Clinch Lesson #6: Front Headlock Defense Against Takedown (instructional video included)

This is the 6th lesson in our Clinch 101 series.

The front headlock is an excellent clinch to use in the event the assailant tries to take you down by attacking your legs (i.e. with a low tackle or wrestler's shot).

How to perform:

If the assailant goes down to grab your legs:

Collar grab the back of his neck as you simultaneously jump both your feet back and apart.
Lower your hips a bit (sprawl), leaning into him to create resistance against their forward momentum.
Pull their head under your armpit, while continuing to maintain downward pressure.
Wrap your forearm (of the same arm) around his throat, and make a fist with that hand.
Have your free hand grab your fist at the wrist (or wrist) and squeeze to control him.
Continue bearing down on the assailant as you keep your legs back and away from their reach.

Strikes from the front headlock include:

Deliver rapid knees to the assailant’s head. (Be careful not to let them grab your leg).
Tighten the squeeze hard around the assailants neck, and elevate your hand that's controlling your wrist a bit. This will create a choke (i.e. standing guillotine choke), and will render the assailant unconscious in approximately 15 seconds.
Deliver downward elbow strikes the assailant’s spine by releasing your hand that is holding your wrist. Keep your other hand around their neck, and continue to bear down on them while striking.

Below is a short video of how to perform the front headlock with knee strikes.

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Front headlock with knee strikes