I’m not totally sure that I’ve ever really been choked out in BJJ but I wouldn’t be surprised either. My instructor said I was out after a match once but I just think I was close and out of it. But maybe? It’s not like I would’ve been fully aware of everything anyway. I got caught in a triangle at a competition and I know the ref did the whole shaky leg thing but I also remember seeing the ref grab my legs so maybe it was just thought that I was out? I dunno, I was always big into tapping when I was caught, even when I probably still had some low percentage options left. I just didn’t think going unconscious was worth saving my pride. I shouldn’t have gotten caught in a bad position anyway. There’s no point to this reply, I’m just just sharing thoughts.
I'm always keen to hear thoughts about what it's like to be choked. I'm sure it's not the same for everyone, and I'm trying to pick up on those differences - ramble on!
I may have been choked out in training, especially early on when I was more prideful. I just don’t remember anything. I figured out pretty early that getting out to sleep wasn’t something to be proud of and never thought of it as a badge of honor. Escaping/defense early always felt cooler. Thus the name “Rudini”. John Machado gave me the name because I was so squirrelly. He’d always catch me eventually but I made him work for it here and there.
That's funny! I always thought you were really stubborn around tapping, but maybe I just remember you getting out of a lot of stuff. I was very stubborn around chokes.
This happened to me once as a teenager, while at my folks' house. They were understandably freaked out, but I really think it was just because I really had a lot of energy, and i leapt up quickly - as often the case, but maybe that day was the perfect storm of dehydration and caffeine or something. Anyway, I think I've spent more time than most folks in the "almost there" place between consciousness and unconsciousness since then- not that I'm proud of this so much as I think it's useful.
Andrew, the first time i was choked out, i did not see it coming. All i remember is waking up on my side, and saliva was dripping out of my mouth. As i came back to reality, everyone was around me looking concerned. I quickly realized what had happened. I sat out for a few minutes and then went back into the jungle. This was at the VCU Judo Club during the second hour of ground work, i guess in the late 90s. It taught me a good lesson.
Since then, i see the signs early on and recognize a pattern - first the feeling of numbness... and peace... and quiet... and stars. And i like to be there for a few seconds. Then i realize that i don't want to go out all the way, so i tap. It happens every once in a while now. And i don't mind it at all. Because i can see that this may be the way i move on to the next phase. At least, i hope it goes that way. :-)
I might have been there for this! I’m pretty sure I saw a few instances of a choke putting someone to sleep from 97-99 or so.
Just keep in mind that a choke that goes too far may also lead to something like a stroke or other harmful event. We used to feel complete impunity around the very low probability something would go wrong; we bragged that boxers were dumb and we were smart. The picture may be more complex than that, as some of our friends who are no longer with us may make plain. <3
I've had a fun history of passing out but usually from trauma. But last hear I hopped out of bed to let the dog out and proceeded to pass out. Told my doc maybe the BP med were a too much? He halved them; all good. We are just chemistry.
Absolutely! And, I’ve tried to become cognizant of these sorts of things - but I leap up too fast every now and then anyway and I can feel that pressure for a sec.
Stupid body with its stupid blood scarcity. Why not just have, like, two times more blood so there's plenty to go around? Stingy body.
There’s an app for that. It’s called Claude Code 4.7
I’m not totally sure that I’ve ever really been choked out in BJJ but I wouldn’t be surprised either. My instructor said I was out after a match once but I just think I was close and out of it. But maybe? It’s not like I would’ve been fully aware of everything anyway. I got caught in a triangle at a competition and I know the ref did the whole shaky leg thing but I also remember seeing the ref grab my legs so maybe it was just thought that I was out? I dunno, I was always big into tapping when I was caught, even when I probably still had some low percentage options left. I just didn’t think going unconscious was worth saving my pride. I shouldn’t have gotten caught in a bad position anyway. There’s no point to this reply, I’m just just sharing thoughts.
I'm always keen to hear thoughts about what it's like to be choked. I'm sure it's not the same for everyone, and I'm trying to pick up on those differences - ramble on!
I may have been choked out in training, especially early on when I was more prideful. I just don’t remember anything. I figured out pretty early that getting out to sleep wasn’t something to be proud of and never thought of it as a badge of honor. Escaping/defense early always felt cooler. Thus the name “Rudini”. John Machado gave me the name because I was so squirrelly. He’d always catch me eventually but I made him work for it here and there.
That's funny! I always thought you were really stubborn around tapping, but maybe I just remember you getting out of a lot of stuff. I was very stubborn around chokes.
What is BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It’s a grappling martial art that people like to make fun of, deservedly so. 🤣
I once tried to leave a friend's house. I got up from sitting in a recliner. Walked out the door and summarily passed out.
Orthostatic hypotension
This happened to me once as a teenager, while at my folks' house. They were understandably freaked out, but I really think it was just because I really had a lot of energy, and i leapt up quickly - as often the case, but maybe that day was the perfect storm of dehydration and caffeine or something. Anyway, I think I've spent more time than most folks in the "almost there" place between consciousness and unconsciousness since then- not that I'm proud of this so much as I think it's useful.
I tap!
It sounds like you have P.O.T.S.?
I’ve been diagnosed with that and it was worst in my twenties, but I’ve noticed it has improved somewhat throughout the years.
I have multiple sclerosis (MS) and other ailments, so it's hard to tell what is affecting me at any given time.
Andrew, the first time i was choked out, i did not see it coming. All i remember is waking up on my side, and saliva was dripping out of my mouth. As i came back to reality, everyone was around me looking concerned. I quickly realized what had happened. I sat out for a few minutes and then went back into the jungle. This was at the VCU Judo Club during the second hour of ground work, i guess in the late 90s. It taught me a good lesson.
Since then, i see the signs early on and recognize a pattern - first the feeling of numbness... and peace... and quiet... and stars. And i like to be there for a few seconds. Then i realize that i don't want to go out all the way, so i tap. It happens every once in a while now. And i don't mind it at all. Because i can see that this may be the way i move on to the next phase. At least, i hope it goes that way. :-)
I might have been there for this! I’m pretty sure I saw a few instances of a choke putting someone to sleep from 97-99 or so.
Just keep in mind that a choke that goes too far may also lead to something like a stroke or other harmful event. We used to feel complete impunity around the very low probability something would go wrong; we bragged that boxers were dumb and we were smart. The picture may be more complex than that, as some of our friends who are no longer with us may make plain. <3
Great memory!
I've had a fun history of passing out but usually from trauma. But last hear I hopped out of bed to let the dog out and proceeded to pass out. Told my doc maybe the BP med were a too much? He halved them; all good. We are just chemistry.
Absolutely! And, I’ve tried to become cognizant of these sorts of things - but I leap up too fast every now and then anyway and I can feel that pressure for a sec.
Blood pressure meds would be a big factor.