The object to any newaza, i.e., hold-downs, chokes, arm bars, etc., it to force your opponent to resist against the force you apply. In the case of a choke the first action is to apply force to the opposite side of the neck from the artery that you intend to cut off the blood.

By forcing the opponent to bend his neck into your head, then his artery will protrude on the other side of his neck. You simply apply the wrapping up of his lapel against the artery. So, two forces are acting on the opponent and the natural reaction for uki to do is resist these two forces – therefore making things worse for uki. It makes the artery stick out just that more. You could even cut off the artery with the thumb and forefinger, if the rules permitted that

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So first, one must learn to relax when a choke is applied to them and then to not resist. Next one must unwind their neck and releave the pressure against the artery or relieve the force of your lapel from that artery and then to remove the force from the opposite side. It’s not tricky or difficult – just a matter of training.
Take the case of kesagatame (not a choke). Tori’s job in this hold down is to wrap uki up with the proper technique so that uki’s lungs are restricted, as well as being held down for the required time limit. This accomplishes the total osaikomi technique – one, to restrict uki from moving around too much on the mat (total control) and -- two, to disable his ability to breath, therefore to not allow him to gain enough strength to get up! Escapes from hold-downs are also taught. We apply the same thought processes to chokes or escaping from chokes or hold-downs as we do in standing Judo techniques – first off balance, then entry, and execution. In the case of escaping it’s the same thing.
Speaking of standup-chokes have you ever seen a standing arm bar? George Harris did it a few times in some if his big AAU wins back in the twilight-zone time. ThatÂ’s in the old days for you young wipper- snappers
