United States President Donald Trump has become – among other things – notorious for his “arm drag” handshake.
If you haven’t seen it before, check out this video of “The Donald” shaking hands with Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.
But is there a way to defend against Trump’s handshake?
Yes, and it is actually quite easy, as this black belt from Relson Gracie Academia de Jiu-Jitsu demonstrates. All you have to do is go with the pull, wrap your arm around the puller’s arm, and bend his wrist into a “goose neck” wrist lock.
Now, we here at the Jiu-Jitsu Times are NOT suggesting that you physically assault the 45th President of the United States. However, you may be in a situation where someone who isn’t the “leader of the free world” tries to grab you by the hand or the wrist and pull you in. That is where this move comes in quite handy (pun intended).
You could also use Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s technique:
Most politicians do some version of this. The idea it to preempt and prevent it, not swing into a full fledged wrist lock that makes you look like the aggressor/bulky and would force the secret service on top of you.
There are so many options:
1. Never fully extend you arm.
2. Keep your armpit shut tight, elbow close your body.
3. Make him reach toward you and keep his hand close to your center.
4. Move in close so he can’t tug you without risking an awkward chest bump.
5. Grab the back of his right elbow with your left hand in a friendly gesture, but acting as a brake against his elbow so he can’t pull.
6. Angle/blade your left side toward him so he’s the one forced to extend forcing him into the weaker position.
So many options.