Locking the Face “PART-2”\ Arrest Control

Author: Odhinn Kohout

In an older post we explored “face-locks” from a seated position. In this article we will explore the standing face-lock as a valuable tool for Military/Police personnel in quickly subduing an attacker using a secure lock which maximizes pain compliance.

 

  

In the first picture you can see the entry, You must judge how hard (and justify in some cases) how this is done as it is akin to a right cross. The benefit is that there is zero risk of breaking any of your hand bones (meta-carpals) as the “radial” bone becomes the strike zone. This can also be done while a carbine is use with a sling and is momentarily pushed out of the way so the Officer can go hands on with the arrest party.

 

 

 

 The second picture shows how this tactic is multi-faceted in that it could also provide a shield in the event that the Officer has become surrounded by multiple armed assailants. The lead hand use for the cross-face is secured to the far shoulder while pulling the Attacker into your chest as tightly as possible. The pain is immediate and it provides a secure transitional point. (In the picture I have dropped my hand below his cheekbone as to not cause my training partner a high level of pain, in an arrest setting the “malar” bone is used as a landmark to secure the hold)) 

 

 

The last picture shows the final transition which is a “Gable Grip” or a “Bowtie” to increase the force generated by the lock. Since you are locking the face at the cheekbone there is very little chance of injury even though the face-lock is extremely painful. I am using my lats and shoulders to pull the lock into my chest and NOT any arm strength. Practice this slowly with your training partner so that you are working on proper technique and not pain. It takes very little force to make your training partner “aware” that the lock has been properly applied.

Train safely and for combat…