How to Do Double Lapel Grab Throw in Martial Arts

The double lapel grab is a common attack in a street fight. A bully will often seize the front of your coat or shirt with both hands and then draw you up and toward him. This pulls you off balance and exposes you to throws and blows. The double lapel grab is intended to intimidate. However, to an experienced martial artist, it is an opportunity. Trapping the attacker's arms and throwing him to the ground is a straightforward process that makes the bully pay for his assault.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Step toward the attacker with one leg and lower your center of gravity. Do this the moment he grabs your lapels. It prevents the attacker from extending his arms and pushing you backward. It also makes it much more difficult for him to throw you. Lower your center of gravity by bending both knees while keeping your back straight.

2. Bring both arms up inside the attacker's arms. Shoot your fingers toward the sky until your elbows are above the attacker's arms. Circle both arms outward then down to hook both of the attacker's arms. Catch his arms just above his elbows and lock them in tight. Keep one hip and leg closer to the attacker, with the other hip and leg back. This makes it harder for him to push you backward.

3. Bend your body to the side. Do this on the side of your leg that is farther back. This positions your head and body for the throw and starts moving the attacker off-balance.

4. Step backward with your rear leg. You are now turning your back to the attacker. Sweep your foot wide so it is outside and in front of the attacker's foot that is on the opposite side of your lean.

5. Move your other leg in front of and to the outside of the attacker's foot on the side of your lean. Straighten that leg and shift your weight to the other foot. At this point the attacker's body should be off-balance and perched over your straightened leg.

6. Throw the attacker over your leg. Pull hard with both hands as you straighten your body. The attacker will fall forward then spin to his back in mid-air. Since you control both of his arms and his balance, there is nothing he can do to stop you. Release his arms to drop him on the ground.