Martial Edge special contributer Gene Roos examines the defense to the bag over the head. Gene has some 46 years experience and has published articles, manuals and dvds on Aikido and Jiu Jitsu. Gene has also been a featured writer on FightingArts.com and Akido Journal Online.
Most people have no idea how to defend themselves against this type of surprise attack.
An attacker walks behind you, puts a plastic bag over your head, and starts to drag you backwards.
While uncommon, this type of attack is now seen in a growing number of robberies and personal attacks.
The attack is particularly devastating since it stops your breath – the plastic being sucked into your nostrils. You also can’t see. In some ways it mimics a double hair pull from the back, but this one has added dimensions.
The only way to unlock the neck (as you are being pulled back) is to squat, which allows you to turn around and strike or do another technique.
In the defense sequence depicted below, the attacker, Stanley Millan, gives an award winning “Best Actor” portrayal of the attack.
Attacker puts a bag over defender's head and starts to pull backwards. Defender does not inhale, squats, and right foot arc steps 180 degrees to the rear.
Defender's left hand grabs (to locate) attacker's groin and then hits it.
Defender's right hand pushes the attacker's right inside thigh 45 degrees to the left, which throws the attacker to the rear.