Self-Defense Vlog Series: Self-Defense Against Wrist Grab

In this basic self-defense technique, the attacker walks up and grabs my wrist. I kick to loosen his grip, flip my wrist inward and push off his hand. I finish with a palm heel strike to his head.

The kick can be aimed at his shin or groin. Real self-defense doesn't ask for fancy high kicks: read why here. The kick can also be substituted for a strong stomp on the foot (good if the attacker is wearing sneakers or other soft shoes.)

The palm heel strike can be substituted for any strike. You can punch if you're comfortable punching and know how to do so properly. If the attacker is tall, you can deliver an elbow strike to the head.

I finish in a karate kamae (ready position) but in real-life, I would push if the attacker is still there, and run.

Like almost all self-defense techniques shared in this Vlog series, this technique works on any side. In this example, the attacker is grabbing my right wrist with his right hand (outside). Left hand to left wrist works (outside) as well as left hand to right wrist (inside) or right hand to left wrist (inside).

Tip: Make sure to flip at the elbow, towards yourself like you're using your hand as a mirror. Step to the side for increased leverage.

*As with anything combat-related, don't try this at home without proper instruction.