Advanced self-defence combinations

Setup

1. Pairs of similar size and experience, spread out on mats with space around each pair.
2. Agree the safety rules before starting: a tap on the partner or the floor, or the word 'stop', means release straight away. Joint locks go on slowly and are never jerked.
3. No throws or takedowns unless the whole group has done falling practice and you are on mats.
4. For grading syllabus requirements, check your federation's rules.

How it runs

1. Wrist grab: S2 grabs S1's wrist. S1 turns the wrist out towards S2's thumb and steps off the line, shows a palm-heel strike stopped short or into a mitt, then steps away to a safe distance.
2. Same start, add control: after the release, S1 takes S2's wrist and applies a slow wrist lock. S2 taps as soon as they feel the pressure and S1 releases at once.
3. Two-hand dobok grab: S1 raises both forearms inside the grip, shows a short knife-hand to the body, turns the hips to break the grip and exits on an angle.
4. Push: S2 pushes at the shoulders with moderate force. S1 steps off line, guides the arms past and finishes facing S2 at a safe distance with a guard up.
5. Five of each, then swap roles. Finish with S2 choosing the attack at walking pace so S1 has to read it.

Coaching points

• The aim is to escape and get to safety; the strike and the lock are there to make space, not to win.
• Move the feet off the line first; arms alone rarely free a grip.
• Strikes are shown short or into a mitt; there is no contact to the face or head.
• Locks are about position and slow pressure. Stop the moment the partner taps.
• Partners give an honest grip and an honest push, but no more force than agreed.

Common mistakes

• Pulling against the strong part of the grip instead of turning towards the thumb.
• Speeding up the wrist lock as confidence grows.
• Staying close after the release instead of stepping away.
• Partner holding on after a release has worked, which turns practice into a contest.