Master Haywood's answer to the rear headlock: the head follows the ear, and the body follows the head. A small handle on the attacker's frame gives the defender the largest change in the attacker's balance, and drives them cleanly to the ground.
Escape a rear headlock by securing an arm bar, gripping the ear or inside of the jaw, and ripping the head in the direction of your rotation to drive the attacker to the ground.
The instant a rear headlock closes, trap the attacker's forearm against your chest with both hands and apply the arm bar - short, hard, immediate. That secures the arm, saves your air, and gives you the base you need to work.
Now locate the ear or the inside of the jaw on the same side. Set a strong thumb grip on the ear, or hook two or three fingers inside the jaw. Do not pinch - anchor. This is a handle, not a slap.
Execute a decisive ear rip or snatch as you rotate your whole body in the direction of the ear being controlled. The attacker's head follows, their spine breaks alignment, and they off-balance to the ground. Stay aware - if the threat continues, a blade kick to the side of the head or neck is the last-resort finish. Then disengage and get to safety.
- 1Secure the attacker's arm and apply the arm bar first
- 2Strong thumb grip on the ear, or two-to-three fingers inside the jaw
- 3Rotate your body in the direction of the ear you are controlling
- Trying to strip the arm without first arm-barring it against your chest
- Grabbing the whole head instead of anchoring the ear or inside the jaw
- Rotating away from the ear you're controlling - it releases the handle
- Continuing to strike after the attacker is down and the threat is stopped