Choke from Behind with a Push

The principles of this defense are exactly the same as those for Choke from the Front with a Push (page 66).

Starting Position: Passive stance, with an attacker behind you.

When the choke and push come from behind, your hands may fly forward (an instinctive motion to prevent a fall). Assuming you step forward with your right foot, bring your left arm up and close to your ear. This ensures that you defend against the attacker’s wrist. Turn sharply back toward the attacker. Unlike in the Choke from the Front, this turn should be greater than 90° since, in this case, it brings you around to face the attacker.

As you complete the turn, step back with your left (inside) foot—this helps maintain balance against a strong push. Bring your left elbow down to clear the attacker’s hands and pin them against your body. At the same time, counterattack with a right punch, followed by multiple left knees.

Tips: If the push is not strong, stepping back may not be necessary…but in most cases it is.

Headlock from the Side

Headlock from the Side represents one of the most common types of holds in schoolyards, street fights, and barroom brawls.

Starting Position: An attacker headlocks you from the side.

As the headlock is made, don’t resist the inward/downward pull (assuming you are surprised, you will not be able to resist). Go with it, turning your chin in and down to avoid a choke and limit exposure to a punch. At the same time, strike the attacker’s groin with your outside hand (across your bent-over body) while bringing your inside hand up between your head and the attacker’s.

If the attacker has no hair, go for the eyes and nose, placing your index finger under the nose and your thumb under the chin (avoid fingers over the mouth). Lift the attacker’s chin up sharply. Take your inside elbow straight down to your hip while standing up.

Deliver counterattacks such as hammerfists or straight punches to the face.

Variation: If the attacker has hair, grab the hair (right down to the scalp) at the hairline with your outside hand.

Soft Techniques Wrist Release: Same-Side Hand (Elbow to Elbow)

This technique should be applied if the other party grabs you on the same/mirror side (e.g., grabs your right hand with his left).

Starting Position: Attacker grabs your right hand with his left hand.

Move your elbow forward, bending it until it touches (or is very near) your partner’s elbow. At the same time, snap your wrist out of the hold, leading with the blade, or thin part of the wrist.

Move away, keeping your hands up.

Tips: It may be necessary to step forward to get close enough to make the release. If a step is necessary, step in with the same-side foot (if your right wrist is held, step with your right foot). To help remember the technique, think of it as “elbow to elbow.”