Self Defense Escape Technique Uses Old Playground Trick!
One of the most dangerous self-defense situations is one that involves multiple attackers.
It’s bad enough to face someone on the street when he’s bigger and stronger than you.
When you face a group of people who outnumber you, even if they’re smaller than you, as a group they can very easily kill you.
If they get you down onto the ground and then start stomping you, their boots may be the least thing you ever see.
Your priority, then, is to ESCAPE such a scenario.
Escape is not cowardly.
You’re not “backing down” or otherwise making yourself look bad.
If the odds are stacked against you and there is very little chance you can win, only a fool would insist on fighting and ending up being crippled or killed.
Most self defense instructors would rightfully advise you to run away from the fight.
But there’s something that a lot of people don’t take into account:
What If Your Attackers Are FASTER Than You?
Unless you’re an Olympic athlete, it’s very possible that one or more of your attackers in a real street fight may be able to catch up to you while you run away.
If they do, then there’s no doubt that you’re going to have to fight and defend yourself only now you’re completely winded, right?
Maybe not.
In fact, here’s a weird self-defense escape technique that you can use to get away when they’re running faster than you…
Self Defense Escape Technique Against Multiple Attackers
Ok, do you remember the games we used to play in grade school?
One that us boys played was a cruel rite of passage for 3rd grade called “Johnny Tackle”.
It was a bit like rugby where one boy had the ball and everyone else’s job was to tackle him and smear his face into the ground.
But some of us knew a little escape trick when you knew there was someone right on your heels, ready to take you out…and you can adapt this weird self-defense escape technique for real-life like this:
Weird Self-Defense Escape Technique, Step One:
As you’re running away from one or more attackers, you realize that the person behind you is faster.
You need to use your EARS and anything around you, such as reflections in window glass, to help you determine exactly how far off the pursuer is.
Weird Self-Defense Escape Technique, Step Two:
Wait until your attacker is right on top of you.
This is important, because if you act too early, the technique won’t work and you’ll just be gift-wrapping yourself for your attackers.
You don’t want to telegraph this self defense move.
Weird Self-Defense Escape Technique, Step Three:
At the last possible second, just when you hear your attacker within about an arm’s length away, quickly drop to the ground into a fetal position, forming an instant obstacle.
Your attacker won’t be able to react in time and will trip over you, likely falling hard to the ground.
Once the opponent is on the ground, you can quickly jump up and counterattack HIM, stomping and kicking him or simply using his crash as your opportunity to escape in self defense.
Not all Attackers will TRIP. What happens when thay jump over you???
Manfred
Maybe for the young, the nimble
and the lucky, but not for this old,
out of shape guy, 69.
I think that this method would work better for a person who is frail than other methods.
First, nothing is 100%… but you could get on you back into a guard… the kick the sh*t out of his shins and knees when he gets close. If he bends down in a reaction kick him in the head or groin.
If there is only one finish it and get out, if there are more you’ll need to work your position and reattempt an escape.
I like this technique… it’s simple and has a fair chance of changing the momentum of the encounter.
Timing is everything Manfred.
Fall down too soon and him jumping over you will be the least of your worries. Getting football kicked to the head is much worse.
But do it when he’s nearly on top of you and he’ll have no chance of reacting or jumping over you. This works like a charm.
Thanks!
~ Jeff
Great tips Jeff.
A terrific way of turning the situation around. You always have simple and effective methods for the good people to use.
I like your integrity and creative thought in what you have to offer.
I train and specialize in Survival Fitness for military and civilians to be physically capable of performing these moves you demostrated.
It’s a very unique training system which I’ve developed over the years with great success.
keep up the excellence Jeff!
What a simple and smart technique, if timed right you can be all over him before he knows what happened.
Dan
I like a lot what you put out but,I have a problem with putting myself on the ground in front of an attacker.I think I would rather turn around and fight if I had to.
What about his mates? they are running at you, not far behind him, and you are on the floor.
There are always dynamics in a situation that can’t be addressed generically. This is why it’s important to train in whatever techniques you plan on using.
Lots of options there Michael…
1. Get your ass off the ground fast!
2. I wouldn’t necessarily do it if I had 2 or more guys lined up behind me. One guy goes down but I’ll likely get stomped by his posse.
3. If you’re in at least half good shape, you can string them out. Some will drop off to the side to toss their cookies because they’re not out there training on the treadmill at the local iron jungle either. You may start out being chased by 3 or 4 guys but if you can outlast them a little bit, there may only be one who catches up with you. Pull this technique and then either stomp the guy flat on the ground then turn to fight the stragglers (at least you have one less guy to fight) or continue running to escape and maybe the flat guy’s buddy will stop to kiss his boo-boos.
Thanks for the comment Michael!
~ Jeff
Droping down is good but you are waiting for them and your timing needs to be right; I would suggest when you go down you close the gap towards them taking out their legs. You have also ruined their timing to grab you.
I disagree, if someone is running at 10+ mph, they won’t be able to stop on a dime.
Its possible they could jump over, but their back would be turned and their balance would be off, giving you sufficient time to get up and attack them.
Still, I really think this tactic should be used with discretion, and even then I doubt it’s effectiveness.
Here’s the thing:You WILL have to be fast enough to outrun most of the attackers. It seems like an okay tactic for taking out one person, but multiple people? Here’s the issue with that.
1.The tactic succeeds, and he trips. How do I know he won’t fall on top of me, at least partially, when he trips? It will take me around 5 seconds to get out from under him, and another 10 seconds to get up, and start running to maximum speed again. If he has a buddy, I’ll be dead by then.
2.Again, the tactic succeeds, and he trips. Except his boot slams into my kidney or lungs at max speed. He’ll have some badly bruised, bleeding elbows, I’ll be completely immobile.
Also,I don’t think its a good idea to drop down on concrete into the fetal position at 10+mph. I’ll get hurt almost as badly as he will.
Finally, it DOES matter how fast you are. I’m 280 pounds, and while I can sprint at only slightly below average speed, it wears me out a LOT. On the other hand, I’m significantly stronger than average. Even against 20 people, I’m better off pulling out my bowie knife and fighting, or even using my fists, than running.
I’m sorry, but this just doesn’t sound like a tactic that was field tested.
I liked a lot of your stuff, but I think this is a miss. I’m still a subscriber, and I look forward to your better tactics that I can use.
Daniel
I brought up the “speed does matter” argument twice, I forgot I mentioned it once. My apologies.
I just watched the video; originally I only read the article. I don’t know if fetal position would be the right term to describe it.
The position he showed in the video is better than a fetal position, but I still think a lot of my objections are valid.
Appreciate your skepticism Daniel!
Actually, we’ve run this trick as a “field test” numerous times and it definitely works. To address some of your issues (by number)
1. With his forward momentum, he won’t fall on top of you. He’ll fall forward and away from you. Simple physics.
2. In the adrenaline of a real street fight, you’re not going to feel him tripping over you, especially if you curl up and roll (something I couldn’t really show that effectively in the video). If you can drop down far enough and time it right, you’re only going to be hit with one of his legs as he’s running and it will likely be his shin or possibly knee but with his upper body lunging forward as he falls, most of the force will be above you.
3. Falling on concrete? Dude…you’re fighting for your life!
But I guess if you can find a nice soft grassy knoll to lead him to, you won’t scrape your knees in the process.
4. You’re right, being fast DOES count, but this technique was stated for when you are trying to run and they are faster than you. If you feel you can’t outrun them, then your best chance may be to stand and fight as you stated. It’s all a judgment call that must be made in a split second, eh?
Thanks for the detailed response Daniel! Keep on commenting brother!
~ Jeff
Fair enough. A lot of my original skepticism was before I watched the video. When I read “fetal position” I imagined laying down, in a ball, with your back facing the attacker’s feet.
The position you showed in the video was significantly different than what I had in mind, and I can see it working.
For one, the trip is higher, and so he is going to hit head first, like you said. Even if he uses his hands to slow, he’s going to hit hard.
Also, my biggest concern was a steel toe to the kidney. At a higher height, like you said, it won’t be felt with adrenaline pumping.
Finally, like you said, its for someone who decides its safer to run than to fight, not a be-all end-all tactic for fighting multiple large attackers. I someone forgot this in my original argument.
Thanks again for the polite, no-bullshit response. If other companies handled complaints and criticisms like you did, it would be a lot less hell to call their customer support.
You know what works even better than that? Let him come up on you full tilt boogie and when you think he’s close enough, look back behind you to double check, cause you’ll only get one shot at it. But just stop suddenly throwing a back kick to his stomach, and bang, he runs right into that sucker with all of his weight behind it, and it will stop him. At least temporarily allowing you to do either more damage or get away. It’s a breath taker for sure. I’ve seen this work numerous times in real life, and have used it myself on a few occasions, and it’s definitely better than dropping onto the ground, when there are multiple attackers. YOu stop to long, and they are on you like flies on stink, and that is a place no one wants to be. I promise.
If you have a blade just turn around and shank his ass! Let his momentum run into the knife. The fight is over, walk away, briskly!
Definitely Jeff…if it’s a life or death situation and you have a knife, I’m all for pulling out a pig-sticker to level the playing field.
If you happen to have your bazooka on you, that works very well too.
That’s funny about the bazooka, Jeff. The bazooka should be brought out of retirement and updated. The US military needs an American made RPG or similar. Something that is simple and low cost.
Some people always have negative things to say just about anything. I see your point in “doing something!”. My Drill Instructors at Parris Island taught me in ‘62 to use A.S.S. Accuracy, Surprise, and Speed. “Use your A.S.S. to save your ASS” It has helped me so far. I support your tactical suggestion. No one can predict an outcome, but imagination is what can help a whole lot. Usually, it is the simplest tactic, well-applied, which gets the best result.
Thank you, from Toms River, NJ
Hey Tom! I used to party all the time in Toms River!
Thanks for your comments and great advice from Parris Island!
Thanks for sharing!
~ Jeff
I like the A.S.S. concept. Accuracy, Surprise and Speed. That is new to me. Thank you.
good stuff jeff , timing here is of the essence! had my wife order your program, being involved in selfdefence myself, its all about simplicity & that ever crucial element of surprise!
Couldn’t have said it better myself Juan!
Simple works best and surprise is a critical element of self defense. If you can get it and you know it’s “go time”…take it!
But when you don’t have the first strike option, there’s lots of tools you need in your belt to survive. That’s what I love about this path. There’s always something new to learn and it’s great to have support from readers like you to contribute to the conversation and learning.
Thanks for your comments and your feedback Juan!
~ Jeff
I recommend carrying a spring-assisted 3 inch linerlock knife in your back pocket at all times. Practice until you can get it out and open in less than 1 second. Then eviscerate at your leisure. And yeah you can work it into this little maneuver if desired.
Spring assisted is illegal in the U.S, to carry anyway(stupid, I know). You’re better off carrying a fixed blade. I used to keep my knife in my right jeans pocket, with the sheathe button undone. With about an hour of practice, you can go from sheathe to badguy’s throat in less than a second.
I don’t know about other states, but in Florida you can carry spring assisted or automatic knives with a valid FL CCW.
Spring assisted is not even illegal in California. Everything else is though.
Your principle of changing levels is perfect, your position does not hold terrible possibilities, but MANY probabilities that lead to your own injury by his body clashing with your (back, ribs, head, he may step on your ankle thereby twisting it out of joint) without his planning to. You’ll actually CAUSE THEM to perform FINISHING MOVES by using your own plan.
Just think TRIANGULATION in limbar positions (your legs when standing over someone to pound him, or blocking strikes and kicks in Muai Thai–devastating hits leaves you unscathed). It’s natural and architecturally sound in protecting your (back, ribs, head).
Solutions: I falling down is a must, and there is the certainty of no one else around for 50 ft, I would swivel perpendicularly (making sure to hit an an angle causing his body to rotate after collision); I do this by entering a deep horse stance with my elbows in a muay thai block position that will protect my head and ribs against his impact. In a few words, I crouch in a wide stance at an angle, with all body parts protected, but that will cause him to spin off.
Like a lion vs. cape buffalo, I am then able to pounce any oncomers or quickly recover, if I happen to remain roughly in that position from the impact.
Jeff,
Another practical bit of advice; thank you. In fact, your posts have made such an impression on me over the last year that I’ve begun to rethink what might have been an overly sunny assessment of my physical safety. Taking this line of thinking to its logical conclusion, I’m weighing the possibility of augmenting my unarmed combat abilities with a weapon, at least some of the time. Kelly McCann says it’s irresponsible not to carry some kind of weapon. I believe Richard Grannon is opposed. Where do you stand on the issue, Jeff?
I believe in always being armed. I carry a SpydeRench with me at all times. Handy little wrench and tool set…with a deadly sharp blade that’s easy to get open.
Thank you Jeff!
This is not unlike the “slam on the air-brakes” technique used by Tom Cruise in Top Gun.
And it seems to take advantage of the “once-they-grab-you; you-got them!” mentality.
From experience, I believe that “state-of-mind” is fundamental to self-defense.
Learning to change “Fear-to-Fury,” without losing our ability to think, is key.
Of course, it would be better to avoid the fear stage altogether, but few of us can maintain that composure.
That is where these types of forums and your type of training come in…
I love that saying Michael! “Fear-To-Fury”…yes!
Because it really is about using the power of fear to your advantage.
Great thoughts man!
~ Jeff
Wow.. some of these guys are pretty harsh Jeff! (with the criticisms) I wish I’d have known this tactic 13 years ago when I’d gotten jumped by 5 drunk natives! Of course it also brought up the harsh reality that the whole world is not all bright and sunny.. I was very nearly killed as the pursuers were brought up on attempted murder.. ((ATTEMPTED MURDER?!? Well it’s not like they KILLED someone!!)) Probably the only thing I’d have to say is that what if it’s multiple attackers (like I was) what do you do.. keep repeating it til they’ll down..? But the biggest point is to go down fighting.. I now carry a farmers bale knife.. (it’s got jagged edges) at 6′3 250 lbs and former pro wrestler.. I’m scared of very little.. but multiples.. yes.. not odds I’m fond of.. Oh.. and my attackers? got 14 months.. and were on the street in less then 4..
I think some folks thought a little TOO hard on the subject.. but overall I agree with you on the effectiveness!! Field test it and I’m sure many would agree with you.. and again.. you’re fighting for your LIFE.. wanna just roll over and die? Or TRY something..I don’t care what anyone says.. I’d rather try to use their momentum against them!!
Thanks for your comments Rodd!
I’m sure those wrestling skills were put to good use against 5 drunken idiots. Would love to hear THAT story over a cold one some day! LOL
Take care brother!
~ Jeff
hi Jeff,
I quite agree with you that being able to escape multiple attackers is certainly not cowardly, but if cornered or unable to escape learning to deal with the situation is paramount, one needs to learn this long before one ever gets into this kind of situation. There are a number of things one would need to take into account i.e. an escape route, the most aggressive attacker, the weakest attacker, who has the most dangerous weapon, the way they are dressed etc. this is all done in a moment of time. Can I suggest something, give up, play the chicken game. this puts you in control. The distance is shorten and workable for a defence technique. Take your first attacker out use him or her as a shield, It is always harder for multiple attackers to hit a single person, they get in the way of each other, always look for a way out.
Why look for a way out? because you don’t know how each person reacts.
these hotshots that are smarting off dont know what there talking about.i dont need to test it.its saved my ass twice.the key is getting the fastest one out ahead of the pack and at that time they r a pack.then slow down a little let him think he has you as he is almost to grab or tackle you and you will know.dont be afraid to look back use your periferial vision over your shoulder or under your arm did it once each way.then stop and get LOW as he goes over you grab his feet and stand up.his head hits the ground kick him in what ever place is handy.let go and run again the next one wont close distance will pretend their suddenly out of breath.that was first time second the first one jumpped over me but too bad for bad ass as i stood up and grabbed his little feet and he fell down on his little head dont know how bad didnt wait to find out.
The simple things are always the best. Thanks Jeff.
Small thought here – don’t forget to jink – i.e., don’t run in a straight line, in case they have a projectile weapon, which includes rocks.
At 67 and having done the heart attack/bypass trick, I like the bazooka idea!
Haha! The heart attack trick is a good one Jim!
Reminds me of the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” episode (if you’re a fan).
Great point about running in an irregular patter in case they have a projectile. It may cause you to slow down a bit (shortest distance between two points is a straight line) so you can get a greater distance if you’re going straight, but especially if you think they have a gun, zig zagging is a great practice.
Thanks Jim!
~ Jeff
In ju jitsu this postion is called the turtle.
If the person flies over you great.
If they don’t you may get a hard elbow to your spine.
Or rear naked choke, or ankle lock, or crusifixe hold.
hi Jeff
another excellent idea and reckon in certain cirmunstances it would probably work having the chaser fall over your huched up body reckon the max no would be 2 and then you would need to get up real quick before they started to kick the crap out of you
I have been chased and actually turned around and elbowed the guy after me in the face
and then carried on running a lomg story
thanks for excellent content Jeff
bye peter mcgrath
Paul is correct. They (5) will get in each others way. I could not run from them for leg injuries (7 years in nam). I backed up to my Van. The leader broke a Jim Beam bottle on my head but hit the headphones for my Metal Detector. Only the front 2 could hit me and it was 40years and 100 Shore Patrol fights against a determined young gang.
One climbed up the spare tire and from the roof he fell on me as the front 2 went down with a blow to the back of their head through their sinus’s. The tough who fell on me now had me fall on him and I drug him under the Long Legged Chevy20 to escape the 2 guys still active. I could hear a Siren from the Station 2 blocks away and figured my initial yell for help was being answered.
It was too late for the Jumper as I got his arm over the drive shaft and pushed down hard. When his head hit the frame his elbow popped and his scream acted to direct the cops. 3 were rounded up and 2 sent to hospital. They got 18months and had to pay the Victim, (Me) $700 for a new Whites dectector.
The next 2 nights My Son the Sensei of the naval base Judo Club and all 100 of his Judoka’s owned the Beach. They even yelled thanks to the apartment house that helped their Ole Dad and enjoyed the show put on by the L.A. Olympic Team Asst. Coach. Today at 71 I can’t run so fast but I do live in Arizona and July 29 is only 6 weeks off.
By the way my Son is Kodakon trained and for 25 years had to fight by the rules however he is 50 and for 10 years no longer does that. Keep up the great work. T. Pendlebury Master Chief USN
Ok…Tom and Rodd and I need to ALL schedule a “cold one” and share war stories! LOL
Thanks for the detailed comment Tom! Great story man!
~ Jeff
I think a better technique would be to immediately drop as you turn into the assailant’s lower legs. This would resemble a rolling body block in football. This could get you to cause more initial damage to the guy
that’s chasing you, possibly some nasty knee damage. In my opinion it would work better,place you on offense faster. Also, if the guy is a trained fighter he could possibly know how to tuck and roll over your drop, such as an aikido or judo fron roll. Just my 2 cents for you guys to consider.
Thanks Richard!
All of the videos and posts are developed as individual weapons in an arsenal so any and all alternatives are welcome. There is no right and wrong here. The only “good” self defense move is the one that works when you need it. I’m just here to spark some thought and get the ball rolling. The comments that everyone is sharing is what helps us all integrate these self defense techniques into our survival plan.
Thanks man!
~ Jeff
This is a great last resort tactic, and works even better if you have a knife (even a small pocket knife). As he comes over you or gets caught straddling you, let him run his thighs and calves across a sharp spiderco and then move in the opposite direction as his jump; or if he’s straddling, give him lots of holes in his inner thighs, scrotum, ankles etc. Anyone who stops to grapple or choke you will have pieces falling off them. They don’t hold on for very long. Witnessed a large biker “chase and catch” a little running chicano guy. The biker caught him, pulled him down onto the pavement, and straddled to ‘ground and pound.’ Next thing I see the Big biker levitate and defy gravity as his inner thighs were perforated through his jeans by a knife from nowhere that just didn’t stop jabbing and cutting. The big guy couldn’t get off fast enough. The little guy gets up and completes his run from the others…leaving the biker screaming and holding holes in his legs. Everybody was afraid to chase that little guy that just made the biker spring leaks. Like stepping into a meat grinder.
Awesome Jim! Thanks for making a good self defense technique even BETTER!
Great stuff man and always feel free to fine-tune any techniques you see here on the blog!
Excellent. This should work quite well. Especially for people who are slower, smaller, weaker and less trained that the attacker. I used it on a regular basis in elementary school, but forgot about it.
Another good method is to wait for the attacker to do a football style tackle, then put him into a gullotine choke lock. Another good method is to do a back kick into the running attacker. Also, to turn and do a front kick. One can also turn and clothes line the attacker. A pivoting leg sweep would work well also. A palm heel strike to the chin is good too. There are many good methods. Simple is best.
Jeff, thank you very much for your tips on self defense.
I think what needs to be remembered here is that very few if any people would be expecting you to drop like a stone right in front of them if it is done quickly and without telegraphing as Jeff advised.
As far as most thugs are concerned it would be unexpected behaviour which if done fast enough, I seriously doubt they would have time to even think about jumping over you. You see this happening in football if a player goes down without warning. My guess is that the advantage lies with the person who takes the initiative, and an unexpected initiative is always better than presenting your enemy with something he is likely to have come across before.