In the rare circumstance where an opponent uses a
rear bear hug to squeeze you there are two strong moves that have significant counter-attack
advantages. The Bear Hug-Back Free-A helps to return face to your opponent
when your arms are free while the Crashing
Hammer-Bear Hug Back Pinned allows you to take your opponent to the ground
when your arms are pinned.
It is important to understand that an opponent that
tries to use a bear hug likely sees you as a smaller and weaker opponent.
He/She feels their strength is sufficient to keep you in control and likely has
tried this successfully at other times in their life.
Such opponent’s don’t consider the protection of their
vital areas as your arms are tied and the front of your body is facing away.
There is a feeling that safety comes from behind. A well skilled kenpo fighter
knows that their rear, ability to leverage their body, and overconfidence of
their opponent is often the biggest advantages.
Even though there is significant strength and force
involved with the initial unlocking of arms the far majority of the moves deal
with speed and accuracy. Students should be aware of how their body leverage
has great potential to change circumstances and repetitive practice encourages
speed, confidence, and accuracy to effectively execute the moves.
Bear
Hug-Back Free-A (Opponent has Bear Hug from Behind)
-Stomp
opponent’s right foot.
-Step off to the right as you deliver middle fist
punches (With middle knuckle protruding) to the center of the opponent’s hands
to release hold.
-Grab opponent’s right upper palm with your right
hand and spin to the right to face your opponent.
-Place your left hand with your right hand to create
two handed wrist lock (opponents palm is downward)(Your palm is upward with
thumbs on top of hand to create pressure).
-Snap kick to the opponent’s stomach with your right
leg and recoil.
Crashing
Hammer-Rear Bear Hug Arms Pinned
-Step left to 9 oclock into horse stance.
-Right hammer fist to groin.
-Cat stance to left leg.
-Step leg to behind opponent’s left leg.
-Right downward palm to opponent’s groin.
-Elbow strike upwards to chin thereby raising the
chin.
-Left horizontal palm to opponents chin knocking the
opponent to the ground over your right leg.
