Choke from the Side Defense

Starting Position: On your back, with the attacker kneeling on your right side and applying a choke.

Make a right-handed palm heel strike to the attacker’s sternum or face as you make a pluck with your left hand. The strike is made only to create space.

Immediately roll your hips up, tuck your right knee in against the attacker’s chest, and bring your left foot into the air. As you tuck your right knee into the attacker’s chest, bring your right hand back and grab the defender’s left hand. Both your hands should now be holding and pulling on the attacker’s right hand.

Bring your left leg down in a sharp motion along the left side of the attacker’s neck. Your goal should be both to strike and to bring him toward the ground.

As you take him down, focus on bringing your left heel to your buttocks. This will keep the attacker close to you and give you more control. Continue to pull on the attacker’s right arm to maintain control and keep him close.

As the attacker hits the ground, bring your right foot up across his chest. If you have kept him close and pulled on the arm, the attacker’s left elbow will be above the line of your groin. He is now in a position for the arm bar (page 202).

Variation: Because Krav Maga emphasizes simplicity, a less-complex version of the defense is possible. Instead of taking the attacker down with your left foot, simply “stomp” upward toward his face and kick the attacker away. If you meet resistance, you may have to perform the takedown.

Tips: Once you apply the arm bar, you may also continue with stomps to the attacker’s face and midsection.

Headlock from the Side Defense (Basic Positioning)

This is a very common way for a groundfight to end up. Unless the attacker is much bigger and stronger, the attack offers less danger than would appear. The defender can be punched and a choke is possible, though unlikely. However, a “neck crank” is possible. There are three basic techniques with which to escape from this hold. However, two of them are very similar, and can be considered one technique. We discuss basic positioning first since the movements described in later sections all play off of this position.

The Position: When the attacker applies the headlock while sitting to your right side, tuck your chin to avoid being punched or choked and shift your hips so that you are on your side.

Raise your free (upper) hand up and place your forearm across your attacker’s neck and jaw. This arm can be used to push against the attacker’s throat/neck/head to prevent him from applying maximum pressure against your head and neck.

Tuck your other (lower) hand in. Do not let this hand get caught inside your attacker’s outside hand because he will trap it there easily.