Wrist Releases

Wrist grabs are commonly used when the attacker wants to control their victim; prevent them from escaping and/or to deliver punches or kicks to the victim.

Our first option is to always remain as alert as possible and avoid being grabbed in the first place.

But, in the event you do get grabbed, there are 3 basic principles I use to escape.  Eventually, you will learn how to use these principles and apply them to nearly any kind of wrist grab situation, whether multiple attackers, grabbing from the front or from the back.

For purposes of this discussion, assume someone grabs your wrist like in the photo above (just the way we practiced in class).  First thing you want to think about is to protect your head and be ready to deflect a strike.  Next, flex your fist so that it is nice and strong.  This will make your wrist nice and firm and strong, which will help break the grip.

In wrist grab releases, we always counterattack and focus on the thumb of the attacker, which is the weakest point in the grab.

Principle # 1

Tighten the grip, drop your elbow down and slightly forward, as you bring your wrist back towards your head.  Point your thumb up and pretend you are saying to yourself "I am defending me".  Just be careful not to poke yourself in the eye or chest as you bring that thumb back to your body.

Beginners often make the mistake of pulling their wrist (arm) away.....this does not weaken the grip of the thumb.  You need to drop the elbow and bring the wrist back towards you.

Principle # 2

Just like the original "Karate Kid" movie, where the main characters spends hours waxing Miyagi's cars, you want to think of "wax off".  You want to create a circle motion from the inside to the outside.  If necessary, you can even step to the outside of your attacker to make the circle stronger.

Principle # 3

The opposite of principle 2, we are going to circle from the outside to the inside.  This is actually, the strongest of the 3 releases and may be the best option to use if you have a much bigger or stronger attacker than victim.  This technique puts the most pressure on the attackers wrist and if they don't let go, there is a possibility you can injure their wrist.

When practicing these releases, use a soft grip at first in order to become comfortable with the techniques and not get your wrist all raw from someone holding too tight.  As you become more experienced with it, then add power to the grab.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425