How to Defend Against a Bear Hug from Behind

Co-authored by Derrek Hofrichter

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

If someone grabs you from behind, it may not be just a friendly surprise embrace. Unfortunately, there's a chance someone may be trying to harm or rob you. In this case, learning how to defend and free yourself from a bear hug from behind is crucial to staying safe. Keep reading to learn how to get away and find help.

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Do this by entering a squatting position. Once you have accomplished this, it will be much harder to move you around and you will have bought yourself some time.
2

*Make sure your assailant is an enemy. Hurting your friends is a bad idea. Once you realize that your attacker is trying to hurt you, go ahead and fight back.

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If they are not free, go directly to the next step. If they are, skip the next one and read the one after it.
Do anything to get free. Some suggestions are stomping on the feet and hitting (not grabbing) the groin. Once your arms are slightly loose, hit the opponent with repetitive elbows to anything you can reach. Skip the next two steps.
Crotch slapping is less effective because of the relative positions of your arms. Chances are, the attacker won't let go. If, however, you are released, skip the next step. If the attacker does not let go, however, then you may go on to the next step. Be careful when doing it, as it will cause extreme pain and lasting damage.
The assortment of weak bones in the back of the hand makes this unbearably painful. Now, take the index and middle fingers and pivot as you pull them back unnaturally. They should break. Now kick while shoving the finger back in hard and maintaining your distance.
After you have freed yourself, don't stop fighting . Keep attacking until your opponent is unable to fight back or threaten you in any way. The only thing worse than not defending yourself is defending yourself poorly or half-way.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I defend against a headlock?

Derrek Hofrichter
Self-Defense Specialist
Derrek Hofrichter is a Self-Defense Specialist and the Founder of EVKM Self Defense & Fitness in Tempe, Arizona. Derrek specializes in Krav Maga, Personal Safety, and Boxing. Derrek is a Krav Maga Third Degree Black Belt, a Senior Certified Krav Maga Instructor, and a Krav Maga Alliance Executive Board, and Training Team Member. EVKM Self Defense & Fitness was named the 2014 Krav Maga Alliance School of the Year and the 2017 Best Gym/Workout Studio in Phoenix. Derrek was named as one of the top 30 Health and Fitness Leaders in Arizona under the age of 40 by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com in 2018. He also holds a BA in Government Public Policy from Patrick Henry College.

Derrek Hofrichter

Self-Defense Specialist

Expert Answer

Defending against a headlock involves a series of coordinated actions aimed at quickly escaping the hold. As soon as you feel the headlock being applied, instinctively tuck your chin downwards towards the attacker's hands to protect your windpipe from pressure. Simultaneously, engage your arms and hands in a downward plucking motion towards the attacker's hands, aiming to disrupt the pressure on your throat and loosen their grip. As you apply this plucking action, initiate a rotation of your body inward, moving your shoulders and hips to generate additional leverage against the headlock. Persistence is key; continue applying these techniques with determination, focusing on creating enough space to maneuver your head out of the lock. Once free from the headlock, be prepared to defend yourself or create distance from the attacker as necessary. Practicing these techniques in a controlled environment can help build confidence and muscle memory for effective self-defense in real-life situations.

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What if my attacker is armed with a firearm or knife?

Rediet

Community Answer

If you take Taekwondo they will teach you to protect yourself against knives. But the most important thing is not to put yourself in that position.

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How do you make it up to a friend if they accidentally triggered your fight or flight response?

Yonboy24

Community Answer

That is a bad situation. Get something to help the pain, comfort them and check on them. Then you should beg for forgiveness and maybe give them a gift or even let them have something of yours if they do not forgive. Remind them it really was unconscious and not meant.

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Tips

Don't take too long for Step 1. If you are in a situation in which you wouldn't objectively expect it to be a prank, you are within your rights to defend yourself immediately. If anyone thinks it's funny to do this to you in an unlit alley in the middle of the night, too bad for them.

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Most likely you will know if it's an attacker by your situation and place.

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Finish the fight.

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Warnings

Avoid real bear hugs.

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Be aware of the law; using deadly force is generally permissible only when your life is currently under threat.

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Don't grab the crotch. It may look painful, but your opponent will bite you, which is even worse.

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