The American Self Protection Association, Inc.

Home of America's first Mixed Martial Art Training Method for the Entire Family

Wrist Count./Rever.

A.S.P. Wrist Control Counters and Reversals

by Troy Schultz and Evan Baltazzi

1. DEFINITIONS

a. Attack: Any action completed with the intent of controlling and/or harming another.
b. Attacker: The person who initiates an attack.
c. Before: The initial stage of a technique.
d. Closed Side: A position that is outside of an individual's closest arm or behind.
e. Combination: The use of successive techniques by the same individual against an opponent who is attempting to foil said techniques.
f. Control: A technique often involving joint manipulation used to restrain an attacker or defender (e.g., wrist and elbow controls).
g. Counter: An technique used by the defender in response to an attack.
h. Defender: The person who defends against an attack.
i. Open Side: A position that is inside of an individual's closest arm or in front.
j. Reversal: Using the attacker's or defender's technique or similar technique as a counter. For the sake of simplicity, a wrist control countered by another wrist control is considered a reversal.
k. Technique: Any maneuver which is part of the A.S.P. program such as: punches, kicks, throws, controls, and trips.
l. Secured: The final stage of a technique.
m. Wrist Controls: The wrist controls described in the basic A.S.P. text (W-1 through W-10).

2. DISCUSSION

The counters and reversals for the basic wrist controls (i.e., W-1 through W-10) described here are presented for the advanced A.S.P. practitioner (B.B. VII candidate). These select counters and reversals assume the attacker and defender have some experience with wrist controlling techniques. The counters and reversals are presented in order of general applicability (the most applicable being listed first). Very little new material is presented. The number of possible counters and reversals is virtually infinite, however, some techniques tend to be more appropriate than others in given situations. In addition, due to differences such as height, weight, speed, etc., several variations are presented for each wrist control.

As with any advanced technique the effective use of the basic five principles is paramount. In addition, good body positioning and rhythmic motion are necessary to ensure a successful outcome. One should always use the counter or reversal which is most appropriate for him or her in the given situation. As a general rule, counters tend to offer a better defense than reversals, with few exceptions. The reversals, characterized by round fluid motion, are also effective defenses and provide enjoyable practice. Three new techniques presented here for the first time include:

The Forearm Peal (for use when one wrist is being secured):

Start first by crossing the free forearm over the secured arm at the elbow. Use your free arm to peal away the secured wrist and arm. Peal up, sliding along the secured arm, while twisting the free forearm out and away against the defender. At the same time use your body to help free the wrist by bending slightly at the knees and pulling down and away. The secured hand can be opened, fingers cupped, to assist in the release.

Double Outer Direct Tripping (for use when the attacker is standing upright):

Catch the defender's far leg with an outer direct tripping from behind (in this manner both legs are actually tripped). At the same time push the upper body in the same direction (i.e., towards the defender's rear/side flank opposite the attacker).

Side Knee Throw (for use from a secured W5, W6, or similar position):

Use your free arm to secure the inside of the closest ankle from the front. Lean directly into the side of the attackers knee thus forcing the attacker to fall sideways. Follow-up with a pin and/or choke.

3. COUNTERS AND REVERSALS

W-1 IN RESPONSE TO A DIRECT PUNCH OR OTHER ATTACK:

BEFORE (defender turns to pivot)

(1) COUNTER: FOREARM PEAL followed by a KNEE TO THE TAIL BONE or lower back. As an alternative to the knee, one can strike vital areas from behind. Follow-up with any CHOKE FROM BEHIND.
(2) COUNTER: FOREARM PEAL followed by a KNEE TO THE TAIL BONE or lower back. As an alternative to the knee one can strike vital areas from behind. NAPE THROW, PEAL, OR GRAB ANKLES for forward throw.
(3) Counter: Forearm peal and apply an uppercut throw.
(4) Reversal: Forearm peal and grab the attackers leading hand. Lead to the outside and apply W-1/E-4.
(5) Reversal: Side of foot kick the closest leg. Free your arm and apply a W-1/E-4. A W-9 is also possible.

BEFORE (defender doesn't turn and is facing the attacker)

(1) COUNTER: FOREARM PEAL followed by an ELBOW DRIVE and OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: FOREARM PEAL followed by a drop for a KNEE-GROIN THROW.
(3) Reversal: Forearm peal and grab the attackers leading hand. Lead to the outside and apply W-1/E-4.
(4) Reversal: Direct kick the knee or shin and rotate your wrist to the defender's closed side of your body, free it, and apply a W-2/W-10 in the same direction.

SECURED (defender has completed a lead)

(1) COUNTER: Immediately STRIKE THE EYES! FOREARM PEAL followed by an ELBOW DRIVE and OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: Immediately STRIKE THE EYES! FOREARM PEAL followed by a drop for a KNEE-GROIN THROW.
(3) Reversal: Immediately strike the eyes and grab the attackers non-leading hand (TOP HAND) from above to prevent the throw. Pull back dropping onto the knee opposite the attackers leading hand so that the defender is forward and off-balance. Twist the defender's wrist outward, toward the open side of your body, and apply a W-1. Do not twist the defender's wrist when pulling back. Instead, wait until the defender is off-balance and the wrist is close to your body where leverage is maximized.                               (4) Reversal: Immediately strike the eyes and rotate your wrist to the closed side of your body, free it, and apply a W-2/W-10 in the same direction.

W-2 IN RESPONSE TO A SLASHING OR OTHER ATTACK:

BEFORE (defender initiates the lead)

(1) COUNTER: STRIKE THE EYES and turn toward the defender. Complete an ELBOW DRIVE and OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: STRIKE THE EYES and turn toward the defender for a DOUBLE OUTER DIRECT TRIPPING.
(3) Counter: An uppercut throw is also possible. If significantly shorter than the person applying the W-2, strike the throat, free the arm, and grab the ankles from behind for a forward tripping.
(4) Reversal: Strike the eyes and secure a W-9 or W-3 on the defender's nearest arm.

SECURED (defender completes the lead and the attacker is going off-balance)

(1) COUNTER: GRAB THE INSIDE FOLD OF THE DEFENDER'S LEADING ARM with your opposite free arm to prevent the throw. Sweep the defender's forward leg (OUTER DIRECT TRIPPING). Can be completed as a sacrifice throw which leads into grappling.
(2) COUNTER: GRAB THE INSIDE FOLD OF THE DEFENDER'S LEADING ARM with your opposite free arm to prevent the throw. Drop down low and apply an OUTSIDE KNEE-GROIN THROW similar to #38 in the basic program.
(3) Counter: Grab the defender's opposite arm with your free arm prior to being thrown and step ahead into a barrel throw.
(4) Reversal: Grab the defender's opposite arm with your free arm prior to being thrown and lead the defender around and apply a W-2/W-10.
(5) Reversal: Let the defender lead you around but do not allow your wrist to be turned. Turn and face him and apply a W-5 on the defender's furthest arm.

W-3 IN RESPONSE TO A HANDSHAKE WITH PULL OR OTHER ATTACK:

SECURED ONLY (defender completes the control)

(1) COUNTER: Immediately GRAB THE DEFENDER'S UPPER HAND to prevent the control. At the same time STOMP ON THE CLOSEST FOOT after scraping the instep. Lead the defender down and out pulling him off-balance. STRIKE UP AT THE FACE with the elbow while turning toward the defender. Finish with a DOUBLE OUTER DIRECT TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: Immediately GRAB THE DEFENDER'S UPPER HAND to prevent the control. At the same time STOMP ON THE CLOSEST FOOT after scraping the instep. Lead the defender down and out pulling him off-balance. STRIKE UP AT THE FACE with the elbow while turning toward the defender. Finish with an OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(3) Reversal: Lead the defender down and out into a W-3 on his upper hand.

W-4 FROM A HAIR/BELT GRAB OR OTHER ATTACK:

BEFORE (the fingers have not yet been secured)

(1) COUNTER: Make a fist or claw to avoid the control and FOREARM PEAL. Follow through lunging forward with an ELBOW DRIVE AND OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: Make a fist, claw and FOREARM PEAL. Follow through lunging forward with a drop for a KNEE-GROIN THROW.
(3) Counter: Forearm peal followed by an uppercut throw.
(4) Reversal: Forearm peal followed by a W-4.
(5) Reversal: Forearm peal followed by a W-1 or a W-2.

SECURED (the fingers have been secured)

(1) COUNTER: Make a fist or claw to avoid the control and FOREARM PEAL. Follow through lunging forward with an ELBOW DRIVE AND OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: ROLL INTO THE DEFENDER.
(3) Counter: Lunge forward and pivot to the outside while grabbing the defender's far hand to prevent the throw. Pull the defender forward and off-balance and complete a barrel throw.
(4) Reversal: Forearm peal followed by a W-4 or W-1 on the defender's outside or pealed wrist. A W-2 can also be completed.
(5) Reversal: Pivot to the outside while grabbing the defender's far arm to prevent the throw. Grab the defender's outside wrist and complete a W-1.

W-5 FROM A LAPEL GRAB OR OTHER ATTACK:

BEFORE (defender begins by off-balancing the upper body)
(1) COUNTER: Immediately STRIKE THE EYES OR KICK. Follow through with an OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: Immediately STRIKE THE EYES OR KICK. Follow through with a KNEE GROIN THROW.
(3) Counter: Grab the leading arm to prevent the throw and pivot into a barrel throw.
(4) Counter: Immediately strike the eyes. Follow through with an uppercut throw.
(5) Counter: Roll out prior to the technique reaching a secured position.
(6) Reversal: Immediately strike the eyes. Complete a W-2 in a large circular motion that follows the strike in the direction of the motion.

SECURED (defender has the attacker off-balance and bent over)

(1) COUNTER: Grab the ankle and lean into the defender forcing him off-balance (SIDE KNEE THROW).
(2) COUNTER: ROLL OUT if weakly secured or twisting out.
(3) Counter: Body scissors.

W-6 FROM A LAPEL GRAB OR OTHER ATTACK:

BEFORE (attacker is pulling up and the defender follows)

(1) COUNTER: Immediately STRIKE THE EYES OR KICK. Follow through with an OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: Immediately STRIKE THE EYES OR KICK. Follow through with a KNEE-GROIN THROW.
(3) Counter: Immediately strike the eyes and complete a barrel throw.
(4) Counter: Grab the defender's arm and pivot into a propeller throw.
(5) Reversal: Immediately strike the eyes. Complete a W-2 in a large circular motion that follows the strike in the direction of the motion.
(6) Reversal: Grab your hand and pull down and away (elbow press and lead). Follow through with a W-2 in the opposite direction.

SECURED (defender has the attacker off-balance and bent over)

(1) COUNTER: Grab the ankle and lean into the defender forcing him off-balance (SIDE KNEE THROW).
(2) COUNTER: ROLL OUT if weakly secured or twisting out.
(3) Counter: Body scissors.

W-7 FROM A LAPEL GRAB OR OTHER ATTACK:

BEFORE (the control has not been secured)
(1) COUNTER: FOREARM PEAL and follow-up with an ELBOW DRIVE AND OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: FOREARM PEAL and follow-up with a KNEE-GROIN THROW.
(3) Counter: Forearm peal and follow-up with an uppercut throw.
(4) Reversal: Forearm peal and follow-up with a W-1 or W-4.

SECURED (defender has the attacker off-balance and bent over)

(1) COUNTER: IMMEDIATELY STRIKE THE GROIN and complete a FOREARM PEAL. Follow-up with a KNEE-GROIN THROW.
(2) REVERSAL: IMMEDIATELY STRIKE THE GROIN and follow through with a W-3.
(3) Reversal: Immediately strike the groin and follow through with a W-4.

W-8 FROM A LAPEL GRAB OR OTHER ATTACK:

BEFORE (defender is attempting to secure the grip)

(1) COUNTER: FOREARM PEAL and follow-up with an OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: FOREARM PEAL and follow-up with a KNEE-GROIN THROW.
(3) Counter: Forearm peal and follow-up with an uppercut throw.
(4) Reversal: Forearm peal followed by a W-4, W-1, or W-8

SECURED (defender has secured the grip)

(1) COUNTER: Go with the defender's motion and ELBOW DRIVE. Finish with an OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) REVERSAL: Go with the defender's motion and grab the attackers hand and deliver a W-1 in the same direction.

W-9 FROM A DOWNWARD STRIKE OR OTHER ATTACK:

BEFORE (defender is maneuvering the attacker's arm into position)

(1) COUNTER: STRIKE THE EYES and turn toward the defender. Complete an OUTER REVERSE TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: STRIKE THE EYES and turn toward the defender. Complete a DOUBLE OUTER DIRECT TRIPPING.
(3) Counter: Strike the eyes and turn toward the defender. Complete an uppercut throw.
(4) Reversal: Strike the eyes and free your hand by pulling down and out. Apply a W-9 or W-3 on the defender's nearest hand.

SECURED (the arm is in position and the control is secured)

(1) COUNTER: Using your free hand PUSH UP YOUR HAND preventing the control. At the same time STOMP OR KICK THE DEFENDER'S CLOSEST LEG. Follow through with a DOUBLE OUTER DIRECT TRIPPING.
(2) COUNTER: Using your free hand PUSH UP YOUR HAND preventing the control. At the same time STOMP OR KICK THE DEFENDER'S CLOSEST LEG. Follow through with a REVERSE BARREL THROW.
(3) Counter: Using your free hand push up your other hand preventing the control. At the same time knee or kick the defender's mid-section. Follow through with an E-5 or outer reverse tripping.
(4) Reversal: Using your free hand push up your hand preventing the control. At the same time stomp or kick the defender's closest leg. Strike the eyes and free your hand by pulling down and out. Apply a W-9 or W-3 on the defender's outside hand.

W-10 FROM A W-2 OR OTHER ATTACK OR CONTROL:

SECURED (the hand and arm are secured against the ground)

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Send mail to garycook1@windstream.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2001-2014 American Self Protection Association, Inc