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Shizenryu Jutsu

Welcome to the Yume Dojo

Shime Waza (Choking Techniques) Page.

Mixed Martial Arts LogoThis page is for the advanced student and needs precaution when applying these chokes or neck locks. Shime Waza, or Choking Techniques are an intricate part of the Yume Dojo curriculum and there are over 40 chokes within the system. There are also many chokes that are done in the Ne Waza or Groundwork curriculum of Shizenryu.

In the past this page was called Pins and Submissions. The reason for the change is chokes play a significant role in Shizenryu Jutsu.  The Shime Waza (or Choking Techniques) curriculum has over 40 chokes that are applied. During 2008 we will continue to show some of these chokes each month and explain how to apply them. The techniques on the page are from several different arts, including Old Judo Chokes and even some Karate Chokes.

NOTE:

In Shizenryu, the term Choke actually encompasses 3 distinct methods for putting someone to sleep.

  •  Cutting off the blood supply to the brain. This is done by stopping the blood flow through the Carotid Artery. This is sometimes referred to as a "Blood Choke", however the proper term is "Strangulation".
  •  Cutting off the air to the brain. This is like getting choked by a piece of food or getting something stuck in the throat or wind pipe. It works the same way for a choke, by restricting the air through the windpipe. This is actually a choke.
  •  Smothering or Suffocation. This is accomplished by pinching the nose and covering the mouth, once again not allowing air to the brain. In Shizenryu, we call this "Smuffacation" a combination of smothering and suffocating an attacker.

For simplicity, these are all combined under the category Shime Waza or Choking techniques.

 

     The Sensei's of yume dojo put their heads together, and created some "choke Sets". The purpose of this is to practice the transitions from one choke to another. Most chokes are practiced statically to learn how to apply the choke. However, most of the time, things never evolve from here and the practice usually remains static. No one is going to stand still and let someone choke them, there will be movement, if not to fight the choke, then to get out of it. The choke set teaches the student how to change on the fly and apply another choke to stay ahead of the person being choked. These chokes/strangulations are practiced individually then put together in set form to practice "flow". Once the set is learned, then the student will face resistance to their chokes to make sure the chokes can be applied or transitioned into another choke in a more real life scenario. There are 6 sets of chokes, containing 3 chokes in each group. Each set will be detailed below. We hope you find this helpful and interesting.

  •  Choke Set #1

    Eagle Claw Choke Set 1      Cross Gi Choke Set 1      Scarf Choke Set 1

  •  Eagle Claw Choke-This choke stops the air to the brain Eagle Claw Choke closeupby clamping on the Windpipe. Caution must be used here as if the windpipe collapses the attacker can perish. The version of this choke that is employed in shizenryu not only squeezes the windpipe but also  pushes up to make the choke very uncomfortable, while closing off the air to the brain. The photo on the right shows a close-up of this choke

  •  Cross Gi Choke-This is a very basic strangulation, cutting off the blood supply to the brain by using the Gi to "crimp' the carotid artery, thus slowing or cutting off the blood to the brain. To use this choke/strangulation in the set, slide the right hand under the chin and grab the Gi with the fingers in. (this is very important in this choke as the thumbs can be used to grab the Gi, but is more awkward then sliding the fingers in the Gi and pulling against the carotid. The thumbs in will be shown later on in another set) The left hand comes under the right and, again, the fingers slide in and grab the Gi. Notice in the second photo above,  the fingers inside the Gi. From here the attacker is pulled toward your body, and a scissors motion is also done and helps apply the choke by squeezing the arms together.

  •  Scarf Choke-This choke is a little difficult to get and its suggested to practice this choke by itself before trying it in the set. All the chokes shown in these sets are practiced individually at first, then combined just like doing punches then finding combinations. Its the same process for chokes. To use this choke/strangulation in the set, the left hand releases the Gi, then pushes the attackers head under his own arm. The right hand then pulls the attackers Gi all the way around the attackers head, pulling the Gi from the back. The left hand pushes the attackers head down which increases the pressure of the choke. The neck can also be twisted with a neck lock which adds to the choke. Note: there is much discussion about using a Gi for a choke. Obviously, people don't wear Gi's on the street but they do wear jackets, shirts, even t-shirts. Any of these can be used to strangle an attacker. Necklaces also work very well. In competition where Gi's are not worn, obviously the Gi chokes won't work, however they are very self defense worthy.

 

  • Choke Set #2

   Sleeper Choke Set 2       Triangle Choke Set 2      Reverse Triangle Choke Set 2

  •  Sleeper Choke-The first choke is a basic sleeper choke. This choke isSleeper Choke Variation actually a strangulation as it cuts off blood to the brain. This choke is found in many styles and arts. the biggest detail of this choke/strangulation is the grip that is used to join the hands. In the version shown in the first photo, the hands are clasped together. There are variations here as well. Some styles interlace the fingers to strength the grip. The photo on the right shows a variation of the choke that employs grabbing the forearm. This not only tightens the choke up, but also makes it difficult to pull the arm off to resist the choke. This is the preferred version in Shizenryu, though each student has the choice of how to do this choke.

  •  Triangle Choke-This choke is also a strangulation cutting off blood to the brain by using the forearm on the carotid artery. This choke has become famous in mixed martial arts venues and done mainly on the ground. This is the stand up version or tachi waza version. NOTICE IN THE FIRST PHOTO how the attackers arm is up in the air. This arm is grabbed by the arm which comes behind the attackers head (photo #2 above). To grab this arm, the shoulder can push the attackers arm into the hand coming around the back of the attackers head. Once the attackers arm is grabbed, the other arm slips through and under the attackers arm, and grabs the forearm behind the attackers head. Now the elbows squeeze together, which tighten up the choke.

  •  Reverse Triangle Choke-This is another choke that needs to be practiced by itself as its a bit more difficult to apply. Reverse Triangle Back viewActually, this is just a reverse version of the triangle choke. Instead of the arm being grabbed in front of the attacker, it is grabbed from the rear. The photo on the right shows how the attackers hand is grabbed from the back. Notice in the second and third photos above, how the attackers arm is folded to the side of the head. For the set, the arm is slipped over the attackers head and bent to the opposite side. The arm is then slipped through from the rear for the choke/strangulation. This set is a bit more difficult to do, however once practiced alone putting them together is a bit easier to get.

  •  Variation of the Triangle Chokes- The photo on the left is another variation of the Triangle choke. This version is also a bit Variation of Triangle Choke Set 2difficult, but once the triangle choke is learned this choke is easier as well. This choke not only applies a choke but, also applies pressure to the attackers elbow. In shizenryu, we call this an elbow choke because the pain in the elbow is tremendous. For this choke the arm comes around the neck of the attacker and grab the attackers folded arm. notice in the photo on the left how the attackers wrist is grabbed which locks in the choke and makes it hard to fight or resist. The other arm comes under the attackers elbow and grabs their own wrist. Now the arms are squeezed together and the elbow lock and choke is obtained. This is a very painful choke but can really damage the elbow. Caution should be taken when this choke is applied.

 

  •  Choke Set #3

   Ryote Choke      Apple Choke Set 3      Cross Gi Choke with Thumbs

  •  Ryote Choke (Knuckle Choke)-This choke is another strangulation where the knuckle of the hands press into the carotid arteries to block blood flow to the brain. This choke is a basic in most all Jujutsu styles and also in judo. the gi is grabbed with the fingers and the knuckles then press into the carotids.

  •  "Apple Choke"- This is a choke and effects the Adams apple of the attacker, hence the name, "apple choke". From the first choke, instead of rolling the knuckles into the carotids, the thumbs are pushed into the Adams apple giving a gagging reflex for the attacker. This is a nasty choke, and really is painful. Note the Gi is still grabbed while applying the thumbs to the Adams apple. In case of no Gi or shirt, simply grab the attackers collar bones for an anchor, then put the thumbs into the Adams apple.

  •  Cross Gi Choke with Thumbs in-Here is the version of the cross go choke that employs the thumbs in versus the finger in the Gi. For this choke the Gi is grabbed, thumbs in, then pulled toward the body for a scissors motion and the elbows squeeze together to add pressure to the choke/strangulation. For the set, after the thumbs go into the Adams apple then the right hand goes into the left side of the attackers Gi, and the left goes into the right side forming the cross. The elbows then squeeze together tightening the choke. From here, one can turn their hips to the attacker and throw them over the hip to the ground. Usually the attacker will be out by the time they hit the ground.

 

  •  Choke Set #4

  Guillotine Choke Set 4      Hawaiian Choke Set 4       Neck Break Choke Set 4

  •  Guillotine Choke-Photo #1 shows a basic Guillotine choke. There are many variations of this choke. The basic version has the arm wrap the attackers head and have the forearm in the CaGuillotine choke under Armrotid or in the windpipe. So this can be a choke or a strangulation. The photo on the right shows the back view of the choke. The difference in this variation is the arm comes under the Guillotine Choke Variationattackers arm. Another view is shown on the left, where the arm comes under the attackers arm then grabs your own wrist, with the free hand resting on the attackers back. This version is much tighter for some reason but also hard to get out of or resist. In Shizenryu, the choke is done a bit differently than most styles. Most apply the choke by arching the back. This does work, however, the version in Shizenryu, turns the body facing away from the attacker and then leans back. This version creates a neck lock as well as the choke.

  •  Hawaiian Choke-The Hawaiian choke is better known in the Hawaiian styles of Jujutsu such as Danzan Ryu and Small Circle Jujutsu. The second photo above shows this choke. To get this choke in the set, simply turn to the outside, and shift the hand resting on the attackers back, then over his neck and clasp hands to lock in the choke. In Shizenryu, the forearm presses on the top of the attackers head, pressing the attackers head down, while squeezing the elbows together. A very effective choke.

  •  "Neck Break Choke" This is a very dangerous choke/neck lock. By continuing the circle, the neck can be snapped so use caution with this choke. After the Hawaiian choke, continue to spin to the outside and place the attackers neck on your shoulder. from here the neck can be broken by merely dropping down. This will snap the neck or, one can continue the spin until the neck breaks. After putting the neck on the shoulder, counter grab the attackers throat and squeeze, with either hands or forearm. The position of this choke makes it very uncomfortable for the attacker as well as dangerous. Also from this choke, one can spin back to the inside and have the Guillotine choke again.

 

  • Choke Set #5

   Mae Hadaka Shime Choke Set 5       Spinner Choke Set 5      Nightmare Choke Set 5   

  •  Mae Hadaka Shime-This is a front forearm choke. The front arm comes across the throat, the other arm wraps around the attackers head and grabs the front arm. this is a very basic choke and found in many systems. Another version of this choke made famous by professor Wally Jay of Small circle Jujutsu is to grab the inside of each sleeve of the Gi and then squeeze. I was lucky enough and honored to have Professor Jay personally teach me this version of the forearm choke.

  • "Spinner Choke"- This choke is based on spinning the attacker into this choke. It is better to practice this choke individually to work on the spin itself. The photo on the right shows the spiSpin for Spinner Choke Set 5n in detail. The one shoulder of the attacker is pushed back to start the spin. This can be a strike like a knuckle punch to the shoulder. The other hand presses the attackers shoulder down, pressing hard to make the attacker smaller and lower. From here the forearm stays in the attackers throat for the choke. Notice in the second photo above, the head presses the back of the attackers head forcing it forward into the choke. From the front forearm choke, simply spin the attacker into the "spinner choke" and apply the choke

  •  "Nightmare Choke"- This choke is a Smother to begin with. The nose is pinched and the mouth is covered to smother the attacker. The Nightmare Finish Choke Set 5arm then comes around the attackers head and the Gi is grabbed for a half Gi choke. The Gi does not need to be used and a forearm choke can replace the half Gi choke. The photo on the left shows how the finish of the choke is done. Drop to one knee, hook the attackers arm with the other leg. the smother and the choke are in place and now, the head pushes the back of the attackers head and a neck lock ensues. The nightmare choke involves a smother, a strangulation or a choke and a neck lock. This choke creates a pretty miserable position for the attacker and employs all facets of choking plus a neck lock to boot. A very favorite choke of the students of Yume Dojo

 

  •  Choke Set #6

   Half Gi Choke Set 6       Hangman Choke Set 6      Figure 4 Leg Choke Set 6

  •  Half Gi Choke with Arm Bar-This choke is a version of a half gi choke. The big feature here is the arm bar that is created. Notice in the first photo the arm comes under the attackers arm thus creating an arm bar. In Shizenryu there are many chokes that incorporate joint locks with chokes. The photo on the left shows Half Gi CHoke No Arm Baranother version of this choke. In this version the arm of the attacker is wedged on the hip and the arm bar is still in place but locked with the body. Now the  knifedge or fist is put into the Carotid while the other hand pulls the Gi across the opposite side of the neck. This is one of the most used chokes in Shizenryu, as the arm bar can be obtained first and then one can move on to a choke if necessary. As you will see this choke can also be done with a sweep and taken to the ground. All chokes in Shizenryu are finished with the attacker on the ground, finished with either a sweep, throw, or takedown.

  •  "Hangman Choke"-Sounds like something done in an old western movie. Actually the Sensei's of Yume Dojo learned this choke from a Sensei in England, Hanshi Peter Browne at a seminar. To get this choke, the half Gi choke with an arm bar is done with a sweep, putting the attacker on the ground. The attacker is then put in a sitting position by pulling the attackers elbow against your own knee. This will put the attacker in a sitting position. From here the arm bar is let go, and the hand comes to the back of the attackers Gi, at the collar, and raised up, pulling the attacker Hangman Choke back viewoff the    ground with his collar and lapel. The photo on the right shows a better view of the hand placement especially with the back hand. Once again, squeezing the elbows together tightens the choke and also makes lifting the attacker off the ground. We have an ex-NFL football player who trains at the dojo. He is 6' 7" and 280+ pounds. He is easily lifted off the ground with this choke.

Note- In many of the chokes shown above the concept of squeezing the elbows tightens the choke up. There is another concept that says "tight is right"  meaning that all space must be removed from the choke. the more space the attacker is allowed , the more they have to squirm and try to get free. This is why we employ several joint locks with our chokes, keeping the choke as tight as possible and also adding a joint lock. As an example, the rear naked choke made famous in the Mixed martial arts venues is done differently at Yume dojo. when the arm is placed in the elbow crease, the elbows are squeezed together before applying the hand to the back or side of the head. If one looks at the constrictor snakes, anaconda and python, they constrict and then when the victim breathes they constrict more. We apply this with our chokes and the more the attacker moves, the more the chokes/strangulations are tightened.

  •  Figure 4 Leg Choke-this is one of the ground chokes in shizenryu. The choke works just the standing version done with the arms, the triangle choke. For this choke one leg is around the throat, the other leg hooks the leg in and the legs are squeezed together. From the hangman choke, simply let go of the back of the collar and sit back to a reclining position, wrap the leg around the neck, let go of the Gi and lock in with the other leg and squeeze.

Note- The figure 4 leg choke can also be applied to the nightmare choke in choke set 5.

         Nightmare Finish Choke Set 5                 Figure 4 Leg Choke Set 6

From the nightmare choke, simply let the top hand go and hold the chin with the other hand. recline back and wrap the legs in the figure position and squeeze and apply the choke

note-The idea of the sets was to put chokes together in case an attacker squirms out of or resists a choke. it also gives the student a chance to practice each choke individually. There are 18 chokes shown however, there are several variations of each choke which makes more than just the 18 chokes. Please note also some chokes may be interchanged, but be sure not to compromise the flow of the sets. That is one of the main considerations with these chokes, the flow from one to another. We hope that this approach to learning chokes and using them in a flow will add another dimension of your training. That is all for now, don't lose too many brain cells doing these chokes and please  use extreme caution when applying these chokes. this IS NOT FUN AND GAMES.