When Road to Unconsciousness Crosses with Choking: What Happens When You Get Choked Out?

In the world of contact sports and martial arts, getting choked out is a common occurrence. Whether it happens in a competition or during training, being choked out can be a scary experience. Many people wonder what happens to their body when they get choked out and if there are any long-term effects. In this article, we will explore what happens to your body when you get choked out, the different types of chokes, and the potential risks involved.

What is a Choke?

A choke is a technique used to cut off an opponent’s blood supply or airway in order to force them to submit or become unconscious. The goal of a choke is to render the opponent helpless without causing permanent damage or injury. Chokes are commonly used in combat sports such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling, and mixed martial arts (MMA).

The Different Types of Chokes

There are two main types of chokes:

  • Blood Choke: A blood choke is when pressure is applied to the carotid arteries located on either side of the neck, causing a reduction in blood flow to the brain. This type of choke is considered safer than an airway choke because it doesn’t necessarily affect a person’s breathing. Blood chokes can result in unconsciousness within seconds if applied correctly.
  • Airway Choke: An airway choke is when pressure is applied to the trachea, causing a restriction of the airway and preventing the person from breathing. Airway chokes can be more dangerous than blood chokes because of the risk of causing serious injury or death due to asphyxiation.

What Happens When You Get Choked Out?

When a choke is applied correctly, it can cause a person to become unconscious within seconds. This is because the brain requires a constant supply of oxygen in order to function properly. When the blood flow to the brain is restricted, it can lead to a loss of consciousness. Here is a breakdown of what happens to your body when you get choked out:

Stage 1: The Initial Choke Hold

The first stage of a choke hold is the initial application of pressure to either the carotid arteries or the trachea. The person being choked may initially try to escape or resist the choke, but after a few seconds, they will start to feel the effects of the choke.

Stage 2: Loss of Consciousness

If the choke hold is applied correctly, the person being choked will start to feel dizzy and may see spots or stars. They may also feel a tingling sensation in their arms and legs. Eventually, they will lose consciousness and become unresponsive.

Stage 3: Recovery

After the choke hold is released, the person will start to regain consciousness but may feel disoriented or confused. It’s not uncommon for the person to have no memory of what happened. They may also experience a headache, sore throat, or other mild symptoms.

The Risks Involved

Although chokes are considered to be relatively safe when done correctly, there are still risks involved. If a choke is applied too long or too tightly, it can cause serious injury or death. Here are some potential risks of being choked out:

Brain Damage

When the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time, it can cause permanent damage. This damage can manifest as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or other cognitive impairments.

Stroke

During a blood choke, there is a risk of causing a stroke due to the pressure on the carotid arteries. Strokes can cause paralysis, speech impairments, or other serious issues.

Neck and Spinal Injuries

Chokes that are applied too forcefully or at the wrong angle can cause neck and spinal injuries. These injuries can be serious and may require medical attention.

Conclusion

Getting choked out is a common occurrence in many combat sports, but it’s not without risks. Chokes can cause temporary unconsciousness and other mild symptoms, but they can also cause serious injury or death. It’s important to practice chokes safely and responsibly to avoid any potential risks.

FAQs

Q: Is it safe to get choked out?

A: Chokes are generally safe when done correctly. However, there are still risks involved, such as brain damage, stroke, and neck and spinal injuries.

Q: How long does it take to recover from being choked out?

A: Recovery time can vary from person to person, but most people recover within a few minutes to an hour after being choked out.

Q: Can being choked out cause long-term damage?

A: Yes, being choked out can cause long-term damage such as brain damage or cognitive impairments.

Q: Is there a safe way to practice chokes?

A: Yes, it’s important to practice chokes safely and responsibly. This means not applying too much pressure and knowing when to release the choke hold.

Q: What should I do if someone gets choked out?

A: If someone gets choked out, make sure to get them medical attention if they are showing any signs of injury or discomfort.

Q: How can I avoid getting choked out?

A: You can avoid getting choked out by practicing good technique and knowing how to defend against chokes. It’s also important to communicate with your training partner and know your limits.

References

1. “The Science of Choking – The Grapplers Guide.” The Grapplers Guide, 22 Mar. 2019, www.grapplersguide.com/the-science-of-choking/.
2. Schlieter, Justin. “Chokes: How They Work and How to Make Them Safer | Breaking Muscle.” Breaking Muscle, 11 Nov. 2020, breakingmuscle.com/fitness/chokes-how-they-work-and-how-to-make-them-safer.
3. “Chokehold – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Www.sciencedirect.com, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/chokehold.

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