Section I.

Section I. UNARMED OPPONENT

Most grasping type attacks will leave the enemy in striking range. Therefore, elaborate defenses are not necessary. You should simply attack with strikes and force the enemy to either close with you, or when he attempts to respond with strikes, take the opportunity to close or escape yourself. The techniques in this section are directed at escaping from positions that are more difficult.

8-1. DEFENSE AGAINST CHOKES

a. Standing Rear Naked (Figure 8-1). At the moment you feel the enemy's arm around your neck, your hands should immediately grasp it to keep him from tightening the choke, and you should hang your weight on his arm to feel where his weight is. If he is close to your back, simply lean forward at the waist and, using your hips to lift, throw him straight over your back.

Figure 8-1. Defense against the standing rear naked choke.

Figure 8-1. Defense against the standing rear naked choke (continued).

Figure 8-1. Defense against the standing rear naked choke (continued).

b. Standing Rear Naked Pulling Back (Figure 8-2). If, when you hang your weight on the enemy's arm, you feel that he is pulling you back over one of his legs, you should reach back with your leg and wrap it around the outside of the enemy's leg on the same side as the choking arm. As he tires from holding you up, use your leg as a guide and work your way around to the position shown. Your leg must be behind his, and you must be leaning forward, controlling his arm. Twisting your body, throw him to the ground.

Figure 8-2. Defense against the standing rear naked choke leaning back.

Figure 8-2. Defense against the standing rear naked choke leaning back (continued).

Figure 8-2. Defense against the standing rear naked choke leaning back (continued).

c. One-Hand Neck Press Against the Wall (Figure 8-3). If the enemy pins you against the wall with one hand, strike his arm with the palm of your hand on the side where his thumb is pushing toward his fingers. This will make his arm slide off of your neck. Follow through with your strike and when your arm is in position, strike with a backward elbow strike to the head.

Figure 8-3. Defense against one-hand neck press against a wall.

Figure 8-3. Defense against one-hand neck press against a wall (continued).

d. Two-Hand Neck Press While Pinned Against the Wall (Figure 8-4). If the enemy uses both hands against your neck to press you into the wall, grasp under his elbows with both hands. Step out to either side and throw him against the wall. Finish with a knee strike.

Figure 8-4. Defense against the two-hand neck press against a wall.

Figure 8-4. Defense against the two-hand neck press against a wall (continued).

Figure 8-4. Defense against the two-hand neck press against a wall (continued).

8-2. DEFENSE AGAINST BEAR HUGS

a. Front Bear Hug Over Your Arms (Figure 8-5). If the enemy attempts to grasp you in a bear hug from the front over your arms, move your hips back and use your arms as a brace between his hips and yours. Your hands should be on his hip bones, and your elbows should be braced against your hips. Keeping one arm as a brace, step to the opposite side to achieve the clinch. Finish with a takedown.

Figure 8-5. Defense against the front bear hug over your arms.

Figure 8-5. Defense against the front bear hug over your arms (continued).

b. Front Bear Hug Under Your Arms (Figure 8-6). If the enemy attempts to grasp you under your arms, step back into a strong base and use both hands to push his chin upwards to break his grasp. Finish with a knee strike. If he is exceptionally strong, push upwards against his nose.

Figure 8-6. Defense against the front bear hug under your arms.

Figure 8-6. Defense against the front bear hug under your arms (continued).

c. Bear Hug From the Rear, Over the Arms (Figure 8-7). When the enemy attempts to grab you from behind over your arms, drop down into a strong stance and bring your arms up to prevent him from controlling them. Step to the outside and then around his hip so that your legs are behind him. At this point you may attack his groin, or you may lift him with your hips and throw him.

Figure 8-7. Defense against the bear hug from the rear, over the arms.

Figure 8-7. Defense against the bear hug from the rear, over the arms (continued).

d. Bear Hug from the Rear Under Your Arms (Figure 8-8). When the enemy grasps you from the rear under your arms, he will probably try to lift you for a throw. If he does so, wrap your leg around his so that you are harder to maneuver for the throw. When he sets you down, or if he did not lift you in the first place, lean your weight forward and place your hands on the ground. Move to one side until one of his legs is between yours. Push backward slightly and reach one hand back to grasp his heel. When you have a good grip, reach back with the other hand. Pull forward with your hands, and when he falls, break his knee by sitting on it as you pull on his leg.

Figure 8-8. Defense against the bear hug from the rear, under the arms.

Figure 8-8. Defense against the bear hug from the rear, under the arms (continued).

Figure 8-8. Defense against the bear hug from the rear, under the arms (continued).

Figure 8-8. Defense against the bear hug from the rear, under the arms (continued).

CAUTION

Care must be taken when practicing this technique to avoid accidental injury.