, and maybe something will hapen when ull hav to use a gun.

where i am from 9 out of 10 people own and shoot guns on a regular basis either for hunting, competition, of just fun. guns are a part of everyday life in a small town. i own five myself. teaching defense against guns is a must. although crime rate is very low here the gun rate is alot.