Perform an Elbow Lock in Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba for self-defense. This martial art is done by joining in the moves of the attacker and finding a way to control his movements to make them work to your advantage. There are many techniques and moves in aikido that can all be done to protect one’s self from an attacker. One such technique is the elbow lock. The basic principle for this technique is to hurt the attacker and allow the defender to control the attacker and eventually escape. An elbow lock is painful and may break the elbow of the attacker, so it is important to keep in mind to do this technique only when extremely necessary. Here is how you do this technique.

• Intercept your opponent’s hand. As you stand face to face and your attacker advances on you with outstretched arms, grab one of his hands to stop his attack. You can block his hand by raising your right arm to deflect his punch. Establish your balance so he does not get a chance to take you down on the ground.
• Step away from the line of attack. When you have deflected his attack, step to the side to avoid more punches. Stepping aside also prepares you to place yourself to a position where you get to control your attacker’s movements.
  
• Position yourself at your opponent’s back. This allows you to have the full advantage against your attacker. If you are at his back, he cannot see what you are about to do. Make sure that you move quickly so he cannot anticipate your next move.
  
• Take hold of his wrist. When you are positioned at your attacker’s back, see if his hands are down on his sides. If so, grab one of his wrists and twist it so that it faces you. Quickly raise your attacker’s arms towards his back so that the elbow and palm are facing upwards. This should hurt him enough.
  
• Take the attacker to the ground. With your free arm, push him forward so that he falls to the ground. Never let go of your elbow lock. As he lies down on his stomach, secure the position by stepping on his back, holding his arm with the elbow lock upwards.

If you are ever in a situation where an attacker attacks you on the street or anywhere else, you can do this technique to defend yourself. Run if you can, and call the police for help. Never fight an attacker head-on, as he may have a weapon that he can use against you. Do this technique only when he advances on you. Never perform an arm lock while playing with other people because it may injure the other person. Kids should never be taught this and other aikido techniques unless they are learning them in a martial arts school. Otherwise they should never be allowed to perform such moves. If you are an amateur martial artist, always perform aikido under close supervision of a professional. Injuries are inevitable in martial. When one occurs, seek medical help at once.