Jan 16, 2025
by CYPHR Combat

Essential Choking Submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques

Jan 16, 2025
by CYPHR Combat

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), chokes epitomize the culmination of technical skill, precision, and control over one's opponent. Demonstrating proficiency in chokes not only highlights a practitioner's capability to dominate in matches but also represents a highly effective means of securing victory, whether during rigorous training sessions or competitive events. Mastery of these techniques is essential for any serious practitioner seeking to enhance their grappling art.

BJJ, which has its foundations in Judo, is also influenced by various grappling disciplines, including Sambo and Wrestling, and features an expansive variety of choke techniques. These submissions focus on constricting the neck, effectively obstructing airflow or blood flow, thus compelling an opponent to submit through a tap. This guide below provides an in-depth examination of the most effective and versatile chokes used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, categorized according to their setups and positions, including options like the Collar Choke and techniques applicable from the Half Guard position.

Think we missed a crucial choke? Let us know in the comments below!

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- Jan 18, 2025
- by Joshua Willis
Essential Arm and Shoulder Lock Submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques

1. Guillotine Choke

Type: Gi and No-Gi

Notable Practitioners: Marcelo Garcia, Josh Hinger, Neil Melanson

The guillotine choke is a fundamental and versatile submission where the practitioner uses their arms to compress the opponent’s neck, often applied from the closed guard. However, this technique is adaptable and can also be executed from positions such as mount, open guard, and even standing.

2. Rear Naked Choke (RNC)

Type: Gi and No-Gi

Notable Practitioners: Rickson Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, John Danaher

One of the most iconic grappling submissions, the rear naked choke immobilizes the opponent by compressing their neck from behind. Known as the "Mata Leão" in Portuguese and "Hadaka-Jime" in judo, this choke is predominantly applied from back control, showcasing its effectiveness and simplicity.

3. Triangle Choke

Type: Gi and No-Gi

Notable Practitioners: Fellipe Andrew, Braulio Estima, John Danaher

The triangle choke is a powerful submission where the practitioner’s legs and the opponent’s own arm are used to create pressure on the neck. Originating from judo, this technique is highly adaptable and can be applied from positions like closed guard, mount, half guard, and even standing.

4. Bow and Arrow Choke

Type: Gi

Notable Practitioners: N/A

This collar choke is executed from back control by leveraging the opponent’s lapel and leg. Named for the distinctive posture of the practitioner and opponent, the bow and arrow choke can also be initiated from turtle, side control, and closed guard positions.

5. Ezekiel Choke

Type: Gi

Notable Practitioners: Ezequiel Paraguassú

The Ezekiel choke, originating from the judo technique "Sode-Guruma-Jime," uses the practitioner’s sleeves to compress the opponent’s neck. It’s one of the few submissions that can be performed from within an opponent’s closed guard, as well as from mount or back control.

6. Cross Collar Choke

Type: Gi

Notable Practitioners: Roger Gracie

A staple for beginners, the cross collar choke requires gripping the opponent’s collar with crossed hands, applying pressure to the neck. It can be executed from positions like closed guard, mount, and back control.

7. Baseball Bat Choke

Type: Gi

Notable Practitioners: Magid Hage

This submission involves gripping the opponent’s collar as if holding a baseball bat, then rotating to create a blood choke. Common positions for the baseball bat choke include knee on belly, side control, and bottom half guard.

8. D’Arce Choke

Type: Gi and No-Gi

Notable Practitioners: Joe D’Arce, Edwin Najmi, Jeff Glover

The D’Arce choke, a variation of the arm triangle, utilizes the practitioner’s forearm and the opponent’s arm to create a stranglehold. This choke is typically set up from positions like side control, turtle, or half guard.

9. Clock Choke

Type: Gi

Notable Practitioners: JT Torres, Wallid Ismail

The clock choke targets a turtling opponent using their collar, with the practitioner applying pressure by walking their body around the opponent’s head.

10. North-South Choke

Position: Side Control to North-South

Notable Practitioners: Marcelo Garcia

The North-South Choke is executed by transitioning from side control to a north-south position, where the practitioner uses their bicep and shoulder to compress the opponent’s neck. Marcelo Garcia, known for his innovative BJJ style, has popularized the effectiveness of this choke in both gi and no-gi contexts.

Key Details:

Requires precise arm positioning to block airflow or blood flow.

Ideal as a follow-up submission after maintaining side control dominance.

11. Crucifix Choke

Position: Turtle to Crucifix

Notable Practitioners: Joel Burgess, Thomas Lisboa

The Crucifix Choke involves trapping one of the opponent’s arms using the practitioner’s legs while securing a choke with the arms. The crucifix position immobilizes the opponent, leaving them vulnerable to this submission. Joel Burgess and Thomas Lisboa have demonstrated expertise in transitioning to this choke from the turtle position.

Key Details:

Effective against defensive opponents in the turtle position.

Offers transition opportunities into armlocks.

12. Thrust Choke

Position: Guard Pass or Mount

Notable Practitioners: Multiple Judo Specialists

The Thrust Choke, also known as "Tsukkomi-Jime," is a powerful gi-based technique where the practitioner uses the opponent’s lapel to apply pressure while driving their fist into the throat. This choke is a staple in judo and has been effectively adapted into BJJ.

Key Details:

Works well as part of a guard pass or mount attack sequence.

Requires quick execution to catch opponents off-guard.

13. Anaconda Choke

Position: Front Headlock

Notable Practitioners: Milton Vieira, Kazushi Sakuraba

The Anaconda Choke traps the opponent’s head and arm using a headlock grip, followed by a rolling motion to tighten the submission. Milton Vieira is credited with developing the choke, while Kazushi Sakuraba demonstrated its effectiveness in MMA.

Key Details:

Best applied against turtling opponents during scrambles.

Requires tight control of the opponent’s shoulder and neck.

14. Peruvian Necktie

Position: Turtle

Notable Practitioners: Tony De Souza

The Peruvian Necktie, made famous by Tony De Souza, is a flashy submission that uses the practitioner’s arms and legs to exert pressure on the opponent’s neck. It’s set up from a front headlock and involves stepping over the opponent’s back to add leverage.

Key Details:

Demands flexibility and precise positioning.

Excellent as a counter to defensive turtle strategies.

15. Japanese Necktie

Position: Side Control

Notable Practitioners: Keith Krikorian

The Japanese Necktie is a variation of the D’Arce choke, combining head-and-arm control with chest pressure on the back of the opponent’s head. Keith Krikorian has shown mastery of this submission, blending it seamlessly into no-gi grappling.

Key Details:

Can function as both a choke and a neck crank.

Often initiated from side control or half guard.

16. Loop Choke

Position: Guard Variations

Notable Practitioners: Alexandre Vieira

The Loop Choke is a collar choke often used during guard passes or scrambles. Alexandre Vieira is recognized for his expertise with this technique, frequently utilizing it from open and closed guard positions.

Key Details:

Works well as a counter to aggressive guard passing.

Can transition into sweeps if the choke fails.

17. Step-Over Choke

Position: Side Control
Notable Practitioners: Multiple Advanced Practitioners

The Step-Over Choke involves stepping over the opponent’s head to create additional pressure on the collar choke. This submission is often applied from side control or knee-on-belly positions.

Key Details:

Requires maintaining control of the opponent’s shoulders.

Pairs well with transitions to mount if the choke fails.

18. Paper Cutter Choke

Position: Top Side Control

Notable Practitioners: Roger Gracie

The Paper Cutter Choke, popularized by Roger Gracie, is a sneaky collar choke that uses the practitioner’s forearm to slice across the opponent’s neck. It’s known for being unexpected and highly effective.

Key Details:

Effective when the opponent underestimates collar grips.

Requires control of the opponent’s upper body for stabilization.

19. Gogoplata

Position: Rubber Guard

Notable Practitioners: Shinya Aoki, Eddie Bravo

The Gogoplata is a rare and visually impressive submission that uses the shin to choke the opponent’s neck. Shinya Aoki and Eddie Bravo have both used this submission in competition, demonstrating its effectiveness from rubber guard.

Key Details:

Demands flexibility and hip control.

Works well in no-gi scenarios where the opponent’s posture is compromised.

20. Brabo Choke

Position: Half Guard

Notable Practitioners: Leo Vieira

The Brabo Choke, innovated by Leo Vieira, uses the opponent’s lapel to trap their neck and arm. This submission is commonly applied from top half guard or side control.

Key Details:

Requires quick lapel grips to avoid counters.

Can transition into arm triangles if the choke isn’t secure.

21. Lapel Half Nelson

Position: Side Mount

Notable Practitioners: Various Practitioners

The Lapel Half Nelson involves threading the opponent’s lapel around their neck while using a half-nelson grip to secure the submission. This choke offers strong control over a turtling opponent.

Key Details:

Pairs well with setups into back control.

Demands precise lapel management for effectiveness.

22. Von Flue Choke

Position: Guillotine Defense

Notable Practitioners: Jason Von Flue, Ovince Saint Preux

The Von Flue Choke is a counter-submission that capitalizes on the opponent’s failed guillotine. Jason Von Flue introduced it to BJJ and MMA, while Ovince Saint Preux popularized it with multiple finishes in the UFC.

Key Details:

Requires shoulder pressure on the opponent’s neck.

Most effective from top side control.

23. Bulldog Choke

Position: Turtle

Notable Practitioners: Ben Askren

The Bulldog Choke combines a headlock with a neck crank, often applied during scrambles. Ben Askren famously used this submission to defeat Robbie Lawler in UFC 235.

Key Details:

Effective against opponents escaping back control.

Works well in MMA and self-defense contexts.