There are a number of ways to end up in this position. Whether an attacker comes up behind you and grabs you with a body lock or someone ends up on your back with their hands locked in the chaos of a tussle, you’re not going to want to hang out there very long. When your opponent is on your back—even when you’re both on your feet—the nature of the position dictates that his offensive options are going to greatly outnumber yours. A good wrestler or strong guy in this position can lift and slam you. A BJJ practitioner can transition to a leg ride and choke you. Also, someone can let you go and kick or punch you while you’re turning blindly to face them. While you have a couple options to get out of this fight situation, the simplest, safest and most effective comes from wrestling.
The first step is to get control of your opponent’s lock. A lock on the upper part of your belly pulled close to your opponent’s chest is going to be incredibly strong. You need to drive your thumbs in between the lock and yourself and push down on the lock with all your weight. You want to sink your weight onto the lock itself. You do NOT want your body to sink lower in relation to the lock. Keep struggling and driving until you get the lock to about waist height. From there, you need to turn slightly so that one hip and leg are forward. Then, move your opponent’s lock so that it sits on the hard point of your hip. Once you have the lock moved down your body and over your hip, it’s time to break it. While still pushing down on the lock, violently push your hips away from your opponent as you push your upper back into his head and upper body.
If your opponent is strong, it won’t happen on the first thrust; continually doing so will increase the distance between him and his lock and eventually break it. Once you’ve broken it, control one or both of his hands to keep him from regaining his grip. Then, turn and face him as you back away. Note: It’s highly likely your opponent will attack with strikes or a takedown attempt while you’re turning to face him. That is why it’s important to back away in a good defensive position.
If you want to learn more, start with episode 1 of this series with pro MMA fighter Sullivan Cauley. Get in on the conversation on social media and pick up a copy of Skillset at OutdoorGroupStore.com!
