There are many basic types of chokes. Each having its own purpose and place in a fighting situation. Guillotine chokes, windpipe chokes, neck stretch, and collar chokes normally address either the air supply or pain to submit the opponent. These chokes tend to make use of the radial bone or piece of clothing to apply them. Although this could be very effective, much of the success depends on the musculature and conditioning of the opponent's throat. An experienced fighter often can not be submitted easily under these conditions.

A superior choke is a bilateral carotid choke, which stops the blood supply to the brain. A good carotid choke can stop your opponent in a matter of seconds, many times without alarming them. An air or pain choke usually produces panic or a feeling of urgency, often causing your rival to fight back.

Good knowledge of the anatomy of the neck is important when attempting any type of choke. The main obstacle of a blood supply choke is the Sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are the largest muscles of the anterior neck. These are found bilaterally just behind the ear on the occiput (lower skull) attaching downwardly towards the center at the junction of the sternum and clavicle.

This choke is applied by using the distal aspect of the biceps muscle belly and the proximal aspect of the forearm muscles (the area closest to the bend in the elbow) to occlude the carotid arteries. The arm is placed like a wedge to the anterior neck forcing the Sternocleidomastoid muscles from front to back. This position will allow a great amount of pressure to obstruct both arteries simultaneously. Assuming the right arm is used, the choke is applied from behind with the point of the elbow equal to the point of the opponent's chin. The right hand should be placed on your left biceps muscles, and chest. The left hand is placed behind the head in a back fist position.

Pressure is applied with the relaxation causing the right arm wedge to close. It is important not to pull or flex the arm, which could cause the wedge to open and therefore become an airway choke. The chest is pushed into the victims back. It is imperative to concentrate on occluding the carotid arteries bilaterally. This type of choke takes a great deal of practice, but is well worth the results.