GROUND DEFENSES

1.  Sitting on Stomach - Straight Arm Lock

For this technique lets assume that your opponent (the attacker) has got through all of your defenses (oops) and is now crouching over you or sitting on your stomach, while you are flat on your back, and he is going to punch you (Figure 1).

Fig 1. The Attack

Fig 2. Blocking the Attack

You need to block the incoming strike and preferably hit him back (Figure 2). Move your right hand across your body and grab his right hand.  Place the palm of your hand on the back of his hand so that you can wrap your fingers around his little finger and into the palm of his hand.  Your thumb should wrap round the other side between his thumb and fore finger so that you have a good grip of his hand.  Your left hand should be placed behind his elbow in order to be able to apply pressure and keep his arm straight (Figure 3).  Bring your right hand back across your body in an arc above your head.  (Note that it will be easier to move his arm if you take it in a circle rather than straight across your body, especially if he has more strength than you). At the same time keep the pressure on his elbow with your left hand (Figure 4).  

Fig 3. Achieving the Arm Lock

Fig 4. Applying the Arm Lock

Technically you have now intercepted an attack and subdued your attacker. However, it is difficult to feel good about this while you are still lying flat on your back. Push his hand out as far as you can to the right of your head and push it towards the ground.  At the same time you need to bend your left leg so that you are able to lift your left hip in the direction of the motion. Continue to twist towards him while maintaining the lock.  The end result is that you want him to fall forward passed your right shoulder (Figure 5).  If you can roll out and get to your knees faster than him and still have the lock on then well done - you still have full control of your opponent.  If you can’t keep the lock on then you need to roll out and get to your knees faster than him and run very fast!

Fig 5. Escaping from Underneath

If you are unfortunate enough to need to use this technique for real in a self defense situation there are a couple of things that need to be said.  Firstly, think back to how you got yourself in to this situation and promise yourself not to do it again (not helpful, but needs to be said J).  Secondly, if someone bigger and stronger than you is sitting on you then you will need to distract him before trying to grab his hand.  Some suggestions are : a chop or spear hand to his throat, a thumb in his eye, a sharp/hard push against his elbows to lock his arms, if they are straight, or a hammer fist to his nose (or all of the above). Finally, the reality is that size does matter and even if you jam the arm lock on hard and lift your hip and twist you may not be able to maintain the lock or roll him off you completely.  In which case, do not cling on to his arm and start fighting strength against strength.  As soon as the arm lock is no longer effective you need to twist on to your knees and get up as soon as you can, or try something different.  As you do so you should keep striking him to keep him off guard.  Alternatively, get up and run (seriously – do not stay and fight if you can safely escape).

YDJ Graham Salt