Self Defense Tip - Getting out of Choke Holds

The next self defense tip shows you how to get out of choke holds. The choke hold can be from the front, the back and on the ground.

The most important thing you can do in these situations is not to panic. I know it's easier said than done.

Panicking will be your first instinct because you'll probably be taken by surprise, especially with a choke hold from the back. But, once you realize what's happening, remember theself defense tips below. As with all of the self defense moves, you have to execute these moves with speed. So remember to practice them.

Self Defense Moves on a Choke Hold from the Front

The attacker can choke you from the front by pushing you up against the wall so you have no way to escape his hold. Or so he thinks. There are a couple of ways to get out of this hold.

The first way is to raise one of your arms straight up. While doing this, turn your body to the opposite side. As you turn your body to the side, bend your arm at the elbow and bring your arm down over the attacker's arms. After you bring your arm down over his arms, move your arm close toyour body so that you trap his hands under your arm.

Next, take your other arm, bend it at the elbow and swing your elbow to make impact with the attacker's face. You can also use palm strikes to hit his face, chin or throat area. For more on palm and elbow strikes, go to Self Defense Moves - Arm and Hand Strikes.

The other self defense tip for this type of frontal choke is to do a knee break. When the attacker has you against a wall or car trying to choke you with both hands, raise your leg by bending it at the knee. You'll want to aim for his opposite leg. For example, you bring your right leg up, bending at the knee. You then bring your foot down on the top of his right knee. Since he's facing you, his right knee will be to your left. You can also do this the other way with your left leg and foot aiming for his left knee.

This move will cause the attacker to break his grip, stumble and fall to the ground. Since you're trying to save your life, make sure you stomp on the top of his knee with all you got. That way you make sure he drops like a ton of bricks. The knee break is my favoriteself defense tip because it's so easy to execute.

Self Defense Tips for a Choke Hold from Behind

If an attacker comes up from behind and puts an arm around the front of you neck, turn your body towards the attacker like you're trying to turn around to face him. As you're turning, bend over so that the attacker's arm loosens around your neck and you can just slide out of his grip.

Remember to turn as if you're going to face him. Don't turn towards his outer elbow or else he will end up with a tighter grip around your neck.

Choke Hold on the Ground

If you're being choked while the attacker is sitting on top of you, buck your hips and buttocks off the floor. This will cause him to fall forward. As he's falling forward, bring your arms down so they don't get caught by the attacker.

Once he falls forward, roll over and you will end up on top of him. At this point, start attacking the vital areas like gouging his eyes, applying palm strikes to his nose and chin and kneeing him in the groin area. Then, get up and run away.

Go to Ground Self Defense Techniques for more on defending yourself while an attacker is on top of you.