If you should ever find yourself in this dire situation, your natural instinct is likely to try and pull your attacker’s hands away from your throat, or to strike him/her until you’re released. However, no matter how hard you try, especially if your attacker is larger than you, your success rate is quite low in your weakened position.

In this week’s installment of Essential Self-Defense Tips, Sensei Anthony Britton demonstrates two simple ways to release yourself from as many types of choke holds. These two techniques are surprisingly easy to learn and very effective in helping you escape a potentially deadly scenario.

You’ve probably noticed that Sensei Britton often refers back to our first lesson on the principles of Vital Point Striking. Be sure to learn the basics to establish a solid foundation to prepare you for later and more difficult lessons. If you haven’t already done so, review Sensei Britton’s earlier lessons so you can tackle future ones more efficiently.

IMPORTANT: Please use extreme caution when practicing these moves. Remember that with the right amount of force, you can severely hurt somebody. These techniques are to be used for self-defense purposes only. All self-defense moves and tips are to be used at the risk of the user.

Great news everyone! Due to popular demand, Sensei Anthony Britton and his skillful assistant Kristy will now be a regular feature on Dabbler.ca! Be sure to check back every Monday for more expert advice.

Our next lesson will cover a basic attack from the back. Do you know what to do if someone grabs you around the waist? Find out next week!