Yes there are many ways to get out without going to the ground. Getting out should not be complicated. if it is complicated it is not likely to work. I believe in using the KIS method
Keep
It
Simple
All of my white belts are required to know a minimum of 3 escapes from a headlock. None of them do they have to go to the ground. They should know more, but only required to demonstrate at least 3.
Edit:
The technique pugspaw is talking about is the 2nd technique we teach our white belt as an escape from a headlock...LOL We do it slightly different but it is the same.
We teach it by using the arm furthest away for the attacker you cover your face just in case they try to punch you in the face. You also turn your head into their body. This also allows you to protect your face. Now with the hand clossest to them like pugspaw said you reach up and over their shoulder. To keep it simple so that most will understand. You touch your own fingertips the close hand and the hand that is protecting the face. Take the hand that is close to the attacker and go up under the chin if it is a friend. If they just kicked your dog then you go to the nostrils and lift up as you straighten your body again turning their head away from you. Then with the opposite hand we give them a little tap to the chest or rib area just to let them know you were there.
OMG there are so many escapes to the stand up headlock that its impossible to say them all, it also depends on the type of headlock that the have you in. If its the standing side head lock then it is simple to defend, this is the first thing non- fighters go to as a means of attack and ultimately leaves them the most exposed as your weight is centered behind their body. This leaves them open for attack.
One simple escape is to just drop base reach through for a groin strike with the outside hand then pull them tight to your body either grabbing their body and using that arm to protect the face from strikes or better yet grabbing and controlling the wrist. Then use the inside hand to go over the shoulder and push at the face and eyes so that they are off balance while kicking the back of their leg out at the knee. They will have absolutely no base and will fall to the ground. while leaving you structured and standing. easy for an escape.
Simple counter for a headlock. Raise the arm closest to the opponent. With an open hand place your palm against the side of his face closest to you. Push his head so that it turns away from you. If you keep turning his head he will turn releasing you. If you keep turning past that point you can enter into a position where you have him in a type of head/neck lock. This works well when someone places a headlock on you. It does not require going to the ground giving you more options afterwards.
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There are several ways to escape from a headlock, without going to the ground. You have to be careful. A slight misstep can cause you serious injury. My favorites drop the other guy, but leave you standing. You need to get a live qualified instructor to walk you through the various options to ensure that what you are doing will be effective and safe.
The only ones I know are ones that involve going to the ground, and they are very complicated. Is there a way to get out on your feet?
