UFC veteran Mark Hall;

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 9/20/2003 2:01pm

(hey phrost if you would like to put this up as an article go for it)

So because of a conversation we had about 2 months ago on chokes I decided to ask Mark a few questions when I was on the phone with him. Little did he know I was going to put it up here.

Before I start let me give you some background on this guy. Mark was one of those TMA guys (Moo Yea Do a form of Taekwondo) that did pretty well in the old days of the UFC. He was there before the weight classes and brought the fight to most of those guys including Paul Varelans, Harold Howard, and Don Frye. He later started the Cobra Fighting Federation and became a fight promoter.

(BTW this is from memory so if I make a mistake my bad)
Omega: So Mark while I have you on the phone, I belong to a forum that mentioned that you can't be choke out, is there any truth to this.

Mark: Well you see (omega), I learned to grapple and rolled with all kinds of people including the Machados and even the Shamrocks. I earned my blue belt and went down to Brazil to fight. When one of the guys I fought, who was a BJJ Blackbelt, found out I was only a blue belt, he decided to give me my purple belt. I've just learned how to fight off the choke. It's true that I've never been choked out in competition but that's because I know what to do.

Omega: (any chance for you to get back into competition)

Mark: I so want to get back but I have a heart problem. Every once in a while I forget I have it and say I'm gong to get back but then I get reminded about it again.

Omega: Do you keep in touch with Paul Smith in getting the NHB fully sanctioned in CA?

Mark: No, I should and I'd love to get in on it.

Official WTDude Badass Evil Genius

**Phrost** · Posted On: 9/20/2003 2:42pm

Huh, pretty cool. I missed the thread about him not being able to be choked out, but I'm glad the rational explanation came out.

I'd like to present this as an interview. If you could dig up the link to the thread in which it's discussed, I'll put it in the proper context.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 9/20/2003 2:58pm

Original Post... http://www.bullshido.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3832&FORUM_ID=12&CAT_ID =11&Topic_Title=Surviving+a+rear+naked+choke&a mp;Forum_Title=Mixed+Martial+Arts+Discussion&w hichpage=1
quote:
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I don't care who you are but the rear naked choke will choke anyone.

There is a person in my class named Felipe who is incredibly hard to choke because he has a thick neck and that's how he was built. He can take alot of collar chokes and most anytype except for things that are directly on his throat like a gullitine and a rear naked choke.

I am just saying a weak person would not beable to perform the technique correctly on him and get him to tap you still need strength.

Either the person didn't know how to do the technique or the forearm was not on the throat becuase a minute and a half is just bs when it takes lke 10 to 15 seconds for them to pass out.

I'll make one when I can find one I like.

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Actually I've met two unchokable via the "rear naked choke" guys. One is Mark Hall of the UFC fame. I've actually had my coach try to choke this guy out and it wouldn't happen. We all theorize that his neck was a little different than everybody elses. <shrug>

Official WTDude Badass Evil Genius

**PizDoff** · Posted On: 9/20/2003 4:43pm

Wait........what was the rational explanation?

I'll read that thread later I have not the time now.

Actually I've never been choked out, I only tapped to a few rear-naked chokes due to the other guy getting his hooks in and my lack of strength, so therefore I wouldn't be able to get out of that position anything soon.

Me Vs. Angry-Monkey-He had the choke on for at least 45-60 seconds on me last time I sparred with him. I just kept struggling and the rest of the students where like "WTF? Why isn't he tapping?"

ME Vs JJJ Brown Belt that kicks my ass a lot
-He had the RNC on for a fucking long time, enough time for me to unhook his legs after a while and get side mount breaking the choke. (Actually almost got the armbar on as well! :) )

I have never recently seen the tunnel vision effect that you normally get......I do train my neck a lot though. Thoughts?

--
Hard Work, Patience, Dedication

Train 'til you faint.