Skip to main content

Cross Collar Choke

Quick Introduction​

The Cross Collar Choke is one of the most fundamental gi submissions in BJJ. Using the opponent's own collar against them, this versatile blood choke can be applied from multiple positions and is often the first gi-specific submission students learn.

Technique Overview​

Type: Strangulation (blood choke - carotid arteries)

Station: Submissions - Mount and guard positions

Available from: Mount (primary), closed guard, side control, scrambles

Finish: Collar grips create scissoring action compressing both carotid arteries

Leads to: Armbar, triangle (when defended), position transitions

Cross Collar Choke Variations (3 Main Applications)​

🎯 From Mount (Most Powerful)​

Setup Position

High mount position with weight distributed over opponent's chest

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish solid mount position
  2. First hand goes palm up (thumb inside) deep into their opposite collar
  3. Grip as deep as possible (4+ fingers deep, near their shoulder)
  4. Second hand goes palm down (thumb outside) into same-side collar
  5. Second grip stacks on top of first grip
  6. Elbows come down toward mat (not flared out)
  7. Drive chest forward and down
  8. Expand chest while pulling elbows toward your hips
  9. Forearms create scissoring action across their neck
  10. Maintain pressure until tap

Critical Details

  • First grip must be extremely deep (at least to third knuckle)
  • Thumb inside on first grip, thumb outside on second grip
  • Grips should be at or above their collar bone
  • Elbows drive down toward mat, not out to sides
  • Chest pressure keeps them flat
  • Your head stays low (near their head, not upright)
  • Second hand reinforces first - creates scissor

Tactical Advantage

Highest percentage gi choke; weight advantage from top; difficult to defend when properly set up; forces opponent to expose arms

⚔️ From Guard (Technical Counter)​

Setup Position

Closed guard with opponent in your guard posturing up

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Maintain closed guard control
  2. Break opponent's posture (pull them down)
  3. First hand shoots deep into their opposite collar (thumb inside)
  4. Pull them deeper into your guard with this grip
  5. Second hand goes palm down into same-side collar
  6. Lock your guard tighter and trap their posture
  7. Pull first elbow across your body (away from their body)
  8. Drive second elbow down
  9. Pull with both grips while expanding your chest
  10. Squeeze until tap

Critical Details

  • Break posture before attempting grips
  • First grip pulls them into your guard
  • Guard stays closed throughout
  • Create angle by pulling first elbow across
  • Their weight helps the choke when pulled down
  • Keep them broken down (no space to escape)

Tactical Advantage

Counter to their passing attempts; uses their forward pressure; forces them to defend or get choked; opens opportunities for sweeps

🔄 Loop Choke Variation (Sneaky Alternative)​

Setup Position

Mount or guard with one deep collar grip established

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish one very deep collar grip (palm up, thumb in)
  2. Same-side hand as grip reaches over their neck
  3. Grab own wrist or forearm
  4. Pull choking arm elbow up and across
  5. Drive weight forward (if from mount)
  6. Create loop with your arm around their neck
  7. Collar compresses one side, your arm the other
  8. Finish with chest pressure and grip pull

Critical Details

  • First grip must be exceptionally deep
  • Creates surprise attack from single collar grip
  • Works when they defend standard cross collar
  • Very tight finish with less telegraphing
  • Harder to see coming

Tactical Advantage

Catches experienced opponents off guard; requires only one collar grip initially; transitions from failed standard cross collar

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Depth of first grip - Shallow grip equals no choke; deep grip equals finish
  2. 💪 Elbows down not out - Flared elbows create weak structure
  3. ⏱️ Position before submission - Secure mount/guard control first
  4. 🔄 Scissoring action - Forearms cross to compress both sides simultaneously
  5. 🎮 Position selection - Choose based on where you are:
    • Mount → Most powerful and highest control
    • Guard → Best counter to posture/passing
    • Loop choke → When standard defense is good

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Leverage: Use opponent's gi (their equipment) against them
  • Positional Control: Dominant position enables technique execution
  • Two-Way Action: Both grips must work together (scissor principle)
  • Weight Distribution: From mount, your body weight amplifies choke
  • Structure Over Strength: Proper elbow position creates structural power

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ First grip too shallow - Most common error; choke will not finish without depth

⚠️ Elbows flaring out - Weak leverage; opponent can defend easily

⚠️ Sitting up in mount - Lose control; they can escape position

⚠️ Not breaking posture from guard - Cannot get grips if they're postured

⚠️ Pulling outward - Must pull elbows down and toward your hips, not apart

⚠️ Second grip too high - Should stack near first grip, not at their chin

⚠️ Releasing position to chase choke - Always maintain position first

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. Collar Grip Depth Practice (10 minutes)

    • Practice on your own gi jacket
    • Focus on getting 4+ fingers deep in collar
    • Train both grips (thumb in, thumb out)
    • Build hand strength and dexterity

  2. Elbow Path Visualization (5 minutes)

    • Practice the motion without partner
    • Simulate gripping and pulling elbows down
    • Feel the scissoring motion
    • Build muscle memory for proper mechanics

  3. Guard Posture Breaking (Against dummy)

    • Practice breaking posture with collar grips
    • Focus on pulling opponent into guard
    • 10 reps, emphasize control

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Cooperative (No Resistance)

  • Partner gives you mount or closed guard
  • Practice full sequence 10 times each position
  • Focus: Grip depth, elbow position, proper mechanics
  • Stop at light pressure (safety critical)

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

  • Partner makes basic defenses (hand blocking, posture)
  • Practice fighting for grips and maintaining position
  • Focus: Grip fighting, depth achievement, position maintenance

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start from mount or guard with cross collar as goal
  • Partner actively defends neck and grips
  • Focus: Timing, setup, recognizing opportunities
  • Maintain position even if choke unavailable

Level 4: Live Application (100%)

  • Full rolling, hunt cross collar from achieved positions
  • Focus: Position first, then submission
  • Combine with other attacks
  • Tap early for safety (blood choke)

Common Setup Drills​

Drill 1: Mount Control to Cross Collar

  1. Achieve high mount
  2. Stabilize position (3 seconds minimum)
  3. Attack first grip (fight for depth)
  4. Secure second grip
  5. Finish choke
  6. 10 reps, alternate sides

See mount control

Drill 2: Guard Posture Break to Choke

  1. Closed guard with opponent postured
  2. Break their posture down
  3. Immediately attack first collar grip
  4. Maintain broken posture
  5. Secure second grip and finish
  6. Flow drill for 3 minutes

See closed guard concepts

Drill 3: Failed Choke to Attack Chain

  1. Setup cross collar from mount
  2. Partner defends by grabbing your arms
  3. Transition to armbar
  4. Partner defends armbar
  5. Return to mount and cross collar
  6. Continuous flow for 5 minutes

Progression Timeline​

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Learn basic mechanics from mount (no resistance)
  • Week 3-4: Add guard variation, light resistance
  • Week 5-8: Positional drilling with grip fighting
  • Month 3-6: Live application, combination chains
  • Month 6+: Advanced setups, loop choke variation, teaching others

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: Can't Get First Grip Deep Enough​

Solutions:

  1. Control their posture first (from guard) or establish mount higher
  2. Use your other hand to create space in collar
  3. Feed your hand deeper by "walking" fingers
  4. Time your grip when they're moving or adjusting
  5. Use collar drag to create opening
  6. Be patient - don't force shallow grip

Problem: They Defend by Grabbing Your Sleeves​

Solutions:

  1. Keep elbows tight to body (harder to grab)
  2. If from mount, use weight to pin their arms
  3. Attack other submissions (armbar) when they grab
  4. Break one grip at a time to continue
  5. Use their grip defense to transition positions

Problem: Choke Feels Weak Even With Good Grips​

Solutions:

  1. Verify first grip is truly deep (4+ fingers minimum)
  2. Check elbow position (down toward mat, not flared)
  3. Expand your chest while pulling
  4. Ensure scissoring action (forearms cross)
  5. Drive weight forward (from mount)
  6. Verify proper grip configuration (thumb in/thumb out)

Problem: Losing Position While Attempting Choke​

Solutions:

  1. Establish position more solidly before attacking
  2. Don't overcommit to grips if position unstable
  3. Use base leg (from mount) to prevent being rolled
  4. Abandon choke if losing position - return to control
  5. Position always comes before submission

Problem: They Tuck Chin and Block Collar​

Solutions:

  1. Attack earlier before chin is tucked
  2. Use other attacks to distract (armbar threat)
  3. Be patient - wait for opening
  4. Switch to loop choke variation
  5. From mount, walk up higher to expose collar
  6. Use wrist control to pull their defensive hands away

🔄 Attack Chains & Combinations​

Cross Collar → Armbar Flow​

When they defend collar grips:

  1. They grab your sleeves/arms to prevent grips
  2. Their arms are extended and vulnerable
  3. Abandon collar grips
  4. Transition to armbar
  5. If armbar defended, return to collar attack

Learn armbar details

Mount → Cross Collar → Triangle Switch​

From mount:

  1. Threaten cross collar choke
  2. They defend by pushing your arms
  3. Use their arm extension to setup high mount
  4. Transition to mounted triangle
  5. Continuous pressure creates opening

Learn triangle technique

Guard → Cross Collar → Sweep​

From closed guard:

  1. Setup cross collar grips
  2. They posture hard to defend
  3. Use their upward pressure
  4. Execute flower sweep or hip bump
  5. Come to mount position
  6. Reattack cross collar from top

Loop Choke as Backup​

When standard cross collar is defended:

  1. Maintain your deep first grip
  2. Release second grip
  3. Grab own wrist over their neck
  4. Finish loop choke instead
  5. Same depth requirement, different finish

💡 Advanced Concepts​

From Different Positions​

From Side Control

  • Cross face with collar grip
  • Modified grip angles
  • Paper cutter variation (different technique but similar concept)
  • Lower percentage but available

From Back Mount

  • Collar drags to expose neck
  • Setup for rear naked choke
  • Gi material provides control points

From Guard Variations

  • Open guard with collar grips
  • Spider guard collar control
  • Lasso guard to cross collar
  • Each guard offers unique setup opportunities

Grip Fighting Strategies​

Establishing First Grip:

  • Time your entry when they're distracted
  • Use lapel drag to create opening
  • Fight their hands away with free hand
  • Explosive entry once committed
  • Persistence - keep attempting

Maintaining Depth:

  • Once deep, never let grip loosen
  • Adjust position around grip
  • Use grip as anchor point
  • Defend grip with body position
  • Death grip once achieved

Second Grip Entry:

  • First grip is secure foundation
  • Use first grip to pull them into position
  • Second grip completes the puzzle
  • Timing matters - don't rush
  • Stack grips close together

Gi vs No-Gi Reality​

Gi Specific:

  • Cross collar requires gi material
  • No equivalent in no-gi
  • Fundamental gi technique
  • Changes entire game strategy
  • Must master for gi competition

Why It Matters:

  • Gi provides control and weapons no-gi lacks
  • Cross collar opens entire attack system
  • Forces opponent to defend differently
  • Creates scrambles and opportunities
  • Fundamental to gi game development

Competition Application​

Strategic Use:

  • Threaten early to gauge defense
  • Use as position retention (grip control)
  • Forces defensive reactions
  • Opens other attacks
  • High percentage finish

Timing Considerations:

  • Don't rush in first minute
  • Establish position first
  • Use when you have control
  • Finish when opportunity clear
  • Know when to abandon and maintain position

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand cross collar mechanics (Month 3-4)
  • Execute from mount with cooperative partner
  • Learn proper grip depth and configuration
  • Basic posture breaking from guard
  • Safe application (tap quickly to blood choke)

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Cross collar from mount and guard consistently
  • Grip fighting proficiency
  • Combination with armbars and triangles
  • Finish rate improves significantly
  • Both standard and loop variations
  • Competition application

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Cross collar becomes primary gi attack
  • Advanced setups from all positions
  • Teaching ability
  • Multiple variation mastery
  • No-gi adaptation understanding
  • Strategic use for position control
  • Competition specialization

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding cross collar fundamentals:

  1. Master mount version first → Highest percentage position to learn mechanics
  2. Perfect grip depth → Spend dedicated time on collar grip practice
  3. Learn from guard → Essential counter-attack from bottom
  4. Study combinations → Cross collar to armbar flow
  5. Drill grip fighting → Ability to establish grips under resistance
  6. Add loop choke → Variation for when standard is defended

🔗 Related Resources​

Position Prerequisites​

Combination Techniques​

Theoretical Foundation​

Progress Tracking​