Street Carry Techniques You Can Use Right Now

Ever found yourself in a crowded street and needed to help a friend or keep an attacker away? Aikido offers a handful of carry moves that work in real life, not just on the mat. Below you’ll get clear steps, safety reminders, and practical tips you can try during a class and then use outside the dojo.

Why a Street Carry Is Useful

When someone is hurt, unconscious, or just needs to be moved quickly, a solid carry can protect both of you. The goal isn’t to look strong, it’s to stay balanced and keep the person’s head safe. Aikido’s emphasis on using an attacker’s energy makes the technique feel natural – you’re not wrestling, you’re guiding.

Basic Street Carry Setup

1. Get a good grip. Slide one arm under the person’s armpit and wrap your opposite hand around their opposite shoulder. Your elbows should stay close to your body so you don’t lose balance.

2. Align your stance. Plant your feet shoulder‑width apart, knees slightly bent. If the person is heavy, spread your stance a bit wider. Keep your weight centered over the balls of your feet.

3. Use your hips. Push with your hips, not your arms. Think of lifting with your legs and hips, just like you’d stand up from a chair. This reduces strain and lets you move faster.

4. Keep the head protected. Tuck the person’s head under your arm or cradle it with your forearm. A head bump on the pavement can cause serious injury, so a simple hand‑under‑chin trick works well.

5. Walk, don’t run. Small, controlled steps keep you steady. If you need to cover distance quickly, short, quick steps work better than a sprint that could throw you off balance.

Practice these steps with a partner in a safe space first. Start with a light partner, then gradually add weight. The more you repeat the motion, the more it becomes second nature.

Now, what if the person you’re carrying is resisting, or you’re facing an aggressive attacker? Aikido’s redirection principle helps. Instead of meeting force head‑on, you guide the attacker’s momentum away from you and the person you’re carrying.

Redirect the push. When someone grabs you, step to the side and use a simple wrist‑release technique. As their arm opens, slip the person you’re carrying into a tighter hold and continue moving forward.

Use the elbow. A quick elbow strike to an incoming attacker’s torso creates space. It’s not about hurting them; it’s about breaking the flow so you can keep the carry steady.

Remember, the goal is to get out of danger, not to start a fight. Keep your movements calm, efficient, and focused on moving the other person to safety.

Here are a few quick safety checks before you try a street carry:

• Make sure the person’s clothing isn’t tangled around anything that could catch.
• Check the area for obstacles – curbs, stairs, or traffic.
• If you’re on a slippery surface, widen your base and lower your center of gravity.
• Communicate – let the person know what you’re doing so they can stay relaxed.

Practicing these carries in class builds confidence. Ask your instructor to add a “carry drill” to a regular training session. The more you rehearse, the easier it will feel when a real situation pops up.

In short, a street carry combines simple body mechanics, Aikido’s principle of flow, and a clear safety mindset. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to protect a friend, move a victim, or keep yourself out of harm’s way – all without looking like a bodybuilder. Give it a try next time you’re on the mat, and you’ll be ready when the streets call.