How do I get out of this hold?

Question

I am normally pretty good in a tussle, but i can't escape this...

If someone comes up behind you and wraps their arms around your torso, pinning your arms against your sides.

I had someone suggest that i throw myself backwards and use my body weight against an attacker. However, I am 5'5" and 115 lbs. This doesn't seem like it would be very effective, as pretty much any assailant would be larger than me. I am very fit, so pretty much any athletic thing you suggest, I should be able to do...any ideas?

Answer 1

Use your head and throw it backwards preferably right into his nose. if not try bagging him with your foot. Better yet NEVER go out unarmed (i always, always  have a knife on me) and always watch your six.

Answer 2

The easiest way to get out of any hold is to stamp on a persons foot or headbutt them in this instance a backwards headbutt would work and so would some kicks to the shin.

Answer 3

What you have to do is create space between you and your attacker so that you can get out. Sink your hips and lean back to stretch out their arms. This will put all of your weight onto his hands and make it harder for him to hold on. You may be able to slide out if you thrust your arms upwards and catch him off guard, but not if he has a decent hold.

Otherwise, use your hands to pull his grip apart by grabbing fingers, etc. While keeping your hips low and leaning back, move away from the attacker and you should be able to get out. Scream for help also to attract attention.

Answer 4

Here are two some options.

One is a heel stomp where you bring your leg up and then shoot your heel down on the top of their foot.  Done right can break the bone.

Two-lean forward quickly and shoot your head back into their face.  Can easily break the nose.

Three-if your arms are clasped at your torso turns them and grab whatever is right behind you.  Many times this-depending on the height-has you at about thigh to groin height.  Grab, squeeze, and twist.

Laslty is to drop straight down quickly but keep your feet under you. Low as you can then shoot straight up as hard as you can.

Be caeful as all of these can be very damaging to an opponent.

Answer 5

Hey Jennifer, it's actually pretty easy to get out of such a hold. I took Brazilian jujitsu for two years and here are some things you could try:

Bend at your torso - using your knees to keep you up while bending as low as you can - when the person holding onto you has their feet leave the ground, lift your hips into the air and the person will flip over you. The best part about this technique is that it doesn't matter how little (or big) you are, anyone can do it with the right form.

Another technique you can try is to reach up and hold onto your attackers arms, then quickly get into a ball position. When you move your momentum quickly into this shape the attack will have no other choice but to fall over, and if you're holding onto their arms you will now have control.

Good luck (and I strongly recommend looking into Brazilian Jiujitsu classes, it's a lot of fun and great for self defense)!