Baseball Bat Choke

From Knee-on-Belly: Bat-Style Collar Submission (Gi Only)

This gi-based submission from the knee-on-belly position uses a two-handed collar grip to press a lapel across the neck, creating horizontal compression of the carotids. It leverages top-side control and hip angle to maximize leverage. Suitable for practitioners with fundamental gi control, it is often categorized as intermediate and is approached with care by those still developing base and head control in jiu jitsu moves. How to execute step-by-step: follow a deliberate, controlled sequence to maximize efficiency while minimizing risk to your partner.

Key Steps

Setup and Positioning

• Establish knee-on-belly with a strong base, chest planted on their torso, and your weight centered. Keep your head over their sternum to limit escapes.
• Maintain your grips on the gi to prevent their hands from peeling the choke loose.

Gripping the Gi

• With your near hand, reach across to grip the far-side lapel while your other hand cups the lapel a few inches higher. Your two hands form a firm, two-handed “bat” on the collar.
• Elbows stay tight to your chest; wrists stay vertical to maximize grip security.

Finishing the Choke

• Pivot your hips slightly toward the choking side and pull the collar across the throat with both hands, creating a horizontal squeeze.
• Apply steady, controlled pressure while maintaining knee-on-belly base; hold until your partner taps or you secure control.

Application

When to use

• Use when an opponent exposes the neck and you have reliable gi control from knee-on-belly. It’s effective when you want a compact, contained collar threat.

From this position

• Keep the head and neck stable, avoid over-rotating; if needed, adjust grip slightly for a deeper choke and re-angle for maximum compression.

Mistakes

Common setup errors

• Losing base, allowing the opponent to bridge or roll; insufficient leg pressure to keep posture.

Grip and leverage errors

• Gripping too high or too loose, failing to cross the lapel, or letting the collar slide off the neck.

Tips

Drills and safety

• Drill slow, progressive pressure to build sensitivity to chokes; always control your partner’s safety and tap response.

Additional guidance

• If their defense tightens, adjust by deepening the lapel contact or subtly shifting to a different collar grip you’ve learned in bjj techniques, maintaining consistent gi control to capitalize on the hold.