Hair Grab from the Opposite Side or Back of the Head

It’s possible that the attacker comes from the side but grabs the hair on the back of your head, or reaches around to the other side. It’s also possible that an attacker comes from the back and grabs the back of your head.

Starting Position: Attacker grabs your hair from behind.

When you feel the pull, do not resist. Instead, burst in the direction of the pull, ideally toward the shoulder of the hand that has grabbed you. You may feel yourself “spin” around. Go with this motion (e.g., if the attacker on your left reaches around and grabs the right side of your head and pulls, you will feel yourself spinning to your right. Go in that direction).

As you spin around, make a 360° Defense (if necessary) with the closest hand.

Follow up with groin and head strikes.

Bearhug from Behind (Leverage on the Finger)

When an attacker makes a bearhug from behind, leaving your arms free, he may also hide his head against your back to limit your ability to make counterattacks with your elbows. Stomps, heel strikes to his shins, and uppercut back kicks are still possible, but the attack may require another technique to remove the attacker’s arms from around your body.

Starting Position: Attacker bearhugs you from behind, leaving your arms free.

Immediately drop your weight to make yourself difficult to lift.

Make elbow strikes to the face as well as other counterattacks, such as stomps.

Slide your hands along his forearms until you find a finger (usually the index finger). Using either hand, peel the finger up, starting at the tip so that you only deal with one part of the finger at a time. If you try to pry the finger up from the base of the digit, or halfway to the tip, the attacker’s grip will be too strong.

As you loosen the finger, begin to grab it with your opposite hand (i.e., if you get the left hand, grab the finger with your right) so that the meaty part of your hand is near the base of the finger, and the thumb side of your hand is at the tip. Think of “pushing” the finger rather than “pulling” it. Your other hand should catch the attacker’s hand, isolating the finger joint. Press the finger down into its socket, then push back toward the top of the hand. This releases the bearhug.

Step out, pivoting on your foot and keeping pressure on the finger.

With your closest foot, kick to the groin or face.

Bearhug from Behind (with Lift)

Starting Position: Attacker bearhugs you from behind (arms caught or arms free).

As the attacker lifts you, immediately make an uppercut back kick to the attacker’s groin. At the same time, wrap your free leg around the attacker’s leg, then straighten it as much as possible. This “wrap” limits the attacker’s ability to throw you around or toss you.

If you land a solid strike to the groin, the attacker will drop you quickly. Be ready to get your feet under you fast!

Tips: Although the wrap is important, do NOT wait until after you’ve wrapped to make the kick. The kick must be immediate.

Variation: If you are dropped, turn and continue with counterattacks.