Zombie to New York Defender

You oppose the performer of this action. Keep the hand connected to useful inside space while the pummel is contested. Address the hand clearance before the knee hug closes. Maintain a balanced posture without forcing the raised knee. Recognize an unfinished pummel as Zombie rather than completed New York. Rebuild inside hand position if the holder returns to Mission Control.

Practice cooperatively with controlled movement. Stop at any tap, verbal signal, or distress; release all joint or neck pressure before changing direction. Do not force a trapped knee, shoulder, or neck to preserve the route.

Opponent’s Starting Position: Zombie (Bottom)

How to Recognize This Attack

How do you know when someone is attempting Zombie to New York?

• Begin in the Zombie hand-clearing checkpoint, before completed New York control has been secured.
• Retain the first high-leg connection while the opposing hand is being cleared.
• Complete the hand-clearing action rather than treating a partially displaced hand as success.

Key Defensive Principles

What are the key principles for defending Zombie to New York?

• Keep the hand connected to useful inside space while the pummel is contested.
• Address the hand clearance before the knee hug closes.
• Maintain a balanced posture without forcing the raised knee.
• Recognize an unfinished pummel as Zombie rather than completed New York.
• Rebuild inside hand position if the holder returns to Mission Control.

Defensive Options

What can you do to defend against Zombie to New York?

1. Keep the hand connected to useful inside space while the pummel is contested.

• When to use: Before the next connection or pressure is established.
• Targets: Zombie
• If successful: The continuation is interrupted; confirm the remaining controls before continuing.
• Risk: Practice cooperatively with controlled movement. Stop at any tap, verbal signal, or distress; release all joint or neck pressure before changing direction. Do not force a trapped knee, shoulder, or neck to preserve the route.

2. Address the hand clearance before the knee hug closes.

• When to use: Before the next connection or pressure is established.
• Targets: Zombie
• If successful: The continuation is interrupted; confirm the remaining controls before continuing.
• Risk: Practice cooperatively with controlled movement. Stop at any tap, verbal signal, or distress; release all joint or neck pressure before changing direction. Do not force a trapped knee, shoulder, or neck to preserve the route.

3. Maintain a balanced posture without forcing the raised knee.

• When to use: Before the next connection or pressure is established.
• Targets: Mission Control
• If successful: The continuation is interrupted; confirm the remaining controls before continuing.
• Risk: Practice cooperatively with controlled movement. Stop at any tap, verbal signal, or distress; release all joint or neck pressure before changing direction. Do not force a trapped knee, shoulder, or neck to preserve the route.

4. Recognize an unfinished pummel as Zombie rather than completed New York.

• When to use: Before the next connection or pressure is established.
• Targets: Mission Control
• If successful: The continuation is interrupted; confirm the remaining controls before continuing.
• Risk: Practice cooperatively with controlled movement. Stop at any tap, verbal signal, or distress; release all joint or neck pressure before changing direction. Do not force a trapped knee, shoulder, or neck to preserve the route.

Best-Case Outcomes for Defender

What is the best outcome when defending Zombie to New York?

→ Zombie

Keep the hand connected to useful inside space while the pummel is contested.

→ Mission Control

Rebuild inside hand position if the holder returns to Mission Control.

Common Defensive Mistakes

What mistakes should you avoid when defending Zombie to New York?

1. Acting after the joint or neck is already loaded

• Consequence: The attempted movement may increase pressure.
• Correction: Tap and release before moving.

2. Assuming a cleared grip completes the escape

• Consequence: The remaining control can still prevent the intended landing.
• Correction: Rebuild inside hand position if the holder returns to Mission Control.

3. Losing a stable base during the response

• Consequence: You may concede the next connection.
• Correction: Address the hand clearance before the knee hug closes.

Training Progressions

How do you train defense against Zombie to New York?

Phase 1 - Identify the contested pummel Begin in the Zombie hand-clearing checkpoint, before completed New York control has been secured. Pause at this checkpoint with a cooperative partner before linking the next step.

Phase 2 - Keep the first high connection Retain the first high-leg connection while the opposing hand is being cleared. Pause at this checkpoint with a cooperative partner before linking the next step.

Phase 3 - Complete hand clearance Complete the hand-clearing action rather than treating a partially displaced hand as success. Pause at this checkpoint with a cooperative partner before linking the next step.