How Do You Defend Against A Bear Hug In Aikido?
An Aikido practitioner doesn’t always regard a bear hug with affection. If you’re put in a bear hug from behind, use this technique to leave the attacker kissing the ground. Raise your elbows quickly from your sides to shoulder level. Drop your right elbow and strike swiftly behind you into the attacker’s solar plexus. Grab the attacker’s left wrist with your left hand (as you strike at the solar plexus). Slide out under the attacker’s left arm. Still holding the wrist, move the arm in a circular path until you’re standing next to the attacker. Pull the attacker’s left arm straight while holding the twisted wrist against your chest. Press down just above the attacker’s left elbow with your right elbow, causing a painful joint lock.
