How to Do an Ear Pull | Self-Defense
0
Ear PullΒ·Howcast
Full Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLALQuK1NDrigB-xTBLJV4vZwOXfxbPnM - - watch more Basic Self-Defenβ¦
Translation: ear pull
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Overview
Ear pulls use gripping or pulling force on the opponent's ear to generate sharp pain and force positional changes. [1],[2] While not a structural submission (no joint or vascular compromise), ear pulls can force an opponent to turn their head, abandon a defensive posture, or create an opening for a choke or armlock. Ear manipulation techniques are legal in most competition formats but rarely decisive. [3],[4]
History & Origin
Ear manipulation techniques appear in classical jujutsu schools including Takenouchi-ryΕ« and Sekiguchi-ryΕ«, where kyusho (vital point) techniques targeted the ears as part of comprehensive combat systems. [1],[2] In modern grappling, ear pulls are considered unsportsmanlike by some but remain technically legal. [3],[4]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilMMA, BJJ
- USAMMA, Wrestling
- Japanθ³εΌγ(Mimi-biki)BJJ, Judo
- GreeceWrestling
Effectiveness
Ear pulling creates intense pain by gripping and pulling the ear cartilage, used as a pain compliance technique. [1]
Lineage
Ear manipulation appears in self-defence systems and traditional jΕ«jutsu. [1]
Competition Record
Ear pulling is banned in virtually all competitive formats (IBJJF, MMA, wrestling). [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Bilateral compression of the carotid arteries β restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness within seconds
Joints Involved β Cervical spine (lateral flexion), glenohumeral joint of the trapped arm (if arm-in), nuchal region
Force Vector β Lateral squeeze creates inward pressure on both sides of the neck simultaneously
Choking Mechanism β Vascular strangle β occludes carotid arteries and jugular veins, distinct from airway (tracheal) chokes
Position & Entry
From dominant position β Isolate the target limb, secure the controlling grip, and apply force beyond the joint's range of motion
From guard (bottom) β Control the limb from guard position, configure the submission grip, and apply the lock
From transition β During a scramble or positional change, catch the exposed limb and lock the submission
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Ear pull is a pain compliance technique with minimal structural injury risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
β IJF β Not a recognized submission category in judo
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFRestricted
β IBJJF β Varies β pressure-based controls may be legal but...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ FIAS Sport Sambo β Varies by application
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
β ADCC β Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βThe ear pull (ear grab, ear rip) uses grip on the opponent's ear to create pain and manipulate head position β a pain compliance technique used in self-defence and some traditional grappling systems (Paulson, Enter the Snake Pit, 2018)
βThe ear is extremely sensitive: pulling, twisting, or cupping the ear creates immediate intense pain and a reflexive head-turning response
βIn grappling context, the ear pull is used to turn the opponent's head β opening the neck for chokes or creating angles for transitions
βThe ear pull is illegal in virtually all competitive grappling and MMA β it falls under the 'small joint manipulation' and 'unsportsmanlike conduct' rules
βIn catch wrestling, ear manipulation was a legitimate tool: old-time catch wrestlers used ear pulls to set up headlocks and neck cranks
βThe ear pull creates an immediate pain response: the opponent reflexively moves in the direction of the pull to relieve pressure β this creates predictable movement
βIn self-defence, the ear pull is a practical tool: it requires no training to apply, works against larger opponents, and creates immediate compliance
Common Mistakes
!Using ear pulls in competition β this technique is illegal in virtually all competitive formats; know the rules
!Pulling with the fingers only β use the whole hand to cup and control the ear; finger-only grips slip off
!Expecting the ear pull to be a finishing technique β it is a compliance tool for creating movement and transitions, not a submission
!Applying without head control β the ear pull works best when combined with other head control (collar tie, cross-face)
!Pulling in a direction that doesn't create tactical advantage β pull the ear to turn the head in the direction that opens a submission or improves your position
!Using excessive force β the ear is sensitive; moderate pressure creates compliance; excessive force tears the ear
!Training ear pulls on unwilling partners β this technique should only be trained cooperatively with clear communication
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up β straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position β secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck β clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip β lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure β squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Koryu Jujutsu β Takenouchi-ryu, Sekiguchi-ryu kyusho techniques
1BookKoryu Jujutsu β Takenouchi-ryu, Sekiguchi-ryu kyusho techniques
Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu β Takenouchi-ryu, Sekiguchi-ryu kyusho techniques
2Oral TraditionKoryu Jujutsu (Classical Japanese Jujutsu)
Classical schools: Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu, etc.
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (ζ¦ιη¨θͺ)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention β native Japanese term (εθͺ/ζΌ’θͺ)
5CitationKoryu Jujutsu β Takenouchi-ryu, Sekiguchi-ryu kyusho techniques
Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu β Takenouchi-ryu, Sekiguchi-ryu kyusho techniques
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip strength, joint isolation ability, positional control
Favours
strong forearms and stable base
Key muscles
forearm flexors, core stabilisers, hip muscles for base
Sub-techniques
Find by what a technique does β not its name
Every move, in any martial art, shares a few universal traits. Mix and match below to pinpoint the right tool β or compare equivalents across styles.
Category
Distance
From Clinch
GenusThe ear pull from the clinch is a pain compliance technique where the attacker grips the opponent's ear and pulls or twists it while maintaining a standing clinch position. [1,2] The intense pain from the ear cartilage being stretched or twisted can force positional compliance β the opponent moves their head in the direction the ear is pulled to relieve the pain. [1] From the clinch, the ear pull can be used to off-balance the opponent, create openings for takedowns, or force a release of their grips. [1] While not a joint lock, the pain can force a verbal or physical submission. [1,2]
Explore
From Guard
GenusThe ear pull from guard is a pain compliance technique where the attacker, while playing guard, grips the opponent's ear and pulls or twists to create pain and disrupt posture. [1,2] From closed or open guard, the attacker reaches for the opponent's ear during close-range engagement and uses the pulling force to break the opponent's posture downward, creating openings for chokes, sweeps, or transitions. [1] The ear pull is primarily a disruptive technique rather than a finish β it forces the opponent to address the pain, momentarily stopping their passing attempts. [1,2]
Explore
Standing
GenusThe standing ear pull is a pain compliance technique applied during upright confrontations by gripping and pulling or twisting the opponent's ear to control their head position and movement. [1,2] The pain from ear cartilage manipulation forces the opponent to follow the direction of the pull, allowing the attacker to steer them, off-balance them, or set up takedowns. [1,3] In self-defense contexts, the standing ear pull can serve as a quick compliance tool to control an aggressor without striking. [1] It is considered a 'dirty' technique in sport but practical in self-defense and law enforcement. [1,2]
Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ear pull work against larger or stronger opponents?
Yes, according to Howcast self-defense instruction, the ear pull works regardless of opponent size because the pain response is universalβit doesn't matter how large the other person is, it will hurt significantly.
When pulling the ear, should I pull the opponent toward me or to the side?
Pull to the side, not toward you. Howcast emphasizes that pulling the opponent closer to you is unrealistic and leaves you vulnerable to being punched, so directing them to the side is the correct technique.
What's the proper hand position for an ear pull?
Place all four fingers behind the ear rather than grabbing from the front, as Howcast instruction notes this positioning makes the technique much easier to execute effectively.
How does the Ear Pull work?
Ear pulls use gripping or pulling force on the opponent's ear to generate sharp pain and force positional changes. While not a structural submission (no joint or vascular compromise), ear pulls can force an opponent to turn their head, abandon a defensive posture, or create an opening for a choke or armlock.
Where does the Ear Pull come from?
Ear manipulation techniques appear in classical jujutsu schools including Takenouchi-ryΕ« and Sekiguchi-ryΕ«, where kyusho (vital point) techniques targeted the ears as part of comprehensive combat systems. In modern grappling, ear pulls are considered unsportsmanlike by some but remain technically legal.
Is the Ear Pull legal in competition?
IBJJF: restricted β Varies β pressure-based controls may be legal but direct pain holds without sβ¦; IJF: banned β Not a recognized submission category in judo; ADCC: legal β Legal; Unified MMA: legal β Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: restricted β Varies by application; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the Ear Pull?
Danger rating 2/10. Ear pull is a pain compliance technique with minimal structural injury risk
How do I set up the Ear Pull?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position β Isolate the Neck β Set the Grip β Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Ear Pull?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up β straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Ear Pull?
Common variants: Standard variation (primary grip configuration and finishing angle); Gi variation (using the gi material for grip assistance and control); No-gi variation (adapted grips for submission grappling without the gi); Transition variation (applied during a positional change or scramble).
How effective is the Ear Pull in competition?
Ear pulling is banned in virtually all competitive formats (IBJJF, MMA, wrestling).
What are common mistakes when doing the Ear Pull?
Top errors to watch for: Using ear pulls in competition β this technique is illegal in virtually all competitive formats; know the rules / Pulling with the fingers only β use the whole hand to cup and control the ear; finger-only grips slip off / Expecting the ear pull to be a finishing technique β it is a compliance tool for creating movement and transitions, nβ¦ / Applying without head control β the ear pull works best when combined with other head control (collar tie, cross-face).
What are other names for the Ear Pull?
The Ear Pull is also known as Mimi-biki, Ear Grab, Mimi-tori, Ear Pressure.