In this video lesson I show how to defend against a front bear hug correctly, using a pressure point fighting approach rather than the BJJ way.

This is not a criticism of BJJ, which is an excellent grappling art. It is about choosing the right tool for self-defence, where you may face a bigger attacker, more than one person, and a hard floor. This one is for anyone who wants a simple answer to being grabbed from the front.

Why The Bear Hug Is Dangerous

A front bear hug pins your arms or crushes your body, and lets the attacker lift, throw or drive you to the ground. Against someone bigger and stronger, trying to out-wrestle them is hard work and can end badly.

Many grappling responses are excellent in a sport setting, but they often involve taking the fight to the ground. In the street that is the last place you want to be.

The Pressure Point Approach

My approach is to stay on your feet and make the attacker want to let go. The principles are:

  • Protect your balance first. Drop your weight and widen your base so you are harder to lift
  • Use what is free. Even with your arms pinned, your head, hands, knees and feet often have targets
  • Attack the points. Short, relaxed strikes or pressure on sensitive areas make the attacker loosen the hold
  • Take their balance. Once the grip loosens, turn or push them off balance
  • Get away. Breaking the hold is not the end. Escape is the goal

Common Mistakes

The commonest mistake is panicking and trying to push the attacker away with your arms. It plays to their strength. The second is waiting too long. The earlier you react, before the hug is fully locked on, the easier it is.

How To Practise It

Start with a cooperative partner applying a light bear hug. Work on dropping your weight, then finding the free targets and moving through the defence slowly. Add pressure and speed only as the movement becomes natural. Train strikes and pressure points with control and very light contact.

In real self-defence, use only the force that is reasonable for the threat, and get away as soon as you can.

Take It Further

The Pressure Point Self Defense Course covers grabs and holds as part of a complete system. If you are older or less athletic, Fight Like An Old Man is built for you.