Which techniques are part of soft empty hand control?

• A. Joint locks, pressure points
• B. Choke holds
• C. Knee strikes
• D. Pepper spray

Answer: (A)

Soft empty-hand control relies on using balance, leverage, and controlled contact to restrain a subject without applying strikes or weapons. Joint locks and pressure points fit this approach because they use deliberate leverage on joints and targeted, controlled pressure to gain compliance and reduce movement, allowing for safe, hands-on control when performed with proper training and policy. Choke holds involve cutting off blood or air flow to vital organs and are dangerous, making them inappropriate for soft control. Knee strikes are direct blows and fall outside the soft, non-striking approach. Pepper spray is a chemical agent, not an empty-hand technique, so it isn’t part of soft empty-hand control.