STRANGLES

SLIDING COLLAR CHOKE

From behind your opponent put your left hand over your opponents left shoulder and grab his left lapel with you thumb pointing down (Figure 1).

Fig 1. Position your Right Hand

Fig 2. Switch lapels with your Left Hand

As you do this make sure that you are standing close behind him so that he can’t move. You can also push back on his left shoulder with your forearm to pin him against you.  This both helps to prevent escape and also acts as a distraction. Hold his lapel open with your left hand wide enough to make it easier to get you right hand in, as shown.

Place the thumb of your right hand inside his left lapel and slide it up around his neck as far as you can. The further round to the back of his neck the better and then grip his collar tightly with your right hand.

Once your right hand is in position then switch the grip of your left hand to your opponents other lapel (Figure 2). It doesn’t matter how you grip his lapel as long as you have a strong grip.

To execute the technique push down with your left hand to make sure that there is no movement in his jacket and at the same time pull your right hand tight around his neck (Figure 3).

Fig 3. Pull tight across the neck

This technique can be executed from either the side or from in front of your opponent, although some adjustments need to be made. From the front your right hand would need to reach as far round your opponent’s neck (on his right side). Your left hand would need to pull down on his left hand lapel while your right hand acts like an arm bar across his neck (but remember the key is that the cloth of his jacket is tight around his neck).  As with all of these strangles and chokes, when used in a self defense situation remember that they need to be applied quickly while he is distracted as both of his hands are free and yours are not.

BSN Graham Salt