One would think this would be more widely known if actually worth getting concerned about... I have not heard of cases. So many people train so much daily globally (or rather, used to.... fuck you covid!!) and have for a long time, there oughta be awareness of the issue if really a danger. But have to admit, even if it's super rare, this risk possibly existing at all is already alarming.

Knowing I'd cause death (unintentionally) because of a stupid wrestling game is a life-shattering idea.

Strokes are a serious concern. I remember reading about when William Bittencourt had a stroke in 2006 or so. When I get caught and I know it's on I just tap. Not worth the risk in the long run.

It also happens with heavy weight lifting and straining on the toilet

Godddamnit, there goes two of my other favorite pastime activities!! What’s next — someone announces sex can trigger a stroke too?

All good , Tatu.... no worries. It is very unusual to get a stroke in sexual activities: https://www.verywellhealt[...]ke-3146050

As I have gotten older I have learned to tap early and tap often

As I have gotten older I have learned to tap early and tap often. I've also learned not to let my ego get in the way of me coming back in being able to train the next day

So Brian, given your expertise, would you recommend not 'eating' a choke and trying to see if you can fight out, when you're 40+ (or, at all...)?

Thanks for your input Joe! Even though it's a rare situation, the consequences are so dire I'm going to be a lot more careful when manipulating neck in the future.

I think it's way more rare than people realize. My understanding is that impact injuries are far more likely to cause vertebral artery issues. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.[...]NBK470363/ So, theoretically at least, you are more likely to tear your vertebral artery from Judo throws than gi chokes. One of the more common ways is chiropractic adjustments, in fact. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.[...]MC4264725/ Causing one from compression only should be difficult to do without a prior condition present and/or applying the pressure for a long time (well past the point of them passing out). Which all seems to add up, to be fair, when you consider that right now there are literally THOUSANDS of people around the world being put in choke holds just in BJJ and Judo classes alone. With the popularity of Judo for the length of time it's been being practiced combined with the rising popularity of BJJ even a few dozen cases of it occurring would still make it an ultra rare event. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be concerned, mind you. But we should be equally concerned about it if we are practicing big, heavy throws as well. The symptoms should be something all coaches are educated about so they can identify it quickly as speed is critical when it comes to minimizing the impact of a stroke. Obviously we spent a lot of time researching this after it happened to one of our coaches and one of my closest friends. EDIT: I didn't see Brian Thurmond's posts earlier that point to the same NIH study and his comments as a medical professional. Sorry Brian!