Chokehold

Army Combatives RNC (120127-A-XN107-086)

Chokehold is a term used to describe a grappling hold that critically reduces or prevents either air (breathing) or blood (circulatory) from moving through the neck of an opponent. The use of chokeholds in various forms has been a part of martial arts and combat sports for centuries, as well as being employed by law enforcement and military personnel as a means of subduing a person. It is important to distinguish between two main types: the air choke and the blood choke.

An air choke (or tracheal choke) directly compresses the windpipe, thereby preventing air from reaching the lungs. This method can cause serious injury or even death if applied for an extended period. On the other hand, a blood choke (or carotid choke) compresses the carotid arteries, temporarily cutting off the blood supply to the brain and causing unconsciousness within seconds. Blood chokes are considered safer than air chokes when properly applied, but they still carry significant risks.

Types of Chokeholds

There are several types of chokeholds, each with its specific application and technique. Some of the most well-known include:

• Rear Naked Choke: A blood choke applied from behind an opponent, where the attacker's arm encircles the opponent's neck with the crook of the elbow at the throat.
• Guillotine Choke: Applied from in front of the opponent, the attacker wraps one arm around the opponent's neck with the forearm pressing against the throat.
• Triangle Choke: Executed from a ground position, where the attacker wraps their legs around the opponent's neck and one arm, creating a figure-four with their legs.

Use in Martial Arts and Combat Sports

Chokeholds are a fundamental aspect of many martial arts and combat sports, especially in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). These disciplines teach chokeholds as a means of self-defense, a way to subdue an opponent, and as sport techniques under specific rules to ensure safety.

Use in Law Enforcement and Military

In law enforcement and military contexts, chokeholds are used as a method of restraining a person who is perceived as a threat. However, the use of chokeholds by police has been highly controversial due to the potential for serious injury or death. Many law enforcement agencies have specific policies regarding if and how chokeholds can be used, and there is ongoing debate about their use and effectiveness.

Controversy and Safety

The safety of chokeholds, especially in law enforcement, has been a subject of significant controversy. Incidents where individuals have been seriously harmed or have died as a result of being placed in a chokehold have led to public outcry and calls for reform. Training in the proper application of chokeholds is crucial to minimize risks, and many martial arts instructors emphasize the importance of caution and control.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legality of using chokeholds varies by jurisdiction and context. In some places, the use of chokeholds by law enforcement is banned or severely restricted. Ethical considerations also play a significant role in the debate over chokeholds, with arguments focusing on the balance between the necessity of subduing a person who poses a threat and the imperative to preserve life and prevent harm.