How Do You Escape From Wrestling Holds?

Wrestling holds can be incredibly challenging to escape from, especially when your opponent has a strong grip and knows how to apply pressure. However, with the right techniques and strategies, you can effectively break free from these holds and regain control of the match. In this article, we will explore some of the most common wrestling holds and provide step-by-step instructions on how to escape from each one.

The Headlock

The headlock is one of the most basic yet effective wrestling holds. It involves your opponent locking their arm around your head, putting pressure on your neck and restricting your movement.

To escape from a headlock:

1. Stay calm: Panicking will only make it harder to escape. Take deep breaths and focus on your next move.
2. Grab their wrist: Use both hands to firmly grab your opponent’s wrist that is holding your head.
3. Lower your level: Drop down to one knee while maintaining a tight grip on their wrist.
4. Bend forward: Push forward with your shoulder while bending at the waist, using your momentum to break their grip.
5. Circle behind: As you break free, circle behind your opponent and prepare for your next attack.

The Armbar

The armbar is a joint lock that primarily Targets the elbow joint. It is important to act quickly when caught in an armbar as it can cause serious damage if not escaped properly. To escape from an armbar:

1. Create space: Push against your opponent’s hips using both hands to create distance between you and them.
2. Rotate your arm: Rotate your trapped arm in the direction of your opponent’s thumb to alleviate pressure on your elbow.
3. Stack your opponent: Drive forward with your hips and stack your opponent’s body on top of their arm, applying pressure to their shoulder and making it difficult for them to maintain control.
4. Free your arm: Once you have created enough space, quickly pull your trapped arm out from their grip.

The Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke is a submission hold that Targets the neck and can cause unconsciousness if not escaped promptly. To escape from a guillotine choke:

1. Tuck your chin: Protect your neck by tucking your chin down towards your chest.
2. Control their hips: Wrap both arms around your opponent’s waist to control their movement and prevent them from tightening the choke.
3. Drop your weight: Lower your center of gravity by squatting down, making it harder for your opponent to maintain the choke.
4. Circle to the side: As you drop your weight, circle around to the side opposite of where their head is positioned, breaking their grip and relieving pressure on your neck.

The Body Lock

The body lock is a wrestling hold where an opponent wraps both arms around you, restraining movement and limiting options. To escape from a body lock:

1. Control their hands: Grab onto both of their wrists or hands to prevent them from tightening the lock further.
2. Drop your weight: Lower your center of gravity and squat down to make it harder for your opponent to maintain the hold.
3. Step to the side: Take a sidestep in either direction, shifting your weight and breaking their grip.
4. Pivot and face them: Once you have broken free, pivot towards your opponent and be ready to counter-attack.

The Bottom Line

Escaping from wrestling holds requires a combination of technique, strength, and composure. Remember to stay calm, use leverage, and create space whenever possible.

By practicing these escape techniques regularly, you will become more proficient at breaking free from even the tightest holds. Keep in mind that mastering these escapes takes time and effort, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed right away. With persistence and dedication, you will improve your skills and become a formidable opponent on the wrestling mat.