In this final lesson, we will be discussing a highly effective technique that you can use to defend yourself against a collar grab. A collar grab is a very common attack and often times a precursor to a much more dangerous attack. For example, your attacker can grab your collar and then deliver a slap or a punch or even a knife stab; making it critical for you to get out of his grip, before things get worse.

With this in mind, let’s look at the most effective moves to handle this threat. First and most importantly, do not PANIC! Stabilise yourself with strong legs and keep breathing calmly. When grabbed by the shirt, instantly pull the attacker’s forearm towards your body.

Next, use your thumb to press the pressure point below the biceps, right where the triceps muscles begin. This area contains a critical nerve point. And striking or applying pressure to the muscle directly will usually hit nerve points, deadening the muscle and making your attacker lose control of the hold, and incapable of any further attacks.

But if your attacker is still standing and makes a move to grab you by the neck, a quick bite on the area where the biceps muscle starts will surely release the choke. While your attacker is dealing with the pain caused by your bite, you can take this chance to follow up with any of the self-defence strikes you have learnt previously to bring him to the ground. Flee the scene and get yourself some help.

That brings you to the end of this blog series on learning self-defence. Make sure you practise these moves daily with a willing partner or in front of a mirror, so you don’t panic and/or freeze when this happens in real life. If you enjoyed reading about these techniques in self-defence, do check out our other blogs. Do share these blogs with friends and family, or with anyone who you think will find the information useful.