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Bow and Arrow Choke

Quick Introduction​

The Bow and Arrow Choke is one of the most powerful gi-specific submissions available from back control. Combining a collar grip with a pant leg grip, this technique creates tremendous leverage, making it nearly impossible to defend once properly locked in.

Technique Overview​

Type: Strangulation (blood choke - carotid arteries)

Station: Submissions - Back control positions

Available from: Back mount (primary), turtle, side back control, scrambles

Finish: Collar compresses one carotid while opponent's own shoulder compresses the other; pant grip provides leverage

Leads to: Most reliable gi finish from back; back takes, position transitions when defended

Bow and Arrow Variations (3 Main Applications)​

🎯 Standard Bow and Arrow (Classic)​

Setup Position

Back mount established with at least one hook in and collar grip secured

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish back control with seatbelt or over-under grips
  2. Get deep collar grip on one side (4+ fingers deep)
  3. Opposite hand releases seatbelt
  4. Reach down and grab their same-side pant leg (near knee)
  5. Roll to your back (toward collar grip side)
  6. Pull their collar grip toward you (across their throat)
  7. Simultaneously extend your legs and pull pant grip
  8. Create bow-like tension - their body becomes the bow
  9. Drive collar-grip elbow down toward mat
  10. Stretch until tap

Critical Details

  • Collar grip must be deep (at or behind their shoulder)
  • Roll to same side as collar grip
  • Pant grip should be at knee or slightly below
  • Leg extension creates the leverage
  • Their body stretches like drawn bow
  • Collar crosses their throat while rolling
  • Your body position on your back/side amplifies pressure
  • One shoulder blade should be near the mat

Tactical Advantage

Highest percentage gi choke from back; uses full body leverage; extremely difficult to defend; forces tap quickly; minimal strength required

⚔️ Modified Bow and Arrow (Tight Spaces)​

Setup Position

Back control but limited space or near cage/wall in competition

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish back control and collar grip
  2. Cannot fully roll to back due to space constraints
  3. Maintain collar grip
  4. Grab pant leg as in standard version
  5. Instead of full roll, angle your body 45 degrees
  6. Pull collar across their throat
  7. Drive with legs to create tension
  8. Finish from modified angle
  9. Less spectacular but equally effective

Critical Details

  • Works when full roll unavailable
  • Still uses same mechanical principles
  • Adjust angle as space permits
  • Maintain tight control throughout
  • Less extension but still effective

Tactical Advantage

Adapts to spatial constraints; works in competition near boundaries; reliable backup when standard is blocked

🔄 Reverse Bow and Arrow (Opposite Side)​

Setup Position

Back control with collar grip on opposite side of typical setup

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Have back control with opposite-side collar grip
  2. Recognize your grip is on "wrong" side for standard bow and arrow
  3. Instead of switching grip, commit to reverse
  4. Grab opposite pant leg (cross grip)
  5. Roll to collar-grip side (opposite of standard)
  6. Pull and extend with same mechanics
  7. Finish using reverse angle
  8. Mirror image of standard technique

Critical Details

  • Don't waste time switching grips
  • Adapt to grip you have
  • Same mechanical principles apply
  • Rolling direction determined by collar grip side
  • Equally effective when properly executed

Tactical Advantage

Allows immediate attack without grip adjustment; catches opponents off guard; demonstrates technical adaptability

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Collar depth is critical - Shallow grip equals no finish
  2. 💪 Full body leverage - Your legs, back, and arms all work together
  3. ⏱️ Back control first - Position before submission always
  4. 🔄 Bow tension - Stretch their body to maximize choke
  5. 🎮 Direction matters - Roll toward collar grip side:
    • Right collar grip → Roll right
    • Left collar grip → Roll left
    • Opposite creates failed technique

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Leverage: Entire body against their neck creates massive force multiplication
  • Two-Way Action: Pulling collar while pushing with legs
  • Structural Integrity: Their body position locked prevents escape
  • Gi Utilization: Uses their uniform as weapon
  • Body Mechanics: Bow tension is biomechanically devastating
  • Weight Distribution: Your position pins their movement

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Rolling to wrong side - Must roll toward collar grip side; opposite direction fails

⚠️ Shallow collar grip - Common error; grip must be deep behind shoulder

⚠️ Weak pant grip - Must control pants firmly at knee level

⚠️ Not extending legs - Extension creates the bow tension; without it, choke is weak

⚠️ Releasing back control prematurely - Secure position before committing

⚠️ Wrong pant leg - Must grab same-side leg as your collar grip side

⚠️ Pulling with arms only - Use full body, especially leg drive

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. Bow and Arrow Motion Practice (10 reps each side)

    • Practice on your own gi
    • Simulate collar grip and pant grip
    • Practice the rolling motion
    • Feel the extension mechanics
    • Build muscle memory for direction

  2. Grip Strength Training (5 minutes daily)

    • Hang from gi collar
    • Hold deep collar grips
    • Pant grip holds
    • Build endurance for maintaining grips

  3. Rolling Direction Drill (5 minutes)

    • Right collar grip → practice right roll
    • Left collar grip → practice left roll
    • Build automatic response
    • Eliminate directional confusion

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Cooperative (No Resistance)

  • Partner gives you back control
  • Practice full bow and arrow sequence 10 times each side
  • Focus: Grip depth, rolling direction, leg extension
  • Stop at light pressure (safety critical)

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

  • Partner makes basic defenses (grip fighting, posture)
  • Practice securing grips under light resistance
  • Focus: Grip fighting, back control maintenance
  • Smooth execution through resistance

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start with back control
  • Partner actively defends
  • Hunt for bow and arrow finish
  • Focus: Timing, grip security, recognizing opportunities
  • Maintain back control if submission not available

Level 4: Live Application (100%)

  • Full rolling, hunt for back takes
  • Finish with bow and arrow when achieved
  • Focus: Back take entries, maintaining dominance
  • Combine with other back attacks
  • Tap early for safety (blood choke)

Common Setup Drills​

Drill 1: Turtle to Back to Bow and Arrow

  1. Partner in turtle position
  2. Take back control
  3. Establish hooks and collar grip
  4. Transition immediately to bow and arrow
  5. Finish choke
  6. 10 reps each side

See back mount details

Drill 2: Back Control Grip Fighting

  1. Back control established
  2. Partner defends collar aggressively
  3. Practice fighting for deep collar grip
  4. Once achieved, immediately attack bow and arrow
  5. Flow drill for 3 minutes each side

Drill 3: Direction Recognition Drill

  1. Partner gives back with random collar grip
  2. Immediately identify correct rolling direction
  3. Execute bow and arrow to that side
  4. Develop automatic recognition
  5. 20 reps (random sides)

Progression Timeline​

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Learn basic mechanics, rolling direction (no resistance)
  • Week 3-4: Add grip fighting, light resistance
  • Week 5-8: Positional drilling from various back takes
  • Month 3-6: Live application, combination with RNC
  • Month 6+: Advanced entries, modified variations, teaching others

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: Can't Get Deep Collar Grip​

Solutions:

  1. Attack immediately when taking back (before they defend)
  2. Use seatbelt control to break their defensive posture
  3. Fight their hands away with free hand
  4. Threaten rear naked choke to distract
  5. Use collar drags to create grip openings
  6. Be patient - maintain back control and wait

Problem: Rolling the Wrong Direction​

Solutions:

  1. Remember: Roll toward collar grip side (same side)
  2. If right hand has collar, roll right
  3. If left hand has collar, roll left
  4. Practice solo drill to build muscle memory
  5. Hesitate and verify before committing
  6. This is most common beginner error

Problem: They Defend by Grabbing Their Pant Leg​

Solutions:

  1. Attack pant grip faster
  2. Break their grip with your grip
  3. Use two hands temporarily to secure pant leg
  4. Threaten other submissions to distract
  5. Switch to rear naked choke if pant grip unavailable
  6. Be persistent - keep attempting

Problem: Not Enough Pressure When Extended​

Solutions:

  1. Verify collar grip is truly deep (behind shoulder)
  2. Check you rolled to correct side
  3. Drive legs harder to create extension
  4. Pull collar tighter across their throat
  5. Get your shoulder blade closer to mat
  6. Ensure pant grip is secure at knee level

Problem: Losing Back Control During Setup​

Solutions:

  1. Solidify back control before attacking submission
  2. Maintain at least one hook while setting up
  3. Don't overcommit to grips if position unstable
  4. Use seatbelt/over-under to stabilize first
  5. Abandon attempt if losing back - reset position
  6. Position always before submission

Problem: Can't Reach Pant Leg​

Solutions:

  1. Roll more toward your back to bring leg in reach
  2. Grab higher on leg (mid-thigh) if necessary
  3. Use modified bow and arrow without full roll
  4. Ensure you're on correct side (collar grip side)
  5. May need to adjust initial back position higher

🔄 Attack Chains & Combinations​

Bow and Arrow → Rear Naked Choke Flow​

When pant grip is defended:

  1. Setup collar grip for bow and arrow
  2. They defend pant leg with grip/position
  3. Hand that would grab pant goes to RNC position instead
  4. Finish rear naked choke
  5. Same dominant position, different finish

Learn RNC technique

Back Control → RNC → Bow and Arrow​

From back mount:

  1. Threaten rear naked choke
  2. They defend chin and neck aggressively
  3. Use their defense to secure collar grip
  4. Switch to bow and arrow attack
  5. Continuous threat from back

Failed Bow and Arrow → Armbar​

When they defend strongly:

  1. They grab your arms to prevent extension
  2. Their arms are extended and vulnerable
  3. Trap one arm
  4. Roll to armbar position
  5. Finish armbar from back area

Learn armbar technique

Turtle → Back Take → Bow and Arrow Chain​

Complete sequence from neutral:

  1. Opponent goes to turtle
  2. Take back control
  3. Secure collar grip during transition
  4. Establish hooks
  5. Immediately attack bow and arrow
  6. Most common competition scenario

💡 Advanced Concepts​

Entry Variations​

From Turtle Attack

  • Most common entry in gi BJJ
  • Collar grip while opponent in turtle
  • Establish back control
  • Transition directly to bow and arrow
  • High percentage sequence

From Failed Guard Pass

  • Opponent turning away from pass
  • Exposes back
  • Secure collar while taking back
  • Immediate submission opportunity

From Scrambles

  • Back exposure during transitions
  • Quick collar grip
  • Don't need perfect back mount
  • Bow and arrow can finish from imperfect position

From Side Control Escape

  • Opponent gives back while escaping
  • Capitalize immediately
  • Collar grip first priority
  • Finish before they recover

Grip Fighting Strategies​

Establishing Collar Grip from Back:

  • Attack during back take transition
  • Grip before they can defend
  • Fight their hands away systematically
  • Use seatbelt to control posture
  • Persistent grip attempts

Maintaining Deep Grip:

  • Death grip once achieved
  • Never let go voluntarily
  • Defend grip with body position
  • Build forearm endurance
  • Grip is foundation of technique

Pant Grip Tactics:

  • Fast grab once collar secure
  • Two hands if necessary initially
  • Knee area provides best control
  • Don't telegraph intention
  • Explosive grab

Gi vs No-Gi Reality​

Gi Specific Technique:

  • Bow and arrow requires gi
  • No direct no-gi equivalent
  • One of strongest arguments for gi training
  • Changes entire back attack strategy
  • Must master for gi competition

Why It's Devastating:

  • Uses their own uniform against them
  • Mechanical advantage is enormous
  • Very difficult to defend
  • Quick finish once locked
  • Combines position and leverage perfectly

Competition Strategy​

When to Attack:

  • Immediately after securing back
  • When opponent is tired
  • After threatening other attacks
  • When position is absolutely secure
  • Not in first 30 seconds (unless perfect)

Risk Management:

  • Very low risk from back control
  • Losing position is main danger
  • Don't overcommit if unsure
  • Back control + collar grip = points even without finish
  • Patient setup yields higher finish rate

Tournament Application:

  • Common in high-level gi competition
  • Expected technique from back
  • Opponents will defend aggressively
  • Use as part of back attack system
  • Practice under pressure essential

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand bow and arrow mechanics (Month 6-8)
  • Execute from cooperative back mount
  • Learn correct rolling direction
  • Basic collar and pant grip coordination
  • Safe application (blood choke awareness)

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Bow and arrow becomes reliable gi finish from back
  • Combination with RNC threat
  • Proper grip fighting
  • Consistent finish rate in rolling
  • Understanding of back take to submission sequence
  • Competition application begins

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Bow and arrow is primary gi attack from back
  • Advanced entries from all positions
  • Modified variations based on position
  • Teaching ability
  • High competition finish rate
  • Immediate recognition and execution
  • Integration with complete back attack system

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding bow and arrow fundamentals:

  1. Perfect back control first → Master back mount position
  2. Master rolling direction → Critical detail that determines success
  3. Develop grip strength → Deep grips require conditioning
  4. Learn RNC combination → Back attacks work as system
  5. Practice from turtle → Most common entry point
  6. Drill direction recognition → Build automatic response to grip side

🔗 Related Resources​

Position Prerequisites​

Combination Techniques​

Theoretical Foundation​

Progress Tracking​