Rear Bear Hug Escape – One Arm Trapped, Finishing with O Goshi Throw

Escaping from a rear bear hug where one arm is trapped can be challenging, but it can be effectively countered with a combination of defensive manoeuvres and a powerful O Goshi (Major Hip Throw) to neutralise the threat. This sequence not only frees you from the bear hug but also allows you to take control by throwing your opponent to the ground. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to perform this escape and finish with an O Goshi throw:

Step-by-Step Description:

1. React to the Bear Hug:
• Lower Your Centre of Gravity: Immediately drop your weight by bending your knees and widening your stance. This makes it harder for your opponent to lift or move you and provides a stable base for your escape.
• Tuck Your Chin: Protect your neck by tucking your chin towards your chest, preventing your opponent from gaining control of your head or applying a choke.
2. Create Space and Prepare to Escape:
• Use Your Free Arm: With your free arm (the arm not trapped), reach across your body to grab your opponent’s wrist or hand that is trapping your other arm. This grip helps you control their hold and begin to break free.
• Lean Forward: Lean your upper body forward slightly to create a small amount of space between you and your opponent. This movement helps you prepare for the escape and weakens their grip.
3. Break the Grip:
• Use Your Hips and Free Arm: Push your hips back into your opponent to create additional space, while simultaneously using your free arm to pull or push down on their hand or wrist. This action helps loosen their grip on your trapped arm.
• Rotate Your Body: As their grip loosens, rotate your body towards your free side (the side with the free arm), continuing to push down on their hand or wrist. This rotation helps to break their hold and free your trapped arm.
4. Transition to O Goshi:
• Grip and Turn: As you rotate, quickly turn to face your opponent while maintaining control of their arm. Use your free hand to grab their collar or gi near the shoulder or neck area. Your other hand should reach around their waist or lower back to secure a grip.
• Step Inside: Step forward with your lead foot, bringing it close to the inside of your opponent’s foot. As you do this, turn your back towards your opponent and position your hips directly in front of theirs, making sure your hips are lower than theirs.
• Lower Your Hips: Bend your knees and lower your hips beneath your opponent’s centre of gravity. Your hips should be the main point of contact against their body.
5. Execute the O Goshi Throw:
• Lift with Your Hips: Straighten your legs slightly as you lift your opponent onto your hips. Your hips act as a fulcrum, and the lifting motion should be smooth and controlled.
• Rotate and Throw: As you lift, rotate your upper body while continuing to pull your opponent’s waist or collar with your grip. This rotation, combined with the lift, will cause your opponent to be thrown over your hip and onto the mat.
6. Follow Through:
• Maintain Control: After executing the throw, maintain your grip on your opponent to prevent them from escaping or countering. This control allows you to transition into a dominant ground position if necessary.
• Prepare for Ground Work: Depending on the situation, you can follow them to the ground and transition into a submission or pin, or remain standing to assess your next move.

Key Points for Rear Bear Hug Escape – One Arm Trapped, Finishing with O Goshi:

• Lower your centre of gravity to stabilise yourself and prevent being lifted.
• Use your free arm to control your opponent’s hand or wrist and begin breaking their grip.
• Rotate your body to free your trapped arm while breaking their hold.
• Quickly transition to O Goshi by gripping your opponent and positioning your hips in front of theirs.
• Use your hips to lift and rotate your opponent over your body.
• Maintain control after the throw, preparing for any necessary follow-up actions.

This escape sequence, finishing with an O Goshi throw, not only frees you from a rear bear hug but also allows you to take control of the encounter by throwing your opponent. It’s a powerful and effective technique that combines defence with a decisive counter, making it useful in both self-defence and competitive scenarios.