In this article, we will be discussing another great technique that you can use to escape when your attacker has grabbed you tightly by one arm. This is a common scenario likely to occur in a face-to-face assault situation; where your attacker reaches straight out and grasps your arm or wrist. Though a common first instinct for most of us is to contract our muscles and limbs when physically assaulted, it is important to remain relaxed in such a situation, as doing that will only bring the attacker closer to your body.

While likely to create panic, you need to remember you still have one free arm and a lot of chances to reclaim control, before the situation escalates into something more serious. 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 to ensure a powerful blow. And keep breathing calmly.

Next, with your free hand, drop a hammer fist on the attacker’s arm with which he is gripping you. If you have read my previous posts, you know that a hammer fist is not a punch. It’s more like a strike or smash that’s delivered vertically or horizontally using the bottom of your fist, which also makes it much more powerful and safer.

Make sure you land this strike on the outside of the forearm where the elbow and upper arm meet. This is the location for the Large Intestine 10 & 11 pressure points and striking this will pretty much numb everything from the elbow down, and temporarily immobilise the arm. If you hit hard enough, the attacker won’t be able to use that arm for the next few days.

While your attacker is dealing with the pain caused by the blow, take this chance to follow up with a swift knee to the groin attack, to flee the scene and get yourself some help. 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.