Subclavian Pressure Point

Way back in the late 1990’s many police forces in the UK were taking a more positive approach to dealing with violent and non-compliant people. I became a police instructor in Officer Safety and Unarmed Defensive Tactics about this time and used many of the techniques in real policing situations. I would like to share with you some of the techniques learned and used effectively.

Not to be used to excess

Techniques can be applied by police and security professionals and in some self defence situations. Pressure Point applications should not cause any injury and should only be used to be able to gain compliance from a person that may potentially be committing a criminal offence. They should only be used in a controlled manner and not as any sort of punishment or unjustified assault.

Does not work ?

In a small percentage of people some pressure points are less effective so be prepared to change your technique quickly.

It can be used to assist in obtaining compliance or as a self defence technique.

Application

The Subclavian Pressure Point is located directly behind the collarbone (clavicle) where a hollow can be found. The collarbone lies above the subclavian nerve. It is deeply placed so use the tip of two straight fingers to perform this pressure point application by pressing down deeply behind the collarbone. It may also be referred to as Clavicle Pressure Point.

To gain compliance

This can be used by a security or police professional to gain compliance. As an example: a protester may be on private property with his arms wrapped around a fence. They have been asked to move away. They refuse, so the security explain that they may be removed by force if they do not move. After some verbal persuation they still refuse to move so the security take hold and apply the Subclavian pressure point and at the same time instruct them to move. Once they release their hold on the fence they are then guided away.

Self Defence

The Subclavian can be used in a self defence situation. As an example: An attacker may be assaulting someone. You decide to defend the person so approach from behind the attacker. Bring your hand around the attacker and place your two fingers behind the collarbone. They should then release their grip from the victim.

The technique can also be applied from the front. The instructional video below by Master Curtis Frantz demonstrates the application.

Youtube – let’s see Subclavian Pressure Point performed

Of course many techniques are not easy to explain in text so here’s some Youtube videos to explain and demonstrate.

In the below video it is performed as a Clavicle Pressure Point Jiu Jitsu take down

The next clip is by Master Steve Pisa of The Academy of Kung Fu. He explains a few techniques including the Subclavian or Clavicle Pressure Point

The next clip is by Master Curtis Frantz who is a Master in Hapkido and Taekwondo. His website is Growing Your Sense Of Self. He demonstrates the technique on his daughter.