Small Joint Locking Techniques

Small joint manipulation is the twisting or bending of small appendages, such as the fingers or thumb, to put pressure on the knuckle in a painful way. It is a very effective self-defense technique that has been barred from most professional fighting competitions, including mixed martial arts. Small joint locking techniques do not require much strength or technical skill, making them useful for rape defense and other situations where a smaller person must fend off a larger opponent in close quarters.

  1. Wrist Trap

    • The wrist trap is useful for any situation where someone is in the process of grabbing you or already has a grip on you from the front. Grab the attacker's wrist with one hand as tightly as you can to stabilize and keep it in place. Force your thumb under one of your attacker's fingers with your free hand. The pinkie is ideal since it is the smallest joint and therefore the most vulnerable, but any one will do. Once you've isolated that finger with the thumb, wrap your fingers around it then bring the bottom of your hand to your chest as you turn the top of your hand toward the attacker. This causes a finger-bending effect that should quickly bring an attacker down to his knees.

    Handshake

    • Grab your opponent in a traditional handshake position then bring all four of your fingers up around the back of your opponent's thumb, trapping it between your own thumb and fingers. Yank your hand back toward you as you bend your wrist. This places tremendous pressure on the joint of the thumb and may even dislocate it. It is extremely painful and can disable an opponent temporarily, allowing you the chance to either escape or follow up with another counter-attack.

    Choke Defense

    • If you are being choked by an arm from behind, you may only have a few seconds to escape before you lose consciousness. Grab the choking arm and follow it up the forearm to the wrist with your palm. Wedge your palm into the fingers of your attacker until you feel a finger in your palm. Close your grip around it and immediately snap it straight backward as hard as you can. This can cause permanent damage to the choker's hand, but it is necessary for you to escape the choke before you are hurt or killed.

    Toe Isolation

    • Toe grips are unusual since you are less likely to find yourself in a situation where the attacker is barefoot and a foot is within reach. However, if the opportunity presents itself, a toe lock is as effective as a finger. It also has the added benefit of making it harder for an attacker to follow you on foot if you attempt an escape. Grip any toe you can reach and bend it sharply back against the foot as much as you can. The big toe is durable and will be tougher to get the appropriate torque so go with a smaller toe if possible.