Breakaway Techniques

Defence against Punches

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Injury from Impact	Mistiming or improper execution of the technique can result in the punch landing, causing injury.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practice under supervision; use protective equipment like padded gloves during training.
Overextension	Extending the arm too far may cause loss of balance, leaving the defender vulnerable.	Low	Medium	Low-Medium	Emphasise controlled execution and maintaining balance during training.
Lack of Observation	Misjudging the timing or direction of the punch due to failure to watch the attacker’s eye or shoulder movements.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Teach situational awareness and focus on attacker’s movements to anticipate the punch effectively.
Incorrect Form	Improper formation of the triangle (e.g., elbows too wide, hands too low) can leave openings for punches to bypass the defence.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Ensure proper form is practised consistently under qualified supervision.
Physical Limitations	Limited mobility in the shoulder or elbow can make the technique difficult to execute effectively, increasing the risk of injury.	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Provide modified techniques or alternative defensive options for individuals with mobility issues.
Escalation of Violence	Improper use of the technique may provoke the attacker further, escalating the situation.	Low	High	Medium	Incorporate de-escalation training and emphasise that the technique is for defence, not aggression.
Overall Risk Level					Low-Medium

Defence against Kicks

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Injury from Impact	If the technique is mistimed, the kick may land with full force, causing injury to the defender’s leg or body.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practice under supervision to perfect timing and form; use protective pads during training.
Loss of Balance	Bringing the leg up improperly or overextending it can cause the defender to lose balance and become vulnerable to further attacks.	Low	Medium	Low-Medium	Focus on controlled movement and maintaining a stable stance during training.
Incorrect Timing	Failure to meet the kick at the right moment can result in the attacker gaining an advantage or the defender absorbing unnecessary impact.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Train to anticipate the attacker’s movements and practise timing with supervised drills.
Physical Limitations	Individuals with limited mobility or flexibility may struggle to lift their leg high enough to meet the kick effectively.	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Provide alternative defensive options or modify the technique to suit individual capabilities.
Escalation of Violence	If the technique is performed aggressively, it may provoke the attacker to escalate their actions.	Low	High	Medium	Emphasise that the technique is defensive and pair it with de-escalation strategies.
Overall Risk Level					Low-Medium

Single Wrist Grab: Have a Drink

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Injury from Counteraction	The attacker may tighten their grip or react aggressively, causing injury to the wrist or arm.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise the technique with a focus on controlled, fluid motion to minimise provoking the attacker.
Loss of Balance	Stepping back improperly may result in a stumble or fall, leaving the defender vulnerable.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Emphasise proper foot placement and balance during training.
Incorrect Form	Failure to bring the elbow to the waist or improper wrist positioning may make the technique ineffective.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Ensure the technique is practised under supervision to develop correct form and precision.
Physical Limitations	Individuals with limited arm or wrist mobility may find it difficult to execute the technique properly.	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Offer modified versions of the technique for those with mobility challenges.
Escalation of Violence	Using the distraction kick improperly or too forcefully could provoke a more aggressive reaction.	Low	High	Medium	Train to use the distraction kick as a controlled measure, not as an aggressive strike.
Misjudged Timing	Poor timing could result in the wrist not being freed, leaving the defender exposed to further control or attacks.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise the technique repeatedly to develop muscle memory and improve timing.
Overall Risk Level					Medium

Single Wrist Grab: Hold Your Hand

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Injury from Counteraction	The attacker may tighten their grip or react aggressively, causing strain or injury to the wrist or hand.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise the technique with a focus on fluid motion and proper wrist rotation to minimise provoking the attacker.
Loss of Balance	Stepping back improperly may result in a stumble or fall, leaving the defender vulnerable.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Emphasise proper foot placement and balance during training.
Incorrect Form	Improper use of the free hand or failure to grab the "karate chop edge" may make the technique ineffective.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Ensure the technique is practised under supervision to develop correct form and precision.
Physical Limitations	Individuals with limited wrist or arm mobility may struggle to perform the wrist rotation effectively.	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Provide modified techniques for those with mobility challenges.
Escalation of Violence	Using the distraction kick improperly or too forcefully could provoke a more aggressive reaction from the attacker.	Low	High	Medium	Use the distraction kick as a controlled measure and not as an aggressive strike.
Misjudged Timing	Poor timing could result in the wrist not being freed, leaving the defender vulnerable to further control or attacks.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise repeatedly to develop muscle memory and improve timing.
Overall Risk Level					Medium

Single Lapel Grab

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Injury from Counteraction	The attacker may tighten their grip or react aggressively, potentially causing strain or bruising.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise controlled movements to minimise provoking the attacker; ensure proper execution of the pull and knock-away motion.
Loss of Balance	Stepping back improperly could result in losing balance and leaving the defender vulnerable.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Focus on stable foot placement and balance during training sessions.
Incorrect Form	Improper pulling motion or failure to knock the attacker’s arm away effectively may render the technique ineffective.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Ensure proper form and technique are practised under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Physical Limitations	Individuals with limited upper body strength or mobility may struggle to pull on their clothing effectively or knock the arm away.	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Provide modified versions of the technique for those with mobility or strength limitations.
Escalation of Violence	Improper use of the technique may escalate the situation and provoke further aggression.	Low	High	Medium	Train in de-escalation strategies and emphasise using this technique only as a defensive measure.
Misjudged Timing	Poor timing could result in the attacker maintaining their grip and rendering the technique ineffective.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise repeatedly to develop muscle memory and improve timing and precision.
Overall Risk Level					Medium

Double Lapel Grab / Front Strangle: Wrist Hold

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Injury from Counteraction	The attacker may tighten their grip or react aggressively, causing strain or bruising to the defender's wrist or neck.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise the technique to ensure fluid movements, minimising provoking the attacker while controlling their wrist effectively.
Loss of Balance	Stepping back improperly or executing the distraction kick without stability could cause a fall or loss of footing.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Focus on stable footwork and balance during training; step back carefully while maintaining posture.
Incorrect Form	Improper application of wrist pressure or failure to extend the arm towards the chest may render the technique ineffective.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Practise under supervision to develop correct form and ensure effective execution of the wrist hold and arm extension.
Physical Limitations	Individuals with limited arm or wrist strength or mobility may struggle to trap the wrist effectively or perform the distraction kick.	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Provide modifications or alternative techniques suitable for individuals with physical limitations.
Escalation of Violence	Using excessive force during the distraction kick or trapping the wrist too aggressively could provoke further aggression from the attacker.	Low	High	Medium	Train in controlled application of force and emphasise de-escalation techniques alongside this defensive measure.
Misjudged Timing	Poor timing could result in the attacker maintaining their grip or countering the defensive move.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise repeatedly to develop muscle memory and refine timing for effective execution of the technique.
Overall Risk Level					Medium

Double Lapel Grab / Front Strangle: Walk them Backwards

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Injury from Counteraction	The attacker may resist or react aggressively, potentially causing strain or injury to the defender's arms or body.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise the technique with controlled movements to ensure effective arm positioning and minimise provocation.
Loss of Balance	Improper footwork while walking the attacker backwards could lead to a stumble or fall, leaving the defender vulnerable.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Focus on maintaining a stable stance and controlled footwork during training.
Incorrect Form	Failure to lock the attacker’s arms out straight or improper hand positioning may render the technique ineffective.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Ensure the technique is practised under supervision to develop proper form and effective application of the arm lock.
Physical Limitations	Individuals with limited upper body strength or mobility may struggle to apply sufficient pressure or maintain control of the attacker.	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Provide alternative techniques or modifications for individuals with mobility or strength limitations.
Escalation of Violence	Pushing the attacker too forcefully or walking them back aggressively could provoke further aggression.	Low	High	Medium	Train in controlled application of force and emphasise the importance of de-escalation during disengagement.
Misjudged Timing	Poor timing could allow the attacker to maintain their grip or counter the defensive move.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise repeatedly to develop muscle memory and refine timing for effective execution of the technique.
Overall Risk Level					Medium

Front Hair Grab

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation Measures
Injury from Counteraction	The attacker may pull on the hair or react aggressively, causing strain or injury to the scalp, neck, or hand.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise securing the wrist effectively to minimise the attacker’s ability to pull aggressively, and execute the arm lock swiftly.
Loss of Balance	Stepping back improperly while maintaining wrist control could lead to a stumble or fall.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Focus on stable foot placement and controlled stepping during training sessions.
Incorrect Form	Failure to lock the wrist or position the hand on the elbow correctly may render the technique ineffective.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Ensure proper form and positioning are practised under supervision to develop effective technique execution.
Physical Limitations	Individuals with limited mobility or strength in the arms or neck may struggle to apply wrist control or push the elbow effectively.	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Provide alternative techniques or modifications for individuals with physical limitations.
Escalation of Violence	Pushing the attacker too aggressively or failing to disengage safely may provoke further aggression.	Low	High	Medium	Train in controlled application of force and emphasise disengagement to avoid escalating the situation.
Misjudged Timing	Poor timing could result in the attacker maintaining control of the hair or countering the defensive move.	Medium	High	Medium-High	Practise repeatedly to develop muscle memory and refine timing for effective execution of the technique.
Overall Risk Level					Medium

Created: 3 December 2024

Last Modified: 3 December 2024

Author: Phil Newton

Version: Version: 1.13