Which description matches the hammer and bar escape?

• A. The subject has attacked the officer with a rear bear hug under the arms.
• B. The subject has attacked the officer with a rear bear hug over one or both arms.
• C. The officer is on his back after being tackled to the ground and the subject is punching at the officer's head from between the officer's legs.
• D. The subject is attempting to escape the officer back control by rolling over.

Answer: (A)

The hammer and bar escape is used to break free from a rear bear hug where the attacker wraps around from behind with arms under your arms. The idea is to quickly disrupt the grip (the “hammer” action) and pry the attacker’s arms apart (the “bar” action) to create space and turn into a safer position. That combination specifically applies when the hold is under the arms, making it the best match for the described scenario. The other descriptions describe different situations (a bear hug over the arms, being on the ground with someone punching from between the legs, or trying to escape back control by rolling) and don’t fit the hammer and bar mechanics.