Take Down Technique From A Wrist Grab

By Gene Roos

Editor’s Note: Those in karate might see some similarity in the move demonstrated below to a movement sequence in Pinan kata number three, which uses a horse stance and similar elbow/forearm movement.

You probably have not seen this technique before.

It was new for me too, but necessitated by a physical limitation. One of my students brought his son to class. His son had a medical condition (Palsy). His right side had some ability, but not his left. I had to create techniques that would work with this student’s limitations.

The wrist grab technique shown here worked very effectively for him. You might find it works for you too.

The Attack

The attacker’s right hand grabs the inside of the defender’s right wrist.

The Defense

The defender rotates his right hand counter clockwise (with his thumb down and little finger up). With the elbow pointed upward, the defender’s right hand can then either grab or hook inside the attacker’s right wrist. At the same time the defender takes a step with his right foot angling 45 degrees to his left, the raised elbow pressing up across the opponent’s chest – throwing the opponent down to the rear.

Using this angle of defense, the defender’s right arm becomes “an Unbendable Arm” — a locked striking mechanism that is driven by his body movement.

Prof. Gene Roos
Prof. Gene Roos, 10th dan Ju Jitsu, and 4th dan in judo, is a member of the Board of Directors for the America Ju Jitsu Association. He is a frequent contributor to FightingArts.com. In 1958 was awarded Shodan (Judo) and won the Regional Judo Champion. In 1958 & 1959 was Judo State Champion. His instructors include: Harold Brosious (Ketsugo), Dennis Palumbo (Hakko Ryu Ju Jitsu, 8th dan), George Kirby, & Shizuya Sato (Ju Jitsu), Wally Jay (Small Circle Ju Jitsu), Dr. Sacharnoski (Hard Style Ju Jitsu & Ki) and Master Mochizuki (a student of Funakoshi, Kano, & Ueshiba). He is also the author of a series of upcoming books on Aiki jujitsu as well as a number of videos including: “Aiki Jujitsu” (a three video tapes series with manuals); “Deadly Attacks” (defense against 30 knife, gun, stick and empty hand attacks); “Deadly Attacks – Part II” (defense against an additional 30 knife, gun and empty hand attacks); “Deadly Attacks III” and “Devastating Throws and Other Deadly Attacks ” (defense against 30 advanced combat throws, knife attacks, stick, and a rear shotgun attack).