Lesson 07 · Prevention
Escape grips and holds
Secure balance, change grip lines, open holds and use the distance to exit.
This lesson turns “escape grips and holds” into a four-step safety routine. Physical practice belongs in qualified, supervised training with agreed roles, protective equipment and an immediate stop signal.
Decision compass
Decide safely
Four questions lead from observation to a clear, safer action.
What needs to be clarified now?
What must I notice first?
- Start in a familiar, low-risk setting and identify a clear exit or support option.
- Separate observable behaviour from assumptions about a person.
Remember: Observe → assess → choose a safer option → act.
Recognise the situation and act early
The four illustrations connect perception, positioning and a safer exit.
Stabilise stance
Identify the immediate danger, the nearest usable exit and any other people before physical contact begins. Secure balance, change grip lines, open holds and use the distance to exit.
Change grip line
Start from stable footing with knees relaxed and hands available for protection. Practise the movement slowly before adding speed or resistance.
Open the hold
Use only the minimum contact needed in the supervised drill. A spoken “stop” or repeated tap ends all movement and resistance immediately.
Break away
As soon as space opens, release contact, move towards the marked exit and finish the drill. Check for injury and discuss any loss of control.
Sound decisions
- Set roles, contact level and stop signal before starting
- Practise slowly and increase only one variable at a time
- Keep the marked exit visible
- Stop immediately after pain, dizziness or loss of control
Avoid
- Surprise practice without consent
- Pressure on the neck or joints without qualified supervision
- Continuing after an exit is available
- Treating a training sequence as a guaranteed real-world solution
Knowledge check
Choose the option that preserves safety
During practice of “Escape grips and holds”, space opens and the marked exit is clear. What should happen next?
- AContinue the exchange to prove control.
- BRelease contact, use the exit and end the drill.
- CIncrease resistance without agreement.
- DAdd an unfamiliar technique.
Show answer
B. The objective is to create a safe opportunity to leave. Continuing adds risk without improving the outcome.
Release contact, move to the exit and stop the drill as soon as a safe route is available.