Rear Bear Hug Escape – Both Arms Trapped, Finishing with Drop Seoi Nage

Escaping from a rear bear hug where both arms are trapped can be challenging, but it can be effectively countered by using a combination of leverage and body mechanics to free yourself and transition into a powerful throw. The Drop Seoi Nage (Drop One Arm Shoulder Throw) is an excellent way to finish this escape, allowing you to turn the tables on your opponent by taking them to the ground. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to escape from a rear bear hug with both arms trapped and finish with a Drop Seoi Nage:

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 gives you a stable base to execute the escape.
• Tuck Your Chin: Protect your neck by tucking your chin down towards your chest, preventing your opponent from gaining control of your head or applying a choke.
2. Create Space and Prepare to Escape:
• Shift Your Hips: Push your hips back into your opponent to create some space between you and them. This movement helps loosen their grip slightly and prepares you for the next step.
• Free One Side: Shift your body weight to one side, slightly turning your torso. This can help to create more space on one side, making it easier to initiate the throw.
3. Break the Grip:
• Use Your Hips and Body Movement: With the space you’ve created, drive your hips back and twist your upper body slightly to one side, aiming to loosen your opponent’s grip enough to allow you to start turning into them.
• Lower Your Hips: Drop your hips lower than your opponent’s to further destabilise their hold and prepare for the throw.
4. Transition to Drop Seoi Nage:
• Turn and Drop: Quickly turn your body towards the side where you have created space, bringing one of your arms across your body and underneath your opponent’s armpit. As you turn, drop your hips lower than your opponent’s hips to get underneath their centre of gravity.
• Step Inside: Step forward with your lead foot, positioning it between your opponent’s legs, and pivot on your other foot to turn your back towards them. Your hips should be closely aligned with your opponent’s hips.
5. Execute the Drop Seoi Nage:
• Leverage Your Arm: With your arm under your opponent’s armpit and your hips positioned correctly, use your legs to drive upwards while simultaneously pulling your opponent over your shoulder.
• Complete the Throw: The drop and lift motion should be quick and controlled, using the leverage of your arm and the power of your legs to flip your opponent over your shoulder and onto the mat.
6. Follow Through:
• Maintain Control: After executing the throw, keep hold of your opponent’s arm or clothing 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, follow your opponent to the ground and transition into a submission or pin, or remain standing to assess the next move.

Key Points for Rear Bear Hug Escape – Both Arms Trapped, Finishing with Drop Seoi Nage:

• Lower your centre of gravity immediately to stabilise yourself and prevent being lifted.
• Create space by shifting your hips and body weight to one side.
• Break your opponent’s grip by using your hips and upper body movement.
• Quickly transition to Drop Seoi Nage by turning into your opponent and dropping your hips.
• Use leverage and leg power to execute the throw, flipping your opponent over your shoulder.
• Maintain control after the throw, preparing for any necessary follow-up actions.

This escape technique, finishing with a Drop Seoi Nage, effectively turns a disadvantageous position into a dominant one. By using proper body mechanics and timing, you can escape from a rear bear hug with both arms trapped and counter your opponent with a powerful throw, gaining the upper hand in the encounter.