Strangling Bear
Strangling: To apply a chokehold
Bear: Bearhug
Attack
The Ideal attack requires your opponent be attacking you from the rear. Your opponent applies a low bearhug from the rear with both of your arms pinned.
Defense Pattern
1. Right Step Back towards 7:30 into a Right Reverse Bow Stance buckling or sweeping your opponent’s left leg. Left Pinning Check to both of your opponent’s hands as you deliver a Right Back Hammer Fist to your opponent’s groin.
2. Grab the back of your opponent’s neck with a Vice Like Grip, using the right forearm on the right side of your opponent’s neck and the left forearm on the left side of your opponent’s neck or face.
3. Pivot counterclockwise into a Left Neutral Bow Stance (facing 1:30) then deliver a Right Knee to your opponent’s face.
4. Plant Forward toward 1:30 into a Right Neutral Bow Stance. Have your Left Hand Push Down on your opponent’s head while your right arm circles counterclockwise and delivers a Right Downward Elbow to the upper spine of your opponent.
5. Perform a Right Front Crossover and Cover Out toward 7:30.
Alternate Names
Though there are similarities between techniques named here the techniques taught in the different branches of the Kenpo family also have notable differences.
We know that each school presents information with a different style and signature that is uniquely associated with their staff and students. Always defer to the instructing staff at your school for guidance should there be any differences in the information being presented.
The American Institute of Kenpo (AIK):
Strangling Bear
Ed Parker American Kenpo Systems (EPAKS)*:
Spreading Branches
*The EPAKS system is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by the Parker Family.
Training Disclaimer
The American Institute of Kenpo (AIK) strongly recommends that all training be overseen by experienced and qualified instructors. Individuals choosing to train without the recommended oversight assume full liability for any and all injuries. In addition, those individuals engaging in training without the oversight of the American Institute of Kenpo’s (AIK’s) certified instructors will be doing so with the understanding and acknowledgment that they are waving subrogation and holding harmless the American Institute of Kenpo (AIK), it's members, and affiliates.