Wrist Releases in Self Defense

A wrist grab is a simple kind of attack but, if it is allowed to be executed, could directly lead to more serious offenses.

The first thing to do if your wrist is gripped by an attacker is to make a fist in order to protect your fingers, which at this point are extremely vulnerable. If it is a same side wrist grab, which means that both bodies are on the same side of the grab (his right to your left or reversed), then the next step is to turn your wrist so the attacker's thumb is at the inside edge of the wrist. The thumb tip is the most vulnerable part of the grip.

By stepping back with your outside foot (opposite) and, in one motion, and swinging your held wrist to your outside shoulder (same side as the foot stepping back), enough pressure should be applied to the opening of your opponent's grip at the tip of his thumb to break free from the hold. It is important to do this quickly with a snap or jerk.

The stance that you step back into when breaking the hold is assertive and you may not need to take any further action to dissuade your attacker. However, if he does not back off, your fist, which was recently in his hand, is now at your opposite shoulder and can be deployed for a back-fist strike to the attacker's head (face). Further action can be taken if necessary or an assertive stance to insure safety, depending on the situation.

This self defense video gives a detailed account on how this is done along with 29 other common attackes.