Defense Against the Wrist Grab
by Sensei John Herr

This JuJitsu technique will involve the usage of pressure point theory 1. Caution should be observed when practicing, both for Uki (the one on the left grabbing) and Tori (the one on the right, in the picture below). Do not actually strike the points without the assistance of a qualified instructor, who is able to perform energy restoration techniques.¹

Until you are able to obtain instruction and supervision, only work on studying and practicing the pressure points on the arm and do not strike the points of the head or body. Be cautious of activating those points of the heart meridian on the arm. Weekly practice should be limited to one fifteen minute session and should only involve one side of the body. As an additional caution, consult a physician before beginning active study. ²

Same Side Wrist Grab

Notice that the grasping hand the thumb is up. This effects the pressure points that are available to be activated.

Pressure Point Locations

This point is Small Intestine 7 is to be struck against the ulnar bone, either straight in or in and up. ³

This point (in the picture below) is Large Intestine 7 and is to be struck against the bone and toward the hand. ⁴

These points on the wrist are heart 6 and lung 8 points. They are activated by grasping in a rolling motion against the wrist bone, little finger side first. ⁵

This is Gall Bladder 20 and is to be struck with a palm heel, back to front at a forty-five degree angle.⁶ Do not actually strike this point unless you have received proper instruction and are in the presence with someone who can perform recusation and energy restoration. This point is also close to Bladder 10, which should never be struck in practice. ⁷

All these points need only to be struck with the same amount of force, in practice, that you would use to knock on a door. These points follow the cycle of destruction of fire- small intestine and heart; metal- large intestine and lung; wood- gall bladder. ⁸

The sequence begins with Uki grabbing your wrist, as in the first picture. Uki is possibly preparing to punch, kick and or pull you closer. Since you are directly in front of a possible attack, you could first move off to the side at a forty-five degree angle by bringing you body center to your wrist, while striking small intestine 7 straight in. ⁹

Then while still turning away from a possible attack, move your hand down to Uki’s wrist and apply pressure to heart 6 and open Uki’s hand and loosen Uki’s grip.

Continue to turn and put pressure on Uki’s fingers toward Uki’s body and in a circular twisting motion. This will accomplish crossing sensor reflex action. ¹⁰

Once Uki is in this position, any strikes will be either impossible or ineffective.

Next grasp Uki’s wrist, putting pressure on the little finger side of your grasping hand first and then rolling in to grasp the other side of the wrist, while applying torque to Uki’s wrist and arm.

While still maintaining control of Uki’s wrist, move in a circular motion to Uki’s back, so that Uki is now in front of you and strike Large Intestine 7, with your forearm, toward Uki’s hand.

Then to complete the sequence, once behind Uki, strike Gall Bladder 20 point on the head, in a forty-five degree angle, back to front. This should leave Uki in a dazed or knocked out condition.

At this point you could just choose to run away, apply a control move, or takedown and or choke.

First practice just the sequence, without any follow-up techniques and learn the arm points thoroughly. Do not practice head and body techniques without the assistance of a trained instructor.

When practicing follow-up techniques, do not activate pressure points. Only practice follow-up techniques on Uki who has not had the pressure points activated. Once a pressure point is struck, it remains activated for approximately twenty minutes. Even if it appears as if a pressure point has had no effect, the next one in the sequence may have an extraordinary effect so practice with care and regard for Uki’s welfare. ¹¹