In modern judo the only locking techniques permitted are armlocks and the only joint considered to be a legitimate target is the elbow joint. In the USA strangles are sometimes described as choke-locks or choke-holds, but there is no torsion or breaking action applied to the cervical vertebrae – such actions are potentially highly injurious and are not permitted as a broken neck could result. From the perspective of combat the curious aspect is that the elbow is probably the least easily damaged joint of the body and a relatively difficult target.

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