How to Do Wrist Joint Locks

The aikido joint wrist lock is an effective technique to use when an assailant has grabbed you by the collar or otherwise laid their hands on your person in an attacking or provocative manner. Like most aikido techniques, the wrist joint lock is meant to subdue your opponent and incapacitate them for you to follow through with another technique or escape to safety. Aikido techniques are designed to use circular motion and turn an attacker's own momentum against him or her. Therefore they can be used effectively by smaller, weaker fighters to defend themselves against bigger, stronger ones.

Instructions

    • 1

      Reach out using a free hand and grab the assailant's opposite hand by the blade, or inside edge. Rotate the assailants wrist so the thumb is pointed downwards.

    • 2

      Pivot with your hips and bring your other arm over the assailant's trapped arm.

    • 3

      Continue on in a circular motion while pushing forward and downward on the outside of the assailant's elbow with your arm as you twist his or her hand and force the assailant down to the ground.