Ashwin Lewis
The sleeper hold is a grappling technique used in martial arts, combat sports, self-defence, law enforcement, and military hand-to-hand combat. It is a type of chokehold that restricts blood flow to the brain, causing the person being choked to lose consciousness. Also known as the rear-naked choke, it involves getting behind your opponent and wrapping your dominant arm around their neck. This technique is incredibly dangerous and should only be used in extreme situations or under the supervision of a martial arts referee or expert.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Chokehold restraint |
| Mechanism | Reducing blood flow to the brain via the carotid arteries and blocking venous return via the jugulars |
| Other Names | Blood choke, rear naked choke, carotid sleeper |
| Effect | Causes the person being choked to pass out |
| Time Taken | 6-15 seconds |
| Safety | More dangerous than an air choke but less dangerous than a brute-force manual strangling |
| Use Cases | Self-defense, MMA, law enforcement |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeper hold vs. chokehold
The term "sleeper hold" is a pro-wrestling expression for a "choke". In the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community, some people differentiate between the two, with "choke" referring to submissions that occlude air, and "strangle" referring to those that impede blood flow. However, this distinction is not widely adopted.
A chokehold is a general term for a grappling hold that critically reduces or prevents either air or blood from passing through the neck of an opponent. Chokeholds are used in martial arts, combat sports, self-defense, law enforcement, and military hand-to-hand combat applications. They are considered superior to brute-force manual strangling, which generally requires a large disparity in physical strength to be effective.
Most chokeholds featured in combat sports and martial arts are blood chokes, which hurt less and cause a person to fade into unconsciousness, similar to falling asleep. Blood chokes are also known as "sleeper holds". Examples of blood chokes include the rear naked choke, triangle chokes, and gi chokes, which are commonly used as submission holds in BJJ.
Air chokes, on the other hand, compress the upper airway (trachea, larynx, or laryngopharynx), interfering with breathing and leading to asphyxia. Air chokes cause excruciating pain and can lead to fractures of the larynx or hyoid bone. They are less effective at inducing unconsciousness than blood chokes, as most people can hold their breath for 30 to 60 seconds before passing out.
The term "chokehold" is used loosely and can refer to two different types of holds: an airway hold that crushes the windpipe, and a vascular hold that applies pressure to the sides of the neck, briefly cutting off blood flow to the brain and causing temporary unconsciousness. The use of chokeholds in law enforcement has been controversial, with some departments banning their use following deaths in custody. For example, Eric Garner died in 2014 after being placed in a chokehold by a NYPD officer, despite the department having banned the practice.
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Sleeper hold in wrestling
The sleeper hold is a specific technique in the category of chokeholds, often used in pro wrestling. It is also referred to as a rear naked choke, and is a showy euphemism for a choke. The sleeper hold is performed by getting behind your opponent and wrapping your dominant arm around their neck, with your forearm lodged firmly between their chin and chest. The non-dominant hand is placed on the back of the opponent's head, and pressure is applied to the sides of their neck, cutting off blood flow to the brain and rendering them unconscious. This is different from a chokehold, which applies pressure to the windpipe and restricts airflow.
The sleeper hold is also used in self-defence and MMA, where it is known as a choke or a blood choke. This technique is designed to put an attacker out cold or to be used as a submission move. It is important to release the hold as soon as the opponent goes limp to avoid causing harm.
In wrestling, there are variations of the sleeper hold, such as the Stepover Toehold Sleeper, innovated by Masahiro Chono and also used by John Cena, who calls it the STFU. This move involves crossing the opponent's legs and placing one foot into the triangle created, then wrapping the arm around the opponent's neck. Another variation is the Dragon Clutch, where the wrestler stands behind the opponent and applies an inverted facelock, forcing them to the mat face down and pulling back to stretch the neck and upper body.
The sleeper hold can be dangerous, especially when combined with other moves such as the chickenwing arm lock, as it can strain or snap the tendons in the opponent's neck. It is important to understand the proper technique and the potential risks involved when performing a sleeper hold.
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Sleeper hold in self-defence
A sleeper hold is a self-defence tactic that can be used to restrain or incapacitate an attacker. It is a specific type of chokehold that restricts blood flow to the brain, potentially rendering the opponent unconscious. Also known as a "blood choke", it is considered safer and faster-acting than an "air choke", which restricts airflow.
When performing a sleeper hold, the goal is to restrict blood flow to the opponent's brain by compressing one or both carotid arteries and/or jugular veins without blocking their airway. This technique can cause cerebral ischemia and a temporary hypoxic condition in the brain, leading to unconsciousness if the hold is maintained. It is important to note that the sleeper hold is incredibly dangerous and should only be used in extreme situations or under the supervision of a martial arts expert.
To perform a sleeper hold, position yourself behind your opponent and wrap your dominant arm around their neck, placing your forearm between their chin and chest. Keep your arm tight and use your non-dominant hand to grip the back of their head, tilting it forward for added pressure and control. Avoid yanking or twisting your opponent's head, as this can cause permanent spinal damage. Instead, lean back and spread your feet to brace for resistance, using your hip for additional leverage if needed.
It is crucial to monitor your opponent's body during the hold. Once they go limp, release the hold immediately and seek medical attention if they remain unresponsive. Additionally, avoid using the sleeper hold on individuals with known cardiovascular issues, as disrupting their blood flow can lead to serious cardiac events.
While the sleeper hold can be an effective self-defence tactic, it should be approached with caution and preferably learned through professional instruction. Understanding the potential risks and proper application of the technique is essential to ensure the safety of both yourself and your opponent.
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How to do a sleeper hold
A sleeper hold is a chokehold that puts pressure on the sides of the neck, restricting blood flow to the brain and often resulting in the recipient losing consciousness. It is called a "sleeper" hold because if applied correctly, it can render a person unconscious ("to sleep") very quickly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a sleeper hold:
Position yourself behind your opponent, standing or kneeling. Wrap your arm around their neck, with your bicep pressing against one side of their neck and your forearm pressing against the other. Your arm should form a sort of "V" shape, with the point pressing into the neck.
Clench your hand into a loose fist, with your thumb on the outside, and place it against the side of their neck, just below the ear. This hand position is crucial, as it blocks the jugular vein and carotid artery, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
Pull your arm tight across their neck, and squeeze with your bicep and forearm. At the same time, use your other hand to secure your clenched fist in place, pressing it firmly into the side of the neck. This ensures the hold is secure and the pressure is maintained.
With your arm and hand in position, pull your opponent backward, adding additional pressure to the hold. This will restrict blood flow and quickly render them unconscious if done correctly. It is important to note that this move should only be done with consent and when necessary, as it can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injury or even death if held for too long.
To release the hold, let go with your bottom arm first, then slowly release the pressure with your top arm, and support your opponent as they regain consciousness. Again, this should be done with care, as releasing the hold too quickly or without support can also be dangerous. It is a very powerful and potentially harmful technique and should only be attempted by those with training and knowledge of its risks.
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Safety concerns
The sleeper hold is a specific technique in the category of chokeholds. It is also known as the rear-naked choke. It involves getting behind your opponent and wrapping your dominant arm around their neck. The sleeper hold restricts blood flow to the brain, causing the person to pass out. It is considered incredibly dangerous and should only be used in extreme situations or under the watch of a martial arts referee or expert.
The sleeper hold is a dangerous move that can cause serious injury or even death if not performed correctly. It is important to understand the risks involved before attempting this move.
One of the primary risks associated with the sleeper hold is the restriction of blood flow to the brain. This can lead to unconsciousness and, if held for too long, brain damage or even death. It is important to release the hold as soon as the opponent goes limp and to seek medical attention if they do not wake up after 10-15 seconds.
Another safety concern is the potential for cardiovascular issues. The sleeper hold can disrupt blood flow, which can be dangerous for individuals with heart or blood pressure problems. It is advised never to perform this move on someone with a heart condition unless you are being actively attacked.
Additionally, the sleeper hold can be dangerous if the opponent resists or tries to escape. This can lead to further injury, such as neck or spinal damage. It is important to control the opponent's head and anchor yourself properly to minimise the risk of resistance.
The sleeper hold should also not be performed while under the influence of substances such as alcohol, as this can impair judgment and increase the risk of applying the hold incorrectly or for too long.
Furthermore, the sleeper hold may not be effective on all opponents. If the opponent has a thick neck or is much larger than the person applying the hold, it may be difficult to cut off blood flow to the brain. In this case, switching to another technique may be necessary.
Overall, the sleeper hold is a dangerous move that requires proper training and should only be used in extreme situations. It is important to understand the risks involved and take the necessary precautions to minimise the potential for serious injury or death.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeper hold, also known as a sleeper, choke, stranglehold, or rear-naked choke, is a type of chokehold that slows or restricts blood flow to the brain, causing the person to pass out. It is considered safer than an air choke.
Get behind your opponent and wrap your dominant arm around their neck. Put your non-dominant hand on the back of their head and tilt it forward to maintain control. Apply pressure to the sides of their neck, not their throat, to cut off blood flow to the brain.
Sleeper holds are used in martial arts, combat sports, self-defence, law enforcement, and military hand-to-hand combat. It is a technique to subdue overactive, violent, or inebriated subjects, or to force an attacker to sleep.
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