Counter to a Standing Rear Choke - Marine Corps Martial Arts Technique

This page examines techniques that are used to counter a standing rear choke in the Marine Corps martial arts program. Overall, this section focuses on tan belt techniques used by 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.

Counters to Chokes and Holds

If executed properly, the counter to the rear choke, the counter to the rear bear hug, and the counter to the rear headlock can render your aggressor unconscious quickly. If a choke is improperly executed it often results in a hold. A hold allows the aggressor control and removes the ability for an attack. It is important that Marines be able to extract themselves from chokes and holds so that they can counterattack and regain the tactical advantage.

There are two principal actions that should be taken to counter any choke—clear the airway and tuck the chin:

• Clear the Airway. A choke can cause unconsciousness in 8 to 13 seconds. Therefore, the first movement in any counter to a choke is to clear your airway so you can breathe. Distracters can be used before or after you have attempted to clear the airway. These techniques include groin strikes, the eye gouge, and foot stomps. Softening techniques are used to loosen an aggressor’s hold.
• Tuck the Chin. Once your airway is clear, tuck your chin to prevent the aggressor from re-applying the choke.

Counter to the Rear Choke

The counter to a rear choke is used when the aggressor approaches from the rear and puts his right arm around your throat.

Technique

~ With both hands grab the aggressor’s wrist and his forearm at the radial nerve, pull down just enough to clear your airway. Once the airway is clear, tuck your chin to protect your airway and to prevent the aggressor from re-applying the choke. At the same time, drop your body weight down, stepping out with your right leg. This places you more to the aggressor’s right side and also makes space for your left foot to step through.
~ With your left foot, step behind the aggressor’s right leg keeping both of your legs bent making contact on your aggressor with your left hip placing yourself in almost a squatting position.
~ It is important to keep your legs bent because this places your hips lower than your aggressor’s hips so that you can easily off balance him. Bend your legs to the point that you can still maintain your own balance. Your legs need to be in a squatting position with enough balance to maintain control.
~ At the same time, turn forcefully to the left, strike and drive your left elbow into the aggressor’s torso while rotating your hips and pivoting to your left. The aggressor should fall to his back or side, causing him to lose his grip.
~ Rapidly return to the basic warrior stance, ready for any follow-on techniques.See figure 2-41.

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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 - 04/20/15