Self-defense is often taught with the assumption that you’ll have full use of both arms, full strength, and total mobility. But real life doesn’t always work that way. Injuries, disabilities, or unexpected limitations can leave you needing to react quickly and protect yourself with only one arm. The good news is that there are highly effective techniques that rely on simple mechanics, strategy, and smart targeting. These moves are not only doable with limited mobility, but they’re also powerful when executed with intention. Below are three key techniques and a training mindset that can help you stay prepared.
1. Poxa Move and Hammer Fist
The Poxa move, adapted from Wing Chun, is typically used to redirect or deflect an incoming strike. In this variation, it’s used to open a clear path to the attacker’s vulnerable points. Using one arm, you slap down the attacker’s arm to interrupt their momentum or block, then follow up immediately with a hammer fist strike. The strike uses the bottom of your fist and targets sensitive areas like the jaw, cheekbone, eye socket, or temple. These are high-impact zones that don’t require much strength to affect. It’s not about fighting toe-to-toe—it’s about creating an opening and landing a shot that can give you just enough time to get away safely.
2. Inside Elbow and Regular Elbow Combo
Close-quarters situations often offer limited space for big movements, but that’s where elbow strikes shine. They’re compact, fast, and painful. This combo uses your one available arm to pull your attacker in close. Once they’re in range, you strike with the inside of your elbow—usually unexpected and disorienting—then follow with a traditional elbow strike using the outside point. This back-to-back motion creates a flow that hits from two angles in rapid succession, giving you maximum impact with minimal movement. It’s an effective way to control the situation without needing two arms or a lot of space.
3. Thumb Rake (Eye Rake)
The eyes are one of the most vulnerable targets on the human body, and that’s exactly why the thumb rake is so effective. In a high-threat situation where you fear serious harm, impairing your attacker’s vision can shift the balance in your favor. Using your thumb to rake across their eyes temporarily blinds or disorients them, buying you a critical moment to either land follow-up strikes or escape. This move can be combined seamlessly with the elbow combo. After the eye rake, the attacker may recoil or freeze, opening the door to strike with the inside elbow followed by the outside. It’s a devastating sequence that doesn’t rely on brute strength—just smart timing and targeting.
4. Combining the Moves Into a Fluid Sequence
Training these moves as a sequence builds muscle memory and speed. You start with the Poxa and hammer fist to break through their guard, rake the eyes to destabilize, then deliver the elbow combo for impact. This takes only a second or two to execute but can create just enough chaos for you to escape. Practicing transitions between each part of the combo helps your body respond under pressure, even if one arm is immobilized or injured. The goal isn’t to overpower—it’s to disrupt, disable, and get away.
5. Why Training With Limitations Matters
There’s a powerful lesson in preparing for scenarios where you’re at a disadvantage. One story shared in the original video involved a martial artist with only one arm attending a Wing Chun seminar. Despite his limitation, he participated fully by adapting every movement to suit his ability. It was a reminder that techniques can—and should—be customized. Similarly, firearms training often includes drills where trainees must perform reloads and clear malfunctions using only one hand. This kind of preparation matters because injuries, fatigue, or surprises can strip away your usual advantages. If you’ve never practiced with your non-dominant hand or while mimicking an injury, you might be caught off guard when it counts most.
Being prepared means more than just drilling perfect techniques. It means being ready to adapt when everything goes sideways. These one-arm techniques aren’t backup plans—they’re reliable options that can give you the upper hand when things don’t go as expected. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just want to add a new layer to your self-defense training, this kind of focus on adaptability can make all the difference.
