Defense Against a Choke

Ever wonder what to do if someone came up from behind and tried choking you? If you think that pulling some Bruce Lee moves are going to work, that’s great! But only if you’re Bruce Lee instead of Bruce Leroy.

Let’s face it, most of us are nowhere near that level of training. Just because we can’t do the cool moves that they do does not mean that we can’t do anything. However, here are some things that you CAN do:

1. NEVER let them get their arm around your neck. If they do manage to do this, you do not have very long before you pass out. You are done. You are toast. Hope you have either a good health insurance policy or God forbid, a good life insurance plan. 
2.  As soon as you feel that someone is trying to get their arm around your neck, turn your head in that direction and tuck your chin into your chest. Yes, you will have a hard time breathing. Yes, you will feel some pain but you will still be able to breathe and do something.

 3.  Reach up with both your hands and place them under the aggressor’s arm on each side of the elbow.

4. Drop your weight at the same time that you push up. This must be done quickly

5. Be mindful that there is a possibility that you will end up on the ground at this time. This is OK as long as you plan on what you are going to do from there, just know that staying on the ground is not an option. Get up as quickly as possible.

You will not have the time to think about what you are going to do when the time comes so make sure that you practice your movements until it becomes second nature. That spilt second that you hesitate may be your last…