How to Escape a Full Nelson

Someone comes up behind you, slips their arms under your armpits and locks their hands behind your head, pushing it forward. You are now locked in a wrestling hold called a full nelson, a move professional wrestler Bobby Nelson created. You might think you are fully immobilized, but there are ways to escape. Remain calm, and follow these steps.

Instructions

  1. Technique #1

    • 1

      Bring your hands up, and lock them together at your forehead. Push backward to reduce the pressure being exerted from behind.

    • 2

      Drop to one knee. This pulls your attacker forward, throwing him off balance. Even though you're under your attacker, you now have an advantage.

    • 3

      Turn your body sideways in a quick motion, driving your elbow toward the ground, pulling your attacker to one side and driving him to the ground to break his hold. Done quickly enough, this can drive your attacker's head into the ground.

    • 4

      Reach behind you, and pull your attacker's hands apart with his hold now loosened.

    • 5

      Slip out of the attacker's hold, turn and strike him with your fist to further disable him and prevent him from attempting to lock you into a full nelson again.

    Technique #2

    • 6

      Thrust your elbows quickly down to your sides to break the full nelson. Keep your arms at your sides to pin your attacker's arms.

    • 7

      Move your right foot behind your attacker. You will now be standing side by side.

    • 8

      Grab your attacker behind the knees, and pull him to the ground. Go to one knee. Your attacker is now off balance and landing on his back.

    • 9

      Escape the attacker's hold, turn and strike him with your fist to deter him from locking you into a full nelson again.