Boy Chokes His Cousin to Death with Rear Naked Choke (Gracie Breakdown)

In the wake of the tragic accident that occurred last week, the Gracie Brothers explain precisely how Stephen Arceneaux III was choked to death by his younger cousin with hopes of educating our youth about the serious risks of practicing jiu-jitsu techniques, chokes in particular, without proper training and supervision.

On Sunday, April 1, 2012, a Louisiana man was choked to death by his younger cousin. Stephen A. Arceneaux III, a 24-year-old from Destrehan, was pronounced dead at 10:39 p.m. Sunday night, April 1, 2012. The two were at a house party and began wrestling around on an inflated mattress when the 14-year-old, 110 lbs. younger cousin placed Arceneaux in a Rear Naked Choke. After 30-40 seconds, witnesses noticed Arceneaux was turning blue so the choke was released. Arceneaux's girlfriend tried unsuccessfully to revive him before he was transported to the hostpital where he was pronounced dead.

For more information on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, please visit http://www.GracieAcademy.com or to contact the Gracie Brothers please send an email to: info@gracieacademy.com

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[Sheryl St. Germain]

They are talking about my nephew. I wish he and his cousin could have seen this video before the day that took my nephew's life. Thanks, guys, for the clarity.

[Gary Vale]

Gracie brothers are a class act....this is the first video I have ever found on educating the average person about how dangerous this type of choke hold can be...

[saisumimen]

The real problem is when they do this move in pro-wrestling, they hold their opponent way longer than in an MMA fight because they don't hold the move with full force, for "dramatic" effect.

I've seen it not just for chokes but for other submission holds as well.

[Blasphy B]

you go to sleep.,.. rofl. , snicker. you don't go to sleep at night because of an 80% loss of blood to the brain, lol. quaint little term to downplay the brain damage you are getting.

[hotredtiger316]

In 2004 in Bakersfield, CA, there was a death that occurred at a downtown club from a security guard applying a rear naked choke improperly against an intoxicated patron who became extremely agitated and violent.

There was widespread outrage over the individual's death, prompting the club to be shut down soon afterwards.

The only people who know what truly happened were those involved. Still, if that guard were better trained to use deadly force, that young man might still be alive today.

[hotredtiger316]

Several years ago, one of my Marine NCOs, while we were off-duty in the barracks, applied a rear naked choke to me. I didn't realize what it was, let alone the name.

Anyway, when he applied it, it didn't hurt. I did see colors for a moment, and the next I found myself on my back. I woke up giggling; looked up at my boys; and told them, "Yeah! It didn't hurt at all."

[SpyWhoLovedHimself]

Lol fuck, thought they were gonna do a breakdown like they do in the other videos

[GermanJazzel]

My condolences for you and for your family. I'm very sorry for your lost.

[kyle bennett]

Hate? Do you think he intended to end his life? Do you think he wanted to kill him? He was uneducated on the technique.. there is no reason to hate him.

[Rasmus Carl Johan Palmgren]

I am sorry for your loss

tragic accident...

[newtonianromance]

yeah i know, its such a tragedy. more so because its so avoidable. :(

[antaress8128]

This video reached Bulgaria today. 1 year later but better than never. Thanks.