Marine Corps Martial Arts Tan Belt - Introduction to Chokes

This section focuses on tan belt techniques used by the Marine Corps martial arts program. This page examines some of the choking techniques used in the Marine Corps martial arts program. Information from Public Domain Document, MCRP 3-02B, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).

For more Marine Corps techniques, please visit the main Marine Corps Martial Arts Program section.

Introduction to Chokes

The purpose of chokes is to render your aggressor unconscious or gain control of a close combat situation through less than lethal force. A choke is performed by either closing off of the airway to the lungs, thereby preventing oxygen from reaching the heart, or by cutting off of the blood flow to the brain. Both types of chokes can result in unconsciousness and eventual death for an aggressor. Chokes are classified in two categories: blood chokes and air chokes.

A blood choke is performed on the carotid artery located on both sides of the neck, which carries oxygen-enriched blood from the heart to the brain. When executed properly, a blood choke takes between 8 to 13 seconds for the aggressor to lose consciousness. The blood choke is the preferred choke because its intended effect can be executed quickly, ending the fight.

An air choke is performed on the windpipe or trachea, cutting off the air to the lungs and heart. When executed properly, an air choke takes between two and three minutes for the aggressor to lose consciousness. The air choke is not recommended because of the length of time it takes to stop the fight.

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References

1. Information from Public Domain Document, MCRP 3-02B, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY.aspx, Added - 03/19/15