Choke Artist

Topic of Controversy
The legal implications for choking techniques has always been the topic of much controversy. In law enforcement, for example, it was once a standard procedure during a difficult arrest and now isn't allowed. Choking also continues to be controversial in the world of sports and self defense, mostly because it is often poorly trained and causes more damage than it needs to. However, with the risk of death by use of tasers and distinction between "chokes" and "strangles" in training, choking is always being brought up as a safer alternative for restraint tactics and sport submissions. Personally, I believe that choking is the best option in any context. In sport, self defense and professional settings, a proper well-trained choke can offer the option of going from restraint to lethal force in very quickly. Choking should be responsibly trained, often practiced and applied out of necessity and with accountability.

In Sport 

The distinction between various types of choking are specifically defined both in the law and in sport regulation to ensure the safety of the practitioner. In competition, an acceptable choke will interrupt the blood flow of one or both the main veins in the neck leading to the brain. This is often referred to as a "sleeper" in grappling sports because it does just that, puts you to sleep. Prolonged pressure after the "chokee" loses consciousness can lead to severe consequences like brain damage, so there's always a referee and the option of tapping out to prevent that. Although this shouldn't be taken lightly, proper sport techniques are the safest way of choking someone. Despite that, they're still not completely safe. I can't stress that enough. Be responsible.

In Combat
In the context of security and law enforcement, choking is a great option for restraint. Most restraint and arrest tactics involve some variation of leverage and joint locks, with the option of breaks and tears if things escalate. In me experience, and anyone who's worked in the field of private security, enough booze and drugs in a person's system can make them oblivious to broken bones or torn ligaments. A choke, however, works no matter what state the aggressor is in. Often, just establishing some head control can encourage verbal negotiations. If things escalate in violence, option B will put them to sleep. The easiest way to handcuff someone is when they're asleep. Again, not to be taken lightly. Train intelligently.

Self Defense
Choking techniques, when trained properly, are also a very useful tool for self defense. Again, practice is key here. Chokes are relatively safe when they cut the blood flow temporarily, but can quickly become lethal when they cut the breath. The veins that bring blood to the brain are on the sides of the neck and the wind pipe is in the center. Any pressure across the front of the neck can result in crushing the wind pipe, which can kill someone. This is usually why teaching choking, in any context, is such a controversy. Often this isn't taught responsibly in self defense classes and can result in someone getting killed. Train responsibly, ask lots of questions and be careful.

With Great Choking Comes Great Responsibility
Chokes, like most things, can be both useful or reckless. It all comes down to responsibility. Choking, when done wrong, can be lethal. It is the responsibility of the instructor to teach the various techniques and it is the responsibility of the practitioner to practice often and ask questions on anything that is unclear. Theory and practical testing is required to drive a car, safety courses are required to shoot a gun and, to me, learning something like chokes is the same. Train and teach responsibly and hopefully we'll never experience what it's like to have to use a choke in a violent crisis. Or at least not again for some of us.

Jordan Bill
Fight or Die

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