By Glyn Jones
| Strangles & Chokes "Highly Effective but Highly Dangerous" |
Within our study of the martial arts, the practice of strangles and chokes concentrates on one of the most vulnerable areas
of the human body. Our pathway of life, better known as the neck. The significant fact remains, as with so many other areas
of study within the martial arts.
That an harmonious division is of paramount importance ethically ,whilst practising or teaching methods that are known to
contain lethal capabilities, refered to as Dim Mak in the Chinese arts or Kyusho Jutsu in the Japanese, Okinawan arts.
Without question both strangles and chokes come in to this category, more commonly known as “shime waza” (Closing
off techniques) or “Bi Chi” (Sealing the Breath / Vein).
However, to only concentrate or attain mastery in the effective and destructive techniques so often found within our martial
armour is both morally wrong and mindless, bordering on the lines of barbarism. For instance, just being able to apply
strangles and chokes, be it inside the controlled environment of a Dojo or on an assailant in the outside world - knowing
only to well that the receiver will be put to sleep if he does not submit - with no further understanding of what one is doing, is
totally unacceptable in the society of today or within the frame work of Martial Arts training.
An equal emphasis therefore must be placed on creating a deeper understanding of these practices combined with self
control whilst achieving an inner calm or belief as any true artist should. In addition to this one should be undertaking a
fundamental study of the medical implications that should always be in place when practicing methods of martial
destruction.
Maintaining a balance between the Bu “Warrior ( Martial) and the Do "Way" (Scholar / Artist) is so
essential to our mental well being - an area that is highly regarded at the forefront of Martial Arts training in the East but sadly
at times often neglected in the West. In Okinawa, "The birth place of Karate", this is traditionally known as Bun Bu Ryu Do,
where a persons physical attributes are matched equally by one's intellectual capacity. To spend time studying the
"Satsujin" (life taking aspects of the Martial Arts) alone is self
destructive, inhumaine and shallow. Mastery will only ever be obtained through an equable balance of the yin and yang, by
understanding compassion, tolerance, and a high regard for human life.
This being the basis of "Katsujin" ( the life saving aspects of the martial arts).
To hurt others is easy, to help others is much harder.
Undisputed through out history is that many of the techniques we practise that are centered around the neck have been
passed on to us by masters of old. They are found through treasured text like the “Bubishi” or hidden in disguise amongst
the moves of our forms or kata. Be your art of Chinese origin, Okinawan Karate or Classical Japanese Ju Jutsu, have no
doubt these moves are in there.
Laid down before us in times of upheavel and political unrest. when the intentions were well defined and clear. As
respectable martial artists we must all understand that strangles and chokes are not only highly effective but highly
dangerous, being specialised techniques that achieve their results through applications that require varying degrees of
force.
"Shime waza" - closing off techniques as they are generally referred to may give the dangerous impression that they are
undivided and all equal in their execution. Be it a neck lock, hold, throw, wrench,choke or strangle. This is most certainly not
the case. All of them need to be categorised as one or the other or at times being a compilation of two or maybe even three.
They need to be applied differently with varying degrees of force or pressure. A fatality could ensure if students are not made
fully aware of this from the off.
There is also the misconception that chokes are safe but strangles are not. This is simply not true.
of the human body. Our pathway of life, better known as the neck. The significant fact remains, as with so many other areas
of study within the martial arts.
That an harmonious division is of paramount importance ethically ,whilst practising or teaching methods that are known to
contain lethal capabilities, refered to as Dim Mak in the Chinese arts or Kyusho Jutsu in the Japanese, Okinawan arts.
Without question both strangles and chokes come in to this category, more commonly known as “shime waza” (Closing
off techniques) or “Bi Chi” (Sealing the Breath / Vein).
However, to only concentrate or attain mastery in the effective and destructive techniques so often found within our martial
armour is both morally wrong and mindless, bordering on the lines of barbarism. For instance, just being able to apply
strangles and chokes, be it inside the controlled environment of a Dojo or on an assailant in the outside world - knowing
only to well that the receiver will be put to sleep if he does not submit - with no further understanding of what one is doing, is
totally unacceptable in the society of today or within the frame work of Martial Arts training.
An equal emphasis therefore must be placed on creating a deeper understanding of these practices combined with self
control whilst achieving an inner calm or belief as any true artist should. In addition to this one should be undertaking a
fundamental study of the medical implications that should always be in place when practicing methods of martial
destruction.
Maintaining a balance between the Bu “Warrior ( Martial) and the Do "Way" (Scholar / Artist) is so
essential to our mental well being - an area that is highly regarded at the forefront of Martial Arts training in the East but sadly
at times often neglected in the West. In Okinawa, "The birth place of Karate", this is traditionally known as Bun Bu Ryu Do,
where a persons physical attributes are matched equally by one's intellectual capacity. To spend time studying the
"Satsujin" (life taking aspects of the Martial Arts) alone is self
destructive, inhumaine and shallow. Mastery will only ever be obtained through an equable balance of the yin and yang, by
understanding compassion, tolerance, and a high regard for human life.
This being the basis of "Katsujin" ( the life saving aspects of the martial arts).
To hurt others is easy, to help others is much harder.
Undisputed through out history is that many of the techniques we practise that are centered around the neck have been
passed on to us by masters of old. They are found through treasured text like the “Bubishi” or hidden in disguise amongst
the moves of our forms or kata. Be your art of Chinese origin, Okinawan Karate or Classical Japanese Ju Jutsu, have no
doubt these moves are in there.
Laid down before us in times of upheavel and political unrest. when the intentions were well defined and clear. As
respectable martial artists we must all understand that strangles and chokes are not only highly effective but highly
dangerous, being specialised techniques that achieve their results through applications that require varying degrees of
force.
"Shime waza" - closing off techniques as they are generally referred to may give the dangerous impression that they are
undivided and all equal in their execution. Be it a neck lock, hold, throw, wrench,choke or strangle. This is most certainly not
the case. All of them need to be categorised as one or the other or at times being a compilation of two or maybe even three.
They need to be applied differently with varying degrees of force or pressure. A fatality could ensure if students are not made
fully aware of this from the off.
There is also the misconception that chokes are safe but strangles are not. This is simply not true.
Choke techniques fundamentally prevent the body from breathing through the wind pipe or trachea as it is medically known.
By stopping air and oxygen getting through the lungs or preventing carbon dioxide from being released there is a constriction in the bodies natural gas exchange which may
will in turn cause a malfunction or
total collapse of the respiratory system. Resulting in suffocation. A choke is in place when the trachea is being manipulated or
squashed usually by pressing,squeezing or grabbing. All of these are equally effective methods if applied efficiently. The receiver of such will find chokes to be extremely
unpleasant to experience,even under controlled conditions like in the safe environment of a Dojo. This is why one must “ALWAYS” practice this intricate Art with caution and
care,and only under the guidance of a competent instructor who is highly competent in this area of the martial arts. The medical implications surrounding the application of
chokes are numerous. There are two main areas for consideration that are a major concern to us as Martial Artists. These need to be firmly addressed.
There are an array of very sensitive nerves located in the area being manipulated during a choke. These include the Hypoglossal Nerve , the main nerve of the tongue. The
Laryngeal Nerves, the nerves of the vocal chords, and The Vagus Nerves - heart and lung constrictor. it only takes one of these nerves to become damaged or go in to spasm
during application and there could be a fatality unless relaxation or normal function of the nerve resumes. The other concern is the possibility of fracturing the cartilage rings or
bones that surround and protects the trachea from external damage. This could result in a blockage or closing off of the airways, leading to suffocation unless an emergency
tracheotomy is performed. A disruption in the body's regulatory cycle in the lungs may also result. This is why chokes should never be applied with extreme force whilst
training. The same being said about over malicious intent during outside confrontations in the form of strikes, thrusts or crushes.
By stopping air and oxygen getting through the lungs or preventing carbon dioxide from being released there is a constriction in the bodies natural gas exchange which may
will in turn cause a malfunction or
total collapse of the respiratory system. Resulting in suffocation. A choke is in place when the trachea is being manipulated or
squashed usually by pressing,squeezing or grabbing. All of these are equally effective methods if applied efficiently. The receiver of such will find chokes to be extremely
unpleasant to experience,even under controlled conditions like in the safe environment of a Dojo. This is why one must “ALWAYS” practice this intricate Art with caution and
care,and only under the guidance of a competent instructor who is highly competent in this area of the martial arts. The medical implications surrounding the application of
chokes are numerous. There are two main areas for consideration that are a major concern to us as Martial Artists. These need to be firmly addressed.
There are an array of very sensitive nerves located in the area being manipulated during a choke. These include the Hypoglossal Nerve , the main nerve of the tongue. The
Laryngeal Nerves, the nerves of the vocal chords, and The Vagus Nerves - heart and lung constrictor. it only takes one of these nerves to become damaged or go in to spasm
during application and there could be a fatality unless relaxation or normal function of the nerve resumes. The other concern is the possibility of fracturing the cartilage rings or
bones that surround and protects the trachea from external damage. This could result in a blockage or closing off of the airways, leading to suffocation unless an emergency
tracheotomy is performed. A disruption in the body's regulatory cycle in the lungs may also result. This is why chokes should never be applied with extreme force whilst
training. The same being said about over malicious intent during outside confrontations in the form of strikes, thrusts or crushes.
Alternatively, pressure placed on the neighbouring jugular vein will prevent deoxygenated blood making its way back in to the heart causing disruption, that can quite easily
result in a heart attack for the victim. Understandably any constriction of the body's circulatory cycle is going to result in consequences.
result in a heart attack for the victim. Understandably any constriction of the body's circulatory cycle is going to result in consequences.
Both strangles and chokes are extremely dangerous if applied irresponsibly or for any considerable length
of time. This is why most law enforcement agencies around the world have banned any type of restraint
that even resembles these practices. Quite simply, the dangers surrounding them are immense.
Therefore, as respectable members of society and competent martial artists, our duty is to have an
engrossed knowledge of the methods we practice and preach.
The ability to differentiate between a strangle and choke must be our primary goal. This being the base for
further study together with obtaining a masters degree in the feel and control required to apply them
effectively. All of which can only be achieved through quality repetitive practice whilst fully understanding
the inner dangers.
of time. This is why most law enforcement agencies around the world have banned any type of restraint
that even resembles these practices. Quite simply, the dangers surrounding them are immense.
Therefore, as respectable members of society and competent martial artists, our duty is to have an
engrossed knowledge of the methods we practice and preach.
The ability to differentiate between a strangle and choke must be our primary goal. This being the base for
further study together with obtaining a masters degree in the feel and control required to apply them
effectively. All of which can only be achieved through quality repetitive practice whilst fully understanding
the inner dangers.
Strangles are documented by the Chinese as "Duanne Mie" or sealing the blood (Vein or Artery). A
strangle is in place when pressure is applied to one or both cartoid arteries located at the sides of the
neck (or possibly the jugular vein). The intention of the application is to stop, seal or block the
passageway through which the blood flows to the brain. it must be primarily understood that within a
few seconds of a strangle being applied a black out feeling will start to commence. Holding a
strangle for any longer period of time will see the receiver lose consciousness, regardless of the
person's physical size or attributes. The dangers surrounding the vicious application of a strangle
are alarming.
Primarily, oxygenated blood is pumped from the heart via the Aorta (the main artery in the body) up
through the cartoid arteries and in to the brain at very high pressure. By blocking or sealing either of
these arteries the brain is instantly starved of oxygen.
strangle is in place when pressure is applied to one or both cartoid arteries located at the sides of the
neck (or possibly the jugular vein). The intention of the application is to stop, seal or block the
passageway through which the blood flows to the brain. it must be primarily understood that within a
few seconds of a strangle being applied a black out feeling will start to commence. Holding a
strangle for any longer period of time will see the receiver lose consciousness, regardless of the
person's physical size or attributes. The dangers surrounding the vicious application of a strangle
are alarming.
Primarily, oxygenated blood is pumped from the heart via the Aorta (the main artery in the body) up
through the cartoid arteries and in to the brain at very high pressure. By blocking or sealing either of
these arteries the brain is instantly starved of oxygen.
Conclusion. Strangles and chokes are divided and not the same thing. However, both techniques have lethal
capabilities that need to be firmly addressed by ALL who practice them. They do play a significant role in martial arts
training, as they have done for centuries. As martial artists usually practice these with extreme caution and control,
with full consideration for fellow training partners, of which fatalities or serious injuries are seldom heard of within the
controlled domain of martial arts training halls. In many ways proving to all members of society what responsible and
respectable people martial artists truly are.
WARNING ! The practice of strangles and chokes should only ever be studied under the guidance of an instructor who
is highly competent in this art and they should never, under any circumstances, be taught to or practised by children
regardless of their grade.
capabilities that need to be firmly addressed by ALL who practice them. They do play a significant role in martial arts
training, as they have done for centuries. As martial artists usually practice these with extreme caution and control,
with full consideration for fellow training partners, of which fatalities or serious injuries are seldom heard of within the
controlled domain of martial arts training halls. In many ways proving to all members of society what responsible and
respectable people martial artists truly are.
WARNING ! The practice of strangles and chokes should only ever be studied under the guidance of an instructor who
is highly competent in this art and they should never, under any circumstances, be taught to or practised by children
regardless of their grade.
| Shinken Dojo Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate |
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By Glyn Jones