How can you defend yourself in a car?

[mintai2003]

In the front passenger seat, i grabbed the keys out when the driver was starting the car [i have keys in right hand]. The driver attacks me with fists [counterd/grabbed his left fist with my right]. Driver attacks with right fist; pummeling. [my right holds onto keys and his left, my left struggles with his right]

I have xperience in chinna joint locking/controlling and a style similar to judo. so im ok with close quarters. however inside a car was a little too close. can anyone give any advice or tequnique ideas? Assuming that besides the keys which are currently unusable because im grabbing with that hand, i am unarmed

[glockmeister]

How about since the car isn't moving, you open your door and get out? You should still be able to do that even with the keys in your hand.

[TigerDude]

Get out or hit harder. It would seem like a situation where even the "winner" would get beaten badly.

[elbows_and_knees]

in a situation like that, pound him and try to get out. grabbing him isn't doing any good, as you are stalemated - he isn't hitting you - but you aren't hitting him either, AND you're still in the car. attack with the hand closest to you. Use the other hand to open the door. Then get out, even if it means taking some blows on the way.

[glockmeister]

Why are you trying to take the keys anyway? Is the driver drunk?

[patusai]

How about since the car isn't moving, you open your door and get out? You should still be able to do that even with the keys in your hand.

My thoughts too

[bushido_man96]

I would let go and begin striking with one hand, and hope the steering wheel obstructs his path to you as you try to escape.

[cathal]

If you aren't able to get out, drop the keys from your right hand to fit between chair and door. This frees up your right hand...since you've already grabbed their right hand with your left, grab the thumb of that hand.

Twist the thumb toward the front of the car, rotating his palm upward...move your left arm up to his shoulder. Now you have him in an armbar and his body is effectively pushed toward the steering wheel.

After a few minutes struggling with you, he is going to take a breath in order to rest up. He's going to either continue fighting with you or stop at that point. If he continues to fight just keep the pressure on the thumb, this is going to stretch his joints to the point of break which will instantly cause him some pain...and he'll cut back on the struggling.

After a few more minutes when he starts to either yell obscenities or start negotiating release, you've got the next step to go over yourself.

[mtheiss]

In a car, there is only one rule of effective self defense. Just jump. If you do intend to fight this individual, I am afraid there are stories that I can come up with that are rather distasteful here, and this to me sounds very much it belongs in that group. Sorry.

[ps1]

Why are you trying to take the keys anyway? Is the driver drunk?

My question exactly! It sounds more like you are attacking this person.

Twist the thumb toward the front of the car, rotating his palm upward...move your left arm up to his shoulder. Now you have him in an armbar and his body is effectively pushed toward the steering wheel.

Unfortunately this may or may not work. Remember that you are in a car. Without the use of your legs and hips your ability to produce leverage is greatly reduced. This technique becomes one of strength and pain compliance. It also depends on wheather the person has his hands open or closed. Even if you get the thumb it is likely to simply be broken in a stressful situation. Now you've made someone who was angry, even angrier!

After a few minutes struggling with you, he is going to take a breath in order to rest up. He's going to either continue fighting with you or stop at that point. If he continues to fight just keep the pressure on the thumb, this is going to stretch his joints to the point of break which will instantly cause him some pain...and he'll cut back on the struggling.

Minutes! You are giving a weak armbar WAY too much credit! The armbar is not a very effective method of controlling someone for a long period of time. In policing and in the military it's used to take somone down so you can gain a better position (the back). This is because slight shifts in the body can allow a person to reposition their arm and effectively escape. Even an untrained person will naturally shift and escape they type of armbar you're speaking of. Give it a try.

I agree with most of the people that you should just get out of the car. I'm going to assume that the reason you took the keys in the first place was to protect the driver. So if you're trying to protect him/her...why are strike being thrown in the first place. Take the keys and get out!