How to Defend Against a Sleeve Grab

When an attacker grabs you by the sleeve, follow these steps to strike back.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Martial Arts Supplies
• Martial Arts Uniforms
• Martial Arts Videos

When Your Upper Arm or Sleeve is Grabbed

1. Step back from the attacker.
2. Strike the attacker's arm with the open palm of your hand.
3. If this does not free you from the attacker's grip, strike the attacker's face with the open palm of your hand.
4. Escape.

Trap and Strike

5. Raise your left arm if the attacker grabs the sleeve of your left arm with his right hand (mirroring you).
6. Wrap your confined arm around the attacker's arm just above the elbow.
7. Lift the attacker's arm up to straighten ("lock") the elbow joint and gain control.
8. Strike quickly to the most exposed area of the attacker's left side - the face, throat, groin, ribs - with your free hand, either using a punch or an open-palm strike.
9. Use the same technique if the attacker grabs your right sleeve with his left arm.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice with a partner toward mastery.
• Be careful not to go full contact while practicing.
• Move quickly before the attacker can pull his or her arm away.
• Practicing the martial arts is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.