How to Knock Someone Out

Often times people ask me how to “knock someone out” or knock them unconscious. I began to wonder what the obsession was with this type of tactic. After some pondering, it made sense. I can now understand why this is a popular topic, I mean what better way to win a fight than to leave your opponents quietly on the ground without landing a single blow? The techniques for achieving this are relatively straightforward, however it’s not always easy. Not easy but it certainly can be done.

There are two types of blood vessels in your body: veins that carry blood toward the heart and arteries that carry blood away from the heart. Your neck contains a multitude of veins and arteries pumping blood to vital organs. There are two near the surface that when blocked, result in temporary unconsciousness.
The first of these two blood vessels is the jugular vein. This vein is carrying blood away from the brain and toward the heart. This vein is relatively easy to find. It is closest to the body’s surface about an inch above the collar bone. On some people it can be found sticking up slightly above the surface. The vein is found on both sides of the neck and a blockage on either side will result in temporary unconsciousness. To do this, apply a good amount of pressure to the vein with one or more fingers.
The second is the carotid arteries, which is pumping blood toward the brain from the heart. This artery can be found along the lower jaw bone extending straight up. They are in relative close proximity to the jugular vein. Like the jugular vein, it can be found on both sides of the neck. The same technique for causing the blockage is used as the jugular vein.

Completely blocking either the jugular vein or the carotid artery will result in the obstruction of blood traveling to or from the brain. For reasons still mostly unknown to scientists, this results in temporary unconsciousness in most instances. In order to perform this maneuver effectively one must locate the points accurately and precisely and then apply medium amount of pressure. In order to get a better understanding of where these blood vessels are located, study diagrams of the blood vessels and exactly where they are located in relation to body features. It may also help to look at your surface blood vessels in the mirror so you know which vital areas to actively protect during a fight. You may also want to examine the neck of a friend so that you can get accustomed to locating the arteries quickly (do not, however, try these blockage techniques on a friend).
Remember that the neck is one of the most fragile and vulnerable spots on the human body. A strong blow to certain areas of the neck can result in paralysis or death. Please take caution with any tactics you perform and also make sure to protect yourself from those that wish to do you harm especially with regards to vulnerable areas such as the neck.

When it comes to personal safety in a seemingly violent situation, common sense combined with some physical know-how is the best way to handle oneself. Does one need to be Chuck Norris to knock someone out? NO. (But it does not hurt.)

There are a million guidebooks and courses teaching self-defense and touting their authenticity. However, let’s face it, every situation is unique to every one person and every situation may not end the way it does in a classroom setting. Those settings are more often tamer than the real world.

Some basics will go along way though. I referred to a neighbor of mine because he was a member of the SAS (Special Air Service in the British Army.) And although he appears unassuming and leads a tranquil life with his family in the country, he knows his stuff.

His strategy? Read on. And then read it again when done:

The best line of defense is to first block any punch. Since most assailants are right-handed, the victim should block the punch with a left arm. (If the attacker is left-handed, the victim should block the punch with his/her right arm.)

Second step? While blocking with the arm, use the other hand to jab the eyes of the assailant with the fingers. This will throw any assailant off balance and lend some time for either escape or the next step. (There is a lot to be said for regrouping and catching one’s breath in a violent situation.)

Now that the assailant is off balanced and confused, the victim should strike the chin with the right-handed palm. The attacker will more than likely fall to the ground in pain.

If the attacker decides to call it a day and leave his victim alone? That would be ideal. If not? There’s more.

Stepping forward with the left leg, the victim should swing his/her body around, lean in and strike the face with the left elbow. Preferably on the attackers chin or in the eyes. This usually guarantees a knock out.

And if all else fails? Using the tried and true method all women dream of using on that one slimy co-worker in the elevator WILL WORK. The groin attack with the knee. This will knock out any assailant, regardless of size or speed. A knee kick to the groin is far more painful than anywhere else on the body, except for the eyes. Your assailant will experience a dull aching, throbbing and intense pain that will most certainly injure him. He will not be able to retaliate.

Most importantly?

The successful key to knocking out an assailant besides common sense and physical know how is total control and CONFIDENCE. Any hesitation would ruin any of the above information. Therefore, practicing in the mirror or mock practicing on a trusted friend or family member (slowly and non violently, of course) is no bad idea.

And ideally, befriending Chuck Norris personally on a 24/7 basis will be 100% effective in all violent situations.