bearhug

In this video we see a beginner escaping a rear bear hug hold during a live multiple opponent sparring session. The technique is to drop your base, grab control of one hand, then throw controlled backward elbows to the temple of the attacking bear hugger. Force is generated by setting a base, creating distance and using full range of motion in the hips and throwing your weight behind the elbows. As seen in the video the extra pressure of a third opponent can make beginners nervous, causing them to flail and sometimes deliver less purposeful strikes. The end result is the same. Although under pressure, the novice was still able to employ the technique learned in class to help break the wrestling hold, avoid being trapped, and further mauled.