Overview
BJJ favours blood chokes (compressing carotids) over air chokes (trachea). The former feel like the lights dimming; the latter feel unpleasant and risky. Proper chokes are fast and humane.

Who benefits
- Everyone—submissions that spare joints are a gift.
- Smaller players who rely on precision.

Pay‑off
Rear naked choke, guillotine variants, triangle and bow‑and‑arrow become reliable tools. You’ll cue chin lines, shoulder pressure and elbow‑to‑wrist alignment rather than bicep bravado.

Watch‑outs
- Don’t crank necks; choking beats crushing.
- Hold releases promptly on tap.
- Avoid long holds in training—safety over stubbornness.

Try this round
- RNC details: Wrist hidden, palm to bicep, back of hand to head; squeeze elbows, expand chest.
- Triangle chain: Break posture → shoot legs → angle off → pull head only if carotids are blocked.
- Guillotine clinic: High wrist, elbow to ribs, sprawl and walk hips.

Final word
Great chokes are quiet and quick. Learn the feel; be gentle with partners; everyone gets better.

-Chuck