-
Step 1
Notice how your opponent is holding your wrist. The direction you perform the hapkido "against thumb" escape depends on how he is grasping your arm. Pay attention to the gap between your opponent's fingers and thumb. This is the direction the thumb is pointing and the direction you will move to perform the hapkido "against thumb" escape. This is the weakest part of your opponent's grip.
-
Step 2
Make a small movement away from the opponent's thumb. This is into your opponent's palm. The movement is a decoy. Your opponent's reaction will be to pull you back. The escape portion of the hapkido "against thumb" escape is actually in the other direction. When your opponent resists your initial movement they are actually helping you perform the technique.
-
Step 3
Slide one foot away from your opponent. Do this with whatever leg moves you in the direction of your opponent's thumb. You are attempting to open a gap between your body and the opponent's thumb. Do not turn your body into the palm of their hand.
-
Step 4
Use your opponent's resistance to your initial decoy movement against him. If your opponent fell for the trick, their hand will already be moving in the direction you want. Cock your hips in this direction and prepare to yank your arm away.
-
Step 5
Twist your wrist toward your opponent's thumb. Do this in a quick snapping motion as you twist your body to catch up with your hips and pull your arm out of your opponent's grasp. It is important that you perform the wrist twist, arm pull and body twist at the exact same time. All three motions are directed toward your opponent's thumb and are essential to the hapkido "against thumb" escape.
