Welcome Back! Some self-defense techniques are simple, others more complex, but they all work based on knowledge. The human mind is like a computer. It can only perform tasks for which it is programmed. Similarly, by arming the mind with knowledge about how to respond to a variety of situations and training the body through repetition, there is something you can do. Many techniques will work for a variety of body types and ages. However, not all techniques work for all people for the same situations. Therefore, it is important to learn a variety techniques. More about this topic in a future post. For today, we want to share with you one of the most fundamental techniques--circular arm breakaway.
This technique is presented for children, but it is equally effective for teenagers and adults. We hope it makes a difference in your overall safety and piece of mind.
An attacker typically grabs a child with a straight across wrist grab, a cross wrist grab, or a sleeve grab with the intention of pulling the child out of sight and into a secluded area. A straight-across wrist grab occurs when an attacker uses his hand to grab the child’s opposite arm, like a mirror image. For example, the attacker’s right arm grabs the child’s left arm. A cross-wrist grab occurs when an attacker uses his hand to grab the child’s same arm by reaching across the front of his body. For example, the attacker’s right arm grabs the child’s right arm. In all three of these attacks the child can escape using a technique called a circular arm breakaway.
The circular motion of this technique involves a change of direction that uses the strength of the attacker to assist the child in escaping from the grab. Swing your arm in one direction, and then quickly reverse direction and complete three or more large circles in the opposite direction. Your arm should be straight, and the large sweeping motion of the circles should come from movement (rotation) at the shoulder joint. The direction of the circles does not matter. Whether you swing clockwise or counter clockwise, both motions are effective to escape the grab. The extra circles you complete once freed are important. They visually distract the attacker and prevent him from immediately grabbing you again. As you become free and continue these extra circles, back away from the attacker. Then run for help. An attacker will not likely pursue the child due to the chance of now being seen and caught.
When teaching this technique, be aware of two things. First, by reversing the circular flow, the child has added the strength of the attacker to their own because the attacker will have automatically tried to return their arm to its original position of control. Therefore, it is important for the child to move their arm in one direction with a quick motion and then reverse the circle in the other direction just as quickly. Second, do not allow the child to pull the attacker onto them. This strengthens the attacker’s grip and reduces the effectiveness of the circular motion.
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Until next time, Be Safe!
PS. Do you live in the Central New York Area and want to take classes that will improve your confidence, health, and personal safety skills? Contact the American Martial Arts Institute at AMAI-EagleStyle.Com. They have classes for all ages.
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