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Clock Choke

Quick Introductionโ€‹

The Clock Choke is one of the highest-percentage gi submissions available from the turtle position. By combining deep collar grips with a circular walking motion around the opponent's head, this technique creates tremendous pressure that is difficult to defend once properly established. The name comes from the clock-like circular movement used to tighten the choke.

Technique Overviewโ€‹

Type: Strangulation (blood choke - carotid arteries)

Station: Submissions - Turtle top position

Available from: Turtle top position (primary), back control transitions, scrambles from failed guard passes

Finish: Deep collar grips combined with circular leg movement and body extension create compression on both carotid arteries

Leads to: Back mount (if they turn into you), turtle attacks, position transitions

Clock Choke Variations (3 Main Applications)โ€‹

๐ŸŽฏ Standard Clock Choke (Classic Application)โ€‹

Setup Position

Opponent in defensive turtle position with you positioned on top behind them

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent turtles defensively after scramble or guard pass attempt
  2. Position yourself behind and slightly to one side
  3. Reach over their far shoulder with your near hand
  4. Grip deep into their far collar (four fingers inside, thumb out)
  5. Your second hand grips their near-side collar (palm up grip for leverage)
  6. Drive chest weight heavy onto their back
  7. Begin walking your feet in circular pattern toward their head
  8. Walk in direction of your deep collar grip (clockwise or counter-clockwise)
  9. As you circle, your body becomes perpendicular to theirs
  10. Fall to your hip on the side you're circling toward
  11. Extend your legs away from their head
  12. Pull both collar grips tight while extending body
  13. Lock your legs (optional figure-four) for stability
  14. Squeeze collar grips and extend until tap

Critical Details

  • First collar grip must be extremely deep (four fingers minimum, at or behind shoulder)
  • Deep grip is non-negotiable - shallow grip will not finish
  • Second grip creates proper angle and reinforces pressure
  • Walking motion is circular, moving around their head like clock hands
  • Your head should end near their far hip at finish
  • Chest pressure keeps them flat while establishing grips
  • If they turn into you during setup, abandon and take back mount instead
  • Legs lock for stability but arms finish the choke
  • Extension away from them creates the choking pressure

Tactical Advantage

High-percentage submission from turtle; direct finish without positional advancement needed; difficult to defend once grips established; forces opponent to flatten or give up back; intimidation factor in gi competition

โš”๏ธ Clock Choke with Gi Tail (Modified Grip)โ€‹

Setup Position

Turtle top position with opponent's gi tail available

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in turtle position
  2. Pull their gi tail out from belt
  3. Feed gi tail through their collar on far side
  4. Grip the fed-through gi tail with your first hand
  5. Second hand controls their near collar or belt/hip
  6. Begin circular walking motion as in standard version
  7. Pull gi tail tight while circling
  8. Fall to hip and extend body
  9. Gi tail creates deep choking pressure
  10. Finish with extension and squeeze

Critical Details

  • Gi tail provides even deeper "grip" than hand alone
  • Must feed tail through before they defend
  • Creates mechanical advantage with gi material
  • Often catches opponents by surprise
  • Works well when standard collar grip is defended
  • Tail grip is extremely difficult to strip once established

Tactical Advantage

Unexpected variation; uses their gi against them; very deep effective grip; harder to defend than standard collar grip; works when hands are defended

๐Ÿ”„ Modified Clock Choke (Tight Spaces)โ€‹

Setup Position

Turtle top with limited space or near boundaries (cage wall, mat edge)

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in turtle near wall or boundary
  2. Establish deep collar grip as in standard version
  3. Cannot complete full circular walk due to space constraints
  4. Maintain collar grips
  5. Instead of full circle, angle body 45-90 degrees
  6. Fall to hip even without complete walk-around
  7. Use wall/boundary as anchor point
  8. Extend body and pull collar grips
  9. Less circular motion but same choking mechanics
  10. Finish from modified angle

Critical Details

  • Adapts standard technique to spatial constraints
  • Same grip requirements as standard
  • Less spectacular movement but equally effective
  • Wall can actually help by preventing their movement
  • Works in competition near mat boundaries
  • Requires even more focus on grip depth

Tactical Advantage

Competition-ready variation for boundary situations; adapts to reality of limited space; opponents don't expect finish without full walk-around; practical application

Important Observations (General Rules)โ€‹

Core Principlesโ€‹

  1. ๐ŸŽฏ Collar depth is absolutely critical - Four fingers minimum, deeper is better; shallow grip equals failed choke
  2. ๐Ÿ’ช Walking creates the angle - Circular motion positions your body for maximum leverage
  3. โฑ๏ธ Secure grips before moving - Don't telegraph by walking first; grips establish control
  4. ๐Ÿ”„ Extension finishes the choke - Pulling collar while extending body away creates pressure
  5. ๐ŸŽฎ Direction matters - Walk toward the side of your deep collar grip for optimal angle
  6. ๐Ÿ† Back control is alternative - If they turn into you, abandon choke and take back mount (bonus)

Connection to Theoriesโ€‹

Applying core principles:

  • Leverage: Circular motion and body extension create massive force multiplication
  • Positional Control: Heavy chest pressure prevents escape while establishing
  • Two-Way Action: Both collar grips work together; extension and pulling combine
  • Gi Utilization: Uses their uniform as primary weapon
  • Orbital Theory: Circular walking motion creates optimal angle
  • Weight Distribution: Chest pressure pins them while setting up
  • Body Mechanics: Full body leverage versus their neck creates overwhelming advantage

Common Mistakesโ€‹

โš ๏ธ Shallow collar grip - Most common error; choke will not finish without depth; must fight for deep grip

โš ๏ธ Walking before grips secure - Telegraphs intention; opponent defends collar; secure grips first

โš ๏ธ Straight-line movement - Walking straight instead of circular fails to create proper angle

โš ๏ธ Not extending body - Pulling grips alone insufficient; must extend entire body away

โš ๏ธ Releasing chest pressure early - They escape or counter when pressure removed prematurely

โš ๏ธ Wrong walking direction - Circular motion must be toward deep grip side for mechanics to work

โš ๏ธ Giving up when they move - Maintain grips and adjust; their movement can help

โš ๏ธ Forcing against strong defense - If grips unavailable, transition to back take instead

๐ŸŽ“ Training Progressionsโ€‹

Solo Drillsโ€‹

  1. Collar Grip Depth Practice (10 minutes daily)

    • Practice on your own gi jacket
    • Focus on getting four+ fingers deep
    • Train feeding hand deeper into collar
    • Build grip strength and hand positioning
    • Practice both standard and palm-up grips

  2. Circular Walking Motion (5 minutes)

    • Practice walking in circular pattern around imaginary opponent
    • Simulate the hip drop and extension
    • Build comfort with directional movement
    • Clockwise and counter-clockwise both sides
    • Understand the angles created by movement

  3. Extension Mechanics (10 reps each side)

    • Practice the extension motion with imaginary grips
    • Feel how body extension creates pressure
    • Simulate collar pulling while extending legs
    • Build muscle memory for finish mechanics

Partner Drillsโ€‹

Level 1: Cooperative (No Resistance)

  • Partner gives you turtle position
  • Practice full clock choke sequence 10 times each side
  • Focus: Grip depth, walking pattern, extension mechanics
  • Stop at light pressure (safety critical - blood choke)
  • Partner provides feedback on grip depth

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

  • Partner makes basic turtle defenses (collar protection, movement)
  • Practice fighting for deep collar grip
  • Focus: Timing grip entry, maintaining chest pressure
  • Smooth execution through light resistance
  • Partner defends enough to make you work

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start with turtle top position
  • Partner actively defends collar and attempts escapes
  • Hunt for clock choke while preventing escapes
  • Focus: Timing, grip security, recognizing opportunities
  • Maintain top position if submission not available
  • Chain with back take attempts

Level 4: Live Application (100%)

  • Full rolling, allow turtle situations naturally
  • Finish with clock choke when opportunity arises
  • Focus: Recognition of turtle, immediate grip attack
  • Combine with other turtle attacks
  • Tap early for safety (blood choke)
  • Competition-level intensity

Common Setup Drillsโ€‹

Drill 1: Failed Guard Pass to Turtle to Clock Choke

  1. Attempt guard pass
  2. Partner turns to turtle to defend
  3. Immediately attack deep collar grip
  4. Drive chest pressure
  5. Execute full clock choke sequence
  6. 10 reps each side
  7. Builds recognition of common entry scenario

See guard passing concepts

Drill 2: Clock Choke or Back Take Decision

  1. Partner in turtle position
  2. Establish deep collar grip
  3. Partner determines defense (either collar or back)
  4. You adapt: if collar defended โ†’ back take; if back defended โ†’ clock choke
  5. Flow drill for 3 minutes
  6. Develops decision-making under pressure

See back mount details

Drill 3: Grip Fighting from Turtle Top

  1. Turtle top position established
  2. Partner aggressively defends collar
  3. Practice fighting for deep collar grip
  4. Once achieved, immediately attack clock choke
  5. 5-minute continuous rounds
  6. Builds persistence and grip fighting skill

Progression Timelineโ€‹

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Learn basic mechanics, grip requirements (no resistance)
  • Week 3-4: Add walking motion, light resistance drilling
  • Week 5-8: Positional drilling from various turtle entries
  • Month 3-6: Live application, combination with back takes
  • Month 6+: Modified variations, competition application, teaching others

๐Ÿ”ง Troubleshooting Guideโ€‹

Problem: Can't Get Deep Collar Gripโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Attack immediately when they first turtle (before structure settles)
  2. Create space by pulling their far shoulder back slightly
  3. Use your head to push their head down (creates neck space)
  4. Four fingers in, thumb out for maximum depth
  5. Walk your fingers deeper once initial grip established
  6. If deep grip truly unavailable, attack back take instead
  7. Your chest weight keeps them flat while reaching
  8. Time grip attempt when they're moving or adjusting

Problem: They Defend by Grabbing My Sleeveโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Establish collar grip before they can react
  2. Use free hand to strip their defensive grip
  3. Drive chest pressure heavier to limit their mobility
  4. Threaten back take to make them defend multiple threats
  5. Be persistent - keep attempting grip
  6. Use their grip defense to transition to back control
  7. Attack when they're tired or distracted

Problem: Walking Motion Feels Awkwardโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Practice solo drills for circular walking pattern
  2. Start walk slowly, build speed as comfort increases
  3. Ensure grips are secure before starting walk
  4. Walk toward deep collar grip side (not random direction)
  5. Think of walking "around their head" like clock hands
  6. Your hips lead the movement, feet follow
  7. Don't rush - smooth circular motion more effective

Problem: Choke Feels Weak Even With Good Gripsโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Verify first grip is truly deep (four fingers minimum, at shoulder)
  2. Check that you've completed full circular walk to perpendicular position
  3. Must extend body away while pulling collar
  4. Both grips must pull simultaneously
  5. Lock your legs for stability and added extension
  6. Your head should be near their far hip at finish
  7. Some opponent's neck anatomy requires deeper grip

Problem: They Escape During Setupโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Heavy chest pressure prevents movement during grip establishment
  2. Don't telegraph by walking before grips secure
  3. Control their near-side hip with second hand initially
  4. If they turn into you, abandon choke and take back mount
  5. Maintain connection throughout - don't create space
  6. Speed up grip establishment (attack decisively)
  7. If escape imminent, secure seatbelt and take back instead

Problem: Can't Complete Full Circle (Space Constraints)โ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Use modified clock choke variation (45-90 degree angle)
  2. Fall to hip even without complete walk-around
  3. Focus on extension mechanics rather than perfect circle
  4. Wall or boundary can actually help trap them
  5. Same grip requirements apply
  6. Angle your body as much as space permits
  7. Pull harder with collar grips to compensate for limited angle

๐Ÿ”„ Attack Chains & Combinationsโ€‹

Clock Choke โ†’ Back Mount Flowโ€‹

When they defend collar:

  1. Setup deep collar grip attempt
  2. They turn into you to defend collar
  3. Their defensive turn exposes their back
  4. Abandon clock choke immediately
  5. Establish seatbelt grip
  6. Insert hooks and secure back mount
  7. Attack rear naked choke from back

Learn back mount technique

Turtle Top โ†’ Back Take โ†’ Clock Chokeโ€‹

From turtle attacks:

  1. Opponent in turtle position
  2. Attempt back take with seatbelt
  3. They defend back control aggressively
  4. Use your positioning to secure collar grip
  5. Switch to clock choke attack
  6. Continuous pressure from turtle top
  7. Two high-percentage attacks from same position

Clock Choke โ†’ Crucifix Positionโ€‹

When they defend but expose arms:

  1. Deep collar grip established
  2. They grab your arms to prevent finish
  3. Their arms are extended and isolated
  4. Trap near arm with your legs
  5. Roll them while maintaining collar grip
  6. Transition to crucifix position
  7. Multiple finishing options available

Failed Clock Choke โ†’ Bow and Arrowโ€‹

When position transitions:

  1. Clock choke grips established
  2. They defend and you take back during defense
  3. Maintain deep collar grip throughout transition
  4. Establish hooks for back mount
  5. Collar grip already deep for bow and arrow
  6. Transition to bow and arrow finish
  7. Efficient use of established collar grip

Learn bow and arrow details

๐Ÿ’ก Advanced Conceptsโ€‹

Entry Variationsโ€‹

From Failed Guard Pass

  • Most common competition entry
  • Opponent turtles to defend pass
  • Collar exposed during turtle entry
  • Immediate collar grip while they settle
  • High percentage sequence

From Scrambles

  • Turtle exposure during transitions
  • Quick collar grip during chaos
  • Don't need perfect position
  • Opportunistic attack
  • Finish from imperfect setup

From Back Control Attempt

  • Attempting back take
  • They defend seatbelt aggressively
  • Collar becomes available
  • Switch to clock choke
  • Back attacks work as system

From Opponent's Guard Recovery

  • Passing their guard
  • They turn to turtle rather than be passed
  • Immediate turtle attack opportunity
  • Capitalize on defensive movement

Grip Fighting Strategiesโ€‹

Establishing Deep Collar Grip:

  • Attack during transition to turtle
  • Grip before defensive structure settles
  • Use head pressure to create neck space
  • Four fingers minimum depth
  • Walk fingers deeper after initial grip
  • Persistent attempts wear down defense

Maintaining Collar Control:

  • Death grip once achieved
  • Never voluntarily release deep collar
  • Defend grip with body position
  • Build forearm endurance for gi grips
  • Grip is foundation of entire technique

Second Grip Tactics:

  • First grip is primary weapon
  • Second grip creates angle and reinforces
  • Can vary second grip (collar, belt, hip)
  • Palm-up grip on near collar most common
  • Adapt to what's available

Gi vs No-Gi Realityโ€‹

Gi Specific Technique:

  • Clock choke requires gi material
  • No direct no-gi equivalent
  • One of best arguments for gi training
  • Changes entire turtle attack strategy
  • Must master for gi competition

Alternative in No-Gi:

  • Darce/Anaconda chokes from turtle
  • Back takes become primary
  • Different grip strategy required
  • Clock choke mindset doesn't transfer
  • Gi and no-gi turtle attacks diverge significantly

Competition Strategyโ€‹

When to Attack:

  • Immediately when they turtle
  • After threatening back take (makes them defend collar less)
  • When opponent is tired
  • When position is secure
  • Not in first 30 seconds unless perfect opportunity

Risk Management:

  • Low risk from turtle top
  • Losing position is main danger
  • Back take often safer choice
  • Clock choke is aggressive submission hunt
  • Patient setup yields higher finish rate
  • If failing, transition to back control

Tournament Application:

  • Common in high-level gi competition
  • Expected technique from turtle
  • Opponents will defend collar aggressively
  • Use as part of turtle attack system
  • Practice under pressure essential
  • Quick finish scores well with judges

Reading Opponent's Turtle Defenseโ€‹

Strong Turtle Indicators:

  • Collar protected with chin and hands
  • Active movement and base adjustment
  • Immediate collar defense reaction
  • Consider back take instead

Weak Turtle Indicators:

  • Static position
  • Collar exposed
  • Focus on preventing back take only
  • Ideal clock choke opportunity
  • Attack aggressively

๐ŸŽฏ Belt-Level Expectationsโ€‹

White Belt Goalsโ€‹

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand clock choke concept (Month 6-8)
  • Execute from cooperative turtle position
  • Learn importance of collar grip depth
  • Basic circular walking motion
  • Safe application (blood choke awareness)
  • Recognize turtle attack opportunities

Blue Belt Developmentโ€‹

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Clock choke becomes reliable gi finish from turtle
  • Combination with back take attempts
  • Proper grip fighting from turtle
  • Consistent finish rate in drilling
  • Understanding when to use versus back take
  • Competition application begins
  • Modified variations based on space

Purple Belt Masteryโ€‹

  • Clock choke is primary turtle submission
  • Advanced entries from all turtle scenarios
  • Teaching ability with detailed corrections
  • High competition finish rate
  • Immediate recognition and execution
  • Integration with complete turtle attack system
  • Gi tail variations and grip adaptations
  • Reading opponent's defense quality

๐ŸŽฏ Next Stepsโ€‹

After understanding clock choke fundamentals:

  1. Master collar grip depth โ†’ Critical skill that determines success
  2. Perfect circular walking โ†’ Creates the angle for finish
  3. Learn back take combination โ†’ Turtle attacks work as system
  4. Drill from failed passes โ†’ Most common entry scenario
  5. Practice turtle top control โ†’ Foundation for all turtle attacks
  6. Study bow and arrow โ†’ Uses similar collar grip concept

๐Ÿ”— Related Resourcesโ€‹

Position Prerequisitesโ€‹

Combination Techniquesโ€‹

Theoretical Foundationโ€‹

Progress Trackingโ€‹