Krav Maga Bear Hug Defence
Quick Information
Category
Combat Sports
Difficulty
Intermediate
Equipment
None, Partner
Primary muscle group
Gluteals, Quadriceps, Erector Spinae
Secondary muscle groups
Latissimus Dorsi, Obliques, Forearm Flexors
Movement pattern
Grip Escape
Training goal
Skill Acquisition
Sport
Krav Maga, Self-Defence, Tactical, MMA
Overview
Purpose. Prevent being lifted or taken down from a body grab, create space and escape.
How it fits the system. The grappling-defence entry in the krav maga material of the Combat Sports section. Related work in the library: Krav Maga Front Choke Defence and Sprawl.
Primary muscles
Gluteals, Quadriceps, Erector Spinae
Secondary muscles
Latissimus Dorsi, Obliques, Forearm Flexors
Movement pattern
Grip Escape
Equipment
None, Partner
Difficulty
Intermediate
How to Perform
- Immediately drop the hips and widen the base to prevent being lifted.
- Create space by striking available targets: The groin, the instep, the hands or the head.
- Turn towards the attacker to face them and to break the grip.
- Continue striking and disengage rather than staying in the grapple.
Coaching Cues
- “Base first. If they lift you, everything else is harder.”
- “Hips down, feet wide.”
- “Face them, then hit them, then leave.”
Common Mistakes
- Trying to pull the arms apart with arm strength, which rarely works.
- Staying upright, which makes being lifted and thrown far easier.
Progressions & Regressions
Progressions
Add front and rear variations, then a lifted variation, then partner pressure with controlled force.
Regressions
Partner applies a light static hold while the athlete practises the base and the turn.
When to Use It
When to use
Self-defence technique blocks and stress-inoculation drills.
When not to use
Any joint injury that prevents controlled striking, and always with a competent partner and protective equipment.
Programming
3–5 sets of 10–20 repetitions per side, then 2–3 rounds under pressure with a partner.
Popular
Popular Articles
