The collar choke is one of the most important and effective moves in BJJ. Personally, this is one of my go-to moves when I am training with anyone. This choke can be very threatening to those who do not address it immediately. This article will explain the collar choke in simple terms, showing you how to do it, different ways to use it, and tips to get better at it.
The collar choke is a key move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s often one of the first submissions beginners learn (It’s definitely the first one that I learned).
It’s simple and effective, making it a favorite for everyone. Whether you’re new to BJJ or have been practicing for years, knowing how to do the collar choke well can really improve your skills.
Understanding the Collar Choke
The collar choke, also called the cross-collar choke, uses your opponent’s gi (uniform) to press on their neck. This cuts off blood flow to their brain, making them tap out. It’s a versatile move that can be done from many positions.
The Basics of the Collar Choke
Gripping the Collar
First, you need a strong grip on your opponent’s collar. This grip is very important. Make sure your fingers are deep inside the collar, with your thumb outside for better control.
Positioning Your Body
Your body position is key to a good collar choke. Whether you’re in the mount, guard, or side control, you need to stay stable and use your body weight well. This can make the difference between a successful choke and a failed one.
Applying the Choke
Once you have a good grip and body position, you can apply the choke. Pull your opponent’s collar across their neck while pressing down with your body. This creates a scissor-like motion that squeezes their neck.
Variations of the Collar Choke
Collar Choke from the Mount
The mount is a strong position in BJJ. To do a collar choke from here, start by controlling your opponent’s arms. Use your head for balance and pull the collar across their neck to choke them.
Collar Choke from the Guard
Doing a collar choke from the guard is different. First, get a deep grip on your opponent’s collar with one hand. Use your other hand to control their posture. Pull the collar across their neck while using your legs to keep control.
Collar Choke from Side Control
Side control gives you a unique angle for the collar choke. Start by gripping your opponent’s far-side collar. Use your body weight to pin them down and pull the collar across their neck.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Weak Grips
A weak grip is a common mistake. Make sure your fingers are deep inside the collar, and your thumb is outside. A strong grip is crucial for a good choke.
Poor Body Positioning
Good body positioning is essential. Whether you’re in the mount, guard, or side control, stay stable and use your body weight well.
Rushing the Choke
Don’t rush the choke. Take your time to get a firm grip and good positioning before applying the choke. Rushing can lead to mistakes and give your opponent a chance to escape.
Not Breathing
A common mistake that beginners make when applying the collar choke for the first few times is holding their breath while trying to finish the submission. Make sure to keep slowly breathing throughout the submission while applying it.
Advanced Techniques and Strategies
Setting Up the Choke
Setting up a collar choke often means creating openings. Use moves like the scissor sweep or arm drag to make space and get a grip on your opponent’s collar. Then, apply the choke by pressing down and keeping control.
Combining with Other Submissions
You can combine the collar choke with other submissions to surprise your opponent. For example, switching from a collar choke to an armbar or triangle choke can catch them off guard.
Countering Defenses
Experienced opponents will have defenses against the collar choke. Knowing these defenses and how to counter them is important. For example, if your opponent blocks the choke with their hands, use moves like the arm drag or wrist lock to get past their defenses.
Training Tips and Drills
Drilling the Basics
Practice is key to mastering the collar choke. Start with basic drills that focus on gripping the collar, positioning your body, and applying the choke. As you get better, increase the difficulty of the drills.
Rolling with Different Partners
Training with different partners helps you adapt your collar choke to various situations. Each partner will have different strengths and weaknesses, helping you refine your technique.
Analyzing Your Performance
Regularly review your training sessions to find areas for improvement. Record your sessions and watch the footage to spot mistakes and develop new strategies.
FAQs
What is the collar choke in BJJ?
The collar choke, also known as the cross-collar choke, is a submission move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It uses your opponent’s gi to press on their neck, cutting off blood flow to their brain and making them tap out.
How do I execute a collar choke from the mount?
To do a collar choke from the mount, start by controlling your opponent’s arms. Use your head for balance and pull the collar across their neck to choke them.
What are common mistakes to avoid when executing a collar choke?
Common mistakes include having a weak grip, poor body positioning, and rushing the choke. Make sure your fingers are deep inside the collar, stay stable, and take your time to get a firm grip and good positioning before applying the choke.
How can I counter defenses against the collar choke?
Knowing your opponent’s defenses and how to counter them is important. For example, if your opponent blocks the choke with their hands, use moves like the arm drag or wrist lock to get past their defenses.
Can the collar choke be combined with other submissions?
Yes, you can combine the collar choke with other submissions to surprise your opponent. For example, switching from a collar choke to an armbar or triangle choke can catch them off guard.
What are some training tips for mastering the collar choke?
Practice regularly, train with different partners, and review your training sessions to find areas for improvement. Start with basic drills and increase the difficulty as you get better.
Conclusion
The collar choke is a key move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By learning the basics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can master this move and improve your BJJ skills. Stay patient, practice consistently, and keep learning, and you’ll become a collar choke expert.