Taiji-based Self-Defense:Countering a rear choke hold. The first point to recognize in this situation is that you should always be aware of your surroundings and don’t let someone who might be a threat get close enough behind you to obtain a choke hold.If someone does surprise you from behind, take action as soon as you feel the attacker’s arm coming around your neck.We always advise, if the attacker only wants your property, hand it over rather than risk injury by fighting.Unfortunately, if you wait to find out what the attacker wants and thereby allow him the time to consolidate the choke, you will incur a significant disadvantage.You only have about 30 seconds before you will lose consciousness because of disruption of the blood flow to the brain, and if the attacker uses the choke hold to lift you off the ground and break your root, you will be in a much more difficult position to counter his attack. Let’s assume that your attacker has wrapped his left arm around your neck and is using his right hand to pull his left arm into your throat.The first thing you should do is turn your head to your right and form the two arcs of peng with your chest and spine.Doing that will make it harder for the attacker to lift you off your feet and will create space between you and your attacker so that you can turn more easily.You can use your left hand to pull down on the attacker’s left arm if you feel the choke hold tightening.Then turn to your right into your attacker and strike him in the ribs or solar plexus with your right elbow. Then make your right hand into a fist and strike him in the groin with a back fist. Step your right foot behind the attacker’s left foot to trap it, and with a strong peng posture in your right arm, throw the attacker over your left leg as it Carry Tiger to the Mountain.At this point, you must quickly decide if you can run to a safe place (always the preferred course) or if you need to take additional action to disable your attacker and ensure your safety.
