The choke hold is one of the best-known self-defense techniques. It has been a part of popular culture since the early days of professional wrestling when it was affectionately referred to as "the sleeper hold." Aside from pro wrestling, choke holds have been seen in countless movies and TV shows, as well as professional mixed martial arts tournaments. There are different choke holds, and they have existed for centuries in martial arts and other forms of self-defense.
The Tracheal Choke
The tracheal choke, also known as an air choke, is a hold that cuts off air flow to the lungs by compressing the trachea, more commonly referred to as the windpipe. It is a dangerous choke to perform on someone for two reasons: It can cause a person to suffocate and it can break the trachea. The trachea is comprised of 20 rings of cartilage, which is much weaker than a normal bone and easy to fracture or break with minimal force.
The Carotid Restraint
The carotid restraint is more commonly known as the sleeper or blood choke. In martial arts, it can go by many names, such as a triangle choke or a rear naked choke. There is less risk of injury performing this choke than a tracheal choke, but it can still be deadly. The choke works by compressing the carotid arteries, which cuts off the flow of oxygen to the brain. Ironically, when this choke is applied, the victim is not suffocating or even choking in the traditional sense because he is still able to breathe. He is simply not getting any oxygen to his brain, which is what causes him to pass out.
The Choke Hold in MMA
Choke holds are popular in MMA. There are a variety of ways a choke hold can be applied in an MMA fight, ranging from standing up, on the ground, with the arms, legs, in front of an opponent or from behind. Most of the chokes used in MMA are blood chokes because they are the most effective, the hardest to defend against and inflict the least amount of permanent damage.
The Choke Hold in Law Enforcement
Choke holds were widely used in law enforcement but have been primarily banned because of the potentially lethal damage they can do to a person. The traditional rear naked choke was the most common type taught to law enforcement officers. The choke is performed by standing behind the person and wrapping your arm around his neck to form a triangle that cuts off blood flowing to the brain through the carotid arteries.
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