Breakaway Techniques
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
The breakaway techniques outlined in this document are intended solely for use as a last resort in situations where personal safety is at immediate risk. These techniques are designed to minimise harm and are not to be used as a form of punishment, restraint, or aggression. Skills Shop Ltd provides this information for educational purposes only and cannot accept liability for any misuse, injury, or damage arising from the application of these techniques. It is the responsibility of the individual and their organisation to ensure that proper training has been undertaken, and that these techniques are employed in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and workplace policies.
Balance is Key
Unbalancing an attacker is a crucial component of effective self-defence. By disrupting their balance, you reduce their ability to maintain control, generate force, or launch further attacks. This creates a vital opportunity for you to escape or gain the upper hand in the situation. Techniques that unbalance an attacker exploit their momentary loss of stability, making it harder for them to react or recover quickly. Additionally, shifting their balance can redirect their focus from aggression to regaining control, giving you a critical window to act. Learning how to unbalance an attacker not only enhances your safety but also ensures that defensive actions are executed with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
PALMS Stance
Each technique should conclude with you showing the palm of your hands, signalling a non-combative stance and reinforcing that your actions are purely defensive.
Defence against Punches
Although it may feel counterintuitive, the key is to close the distance between you and your attacker, as this reduces their ability to effectively throw punches.
Form a Triangle
- Bring your arm up so your hands and elbows form a triangle.
- Watch their eye movement and shoulders.
- As they punch bring your arm up the inside towards their shoulders to stop the punch or:
- Come over the top and parry the punch away.
Defence against Kicks
Although it may feel counterintuitive, the key is to close the distance between you and your attacker, as this reduces their ability to effectively kick.
Meet their Kick
Starting in the PALMS stance:
- Bring your leg out to meet their kick.
Single Wrist Grab
Use the arm and leg on the same side as the wrist they grab:
1. Have a Drink
- Use distraction kick and step back.
- Bring elbow to waist.
- Bring wrist up like your taking a drink.
2. Hold Your Hand
- Use distraction kick and step back.
- Using your free hand grab your “karate chop edge”.
- Pull your hand out rotating your wrist as you go.
Single Lapel Grab
1. Clothes Grab
- Use the opposite arm to your attacker to grab your clothing below your attackers hand.
- Step back with same leg.
- Pull on your clothing and use your other hand to knock their arm away (elbow).
Double Lapel Grab or Front Strangle
1. Wrist Hold
- Push down on their wrist trapping it against your body.
- Use distraction kick (same side) and step back.
- Put other arm out towards their chest (bent elbow).
2. Walk them Backwards
- Use both your hands to push against their elbows.
- Rotate your palms towards the ceiling locking their arm out straight.
- Walk them backwards either:
- Guiding them to safe space
- Push them away and disengage
Front Hair Grab
This technique can be applied to both single and double hair grabs. It is essential to maintain your head in its current position and avoid any sudden movements to minimise the risk of neck injury.
- Place your opposite hand on top of their wrist locking it against your head.
- Step back with same leg.
- At same time place your other hand on the outside of their elbow.
- Push their arm in the same direction creating a straight arm lock.
- Push them away to disengage.
Version: Version: 1.15