Page 61 - Pat O'Keeffe Combat Kick Boxing

Hold-Breaking

front of a bigger, stronger man and
throwing punches was at best a gamble.
It was not hitting them that was the
problem, it was stopping them in their
tracks before that superior weight and
strength took effect.
It has to be said that the best time
to break a hold is before it is on. Any
attempt to grab you must be dealt with
rapidly. No one merely holds you; they
pull you onto a head-butt, punch or
knee, push you against a wall or off
balance, or else hold you steady and
hit you. Therefore the instant your
assailant reaches for you, slap their Fig 70
hands aside and hit them with a sharp
combination – a head-butt followed
by a right roundhouse to the thigh.
(Figs. 67 to 69)

This area of self-defence spills over
into pre-emptive strikes.

Single Lapel Grab
Situation One: A man grabs you by
the lapel and pushes you backwards.
Go with his force and pivot strongly
to your left.* Snap a fast jab to his chin.
Now grab his wrist with your left hand
and turn it so that his little finger is
uppermost. Drive a descending elbow Fig 71
strike down onto his wrist. Drive a rising
knee kick into his face. (Figs. 70 to 72)

*If possible it is better to yield to a push
and take advantage of your assailant’s
strength rather than resist and be
unbalanced.

Stay alert. Because they are down does
not mean they are out. It is good
practice to assume that your assailant
is not alone. Quickly scan the area for
further assailants and then leave the
location.
Fig 72
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