Bearhug from the Front with Arms Free

With your arms free, if there is space to operate, you have weapons available but you are in serious danger of a takedown. The attacker has “underhooks,” which many wrestlers use to initiate takedowns. You must prevent this type of attack while allowing maximum power in counterattacks.

Starting Position: Passive stance while an attacker bearhugs you from the front, leaving your arms free.

As the attacker applies the bearhug, kick your hips and feet back and lower your center of gravity, making yourself harder to lift (space and base). Reach around his arms to put both of your hands on (or near) his hips.

Deliver knee strikes immediately. When appropriate, release your hands and continue to counter or disengage and make distance.

Tips: For additional defensive tactics, see Bearhug from the Front with Arms Free— Leverage on the Neck (page 133). If the attacker is large, it may be difficult to get your hands near his hips. We rely on the knee to keep him away. We also rely on the next technique.

Bearhug from the Front with Arms Free (Leverage on the Neck)

This variation is possible as a follow-up to the previous defense, or when space restrictions or imbalance prevent you from delivering knees.

Starting Position: Passive stance while an attacker bearhugs you from the front, leaving your arms free.

As the attacker squeezes you in, his head will generally turn to one side or the other against your chest. With your opposite-side arm, reach around the attacker’s head, grabbing the hair at the temple. If the attacker has no hair, reach slightly farther and grab along the nose ridge while pressing into the eyes.

Twist the attacker’s face away. His chin should rotate away from your body. You may use your other hand to aid this motion by placing the heel of your palm against his chin and pushing.

As the attacker is peeled away, step out with your foot, allowing him to drop down. Counterattack with straight punches or hammerfist punches.

Tips: It is also possible to use the same-side hand and drive the webbing between your thumb and finger under his nose to drive the attacker’s chin up.

Bearhug from the Front with Arms Caught (with Space)

If there is space (i.e., if your feet are stable and there is a small gap between you and the attacker), counterattack.

Starting Position: Passive stance while an attacker bearhugs you from the front, trapping your arms but leaving some space.

Jam the heels of your palms against the attacker’s hips to prevent his hips from getting closer to you.

Deliver knees to the groin or midsection.

Immediately, when any space is created, bring your inside hand up and lay your forearm across the attacker’s neck to control his body (preventing him from shooting in).

Tips: If there is space, other counterattacks can include foot stomps or kicks to the groin.