Choke Defense

 In demonstrations of defenses against choking techniques, the attacker is friendly. Even when told to squeeze hard, the attacker still does not want to hurt you. However, when an attacker is intent on killing you, he will grab your throat and try to pop the top of your head off as if squeezing a pimple. His hands and arms will feel similar to steel. People who are angry enough to kill you are extremely strong, and, if they are on drugs, pain is not a problem for them. You will only have a few seconds to do anything and whatever you do must work the first time, for you will not be conscious for a second attempt.

For a smaller attacker or one not intent on killing you, who is two-hand choking you from the front or back, do a disco dance move as Travolta did in Saturday Night Fever: move one foot back for balance, and shoot the opposite arm straight up. Then swing the arm down and over the attacker’s two wrists, bringing the arm upward under his arms, thus trapping his arms. Then, for a front side choke, continue to spin backward and strike the attacker’s temple or jab hinge with a back elbow. For a back side choke, continue to spin forward and strike with a front elbow. The same technique is used when attacked from the front, back, or sides. There is nothing to grab, very little strength is required, and it easy to remember and perform.

For a larger attacker or one that is intent on killing you, when you have only a split second to react before blacking out, jab both thumbs deep into his eyes. Have the thought, "No SOB is going to try to choke me to death and still be able to see for the rest of his life." If the attacker’s arms are longer than yours or he is behind you, then attack instinctively whatever opening presents itself to make the attacker bend his arms or allow you to spin to face him. Then it is thumbs into the eyes. The eyes are a relatively large target for the thumbs. The thumbs are short and strong so that if you hit anywhere near the eyes, you can still force the thumbs into the eyes. Even if only one thumb is successful, it will usually end the attack.