This article from MixedMartialArts.com is a one small part of a large effort to understand what works in martial arts. The focus is not on what happens in the arena, but rather what happens on the streets, or in this case, in a Marine barracks. If you enjoyed it, please check out more best-of stories on:
•How To
•Martial Arts on The Street
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The Judo Chop featured prominently in the 1950s and 1960s, when the west first became widely aware of Japanese, and sometimes specifically Okinawan striking arts. Judo had received some notice previously, so when Asian martial arts chops were introduced, it was natural to associate them with judo. Plus, there is a Judo Chop. Prior to the gentle art becoming highly influenced by sport, it did have some strikes, which remain in the kata. Founder Jigoro Kano recognized 23 striking techniques; the Judo Chop is Kirioroshi.
There’s a whole Star Trek highlight reel of Captain James T. Kirk and team landing Judo Chops.
As an aside, don’t try Captain Kirk’s double axe handle strike. When I was about 13 I tried it on a heavy bag. It makes your fingers hurt.
Here’s Elvis doing a Judo Chop in the award-winning documentary Roustabout (1964): “It goes with the [Japanese] cycle.”
In Austin Powers, the Judo Chop became a trope for nonsensical aspects of the 1960s.
Here’s a Public Service Announcement from Diemon Dave the West Virginia Ninja about the “Judy Chop.”
However, as nonsensical as it appears to be, the Judo Chop has some validity.
The Brachial Stun
The video below starts with the Marine appearing a little apprehensive, enquiring about the technique. He’s asking smart questions about how hard he should do it, because he doesn’t want to mess up.
The angle of the video prevents us clearly seeing where the strike lands on the neck, but if you watch the arms of the marine who collapses back into the wall, either he’s the product of a union between Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep, or what happened Is real.
This is by no means a unique incident. A quick search on YouTube reveals dozens of similar occurrences.
Is the Judo Chop Real?
The answer is, “Yes, but …”
The Judo Chop has a new name, the Brachial Stun. A version of the Army Field Manual on combatives (FM 21-150) describes it this way:
A sharp blow to the side of the neck causes unconsciousness by shock to the carotid artery, jugular vein, and Vagus nerve. For maximum result, the blow should be focused below and slightly in front of the ear. A less powerful blow causes involuntary muscle spasms and intense pain. The side of the neck is one of the best targets to use to drop an opponent immediately or to disable him temporarily to finish him later.
Practitioners of MMA and Muay Thai have long understood the effectiveness of a kick to the neck. This is the same thing, but with a lighter strike, on a smaller area.
It does not appear to cause a concussion the way a normal knockout blow can. The most dangerous thing about it may be the potential for injury while falling. However, striking the back of the neck can have lifelong effects, and the side of the neck is a complex area, so this is not a technique to employ frivolously.
How do You do a Judo Chop AKA Brachial Stun?
This is a video of a police training class, going over where to hit. In addition to the edge of the hand, the radius is also used.
Here is an intelligent and informed breakdown by Montreal-based self-defense and martial arts teacher Kevin Secours.
Is The Brachial Stun Practical?
This is where we get to the “but” part referenced above.
In a combat sports context, it’s worthless. If your opponent has his hands up, and is ready, it’s impossible to land. That’s why in the entire history of MMA, no one ever won via Judo Chop to the side of the neck. However, that does not mean it is a useless technique.
If you are in a circumstance where you are unable to deescalate or escape, then you may be forced to “hit back first.” In that context, if you have trained the technique fully, then it might could work.
