One must always remember that the technique is not complete until the opponent is immobilized or submits, yet many students hope the throw, leg hock, or reap is sufficient. You must control the opponent during their fall and sit on them as they land, securing a standing pin. This is called seating.
Most often used after a leg hock, you can use your knees to press on the shoulder and the hip of the fallen opponent. Don’t let the opponent fall flat on their back nor to brake fall. During the floating portion of your hock, you secure the arm and prepare to sit. As the opponent hits the ground, you immediately use your knees to pin. You can alter the points to include a knee to the throat or face, but this option is more risky.
As you apply pressure with the seating, crank the arm into an arm-lock or seek a submission hold. The combination of holding down the shoulders, the hips, and an arm-lock will secure the opponent’s defeat. You can use the arm-lock to induce pain should the opponent try to squirm out of the seat. Teach them proper manners with pressure on the elbow across your knee.
This grounds the opponent, keeping them from mounting a good counter. Their own body traps the grounded arm and leg. Your seating checks the free arm and leg from attacking or defending. Always find ways of using the ground as a tool or point of leverage, it can be your greatest weapon.
The next time you’re working on self-defense techniques, remember to “sit on the job” and apply or seating concepts to the finishing moves.
