Self-defence against grabs and pushes

Setup

1. Pairs matched by size. Clean, dry mat, bare feet, short nails and no jewellery.
2. Agree the safety signals before starting: a tap on the partner or a call of 'stop' means let go straight away.
3. The partner playing the attacker grabs or pushes with steady, moderate force; the defender works at a speed they can control. No throws or takedowns in this drill.

How it runs

1. Same-side wrist grab: the defender turns the wrist towards the gap between the attacker's thumb and fingers, pulls out with a step back, raises the guard and calls 'stop'.
2. Two-hand collar (dobok) grab: the defender drops their weight, brings both forearms up inside the grip and turns the body to break it, then steps off at an angle.
3. Two-hand push to the chest: the defender steps back into a stable front stance to absorb it, turns the shoulders so the next push slides past, and moves away.
4. After each release, a controlled palm strike or front kick into a shield the attacker holds out, then the defender moves to a safe distance with the hands up and a firm voice.
5. Five reps of each technique, then swap roles.

Coaching points

• Getting away is the goal; the strike only buys time to leave.
• Move off the line of the push or pull instead of fighting it head on.
• Stay balanced: knees soft, stance wide, chin down.
• Use the voice: a loud 'stop' or 'back off' is part of the technique.
• Attackers grip firmly but let go at once on a tap or 'stop', and never jerk or twist the wrist.

Common mistakes

• Pulling against the strong side of the grip instead of out through the thumb gap.
• Standing square and being pushed off balance.
• Staying close after the release instead of moving away.
• Attackers resisting so hard that the defender can't learn the movement.