I've panicked twice in RNC holds. First time was with FlameDiva, she had me in a rnc and was slowly applying pressure. I started feeling a tingling sensation running through my body. Was not sure what was happening and thought the hold FlameDiva had done something to my neck. So the first thought that came to my mind I was going to be seriously injured or paralyzed. I tapped frantically and she released the hold. Then she explained that is what you feel just before going unconscious from the lack of blood flow to the brain.
After that experience I'm in a session with Dominque Danger and tell her about the experience with the rnc I had with FlameDiva. She said being choked is an experience like no other. So we decided I should try it again. She puts her arms around me starts to crank up the pressure. Dominque is so big, strong and aggressive, she did not cut the blood flow to the brain. She stopped the air getting to my lungs. I was expecting it to be like the experience with FlameDiva, the pressure would lead to the tingling feeling then I'd black out. Instead I could not breath and knew I could not to anything to stop Dominque. I was terrified that she didn't know that I was suffocating and would unintentionally kill me. I remember the fear of not being able to breath and dying from suffocation. Then the next thing I know I'm wondering why the tv across the room is sideways. Dominque had knocked me out and a couple of seconds later I regained consciousness. Which was an odd feeling, I went from shear panic to clear and calm after realizing what had just happened to me.
We see chokes in movies and tv shows and that lead to my curiosity as to what is it like to literally have a choke hold applied. My two experiences were frightening. A lot of that was due to not knowing what to expect. Kind of on the fence about trying it again. But if I do, I'll be careful regarding who I'd choose to try again. A choke hold and lead to serious consequences so I'd advise only trying this with someone who is skilled, experienced and a pro. Some session woman who has been studying bjj for a month and you are her second session ever could lead to disaster.