Breakaway training, also known as breakaway techniques or breakaway skills, refers to a set of strategies and physical techniques designed to help individuals safely and effectively disengage from physical confrontations or aggressive situations.

Breakaway training, also known as breakaway techniques or breakaway skills, refers to a set of strategies and physical techniques designed to help individuals safely and effectively disengage from physical confrontations or aggressive situations. This type of training is often utilized in various industries where employees may encounter potentially volatile situations, such as healthcare, education, security, and law enforcement.
Participants learn techniques to protect themselves from physical harm during confrontational situations.
By providing individuals with strategies to de-escalate conflicts and safely restrain aggressive individuals, breakaway training helps minimize the risk of injury or harm to all parties involved.
Training empowers individuals with the skills and confidence to effectively manage challenging situations, leading to better outcomes and reduced stress.
In many industries, employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Breakaway training helps organizations fulfil this duty by equipping staff with the necessary skills to handle aggression or violence appropriately.
Overall, breakaway training plays a vital role in creating safer workplaces and protecting the well-being of employees and stakeholders across various industries.

Use communication techniques to calm tense situations.

Identify risks and make safe decisions during incidents.

Use body language and positioning to manage conflict.

Learn safe movements to escape from grabs or holds.


The primary objective of breakaway training is to empower individuals to protect themselves and others while minimizing the risk of harm. All NNTC Breakaway Training is delivered by accredited instructors with expertise in areas such as conflict resolution, self-defense, and risk management. The training will be tailored to the specific needs and risks of the participants’ roles within their organisation.
Overall, breakaway training equips individuals with the skills and confidence to respond effectively to potentially threatening situations while prioritizing the safety and well-being of themselves and others.

Participants learn how to use effective communication techniques to defuse tense situations and prevent them from escalating into physical altercations. This may include strategies for active listening, empathetic responses, and setting clear boundaries.
Trainees are taught how to employ non-physical intervention techniques, such as creating distance, using body language to assert authority, and employing calming gestures, to manage confrontational behavior without resorting to physical force.
Breakaway training typically includes education on how to assess the level of risk in a given situation and make informed decisions about the appropriate course of action. This may involve considering factors such as the individual’s behavior, environment, and available resources.
Participants learn their natural responses to the anger of others and learn strategies to manage anxiety in order to respond professionally and achieve a positive outcome.
Trainees are taught how to employ non-physical intervention techniques, such as creating distance, using body language to assert authority, and employing calming gestures, to manage confrontational behavior without resorting to physical force.
Participants are educated on the importance of following proper post-incident procedures, including reporting, documentation, and debriefing, to ensure accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
Employees in certain roles may face various risks that necessitate breakaway training. Here are some common scenarios where breakaway training may be essential and the associated risks:





NNTC has been delivering Breakaway Instructor training programmes for over 12 years.

Training has been delivered to organisations within the NHS, Social Care, Housing, and Probation industries.

The Breakaway Training Course can be delivered as an accredited programme through OCN Credit4Learning.
1.5 – 2 Hours
Maximum number of delegates 12
Certification is available through NNTC free of charge
Accreditation is available through OCN Credit4Learning.
No – the physicality is minimal
Yes – we would recommend every 12 months initially followed by a biannual refresher
No – assessment is made by tutor observation
A handout is available on request
Comfortable clothing. We do not insist that delegates wear tracksuit and trainers but to wear the clothes they carry out their duties in providing its not a tight skirt and high heels!
“The training delivered by the team was extremely engaging and practical. Our staff gained valuable techniques for managing difficult situations with confidence.”

The National Network of Training Consultants is a cooperative of independent trainers focused on workplace safety and wellbeing.
Member of OCN Credit For Learning
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