When it comes to self-defense or martial arts, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether someone can be knocked out with a chop.
Many action movies have shown actors effortlessly knocking out their opponents with a chop to the neck or head.
However, the reality is different, and there are many factors that come into play about whether or not a chop can knock someone out.
Contents
Understanding the Anatomy of a Knockout
Before we delve into whether someone can be knocked out with a chop or not, it is essential to understand what happens when someone is knocked out.
A knockout or a loss of consciousness happens when there is a temporary disruption of brain function. It occurs when the brain receives a blow or impact, which causes the brain to bounce inside the skull.
When the brain hits the skull, it can cause damage to the nerve cells responsible for transmitting messages throughout the brain.
If these nerve cells become damaged, they will not be able to transmit messages as effectively, leading to a loss of consciousness.
The Factors That Come Into Play
When it comes to whether or not a chop can knock someone out, several factors come into play. These factors include:
The Location of the Chop
The location of the chop plays a significant role in whether or not someone can be knocked out. If the chop is delivered to the neck, it can cause damage to the carotid artery.
The carotid artery is responsible for supplying blood to the brain. When the carotid artery is damaged, it can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to a loss of consciousness.
The Force Applied
The force applied is another critical factor in whether or not a chop can knock someone out. It takes a significant amount of force to cause a knockout.
The force required to knock someone out varies based on the individual’s size and physical condition. In most cases, a chop alone will not provide enough force to knock someone out.
The Angle of the Chop
The angle of the chop is another important factor. If the chop is delivered at an angle, it can cause more damage, leading to a loss of consciousness.
A straight chop may not provide enough force or damage to cause a loss of consciousness.
Examples and Case Studies
There have been many cases where individuals have been knocked out with a chop. However, in most of these cases, the chop was not the only factor in causing the knockout.
In most cases, the chop was delivered in combination with other techniques, leading to a loss of consciousness.
One example is the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA). In 2015, UFC fighter Paige VanZant knocked out her opponent, Angela Hill, with a chop to the neck.
While the chop played a significant role in causing the knockout, it was also a combination of punches and strikes that led to the loss of consciousness.
Another example is from a real-life encounter. In 2018, a man in Australia was recorded delivering a chop to an intruder’s neck, leading to a loss of consciousness.
The chop played a significant role in causing the knockout, but it was also due to the intruder falling and hitting his head on the ground.
In both examples, the chop played a critical role in causing the knockout. However, it was not the sole factor, and other techniques and factors came into play.
The Risks of Delivering a Chop
While a chop can cause a knockout, it is essential to understand the risks involved in delivering a chop.
A chop to the neck can cause severe damage to the carotid artery, leading to a loss of consciousness, stroke, or even death.
It is also essential to understand the legal implications of delivering a chop, as it can be considered excessive force in certain situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a chop can potentially cause a knockout, it is not the only factor. The force applied, the angle of the chop, and the location of the chop all come into play.
It is also important to understand the risks involved in delivering a chop and to use it judiciously in self-defense situations.
Ultimately, it is important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to self-defense.
It is essential to train and develop a skill set that can be used effectively in different situations.
