Defending Hair Pulled From Behind
A rear hair grab is a control attack designed to dominate posture, balance, and vision using pain and leverage. Effective defence requires closing distance, lowering posture, and turning INTO the attacker.
Technique Demonstration – Rear Hair Pull
Key principle: Clamp the grabbing hand, move INTO the attacker to remove leverage, turn to restore vision, break control, then disengage and escape.
Read-Me Awareness Cards
Don’t pull away
Pain is a control tool.
Pulling away tightens the grip, increases pain, and gives the attacker
full control of your posture and balance.
Clamp the hand first
The grip is the problem.
If you don’t secure the grabbing hand immediately, the attacker can
yank harder, drag you, or transition to strikes or a takedown.
Move INTO the attacker
Distance increases danger.
Closing distance shortens the lever on your hair, reduces pain,
and weakens their ability to control your head.
Turn to regain vision
You must see the threat.
Turning restores awareness, decision-making, and balance.
You cannot effectively escape what you cannot see.
Escape is the objective
Control is temporary.
Once control is broken, disengage and create distance.
Staying engaged increases physical and legal risk.
Flash Cards – Hair Grab From Behind
First action?
Clamp the grabbing hand immediately.
Pull away?
No. Pulling away increases pain and control.
Move which direction?
INTO the attacker to remove leverage.
Why turn?
To regain vision, balance, and awareness.
End goal?
Break control, disengage, escape safely.
