STRANGLES & CHOKES

INTRODUCTION

The next collection of training tips will look at strangles and chokes.  A choke is the act of stopping the flow of air through the wind pipe at the front of the neck (see Figure 1 for an example). A strangle is the act of stopping the flow of blood in the arteries at both sides of the neck (see Figure 2 for an example). These arteries carry oxygen to and from the brain. This series will cover both types of techniques. These terms are often used interchangeably and to be honest whenever I have strangled someone they have never tried to clarify with me whether I am actually choking them, they usually seem preoccupied and so may be it is not so important.  In addition, many techniques can apply both restrictions at the same time (neat!).

Fig 1. A Choke

Fig 2. A Strangle

However, what will NOT be covered here is neck locks.  The neck has joints (actually several of them) and so it is possible to apply neck locks, i.e. twisting the neck to the limit of its movement in one direction or another.  This is different from chokes and strangles and is out of scope (for now…).

Before we go any further there needs to be a ‘government health warning’ - be careful when practicing this stuff.  Strangles and chokes are usually taught to senior grades and practiced in the presence of a qualified instructor.  Those who have practiced arm locks will know that you should not snap them on quickly and even when applied gently the pain can come quickly (once the join starts straining).  It is the same with strangles/chokes. 

I am not medically qualified so do your own research, but you should understand something of the basic ‘behavior’ of strangles and chokes. When the airway is blocked by a choke it can take up to 1 to 2 minutes before the subject passes out.  This means that there is more chance of a struggle.  A strangle on the other hand requires more pressure to clamp the arteries closed, as there are more muscles at the side of the neck, but can render someone unconscious in about 15 seconds. There are obviously some risks, and applying these techniques until your partner passes out should not be a part of the normal training regime.

Your partner should make it clear when your technique is effective.  This brings me to an important point. When a strangle or choke is being practiced on you make sure that you indicate to your partner to stop by tapping him firmly on his arm or body.  It is important to note that if you tap the floor/mat he may not hear and you will not be able to speak to ‘clarify’ the situation (no, really!). If you don’t remember this point I’m sure your training partner will explain it to you when you come round.

If strangles and chokes are allowed during sparing remember that when someone struggles to get out of such a technique twisting and turning can tighten the grip around the neck leading to a more effective/faster result.

If someone has passed out once the restriction has been removed from the neck they should come round quickly. If they do, not then seek medical assistance.
Also note that if someone starts to gag it can mean that the wind pipe is damaged and they should get medical attention immediately.

Finally, strangles and chokes can be a safe and integral part of training as long as they are approached sensibly

 

BSN Graham Salt