Escaping Chokes. Some Practical Points

Breathe, strike, finish..........

The IKMF curriculum includes prevention and escaping from chokes-front, side, and back. Chokes are
life-threatening and require precise and aggressive action to survive.

Here are some points to keep in mind.

Prevention: It is important to train prevention according to the direction and distance you perceive

the assault. If the person has to step to reach you, kicking and getting out of the line is effective. At

closer range, however, you will have to strike or deflect and strike depending on attackers hand position.

 Relative to the side and back choke this is easier to prevent. But not easy. 

Getting Air: Attacking the weak spot- the thumbs. Using the plucking technique, get air by removing 

thumb(s) from air passage.

Strike! Without striking the attacker will easily adapt and reestablish their choke, hit... something

unpleasant! Strike the closest vulnerable area as soon and as effectively as possible. Knee to the groin,

 palm strike to face, bite if you must. For an outline of striking vulnerable areas see:

Finish!  Escaping is the best option. Breathe, strike (repeat if necessary) run.  As you escape, scan, 

check your surrounding for exit opportunities, weapons of opportunity, or secondary attackers.

Training needs to focus on developing precise and rapid actions under stress to be effective.