Judo Ne-Waza Strategy: Part 2 – Shime Waza (Choking Techniques) – Applying Strategic Pressure Until the Other Side Taps by Kirby L. Minor, Divorce & Custody Attorney in Lee's Summit

by Kirby L. Minor, Divorce & Custody Attorney in Lee's Summit:

In Judo, once you’ve taken the fight to the ground and secured a dominant position with osaekomi, the next level of control is Shime Waza — choking or strangulation techniques. Shime Waza targets the neck to restrict blood flow to the brain (blood choke) or air to the lungs (air choke). A well-applied blood choke can cause unconsciousness in seconds. The opponent feels intense pressure, then taps out — submitting before they lose consciousness. The beauty of a good shime waza is its efficiency. You don’t need to be bigger or stronger. With proper leverage, structure, and timing, you can make a much larger opponent submit.

Shime Waza as the Great Equalizer

In self-defense, shime waza is one of the greatest equalizers in martial arts. I’ve had to use chokes in real life against bigger, stronger attackers, and they all share one common weakness: the need for blood to reach the brain via the neck. No matter how strong or muscular someone is, that vulnerability remains. A properly applied choke bypasses size and strength, turning the opponent’s power into a liability.

My Signature Chokes

Two of my favorite techniques are Kata Juji Jime (half cross choke) and Sankaku Jime (triangle choke). Kata Juji Jime is a powerful blood choke where four fingers of one hand go deep inside the collar on one side, and the thumb of the other hand goes inside the opposite collar. I learned a particularly tricky setup for this at Wakasa High School in Fukui Prefecture. I attack one side with both hands to create a momentary space, making my opponent feel safe for a split second. Then the trap closes — the choke becomes incredibly tight, and within seconds they either tap or go to sleep. I brought this technique back to my home dojo in the U.S., and it worked effectively on everyone.

Sankaku Jime (triangle choke) from the front is my other signature move. I use this when the opponent wants to grab my legs or come at me head-on. I wrap my legs — which are stronger than arm strength — around their head and one arm, roll to the side, pull their arm tight across my body, and straighten the triangle. Then I gently squeeze my knees together, powerfully cutting off the carotid artery. These chokes taught me that the most effective pressure isn’t always the hardest squeeze — it’s the smartest setup and calm, relentless control.

The Core Lesson for High-Conflict Custody Cases

High-conflict custody battles often reach a point where one side is exhausted, overextended, or trapped in a bad position. This is where strategic “pressure” becomes decisive. Shime Waza teaches: Apply controlled, relentless pressure on the right target until the other side is forced to submit or make concessions. You don’t need to destroy the other parent. You simply need to make their position so uncomfortable — through strong evidence, consistent documentation, and strategic motions — that continuing the fight becomes unsustainable.

Strategic Lesson:

In custody litigation, the parent (and attorney) who knows how to apply smart, targeted pressure often forces better settlements and stronger outcomes without unnecessary destruction.

Missouri Reality: When to Apply the Choke

Missouri’s rebuttable presumption of equal parenting time (§ 452.375.2) keeps both parents engaged, but when one parent repeatedly violates orders, hides assets, or engages in bad faith, the court eventually recognizes the pattern. This is the moment for strategic shime waza — not wild swings, but precise, evidence-based pressure through contempt motions, enforcement actions, or strong trial preparation.

Tactical Takeaways from Shime Waza

1. Target the Right Spot

   
   

   Focus pressure on the real vulnerabilities — undisclosed income, patterns of violations, or alienation tactics.

   
   

2. Maintain Control and Structure

   
   

   Just like a proper choke, your case must have solid structure (strong documentation, consistent co-parenting, emotional stability).

   
   

3. Apply Steady Pressure

   
   

   Don’t rush. Let the discomfort build naturally. Many cases settle when the other side realizes they cannot escape the mounting consequences.

   
   

4. Know When to Release

   
   

   A good judoka releases the choke the moment the opponent taps. Once you’ve achieved your goals, be willing to settle and move forward for your children’s sake.

   
   

Personal Reflection from the Dojo

As a Judo black belt, I’ve always found shime waza deeply satisfying. There is a quiet intensity to a well-applied choke — you feel the opponent’s resistance slowly fade as they realize escape is no longer realistic. Mr. Nix taught me that the best chokes aren’t about squeezing harder — they’re about perfect positioning and calm control. These techniques have served me well both on the mat and in family law. The most effective pressure isn’t loud or emotional. It is steady, evidence-based, and relentless. When applied correctly, it often ends the fight without unnecessary destruction.

Strategic Takeaways for Jackson County Case

• Identify the other side’s real vulnerabilities and apply focused pressure there.

• Build strong structure before applying pressure.

• Let the other side exhaust themselves — patience is part of the technique.

• Know when to release — once you’ve achieved your objectives, secure the win and move forward

  
  

This is Part 2 of a 3-part Judo Ne-Waza Strategy Series.

Part 1: Osaekomi Waza – Controlling the Ground Game

Part 3 (Coming Next): Kansetsu Waza – Targeting Weaknesses for Strategic Submission

If you’re in a high-conflict custody battle in Jackson County and feel like you’re stuck in a long, exhausting fight, remember shime waza: apply smart, controlled pressure on the right target and wait for the tap. Text or Call 816-888-0632 to schedule a strategic consultation. Oss.