The gi choke is a finishing-off technique common to many different martial arts. It is employed in hapkido, jiu jitsu and judo, among others, and involves using the martial arts uniform, called a "gi," to choke an opponent. This is a relatively simple technique that can be very effective. However, the gi choke opens you up to a number of counter-techniques. For the gi choke to work, it must be employed quickly, so your opponent submits before he can mount a counterattack.
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Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging
Instructions
1
Reach across your opponent's body with your non-dominant hand. If you are right-handed, this will be your left hand. If you are reaching with your left hand, grab your opponent's left lapel. Grab it next to the side of his neck. Clutch the gi tightly in your fist.
2
Cross your arms by reaching under your non-dominant hand with your dominant hand. Grab the other lapel of your opponent's gi with your dominant hand. Clutch the gi tightly in your fist. Place your hands as close together as you can--but it is OK if your dominant hand is not as high as your non-dominant hand.
3
Position the fist of your non-dominant hand on your opponent's neck. Drive your first two knuckles into the pocket between his Adam's apple and neck muscles. This is where the carotid artery is located. It is the source of blood to the brain.
4
Push and pull your opponent's gi. This is a basic principle of martial arts. A combination push and pull has more power than each motion on its own. Push your non-dominant fist into your opponent's throat while you pull the gi with your other hand. Do the push and pull in opposite directions but with full symmetry, as if you are pulling a bow.
5
Turn your shoulders so your pulling arm moves away from your opponent while your pushing arm drives into him. Look into your opponent's eyes. When the gi choke is employed correctly, it only takes a few seconds to force a submission or render an opponent unconscious. Stop the gi choke the instant you see your opponent's eyes glaze over, to avoid causing permanent damage.
Tips & Warnings
You can perform the gi choke in real-life situations when your opponent is not wearing a gi. He must be wearing a sturdy garment with lapels, like a jacket or a sports coat. An ordinary shirt will likely tear when you pull on it.
The gi choke is potentially very dangerous. Practice the technique with extreme caution.
