'constriction technique')[1] is a general term for a grappling hold that critically reduces or prevents either air (choking)[2] or blood (strangling) from passing through the neck of an opponent.

They are considered superior to brute-force manual strangling, which generally requires a large disparity in physical strength to be effective.

The terminology used varies; in most martial arts, the term "chokehold" or "choke" is used for all types of grappling holds that strangle.

Some martial arts include instruction on kappo, resuscitation techniques to heal a fighter choked to unconsciousness.

In law enforcement the goal is to force an uncooperative subject to submit without causing death or permanent injury.

A hold that simultaneously blocks both the left and right carotid arteries results in cerebral ischemia and loss of consciousness within seconds.

Even if the hold is released at this point, the blood circulating through the brain contains no oxygen, and consequently the subject may not regain consciousness or resume spontaneous breathing.

Possibly the most important element of training for the use of chokeholds in law enforcement is the understanding that the subject should always be able to breathe freely.

While being in the chokehold and restrained by multiple officers, he repeated the words "I can't breathe" 11 times while lying face down on the sidewalk.