Is it really possible to instantly snap someone's neck with your bare hands like in the movies?

Question

by turning their head? It doesn't really seem like that's possible in reality.

Answer 1

There are some movies that show how this is actually done, but most just show a quick turn of the head as if looking over the shoulder, it would be very difficult to break someones neck that way.

Answer 2

After years of watching Buffy kill vamps by snapping their necks I always wondered the same thing.  It would probably take a lot of strength, but I think it is possible.  I've heard that there are 4 vertebrae at the very top of your spine that if broken would kill you instantly.  So if someone with just the right amount of strength twisted your neck and broke one of those, then yes, it would be possible.  But I don't think any 'average Joe' would be able to do it.

Answer 3

yes if u are strong enough all u have to do is crank the neck realy fast to the left and watch them die it is a move often taught in the military sooooo yeah.......they no wat they are doing

Answer 4

It is possible yes. But to pull it off takes a lot of practice as the angle of rotation is soooo slight. It also takes a lot of faith from the instructor to "really" pass on the tecnique to the student.  In our style you learn it at white belt, just to go through the motions, but they dont show you the angle untill black belt when you understand more about joint manipulation. Imagine a white belt knowing how to do it for real, its like putting a sword in an infants hand.

Answer 5

When and why are you going to ever have to snap someone's neck?

I wager it is possible with the right training, but before you do something that stupid, you better be justified.  Check your state laws.

Answer 6

I've trained in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu). Yes, it is possible, but not the way it shows in the movies. It's best for them to be laying on the ground and you can't just turn their neck and break it (that would take too much energy) you have to do it a certain way, but I won't put that kind of technique on the internet.

Answer 7

unlikely but possible if you do it fast enough. look at some of the shots mma guys and boxers take that twist their neck. i doubt you could equal that force by just grabbing and twisting.

there are however many other ways to supposedly snap someones neck which are very easy. and very believable. however i say supposedly because i've never actually seen it done.

Answer 8

yes but you have to learn the proper angle and leaverage