TECHNIQUES:

1- FRONT BEAR HUG ESCAPE (OVER ARMS): The front bear hug escape incorporates the use of separation by pushing on the hips to stay at a safe distance and the power of the under-hook for the O-Goshi style hip toss to take your opponent down. Always create this separating base to prevent your opponent from arching your back into a takedown of his own.
2- FRONT BEAR HUG ESCAPE (UNDER ARMS): This simple front bear hug escape is simple and effective. For this self-defense escape to be effective you need to prevent your opponent from arching your back towards a potential throw by framing against his chin and pushing him away from his body lock grip to break free from his control. Focus not only on creating separation but also regaining your base for a potential follow up technique.
3- **FRONT BEAR HUG ESCAPE (UNDER ARMS) CHIN PUSH: This self-defense bear hug escape utilizes a palm to the chin and nose to create the same separation as the previous technique. This is a great technique to use when your opponent is so tight that you are unable to get your framed forearm underneath his chin to drive against the throat, instead, the open palm is readily available and your opponent’s nose serves as the perfect point to drive him off balance.

**DETAILS: This move will work even if you can’t get enough space in front of your partner to cup his chin. Cup your hands wherever you can. The nose is a super-sensitive part of the face. Put pressure on his nose and then make a brace with your other hand to help push him away from you. The goal is to cause enough discomfort that he will let go of his grip on your waist.