Hair Grab Defenses with Ando Mierzwa and Stephan Kesting

Hair grabs are a very common attack in the street so if you have hair then you need to know how to defend against someone grabbing it! in this video Ando Mierzwa and Stephan Kesting share some ideas and techniques for defending against this street situation.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Always a pleasure to be asaaulted by you, sir. Next time, I’ll wear a wig. 👍🏼

[@chaosbreaker8737]

Ando Mierzwa 😂😂😂😂😂❤️

[@SelfDefenseTutorials]

Thank you very much Ando. Great to have you on the channel again!

[@jasonchaplin1997]

6:05 I'm going to start "Miserable Existence Martial Arts" so that people learn to see things so negatively that whatever situation they find themselves in will seem fine because it will always be so much better than the horrible reality they otherwise dwell on. (Inspired by Werner Herzog: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJvNn42sqdynp6M )

[@AndoMierzwa]

Deaf Cat That is really funny! 😄

[@shinwook5145]

I saw this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYqrgqiBnLloi80 They say that in a chess game, two questions are: What's the threath? How can I defend it? But a third is: Can I ignore it? The video was in that third option, and I thought on you talking about hairpulls. Looks like the same thing to me : )

[@streetwisetactics]

I like how you guys mentioned structure, this is the main problem with "hair pull defence" your posture has been compromised... deal with that first

[@ameranadianveteran860]

I know, the internet often says aikido is terrible; however, the basic sankyo maneuver seems to work with a hair grab. Secure the hand on top of the head. Rotate in toward the attacker’s body and spiral up toward the armpit. It’s unpleasant. Also, like Ando was saying, you are moving into the attacker not away. Just one solution I’ve found on this topic. I love the video as the hair-grab thing is a huge problem...especially for women.

[@SelfDefenseTutorials]

I am actually a huge fan of Sankyo. Get it all the time when rolling

[@profd65]

Aikido isn't terrible, you idiot. It's just that people try to use it in situations where it doesn't apply, and then when it doesn't work they blame Aikido.

[@ameranadianveteran860]

profd65 : I agree , not with the idiot part (well sometimes), but people on the internet freak out over aikido being “bullshido” frequently in my experience. I went from practicing aikido to bjj and there is overlap at times. I catch irimi nage on occasion. I get an occasional wrist lock as well. It adds some fun to my game. I was at a seminar once with Royler Gracie where he showed a modified ikkyo from mount, weird but true.

[@ameranadianveteran860]

Self Defense Tutorials: actually, I would really love some videos where basic aikido is used in rolling. I would appreciate knowing how to incorporate some of my former training into my bjj. Love your channels, podcast is great also, though Ando’s is better 😉

[@highplainsdrifter24]

Aikido ist great.

[@44Noosh]

Two things I really like about this video: 1) I get to see how what I would do compares to what they do 2) It's cool to see people with different martial arts backgrounds use different tactics

[@AstralS7orm]

Grab and sit down with leg lift is actually Judo Hikikomi Gaeshi throw. There is also a similar "newer" one called Sumi Gaeshi, difference is in foot placement and hold - blue belt stuff. The main problem is if the guy can roll with this throw they will ignore it and now they're on foot standing and you're on the ground - or they get to be on top. These throws make many judo bouts look like actually rolling.

[@Seegie16]

There is a good wrist lock from the hair grab too. Ive actually used it with success in 2 high school fights. Ironically I learned it from a free trial class at tkd school in Italy.

[@sprk11]

love this vid. In a way it addresses a couple things I've been thinking about being grabbed in general. Your attacker has already told you what he's going to do. ( to some extent. ) He's going to pull with one hand and hit you with the other. Thank you both for sharing this

[@stephanwatson7902]

Also hair pulling can help you get or keep positions/submissions in jiu-jitsu/self defense as it can be head control from many angles

[@shinwook5145]

Hi! Some recomendations to attack from the hair grab while he strikes at you? Also, when he has more reach and is using it? Also for shirt grabs. I cant agree more than structure should go first, and that attacking is prioritary, but if I'm getting knocked out at the first go, it doesnt matter. Also, chopping my way in from out of range is perfect, but what when it doesnt work. About the guard pull/sacrifice throw, I would try to avoid going to the ground if I dont know how many potential additional attackers are around, although I think it would work perfect if you know there's only one attacker withouth weapons.

[@Matharuclasses]

(1) in case of this probability , always fight in a distance with no possibility of grappling or getting hold of ur hairs (2) tie ur hairs with tight hairband and then ur head with tight bandana (3) learn 2-3 skills. If there r more than one opponent , u r anyway done but if ur skilled and confident to take them on, get something from around which u can use as weapon (4) keep in mind that when he got hold of ur hairs , he has got one of his occupied but ur 2 hands r free.. So get close to him and punch with both hands on his crotch , stomach whereever

[@chillalien13]

you inspired me to shave my head

[@SelfDefenseTutorials]

lol

[@counterkidnapping1737]

Same

[@airborneshodan]

There were a lot of missed opportunities for bald jokes in this vid.

[@deniseherud]

What do I do tho if I’m a woman with long hair and a guy grabs it from behind? I can see these techniques working if some other girl wants to fight -they’ll come face first...but guys grab from behind and can use their hair hold to just pull me back off my feet ..am I supposed to launch myself backwards onto them?🤷🏼‍♀️

[@thebruceleefan]

I've had good success with pressing the hand into my head very hard while turning under the arm either direction

[@Matharuclasses]

Its good , I tried it in practisr

[@choyayahyah]

Great video. Another defense can be to palm strike to the face and follow the hand through by pushing his nose up and back and take control of his body through his head unlike the hair hold. I hope I'm making sense

[@quinngiles7080]

keep up the good work guys! Stephen. do you know of any joint manipulation escapes for this situation that are actually PRACTICAL. wrist locks? finger locks, standing arm lock where you arm bar the arm with your armpit. I know that stuff is hard to do standing due to lack of control, but I feel like they'd be easier to do if the arm is "pinned" to your head

[@ericredbeard5815]

Quinn Giles see my above comment for a powerful full body wrist lock. You are correct in that it is much easier to get a lock when someone grabs you than trying to snag a punch or grab them and set it.

[@stephanwatson7902]

A real problem with this is multiple attackers, one of your best bets is to keep distance and trying escapes against one of a group would be difficult

[@ericredbeard5815]

A possible option here is to pin their hand to your head with both hands. This serves double duty vs punches as an elbow shield. Once pinned tightly you can rotate the direction of their pinky in a 360 degree turn breaking or spraining his wrist. There is a bit of a duck/weave action to start the motion. Be very careful practicing any joint lock you can seriously hurt your partner but especially in wrist locks.

[@Matharuclasses]

I tried it, it is the best

[@complexblackness]

Mr. Kesting what do you think about the first part of Grab art 3 as a possible defense? Where you smash down on the arms. I think it can work.

[@SelfDefenseTutorials]

It could definitely work. Or Basics 1, smashing the biceps. Need to be in good position to pull that off though

[@starvethebeast6480]

I was taught in Shuan Fa kungfu to pin the hand to your head with both hands, sink your weight and spin your body 360% or 720% or however many times it takes to get them to let go or you just end up breaking the arm, wrist, elbow; tear the rotator cuff or all 5. It's really a pretty nasty, but simple technique that ends up kind of like an alligator attack; they grab a hold of their prey and relentlessly barrel roll to drown, smash up, and disorient. Just think; it's essentially you entire body weight and strength against their arm in an outstretched and very vulnerable position. Trust me, they won't be throwing any punches or kicks while their entire arm is being wound up like a Twizzler. It'd be fun to see it demonstrated on your channel and get your opinion on it's effectiveness.

[@Matharuclasses]

Seen that in a video here on KZbin , will send u link ... Its effective for sure

[@Matharuclasses]

Better tie ur head with tight bandana so that ur hairs r not exposed for grabbing

[@starvethebeast6480]

@@Matharuclasses no head band necessary. Even if your attacker grabs your hair, you simply use both hands to firmly pin their hand to the top of your head, and spin left or right. Either way, it ends badly for them, whether they've got a grip on your hair or not.

[@Matharuclasses]

@@starvethebeast6480 how about long hairs when his one hand is holding ur hairs and his hand is not even on ur head ??

[@starvethebeast6480]

@@Matharuclasses lol, good point. Idk, kick him in the nuts. Luckily my hair is not that long, so I don't need to worry about that particular scenario. What would you do?

[@waldemarhilt3574]

I am in no way a Grapplingexpert but my idea is that at 4:50 you could go for a triangle chocke. Would it be too dangerous for Selfdefense or could it actually work?

[@NorfolkPracticalKarate]

Yes it would be, the possibility of a third party kicking you in the head, even someone not envolved.

[@Tobby4063]

Gracie Jiu Jitsu defense same as for single handed throat grab - grab with both hands, drag, arm lock, war face, snap his elbow, wrist, etc. War face very important.

[@thejoojoo9999]

Imo the first thing to do is to pin the hand on your head as hard as you can. That way you relieve a part of the pain (the pain of a hair grab is really intense and will make it really hard for you to think straight/react correctly) and you control one of his hands at least . Then you can do many things. I think some Aikido style wrist manipulation WHILE KEEPING THE HAND OM YOUR HEAD can actually be quite effective.

[@counterkidnapping1737]

There's only one great solution for this : make sure you have a small knife and as soon as yo opponent pulls you, you go to him and stab him multiple times

[@AceofDlamonds]

Eeee...i think that's a bit harder than you think, especially with the suddenness. Do the grapppling 1st. (Secure the grabbing arm with hands, clinch, etc) If he still resist, pull knife and attack.

[@wjhull]

I've gotta say, I'm a bit disappointed! I came here expecting some wushu nonsense (popped in my feed because I've seen Ramsay Dewey's critiques of self defense videos), but instead you actually came at it from a rational angle that makes real-world sense. Damn you and your competence! Seriously, though, surprisingly well-done.

[@gabriel300010]

So you are saying this technique is not fo da streetz?

[@mrjowjoe]

Stephan! Where was your judo, launch the guy over your head lol. Thaught he was dropping in for a kataguruma at first ha. Great vid though!

[@stephanwatson7902]

I like a good Thai Plum, but if my attacker has long enough hair I dont mind using that excellent handle for head control, dirty boxing, knees, heabutts. Jkd use what works lol

[@psyience3213]

If you want to pull back you have the armbar. Not a flying armbar, but the guard pull armbar just as if the gi. Step with the right foot, shoot the hips up swing over armbar

[@ttchme9816]

If someone grabs me by the hair he's asking for a arm bar. Grab his arm and take him down for a arm bar. As for striking, you can't do anything if you can't reach him so you need to escape the grab somehow.

[@Matharuclasses]

Keep ur both hands on his hand ( which is grabbling ur hairs ) and just turn by 360... He will have to leave grab

[@MGPW]

I feel a lot better about my incoming baldness.

[@caosangang1620]

Titles: How to defense if someone grabs your hair Video: Get Bald Hair

[@patricks1560]

Good luck with that on me. Actually, when I was a hippy and doing kung-fu, it was very easy to pull up from a hair-grab.

[@edi9892]

In many SD courses, that thing is practiced with compliant opponents only. If they did it for real, their success rate would drop below 25%...

[@mrandersson2009]

Never wash your hair. If it's greasy enough no one will be able to hold it for longer than a second or two.

[@pierrebridenne8870]

" L'Oréal, parce que je le vaux bien".

[@sidgar1]

In this situation, a strike to the top of the forearm or the pit of the elbow might be enough to loosen the grip. Even if they hold on, subsequent strikes to this arm will weaken it dramatically, allowing you to either break the grip or focus solely on defending from the other arm. You could even strike at the wrist with a punch to the side of the bone and free yourself from the grasp. If the opponent tries to limit you in one way, attack the new weakness he creates.

[@BigHossHackworth]

sidgar1 All that is totally testable. Someone should make a vid.

[@sidgar1]

Trust me, a punch to the side of the wrist or the elbow and the guy won't be able to clench a fist, let alone hold on to your hair. An opponent's own limbs can be targeted and neutralized with the right strikes. We focus too much on strikes to the body and head to realize that ANY part of the body can be targeted and weakened with the right technique.

[@TheCrushmaster]

This is too low percentage. I've tested striking the arm and shoulder (the pressure point next to your neck) versus lapel grabs and it's all psychological. If they really want to hold on it will not make them release it.

[@BigHossHackworth]

sidgar1 Wouldn't that negate a lot of clinch work in bare knuckle MMA and Muay Thai ? Those are legal areas to strike after all. Why aren't fighters doing it?

[@sidgar1]

BigHossHackworth How often do you see hair pulls in MMA? Isn't that illegal?

[@kimurasquirrel]

"What would you do...(thinking... oh wait)"

[@walkingcorpse1224]

I've been in may fights before and to this day I have not had someone pull on my hair before. But I guess if someone did that to me, if they're in front, Osoto Gari their ass, but if they're in back, Segoki Nage their ass down. Either way, they're going to let go, and allow me to gain mount position for the ground and pound and easy submission.

[@Matharuclasses]

True, only weak fighters go for hairs . ..impatient ones

[@hvk4985]

Could the bald guy have at least worn a wig for this demonstration? The poor chap with the helmet had nothing to hold onto.

[@aptcmpasion]

surely, guys: put both hands on the grab-hand, & rotate the grab-hand thumb-down, then...

[@counterkidnapping1737]

"shave it off" Lol.

[@criostasi4080]

I do not think that "pull guard defense" is a good idea. Going on the ground on bottom when stryking is involved can never be a good idea. Instead I would try to close the distance into a clinch, as also Ando suggested, and from the clinch I would go to my usual stryking/wrestling approach. No need to discover new "special tecniques". Learn principles, not tecniques, keep it simple ad win fights with basics.

[@killersalmon4359]

I don't think pulling guard is optimal but bear in mind that a hair grab is likely to be an attack that a man uses on a woman, and that the average man is bigger and stronger than the average woman, and that when a man assaults a woman, many times, he is trying to MOVE her from A to B so that he can do something to her, and that a grab against someone with long hair is hard to break. I agree that maintaining structure/posture is important, but doing that against someone who's got an almost unbreakable grip on your head is easier said than done, especially if he's bigger and stronger than you. If he's broken your structure, than he can more easily accomplish his goal of moving you from A to B, which is not good. Dropping to guard renders the structure/posture issue, if not moot, then less relevant. It also makes it more difficult for someone to move you from A to B since you're on the ground. Ideally, you want to focus on escape, but just being able to prevent the assaulter from accomplishing his mission, can buy you time until help arrives. Plus, there are ways to beat the crap out of someone when they're in your guard. Again, I don't think pulling guard is optimal, but getting your (long) hair grabbed is a pretty bad situation to be in and assuming you can make the guy let go with a flurry of punches and kicks just isn't realistic IMHO. Ideally, you shouldn't let the assaulter grab your hair but if it happens, viable options are limited, and one of them is to pull guard.

[@Ricardoromero4444]

Against a single untrained opponent when no weapons are expected, pulling guard is a great alternative.

[@rvrrb]

rigan machado teaches as soon as someone grabs you, you pull them close and take them down.

[@VTSifuSteve]

That's great if you are a strong grappler in a one on one scenario. I't not such a good response in a self-defense scenario where escape is a priority. Taking it to the ground in a SD situation creates a whole different set of risks. It may be a good choice, and maybe not.

[@mark6115]

This is so over my head....

[@safdarkh786]

Lucky me, I'm going bald! 😅

[@patricks1560]

Won't work against a practised practitioner, I had long hair when I did kung fu, didn't take me long to just ignore it, the hair grab that is. But then I've always had a strong neck.

[@Matharuclasses]

If u try properly , AL these will work specially keeping ur hands on his and and rotating by 360 .... Better tie ur long hairs by hairband and tie these hairs in tight bandana whenever u go for fighting

[@bundy4prez462]

That's what you get for making fun of his lisp!