STRANGLES

CROSS ARM STRANGLES

This technique is applied from the front, which is easier than having to get behind your opponent, however it requires that your opponent is wearing a jacket that you can grab hold of. With your palms face up push your fingers of both hands inside the collar of your opponent’s shirt or jacket (Figure 1). Note that your arms should be crossed. Your thumbs should be on the outside of the jacket. Push your fingers as far back as you can. It may help to have loosened the jacket a bit first. This can be done by a sharp pull upwards and towards you, and also acts as a distraction. Once you feel that your fingers are as far back as they can go then take a grip of the jacket (Figure 2).

Fig 1. The Initial Approach	Fig 2. Grab to take Control
Fig 3. Execute the Technique	Fig 4. Grab to Take Control - alternative

In order to effect the strangle you need to complete three movements simultaneously. First, twist your hands by turning your thumbs to the outside (Figure 3). Second, as you do this pull your opponent towards you, and lastly pull your elbows outwards (this will be easier as you pull him towards you).  The combined motion is a bit like a scissor action with your arms.

An alternative method for this technique is start by pushing your thumbs inside your opponents collar (Figure 4). In this case your fingers would be on the outside of the jacket. Note that figure 4 in this case is comparable to figure 2 for the earlier method. The execution differs only in that you need to rotate your fore arms in the opposite direction as you pull them towards you.

The practical application of either version of this technique can be done from many situations, standing, kneeling, flat on your back with your opponent on top or vice versa where you are on top. You should note, however, that you need both hand to do this and he has both hands free. So, it is only safe to use if he is pre-occupied (say trying to strangle you at arms length). With a bit of practice results can be obtained quite quickly with this.

 

BSN Graham Salt