Loop Choke

Quick Introduction

The loop choke is a deceptive gi submission that catches opponents during transitions, guard play, and passing attempts. Using a single deep collar grip and your arm creating a "loop" around the opponent's neck, this versatile choke works from guard (top and bottom), turtle attacks, and even during scrambles. Its effectiveness comes from how easily it hides within normal gripping patterns.

Technique Overview

Type: Strangulation (blood choke - carotid arteries)

Station: Submissions - Guard and transition positions

Available from: Closed guard (bottom), half guard (top), turtle (attacking), during guard passes, scrambles

Finish: Deep collar grip with arm looping over neck creates compression on one side, collar on other

Leads to: Triangle, sweeps, guard passes, position transitions

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Loop Choke Variations (3 Main Applications)

🎯 Loop Choke from Closed Guard (Bottom Attack)

Setup Position

You're on bottom in closed guard with opponent inside your guard

Execution (Step by Step)

1. You have closed guard (opponent between your legs)
2. Opponent is postured up or attempting to pass
3. Same-side hand shoots deep into their same-side collar
4. Grip extremely deep (palm up, thumb out, 4+ fingers deep)
5. This grip goes to their opposite shoulder area (cross collar)
6. Opposite hand posts or grabs their sleeve
7. Open your guard and start to invert/roll backward
8. As you roll, swing your legs over to the side of your grip
9. Your body rolls underneath them
10. Your gripping arm creates a loop around their neck
11. Collar compresses one side, your arm the other
12. Pull elbow of gripping arm toward your hip
13. Clamp your arm tight creating the loop
14. Their own weight and your pull finish the choke

Critical Details

• Grip must be exceptionally deep (deepest collar grip you'll make)
• Roll direction is toward the gripping side
• Legs swing over as you invert
• Your shoulder/arm create one side of pressure
• Collar material creates other side
• Like a sliding noose around their neck
• Their weight works against them
• Very tight finish when properly executed

Tactical Advantage

Unexpected from bottom guard; catches opponents during passing attempts; turns defensive position into attack; works when they have posture; gi-specific surprise; forces them to abandon pass

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⚔️ Loop Choke from Turtle (Attacking Top)

Setup Position

Opponent in turtle position with you attacking from the side or front

Execution (Step by Step)

1. Opponent in defensive turtle position
2. You're at their side or slightly in front
3. Near hand reaches deep into their far collar
4. Palm up grip, thumb out, extremely deep
5. Grip should reach toward their opposite shoulder
6. Far arm can control their near arm or head
7. Drive your weight over their back
8. Circle your gripping arm over their head
9. Your arm creates loop over their neck
10. Pull them onto their side with the grip
11. Collar on one side, your arm on other
12. Squeeze your arm tight to their neck
13. Pull elbow to your hip
14. Drive weight down and finish

Critical Details

• From turtle, angle is critical
• Must be perpendicular or slightly in front
• Grip depth determines success
• Use weight to flatten them
• Loop arm drives over their head
• Pulling them to their side helps finish
• Can finish while they're still in turtle
• Very tight when locked properly

Tactical Advantage

Attacks defensive turtle position; forces them to flatten or tap; can't see the attack coming; unexpected choke from this position; demonstrates technical knowledge; works when other turtle attacks defended

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🔄 Loop Choke During Guard Pass (Transition)

Setup Position

You're passing someone's guard and they defend with collar grip, or you grip their collar during your pass

Execution (Step by Step)

1. You're in process of passing their guard
2. As you pass, grip deep into their collar
3. Same-side hand to same-side collar (or cross collar)
4. Palm up, extremely deep grip
5. Continue your passing motion
6. As you move to side control or beyond
7. Your arm naturally creates loop over their neck
8. Collar grip on one side
9. Your arm/shoulder pressure on other
10. Secure your passing position
11. Pull collar grip tight
12. Drive shoulder into their neck
13. Finish from top position

Critical Details

• Opportunistic during transitions
• Grip established during passing motion
• They often don't recognize danger
• Works during knee slice, leg drag passes
• Can finish from various angles
• Loop forms naturally during movement
• Catches people mid-transition
• Very sneaky application

Tactical Advantage

Catches opponents during their defensive movements; hides within passing grips; unexpected timing; forces tap during transition; demonstrates advanced timing; turns passing into submission

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Important Observations (General Rules)

Core Principles

1. 🎯 Grip depth is critical - Deepest collar grip in BJJ
2. 💪 Loop creates structure - Arm loops over, not just straight pull
3. ⏱️ Timing during movement - Works best in transitions
4. 🔄 Collar does half the work - Your arm does the other half
5. 🎮 Variation selection - Choose based on position:
   • Closed guard → Defensive to offensive conversion
   • Turtle → Attacking defensive position
   • Guard passing → Opportunistic during transition

Connection to Theories

Applying core principles:

• Gi Utilization: Pure gi technique requiring collar
• Opportunistic Timing: Catches during transitions and movements
• Leverage: Loop structure creates mechanical advantage
• Compression: Two-sided pressure on carotid arteries
• Weight Distribution: Their own weight assists choke
• Deception: Hides within normal gripping patterns

Common Mistakes

⚠️ Grip not deep enough - Shallow grip equals no choke, must be deepest possible

⚠️ Straight pull instead of loop - Must create arc/loop over their neck

⚠️ Wrong rolling direction from guard - Roll toward gripping side, not away

⚠️ Telegraphing the setup - Should look like normal collar grip initially

⚠️ Not using their weight - Let their weight work with you, not against

⚠️ Giving up too early - Takes time to tighten, be patient

⚠️ Forgetting to pull elbow to hip - This motion tightens the loop

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🎓 Training Progressions

Solo Drills

1. Deep Collar Grip Practice (10 minutes)

   • Practice on your own gi or training partner's gi
   • Focus on getting maximum depth (entire hand in collar)
   • Both sides equally
   • Build hand strength for deep grips
   • Make it feel natural
   • Palm up, thumb out positioning

2. Rolling Motion Drill (5 minutes)

   • Practice rolling backward motion
   • Simulate pulling opponent with grip
   • Build awareness of direction
   • Both sides
   • Focus on smooth movement
   • No partner needed initially

3. Loop Arm Mechanics (10 reps each side)

   • On dummy or heavy bag with gi
   • Establish deep collar grip
   • Practice looping arm over dummy's neck
   • Feel the arc motion
   • Pull elbow to hip motion
   • Build muscle memory

Partner Drills

Level 1: Cooperative (No Resistance)

• Partner in appropriate position (guard, turtle, etc.)
• Practice full sequence 10 times each side
• Focus: Grip depth, loop mechanics, finish position
• Stop at light pressure (safety critical)

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

• Partner makes basic defenses (posture, head positioning)
• Practice establishing grip and executing technique
• Focus: Grip fighting, timing, smooth execution
• Don't force choke; feel the mechanics

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

• Start from guard or turtle with loop choke as goal
• Partner actively defends but maintains general position
• Focus: Timing, recognizing opportunities, setup
• Practice catching during transitions

Level 4: Live Application (100%)

• Full rolling, hunt for loop choke opportunities
• Focus: Opportunistic recognition during transitions
• Combine with sweeps and guard retention
• Tap early for safety (blood choke)

Common Setup Drills

Drill 1: Closed Guard Loop Choke

1. Start in closed guard (bottom)
2. Partner postured or passing
3. Establish deep collar grip
4. Execute rolling motion
5. Finish loop choke
6. 10 reps each side
7. Focus on grip depth and roll direction

See closed guard concepts

Drill 2: Turtle Attack Loop Choke

1. Partner in turtle position
2. Establish position at their side
3. Deep collar grip to far side
4. Loop over and finish
5. Flow drill for 3 minutes
6. Alternate with partner
7. Learn to recognize angle and timing

Drill 3: Passing to Loop Choke Flow

1. Start passing opponent's guard
2. Establish collar grip during pass
3. Complete pass while maintaining grip
4. Finish loop choke from top
5. 5 minutes continuous flow
6. Partner provides realistic resistance
7. Learn opportunistic timing

Drill 4: Loop Choke to Sweep

1. Setup loop choke from guard
2. Partner defends strongly
3. Use grip to execute sweep
4. Come to top position
5. Maintain collar control
6. Flow drill showing connection
7. 5 minutes each

Progression Timeline

Following training methods:

• Week 1-2: Learn basic mechanics from closed guard (no resistance)
• Week 3-4: Add rolling motion, turtle variation
• Week 5-8: Positional drilling with timing emphasis
• Month 3-6: Live application, opportunistic recognition
• Month 6+: Advanced setups, passing variation, competition application

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🔧 Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Can't Get Grip Deep Enough

Solutions:

1. Use your other hand to create space in collar
2. Shoot grip explosively when opportunity appears
3. Time grip during their movement
4. Work on hand flexibility and strength
5. Some gis easier than others (thicker collar = easier)
6. Walk fingers deeper after initial grip
7. Be patient and persistent

Problem: Roll Direction Feels Wrong from Guard

Solutions:

1. Always roll toward the side you gripped
2. If right hand grips, roll to your right
3. Practice rolling motion without partner first
4. Swing legs to the gripping side
5. Invert backward, not to the side initially
6. Film yourself to see direction
7. May feel unnatural at first - practice repeatedly

Problem: Loop Doesn't Feel Tight

Solutions:

1. Verify grip is truly deep (4-5 fingers minimum)
2. Pull elbow of gripping arm toward your hip
3. Create arc/loop over their neck, not straight pull
4. Drive your shoulder into side of their neck
5. Let their weight work with you
6. Adjust angle by moving your body
7. Be patient - pressure builds over time

Problem: Opponent Pulls Head Out

Solutions:

1. Establish grip earlier before they recognize
2. Move faster through the rolling/looping motion
3. Control their head with your other hand
4. Once loop formed, don't give space
5. Use their pull to tighten (like a noose)
6. Practice setup with less telegraphing
7. Combine with other attacks to distract

Problem: Can't Finish from Turtle

Solutions:

1. Check angle - need to be perpendicular or in front
2. Ensure grip reaches their far shoulder (very deep)
3. Drive weight over their back while looping
4. Pull them onto their side to finish
5. May need to flatten them first
6. Verify loop is over head, not just neck
7. Squeeze arm tight to neck

Problem: Losing Position During Setup

Solutions:

1. Don't overcommit if position isn't stable
2. From guard: Control their posture first
3. From top: Maintain base while gripping
4. Abandon if losing position - return to control
5. Position always before submission
6. Use as threat, not desperation move
7. Practice maintaining position while setting up

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🔄 Attack Chains & Combinations

Loop Choke → Triangle from Guard

From closed guard:

1. Setup loop choke from bottom
2. They defend by pulling head back
3. Their arm positioning may open for triangle
4. Abandon loop, attack triangle
5. Collar grip can assist triangle setup
6. Continuous guard attack flow

Learn triangle technique

Loop Choke → Sweep

From guard bottom:

1. Establish deep collar grip for loop
2. They defend by posturing hard
3. Use collar grip as handle
4. Execute flower sweep or hip bump
5. Come to top position
6. Maintain collar control for top attacks

Turtle → Loop Choke → Back Take

From turtle attack:

1. Attack loop choke from turtle
2. They roll away to defend
3. Maintain collar grip during their movement
4. Take the back as they roll
5. Finish with rear naked choke or collar choke
6. Fluid transition

Guard Pass → Loop Choke → Side Control

Passing sequence:

1. Pass guard with collar grip established
2. Threaten loop choke during pass
3. If not available, complete pass
4. Establish side control with grip
5. Collar control aids position retention
6. Can re-attack loop or other submissions

Learn side control attacks

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💡 Advanced Concepts

Historical Context

Brazilian Development:

• Modern BJJ innovation
• Not traditional judo technique
• Emerged from gi experimentation
• Popularized by competition success
• Shows evolution of gi game

Competition Impact:

• Increasingly common in tournaments
• Catches high-level competitors
• Works across weight classes
• Signature technique for several champions
• Demonstrates technical creativity

Grip Fighting Strategies

Establishing the Grip:

• Make it look like normal collar grip
• Don't telegraph the attack
• Shoot grip during their movement
• Use other grips to distract
• Time when they're focused elsewhere
• Persistence in grip fighting

Maintaining Depth:

• Death grip once established
• Never loosen the collar grip
• Adjust body around the grip
• Grip is anchor point for entire technique
• Most important detail of technique
• Without depth, technique impossible

Position-Specific Timing

From Closed Guard:

• When they're postured up
• During their passing attempts
• When they're reaching for grips
• As they stand to open guard
• Opportunistic moment recognition
• Turn defense into offense

From Turtle:

• When they're static in turtle
• Side angle approach
• Before they escape or roll
• When other turtle attacks defended
• Alternative to anaconda/darce
• Unexpected attack vector

During Guard Passing:

• Knee slice pass (excellent timing)
• Leg drag pass (natural setup)
• During any passing motion
• When they're defending the pass
• Hides within passing grips
• Advanced timing skill

Gi-Specific Considerations

Why Gi Only:

• Requires collar material
• No no-gi equivalent
• Pure gi specialization
• Must master for gi competition
• Defines advanced gi game

Gi Requirements:

• Legal gi with regulation collar
• Thicker collar easier for grip
• Traditional cut gis work well
• Check competition gi rules
• Some gis more loop choke friendly

Collar Dynamics:

• Collar does 50% of the work
• Material compresses one carotid
• Your arm compresses the other
• Together create complete choke
• Quality gi material matters

Body Mechanics

The Loop Structure:

• Not straight pull - creates arc
• Arm curves over their neck
• Like lasso or noose
• Tightens as they move
• Self-tightening mechanism
• Efficient use of leverage

Weight Distribution:

• From guard: Their weight assists
• From turtle: Your weight drives
• From passing: Transitional weight
• Work with gravity
• Don't fight against forces
• Efficient energy use

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🎯 Belt-Level Expectations

White Belt Goals

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

• Understand loop choke mechanics (Month 9-12)
• Execute from closed guard with cooperative partner
• Learn proper grip depth (deepest collar grip)
• Basic rolling motion from guard
• Safe application (tap early to chokes)
• Recognition of setup opportunities

Blue Belt Development

Referenced in Skill Progression:

• Loop choke from guard and turtle positions
• Opportunistic recognition during live rolling
• Integration with guard game and sweeps
• Finish rate improves
• Turtle variation application
• Competition use in gi
• Teaching basic mechanics

Purple Belt Mastery

• Loop choke becomes signature gi weapon
• Advanced timing during transitions
• Passing variation mastery
• Teaching ability with clear demonstration
• Multiple position setups
• Strategic grip fighting
• Competition specialization
• Integration into complete gi system

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🎯 Next Steps

After understanding loop choke fundamentals:

1. Master closed guard version first → Foundation technique
2. Perfect grip depth → Deepest collar grip you'll make
3. Practice rolling motion → From guard, smooth and controlled
4. Learn turtle variation → Expands your turtle attack system
5. Study opportunistic timing → During passes and transitions
6. Integrate with guard game → Combine with sweeps and other attacks

🔗 Related Resources

Position Prerequisites

• Closed Guard - Primary bottom position
• Half Guard - Alternative guard position
• Open Guard - Transition positions
• Turtle Attacks - Attacking turtle position

Combination Techniques

• Triangle - Perfect combination from guard
• Cross Collar Choke - Related collar choke
• Guillotine - Alternative front headlock
• Rear Naked Choke - Back take finish
• Submissions Overview - All submission techniques

Theoretical Foundation

• Principles & Theories - Gi utilization and timing
• Training Methods - Safe practice methods
• Technical Training Rhythms - Drilling structure

Progress Tracking

• Beginner's Journey - Month 9-12 advanced gi submissions
• Skill Progression - Blue belt gi game mastery
• Drills - Position-specific training routines
• Quick Reference - Gym-ready cheat sheets