Sleepers

I’ve had this issue a bit, but on the receiving end. It’s not always, and some guys really know how to lock it in. But sometimes it just takes a little /too/ much to fully put me out; which typically leads to it hurting rather than being a quick thing.

Guys with thin necks or huge traps can be very hard to put out with a classic sleeper. He may also have unusually deep carotids, but I've never found a muscular neck to prevent a good choke hold from working. Make sure you are sliding the sterno-mastoid muscle out of the way when you are applying your techniques.
You need to get behind it to have access to the carotid, especially with a muscular guy. You could also try using a triangle choke with your legs (sankaku jime) so you can get better pressure.

Do you ever have an opponent who you can’t put unconscious no matter how hard you try? One who doesn’t pass out regardless of the hold you lock on him?

I have a buddy like that, and he really does want me to put him out cold. We’ve worked on half a dozen different holds together and nothing seems to work. Now I’ve put a number of guys out before with no trouble at all, so I know what I’m doing. This guy is well built and has a nice, muscular neck. Standing in front of him, just using my thumbs I can feel his carotids easily, but even then just pressing on them has no effect whatsoever.

What do you do when this situation arises? Is there a specific technique you use that I’m not aware of? I’m at a loss here, but would appreciate some help. He’s visiting again in a few days, and I’d love to surprise him this time around.

Do u flex your biceps as you apply the hold? Doing this shuld make it highly effective, especially if u have good peaked biceps.

Yes, I do. That has always worked on other guys, but not on this one.

Triangles, arm and leg are very effective.

You can try a neck scissor or a triangle sleeper with your legs. That usually works.