Which technique should be used to escape a two-handed lapel grab?

• A. The Peel Away
• B. The Sit Down Sweep
• C. Standing Arm Bar
• D. The Weave Under

Answer: (D)

The key idea is creating an off-axis escape by weaving under the grab. When two hands grab your lapels, you want to disrupt their control and move your body off the line of attack. Weave under works by threading an arm under their grabbing forearms and sliding your chest and shoulder through the gap, which turns your body to a safer angle and lets their grip slide past your torso. This both breaks direct control and keeps you upright with your hands free to defend or disengage, making it easier to step offline to a safe distance.

Peel away relies on peeling the grip outward, which can be slow and less reliable against a strong, coordinated grab. A sit-down sweep is a ground-oriented move that isn’t appropriate while standing in a two-handed lapel grab. A standing arm bar shifts into a control position rather than a clean escape from a lapel hold.