Bear Hug (Rear, Underarms) - Children's Self-Defense

This page provides details on techniques that a child can use to escape from a bear hug. However, it is extremely difficult for a child to escape from an adult. Therefore, children must also be taught to scream for help and/or run away from danger.

For additional self-defense techniques, please visit the main Self Defense Techniques for Children section.

Tips & Instructions for Technique

• Scenario - Someone is attempting to grab the child under the arms from the front.
• This video shows the child using both arms to push against the throat of an aggressor and stepping back/dropping their weight.
• Also eye gouging and biting will help loosen the adult if they are unable to immediately get their arms at the throat of their aggressor.
• If the child is lifted (not shown in video) the pressure on the neck is still good and kicking should follow during the entire ordeal until the child is dropped and can run away.