Kung-fu lock thrills, but it can also kill
SANGZUALA HMAR
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
MARCH 21, 2005
AIZAWL: Proponents of Kung-fu, an art of self-defence, are a worried lot these days because children with a rudimentary knowledge of this intricate art are using one of the most deadly tricks - the ‘dead-lock’ - to get a high. The ‘dead-lock’ is used by experts to block the artery that supplies oxygen and blood to the brain, making a person unconscious. But, young boys here doing this now “just to have some fun”.
A Class XII student, who did not want to be identified, told TNN he has been practising the ‘dead-lock’ for three months and has already taught the trick to a few friends and all of them are now addicted to it. Explaining what happens, he said, “Before we lose our consciousness, there is a pleasurable feeling deep within us. This is addictive.” He added that the technique, though not taught by masters to kids, has travelled around “like a trend”. “Some senior must have taught it to a kid who passed it around. But it takes a lot of practice. Hundreds of times,” he said, showing nail marks on his neck.
Understandably, parents and teachers are worried. C Dosavunga, a third degree black-belt holder, said the ‘dead-lock’ can be very dangerous. “You have to be a master of the art… one wrong click and you’ll be dead,” the expert added. Dosavunga, who runs a martial arts school in Aizawl, said he never teaches the move, fearing misuse. R Zomawia, president of the All-Mizoram Karate Association, has a similar piece of advice. “Kung-fu experts can perform the act flawlessly. But schoolchildren with scant knowledge of the art can land in trouble. It is dangerous,” he said.
Doctors, too, are worried because the ‘dead-lock’ can be fatal. “The condition can lead to hyper-ventilation and if there is a delay in the oxygen supply to the brain, it can end up in brain damage and brain death,” said Mickey, a doctor at the Care Clinic.