Conflict Management and Breakaways

Course Overview

This one‑day course builds upon SIGTA’s Conflict Management and De‑escalation training by combining communication techniques with controlled, low‑level physical breakaway skills suitable for workplace environments.

Delegates explore how conflict develops, how stress and physiology affect behaviour, and how early awareness can reduce risk. The course places strong emphasis on recognising warning signs, managing personal space, and understanding the body’s natural responses to threat. Where physical intervention is required, learners are taught safe, proportionate techniques designed solely to create space and allow escape.

Training also includes guidance on the law surrounding self defence and reasonable force, ensuring clear understanding of legal responsibilities and boundaries in workplace settings.

The course is delivered at SIGTA’s Shoreham training centre or onsite for groups with sufficient delegates. Sessions combine theory, discussion and supervised practical activity in a structured and supportive learning environment.

During this course you will learn

• An understanding of the law on self defence and the principles of reasonable force

• How conflict escalates and how to recognise early warning and danger signs that may precede aggressive behaviour

• Awareness of physiological stress responses caused by heightened threat, including changes driven by chemical responses in the brain

• Communication models for managing conflict and de escalating aggression calmly and professionally

• How to assess risk and maintain situational awareness in high pressure environments

• Body positioning and proxemics, including how to stand and move in ways that maintain personal safety, preserve space and reduce vulnerability while remaining non threatening

• How the body reacts to threat through fight, flight or freeze responses, including altered perception of hearing, vision and time

• Techniques to manage these stress responses and remain functional during confrontational situations

• Simple breathing and coping strategies, including 4x4 breathing, to regulate stress during and after challenging incidents

• Introductory awareness of post incident stress and trauma, including when additional support may be needed

• Safe, controlled breakaway techniques designed to release a person from common grips or restraints

• Practical strategies to regain space, protect personal safety and disengage

• Awareness of ground situations where an individual may be restrained, with simple defensive actions focused on escape rather than confrontation

• Maintaining professionalism throughout high tension encounters

Practical and physical elements

Practical sessions form an important part of the course and are delivered in a closely supervised, safety‑led environment. All physical techniques taught are non aggressive and proportionate, with a clear focus on personal safety and disengagement.

This may include:

• Simple breakaways from common holds
• Controlled defensive movements to create distance
• Awareness and response techniques for situations where a person may be pinned or restrained on the floor

There is no emphasis on combat or domination. Techniques are designed to help learners escape safely and reduce risk, using only the minimum force necessary and within legal limits.

This course is suitable for employees who may encounter aggressive, confrontational or unpredictable behaviour as part of their role and who require both communication based de-escalation skills and safe physical breakaway awareness.

No prior experience or physical ability is required. All activities are adapted to individuals and delivered at a pace appropriate to the group.