How to Do a Half Nelson
In amateur and professional wrestling, the half-nelson is a basic maneuver that is known for its versatility and effectiveness. The half-nelson is a good move to use on its own, but what makes it so effective is that it forms the basis for many other maneuvers in martial arts and wrestling. If you want to execute the half-nelson and learn about the many holds that follow it up, here are some tips.
Performing the Half-Nelson
The half-nelson is one of the fastest, easiest moves to execute from the back of your opponent. To perform the half-nelson, follow these steps:
Get behind your opponent. The half-nelson is often executed from the back of a kneeling opponent, but can also be executed from the back of a standing opponent.
Pass your leading arm under the arm of your opponent, locking the front of his or her shoulder just behind your elbow. Your biceps should then trap the armpit of your opponent.
Maneuver your forearm so that your hand locks behind the neck or the back of the head of the opponent.
Uses of the Half-Nelson
The half-nelson is the basis for many holds, which makes it an effective transition hold for many locks, chokes, and pins. Here are the many options that you can use after locking in a half-nelson:
Setting Up Other Nelson Holds
half nelsonThe biggest limitation of the half-nelson hold is that it is not secure; you only use one hand to crank the neck or go for a pin. The half-nelson is best used as a set-up for other nelson holds:
The three-quarter nelson is a neck crank or a pinning move where the leading arm is supported by the free arm, which is passed on the same side of the leading arm.
The full nelson is a combination of two half-nelson holds on both arms of the opponent, and is a very effective restraint or submission hold.
Katahajime
One of the most effective choke holds in martial arts or wrestling is derived from the half-nelson. The katahajime, or a single-wing choke hold, is a half-nelson maneuvered into one of two different chokes:
Using the lapel. The left arm of the opponent is lifted and positioned into a half-nelson, while the aggressor takes the left lapel or collar of the opponent, and uses the cloth to choke out the opponent.
Vascular neck restraint. Another effective variation of the katahajime is when it is combined with a vascular neck restraint. After setting up the half-nelson, the aggressor uses his or her free hand to encircle the neck of the opponent, and may choose to grab the forearm locked in the half-nelson.
Safety Warnings
The half-nelson itself may seem ineffective, but can be very dangerous if you don’t have the proper training needed to execute it. Here are some important safety reminders that you should remember when executing a half-nelson:
Do not perform a half-nelson if you don’t have the training needed to execute amateur or professional wrestling maneuvers.
As a neck crank, the half-nelson is meant to restrain the opponent, and not to break the neck of the opponent. Do not apply more pressure to the neck than necessary.
To avoid real dangers like paralysis, apply the pressure to the neck downward, while pulling the opponent’s shoulder back with your elbow. Never attempt to twist the neck of your opponent sideways.
When applied properly, the half-nelson offers many options and possibilities for making your opponent submit. With the right technique, what seems to be a very basic maneuver can become one of the most effective holds you can use on the mat.