How to Defend Against a Front Bear Hug - Arms Pinned

1. This attack is very similar to the under arms (arms free) attack. We use to teach groin rips as an immediate response to this attack but found in adrenal stress training that by the time you are able to apply the groin rip you may be picked up off of your feet. Once up it’s fairly easy for the attacker to slam you.
2. Instead, like in the arms free attack, just immediately drop back either foot. As you do so, lower your body weight. This accomplishes two things. First you are in position to deliver your knee strike and second it makes it very hard to be picked up.
3. Continue to knee kick until your attacker releases.
4. You can also use your palms to push off or strike your attacker as his grip around you loosens. Once you have broken the hold and created a little distance you can follow up in the manner described earlier, only if necessary, with palm heels and elbow strikes.

This clip is taken from Street Self Defense 101. Please visit http://www.easy-self-defense.com for more details.