Choke
Choke or strangling in martial arts is either a compression of the neck or the state caused by a collapse of the trachea. The first instance, compression of the neck, leads to the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air into the lungs, the partial flow of arterial blood to the brain or to both. In case of a collapse of the trachea leads to a partial air flow and does not hinder blood flow to the brain.
Partial air choking allows partial and inadequate flow of air into the lungs. Prolonged or complete air choking results in asphyxiation which leads to hypoxia and is potentially fatal. Blood choke blocks the flow of blood into the brain by putting pressure on the carotids, the main blood vessels into the cranium. The spinal arteries, located deep inside the spinal column are usually not affected, but they do not supply enough blood. Blood choke, or strangulation may lead to unconsciousness in less then 9 seconds. Continued blood choke after the ten seconds point leads to a permanent brain damage and death.
Choking is an extremely dangerous technique that may lead to the opponent's death or lifetime brain damage. It is of utmost importance that is practised in a controlled learning or competition environment with either a certified instructor or a referee that can stop any action if the opponent seems to be in a choke hold.
