Women and Children’s Self-Defense Blog: Bear Hug/Grab from the Back

 

    

Women and Children’s Self-Defense Blog: Bear Hug/Grab from the Back

According to statistics from Brazil and the USA, 53% of women report facing violence or the threat of violence in their lives. Furthermore, the most common forms of attack are wrist grabs, arm grabs, bear hugs, and throat grabs or chokes. Chillingly, the most common location for these attacks is the home or living quarters. This blog addresses the bear hug attack—the third most common attack—with a focus on its occurrence against women and children by larger attackers, usually men. We will also highlight the unique skills of Njia Uhuru Kipura. This system, developed and taught by Head Coach Ras of the Atacx Gym, showcases how what is miscalled "52 Blocks" is actually a subset of Kandeka, which itself is a subset of Kipura. The most effective techniques are preserved in the Njia Uhuru Kipura system, combining historical authenticity with modern effectiveness.

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Defending Against a Bear Hug from the Back

The bear hug is a common tactic used by attackers to restrict movement and control their victim. Immediate action is crucial to disrupt the attacker’s plan and regain control of the situation. In the video accompanying this blog, I demonstrate all the techniques described below, showcasing how they are both fundamental to Kipura and superior to anything ever taught in Cardio Capoeira for self-defense.

1. Free Your Arms

If your arms are pinned:

Drop Your Weight: Immediately lower your center of gravity by bending your knees. This creates resistance and makes it harder for the attacker to lift or drag you.

Create Space: Push your hips backward sharply into the attacker’s pelvis. This can disrupt their balance and create a moment to act.

If your arms are free:

Drop Your Weight: The same principle applies to maintain balance and resist being lifted.

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Why Kipura Outperforms Modern Capoeira for Self-Defense

While modern "cardio Capoeira" often focuses on acrobatics and performance, Kipura’s roots lie in survival and resistance. Njia Uhuru Kipura, as taught by Head Coach Ras, retains the art’s original emphasis on practical self-defense. Techniques from Kipura are not only effective but also deeply tied to the historical struggles of Alkebulan women and men, who used them to protect themselves during colonial slavery.

The teachings of Cardio Capoeira are so devoid of self-defense ability and skill that the Cardio Capoeira Mestres themselves often advise students to learn self-defense elsewhere. They claim their classes are for movement skills, fitness, and making friends. Funny—when my ancestors used Kipura to fight off millions of slavers, we weren’t using any other fighting style, and we certainly weren’t making friends. If your Cardio Capoeira teacher suddenly starts teaching these techniques, compare the dates of their lessons to my videos and blogs. You’ll find that their inspiration came directly from me.

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The Alarming Need for Real Self-Defense

In 2019:

• 52.4% of physical violence against women occurred in their homes.
• 27.6 million people experienced psychological violence, with women disproportionately affected.
• Black and brown individuals faced higher rates of violence (20.6% and 19.3%, respectively).
• Young women, especially in low-income households, were the most vulnerable.

And things have only gotten worse. A 2024 U.N. report revealed that a woman or girl was killed every 10 minutes globally, with 85,000 women and girls intentionally killed in 2023 alone. Of those, 60% were killed by their partners or family members. In regions like Africa and Asia, the rates were even higher, and many women no longer trust the systems in place to protect them. Laws exist, but enforcement is weak, and in some countries, impunity remains rampant. For example, between 2018 and 2020, 93% of known femicide cases in Mexico were not prosecuted. The reality is that violence against women—including unreported cases—is guaranteed to increase in 2025 based on these trends.

These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for self-defense systems like Njia Uhuru Kipura, which address the realities faced by vulnerable populations and provide a fighting chance against escalating violence.

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Reclaiming Kipura’s Legacy

The Atacx Gym’s Njia Uhuru Kipura system bridges historical authenticity with modern practicality, empowering individuals to protect themselves effectively. By preserving and innovating on ancient techniques, Head Coach Ras ensures that Kipura remains a powerful tool for self-defense in today’s world.

Follow our journey to reclaim Kipura’s purpose and join the movement. Empower yourself with techniques rooted in tradition and proven to work. Click the links below to stay connected—it only takes a few seconds and helps spread awareness.

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Follow and Support

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