Tiger McKee on training

Tiger McKee on training, from the Tactical Wire.  He’s looking at the concept of firearms training being a martial art.

Finally you get to the point where you realize that to fight effectively, regardless of the weapon, you must be fluid, reacting to the situation as it unfolds, using whatever is necessary to defeat your opponent. As Bruce Lee said, you must become like water. Water is soft and flowing, or it can come crashing down on you. Pour water into a cup and it becomes the cup. Fill a bucket with water and it becomes the bucket. This is the “Way” of any martial art.

The ultimate application of martial arts is to defeat your opponent without having to use your skills. The interesting thing about studying the martial art of firearms is that the more you learn the less chance there is that you’ll have to use it. This is a good thing.

The entire column is worth reading, of course – Tiger is an accomplished instructor, trainer, and competitive shooter.  The concept of firearms as a martial art is something that’s often debated, and while opinions may differ, the value of training in the “martial arts” mindset of firearms training is extremely valuable for defensive and competitive shooters.

3 Comments

  1. Yes, but not to be confused with the ghey-ass “Gun Kata” of the movie Equilibrium.

    If you see me use the term “gun kata” I’m using the term “kata” fairly literally, and referring to repeated practice presentations or mag changes or whatever.

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