Brutal Wrist Lock from Arm Drag: Banned 1980s Police Technique Explained (2024)

[@bonjovi1612]

Joined the Met in ‘86 and was taught this technique, had also being doing Aikido for 5 years prior. In all my years I never was able to apply it in a real scenario. It was only ever used by a few nasty comrades on non violent people n

[@Fightskills]

I struggled with this in the beginning because it's usually taught as an application only and without understanding the flow from one position to another it is difficult to apply. However, those with a reasonable flow grappling game will find lots of ways to get it to work.

[@volatileepiphanies5547]

Normally when I see wrist lock in a video title I expect compliant BS, but this is pretty cool. I pulled this off in light sparring in BJJ yesterday. It's functional, but I recommend that anyone who uses this when rolling to use caution. If the lock isn't working, don't force it because it can cause injury. Always protect you training partner folks. You can get another chance to practice this, but some injuries can last for years or the rest of your partners life.

[@Fightskills]

Thank you, and that is wise advice. Forcing locks in training isn't worth it. Incidentally, I showed a defence to this lock and reversed it back to the arm-drag, advising against forcing it 🙏

[@djscoah8037]

I was taught this at Hendon in 1991 and used it throughout my service in the Met Gooseneck

[@Fightskills]

Works really well

[@iankavanagh1089]

My favorite. Transitions nicely from a finger lock too.

[@Fightskills]

👍👍

[@allongshanks940]

Known as a "Gooseneck", usually followed by a "Bundle" as the backup arrives. Very painful, but has limitations because of varying arm length.

[@Fightskills]

Yep, like lots of locks there are variables. The best way to test is to flow grapple and see what flows naturally.

[@jujitusuka]

Isn’t the gooseneck with attackers hand facing downwards I.e. fingers down back of the hand facing the ceiling and that’s how it got its name?

[@Dave1975-n2o]

Prison service used this in the 80s, one on each arm, pain compliance

[@Fightskills]

It is very effective once on 👍👍

[@abw121]

32 years of Law enforcement in Chicago. Used this arm or wrist lock for years. On passive resisters and when helping others applying handcuffs to subjects! Used stun blows followed by pressure points and wrist locks…….if subject is that close all the OC and Taser stuff just becomes more of a hindrance then help. So why is it outlawed now?

[@Fightskills]

It works great. It was removed from the Police training in the UK because pain compliance became an unacceptable method for restraint. This was a long time ago though.

[@Cats3141]

This was in my father's 1952 Army MP manual

[@Fightskills]

I bet that's an interesting read

[@ohigho9717]

Reminds me of Chin Na techniques. Very effective locks.

[@Fightskills]

👍👍

[@M_K-Bomb]

I learnt a version when I did security. It wasn't as easy to perform. Probably as it came from 2-on-1 if they struggled, but this comes as if you are going straight for the lock. This probably is easier as less grip changes.

[@Fightskills]

I used this a lot but it was always quite long-winded or a struggle to apply. This transition seems to come on quite easily, particularly if they are trying to defend the back take.

[@c.galindo9639]

Cool. Looks very effective and I can tell the worry in the guy’s face how really easy he can be hurt or injured in that move. I have been in very compromising positions of training where a simple grab can risk serious harm or injury if unnecessary force is applied past the training applications for learning purposes

[@Fightskills]

Thank you. Yes, once this is on, it is very painful and can easily damage the wrist.

[@c.galindo9639]

@ indeed

[@3pipper]

Tearful memories indeed… Hahaha… great bit of kit for controlling some one, how ever to truly understand the kind of force that is brought to bear you had to feel its use firsthand… RESPECT is the great teacher… Any moves blocks locks strikes etc we experienced firsthand to appreciate and understand how much pressure is brought to bear.. Lot have since been removed from the syllabus of many systems… Cheers for putting tears of past and moments rubbing my wrist … chuckling about the days long gone…

[@Fightskills]

I am always happy to help people relive painful memories. Hang on, perhaps I shouldn't have said that! 😂😂😂

[@3pipper]

@ not much left to smile at in the world these days; gone to shite in a basket the world over sadly… Old school is still the best school… hahaha… never thought I would hear myself say that; all my old teaches would say the same, when ever they use to reflect back… They must have been hard back in the day, indeed… Bless you for making an old man smile, even if it was painful memories…

[@Fightskills]

I think this is apt always makes me laugh... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHyrd414irl0as0

[@blue_tree_meadow]

We call this, "Final lock," in the prison service, we've used it for years it's the main lock that we work towards for pain compliance and violent prisoner movement. I used to teach this, it's very effective although if it's a one on one scenario it won't necessarily stop your subject from continuing to fight with you. Also unless you've practiced the absolute shit out of it, it can be a bit of a fine motor skill to pull off, or of course unless you learn as we did to progress from gross motor responses to fine motor skills. Good demo of the actual lock though. 👍

[@Fightskills]

Thanks, I agree it needs those motor skills. I used it a lot in my former profession, from my experience it takes the fight out of the majority.

[@Foreverandever431]

I was in NSW Police for 10 yrs. Good video but you should highlight the risk of the offender punching you in the face with left hand. They taught this at Police Academy and strategy was if one of your colleagues tried a wrist lock come along hold you should immediately grab the other arm of the offender to derisk. This means it is a technique best done with two people. I accept those advanced people who can chain techniques in grappling but how many cops are at that level - less than 1%.

[@Fightskills]

I think you will agree that once the lock is on, punching is not the best option. The transition taught by the police can leave you vulnerable but if you use the arm drag with the wrestling step and position the head to the outside of the arm it's far less vulnerable. Particularly given this is a counter to the arm drag defence where there is no natural position to punch from.

[@BeamRider100]

I didn't realise it was banned, I thought that was the actual technique.

[@Fightskills]

It was taught to the UK Police in the 1980s and early 90s. I understand that it was removed from the training because of the pain compliance element.

[@advara53]

Joined The Met in '85 and had occasion to apply this form of control, if not always as smoothly as shown. I found it to be very effective, and I'm not sure it was really 'brutal' in nature. The alternative was to apply a stick of wood to the cranium and other body parts (difficult for me as my truncheon lived in my locker throughout my service). Nowadays, of course, less brutal techniques like pepper spray, Tasers and kneeling on the neck are de rigeur. And don't get me started on routine handcuffing.

[@Fightskills]

It was a different world back then for sure.

[@matreyia]

Basic Chin-Na curriculum taught before advanced sets in most Kung Fu systems.

[@Fightskills]

Yep

[@bustercrabbe8447]

We called those 'come-alongs'. And they are very effective.

[@Fightskills]

👍👍

[@mak90rocker86]

This is still taught today in fdle training

[@Fightskills]

I'm a bit long in the tooth, what is meant by fdle?

[@JP-dw1fp]

That works well as long as the person hands you his arm. If he resists it doesn't work, and today, they all resist.

[@Fightskills]

Manipulating a position for an arm drag is a skill but it's one with a high success rate. Getting the arm isn't really an issue. Are you talking about just going for the wrist lock without this set-up?

[@easypete2936]

​@Fightskills no he's a blackbelt in keyboarditsu he doesn't understand

[@Fightskills]

😂

[@outlawmultigun7076]

Not banned. I have taught arrest control for over 20 years. This is still widely taught and used in an "escort position" but also can be used (both ways, hand up, hand down) as part of a take down for non-compliant cuffing. Great for bouncers, security, and though it may sound bad, children and young adults when you need compliance but no injury. I love when the algorithm send these to me.

[@Fightskills]

It's very useful, I can vouch for it first hand. It was widely taught in the 80s to UK PSUs but removed from training due to 'modern thinking' about pain compliance. I guess in other parts of the world it might still be used and in the UK it could have been reintroduced. Thanks for taking the time to interact.

[@AK_UK_]

What if the opponent has a clinched fist? How would you bend it?

[@Fightskills]

This is a common defense, some say hit the lock hard by striking near the knuckles but I'm not an advocate of this approach as it relies too much on strength. I prefer to switch to a strike or change position instead because by making a fist the opponent stiffens the arm which can then be manipulated. I intend to do a video showing this very soon.

[@freespeech4023]

The prison wardens did this to me in prison , let me tell ye all , It dam well hurts and what ever fight is in you is soon forgotton due to the pain .

[@Fightskills]

I can confirm it is horrible!

[@-007-Warzone-MW3-MW2]

The wedding lock

[@Fightskills]

Good name for it!

[@alanrawson-wg8io]

Ahhh the Comealong. My right wrist still isn’t right from being myFMA instructor’s uke with this technique. Gotta be kind to your training partner.

[@Fightskills]

I'm always nice! Seriously though, you are right, these things can easily lead to injury.

[@remc0s]

We still practice these wrist locks in aikibudo.

[@Fightskills]

They can be really useful and take the fight out of people quickly

[@UnnoneWandering]

And one defense against it is ac thumb in the eye from the opposite arms because you must maintain close contact. Everything works nice as long as there are rules.

[@Fightskills]

When the lock is on a thumb in the eye isn't possible, that's why it was used by police, prison services, and MPs for decades. You should note that when I apply it my head is tight on the outside of the arm so unless you are Reed Richards from the Fantastic 4 then you will never reach.

[@edi9892]

What if he does the obvious and closes his fist? (if he tried to swing at you, he might do it instinctively with both hands, even if he doesn't expect this technique) What's your follow-up then?

[@Fightskills]

If the lock is on the mechanics are such that he can't punch you. With regard to the fist defense, I cover that in this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZSYZpWundygbKc

[@edi9892]

@@Fightskills I didn't expect that you'd make an answer video for me and that 5 days before I asked you. LOL. Thank you very much!

[@Fightskills]

Always have to be a step ahead! :-)

[@Al-Ex-North-Star]

Not from the 80's though. Bit older than that. But pretty cool. Might watch your other videos.

[@Fightskills]

I'm sure you are correct! I learned it in the 80's and I know it was used then. I hope you enjoy the other videos

[@billdanosky]

It's renka ho, if you turn the hand over. Works better.

[@Fightskills]

I'll give that a try

[@tomk4591]

It's not banned for Hamburg Police (Germany). They still do it in a variation!

[@Fightskills]

It was banned in the UK.

[@GeorgesDupont-do8pe]

Ok, YT doesn't like my comment, suffice to say this may work in some circumstances, but with a fighter you're likely to end up at least unconscious.

[@Fightskills]

That depends who is applying it. Any fighter knows if something isn't working you switch.

[@JW-Handle]

Painful wristlock followed by cheeky cheeksmacks 😂

[@Fightskills]

😂😂😂

[@complexblackness]

Should have zoomed in more on the hands (finger placement) and showed better angles.

[@Fightskills]

It's not overly important, the thumb can be between the fingers or the whole hand can be cupped. I just wanted to show the transition. Also, we don't have expensive equipment or editing gear, just a mobile phone. The videos are done quickly after a training session rather than being a polished production. I hope you still got the gist of it.

[@Truthbomb918]

These are stilled trained and used by just about every police force. We knew it as the goose neck when pointed to the front

[@Fightskills]

They were taken out of training in the UK in the 90s due to a change of attitude about pain compliance. It doesn't mean they aren't still used; I'm sure they are.

[@justoldog]

cool

[@Fightskills]

Thank you

[@ishkabibble2204]

Still used in US

[@Fightskills]

Glad to hear it, it should be used.

[@CanadaFree-ce9jn]

Banned? lol Was a standard technique in my school. We had several variations.

[@Fightskills]

Banned, as in it was removed from the UK Police syllabus in the 90s due to problems with pain compliance.

[@williamsmith8790]

Belgian Handcuff.

[@Fightskills]

👍👍

[@djames6780]

😅shove your finger straight in his eye with the left hand as soon as he turns?

[@Fightskills]

Said no-one who has ever felt it put on.

[@kottomack]

That's nifty...now what are you doing about the left hand...just take the punches I guess👍

[@Fightskills]

No, during the arm drag my head is inaccessible because of its position and when the lock is on a punch from the other hand is far too painful to attempt. Give it a try.

[@urbangorilla6733]

Whatever Police departments banned this technique are idiots. Learned it back on the 90s and still using it.

[@Fightskills]

Likely banned by those who say in an office

[@koirrah5986]

Nothing banned with that. You can still see videos police using this gooseneck. E.g. German police carried away people sitting on a road using this

[@Fightskills]

It was removed from UK Police training due to alternative ideas on whether pain was reasonable in restraint. I can't vouch for other places in the world.

[@richardtodd6559]

Nothing to do with police just basic control & restraint…I doubt the police were allowed to train in grappling arts…or being head butted while trying to grapple,

[@Fightskills]

In the UK in the 80s it was taught to the police support units as the main control. Trust me, it's first hand knowledge!

[@shadowdance4666]

If he’s smart he won’t just let you control his arm so easily. Actually I don’t believe that anyone who has any experience with grappling will just dead arm and go hohum

[@Fightskills]

This is all about the transition, I'm showing the change in stages so it can be seen easily. In reality as soon as the arm drag is defended there is an immediate transition. It won't always work but nothing is guaranteed.

[@HDBujutsu1775]

Not banned, it’s still taught in the academy

[@Fightskills]

It was commonly taught in the UK in the 80s. It was stopped in the mid-90s as pain compliance was deemed unacceptable. I would be interested to know when it was reintroduced, are you talking about the UK or elsewhere?

[@HDBujutsu1775]

@ US

[@IronMikeDyson1979]

Where at exactly????

[@stevesmith756]

It’s still taught in Law Enforcement academy’s in California. Pain compliance

[@Jynxthedominator]

Except he hit you too

[@Fightskills]

Unlikely, when the lock is on there is no chance and during the transition he would always be compromised.