A thief instantly regretted targeting a Chinese tourist after the victim put him in a chokehold, leaving him helpless and begging for release.

The suspected robber allegedly attempted to snatch the holidaymaker's camera without realising he was a martial arts expert from the Far East.

The tourist reacted with lightning-fast reflexes and hurled the mugger to the ground in Barcelona, Spain, on April 30.

Dramatic footage shows the quick-thinking visitor with his arms tightly wrapped around the alleged thief's neck, pinning him in a firm headlock.

Stunned onlookers watched in silence as the two men struggled on the pavement in the notorious capital city, which is notorious for its pickpockets.

The brave tourist maintained his grip, keeping the man restrained until local police arrived and took control of the situation.

Passersby applauded as officers handcuffed the suspect and led him away.

A choke hold is a physical restraint technique commonly used in martial arts and self-defence to subdue an aggressor by applying pressure to the neck.

When properly applied, it can temporarily restrict airflow or blood flow, forcing compliance without necessarily causing lasting harm. While effective, its use requires caution, as improper application can lead to serious injury.