Cross Collar Choke

A Fundamental Submission from Full Guard

Key Steps

1. Grip Establishment: From the full guard position, use your dominant hand to reach across your opponent’s body and grip their far-side collar, ensuring your thumb is inside and fingers are outside. This grip should be deep, close to the back of their neck.
2. Second Grip: With your other hand, reach across and grip the near-side collar with your thumb inside and fingers outside, creating a mirror grip.
3. Apply Pressure: Pull your elbows towards your hips while simultaneously squeezing your wrists together to apply pressure to both sides of your opponent’s neck, cutting off their blood flow.

Application

This submission is a classic BJJ technique taught to beginners due to its effectiveness and simplicity. It is designed to apply a blood choke by compressing the carotid arteries, leading to a quick tap-out if executed correctly.

Common Mistakes

• Shallow Grips: Not securing deep enough collar grips can lead to ineffective pressure and allow the opponent to escape.
• Incorrect Pressure Application: Focusing on pulling the opponent's collar rather than squeezing the wrists together can reduce effectiveness.

Tips

• Control Posture: Maintain control of your opponent's posture with your legs to prevent them from posturing up and breaking your grips.
• Stay Patient: Allow the choke to develop; rushing may lead to loss of control and position.
• Practice: Repeated practice of this move will improve your grip strength and efficiency in applying the choke.

This submission is a staple in jiu jitsu moves and an essential part of any beginner’s repertoire, emphasizing the importance of precision and technique over strength in BJJ techniques.