🥊✈️ How to Break the Bearhug

Hey Warrior,

On Monday, we broke down Slam Period—that nine-second cafeteria clash where one guy went from absorbing weak punches to body-lifting his attacker and slamming him unconscious.

It ended fast. It ended hard.

But what if it had ended the other way?

Let’s say the tables turned…

Let’s say you were the one lifted off the ground in a bearhug with your arms trapped.

Now what?

It’s easy to forget…

… That slam wasn’t magic. 

It came from a rear entry and a poorly defended posture.

No one’s immune to that.

If the roles were flipped—or if a third party had jumped in—it could’ve been you tasting linoleum.

Which brings us to this week’s technique.

Technique of the Week: Bearhug Defense (Over the Arms)

Getting caught in a bearhug is one of the worst-case scenarios in a standing fight.

You lose balance, posture, and often the ability to strike or frame.

Step one… Don’t let it happen.

Step two… If it does happen—here’s how to break free before your back hits the floor.

Key Points

• Trap the Hands: Lock the attacker’s grip against your body so it can’t climb to your neck.

• Shift and Strike: Rotate your hips to open a striking lane. Hit the groin. Hard. Repeatedly.

• Reposition and Escape: If your strike gets blocked, switch hips and keep going. Once the grip weakens, shift 90 degrees and slip out without letting go of their arm.

• Strike Immediately: Don’t celebrate. Counterattack right away.

Download the Field Combat Briefing

This week’s Field Combat Briefing walks you through the Bearhug Defense — over the arms — step-by-step:

✅ Photo breakdown of every move
✅ Clear instructions on grip, angle, and escape
✅ Pro tips and common mistakes to avoid

Perfect to drill solo, with a partner, or in class.

Join the Fight in the Operators Lounge

Ever been lifted off your feet?

Have a go-to strategy for bearhugs?

Share your story or video breakdown in the Operators Lounge:
👉 Facebook Group – Fight or Flight Operators Lounge

Let’s compare approaches. Let’s sharpen each other.

Before You Go...

A slam ends the fight.

But a bearhug?

That’s just the beginning.

Train like you might be the one getting lifted.

Because in real fights, roles reverse fast—and only one of you lands on your feet.

Stay grounded. Stay dangerous.
– Paul Simoes