Deaths allegedly caused by the use of "choke holds" (shime-waza).

Shime-waza or the "choke hold", when properly applied, should not cause death; therefore, its primary purpose should be to subdue violent suspects. When properly applied, the choke hold causes unconsciousness in 10 to 20 s. No fatalities as a result of shime-waza have been reported in the sport of judo since its inception in 1882.

Fatalities Associated With Judo.

In brief: The author presents case reports of 19 judo fatalities. Five deaths were due to brain injury, four to cervical fracture-dislocations, five to cardiac problems, and five to miscellaneous causes. Judo can be blamed for 10 of the 19 deaths.