Today I’m going to go over a submission technique called the Cross Collar Choke From Guard. If you practice Jiu-Jitsu then you know that you can pull this move from a few different positions, and I will be going over those as well.
How Does The Cross Collar Choke Work?
The cross collar choke is a move that cuts off the air circulation of your opponents wind pipe making it hard for him to breathe. It is called “cross collar” because you are using the collar of your opponents gi to choke him out in an arm crossing motion. This move will cause your opponent to tap out, if he doesn’t he will go unconscious.
Cross Collar Choke From Guard
The first position I’m going to go over doing the cross choke is from closed guard position. This is when you are on your back and your opponent is mounted on top of you. below are the steps in sequence to do this submission move.
1) The first step in this move is to use your dominant hand to get your first four fingers in cross grab grip on the opponent’s collar.
2) The next step is to take your other hand and move it underneath your dominant hand to execute another cross grab grip. Remember to use only 4 fingers.
3) The final equation in all this is to pull the opponent’s collars tight; bringing his head to your chest and your own elbows to your hips. This will instantly cause your opponent to loose oxygen. Again, your cutting off the air supply via the wind pipe. If he doesn’t tap out he will lose consciousness. below is a video with full demonstration on how to do the cross collar choke.
Cross Collar Choke From Mount
Now we’ll address the cross collar choke from mount position. The moves to do the choke is the exact same but reversed.
Stabilize Your Position – The first thing you want to do when you get into the mount position is stabilize yourself. Often when fighters get into the mount position they get too excited and want to go for a submission right away before stabilizing themselves first. This imbalance causes the opponent on the bottom to bridge then reverse the mount. All that effort you put into getting on top has now gone down the drain. Just be patient and do the move when you get stable.
Apply Your Grips – Now it’s time to apply your collar grips. Do the same thing as if you were applying this move from the closed guard position. Take your dominant hand and cross grab grip your opponents gi collar with the first four fingers. Take your other hand and move it underneath your dominant hand to execute another cross grab grip to the collar.
Apply The Squeeze – In order for the choke to be effective you have to apply the choke the right way. Often I see fighters who are just starting out make the wrong hand motion when they have the collar grip applied, and they wonder why the opponent is still able to fend them off. it’s because they didn’t apply the right hand motion in order for the choke to work.
Once your grips are on the collar you want to lean forward and closer to your opponent, this is to deepen the choke. Then, you want to pull down and twist simultaneously. If done right your opponent will tap out immediately. Below is a video of Roger Gracie, the master of the cross collar choke, explaining how to do the grip and how execute the full move.
Cross Collar Choke From Back
When you are on the ground behind your opponent it is important to control your opponent. The more control you have over him the harder it is for him to escape for the choke. Also remember to preserve as much energy as you can. Your opponent will be rocking from side to side using his hands a lot to fend you off, allow him to waste his energy so you can execute your move. Focus on controlling methods at your gym.
one of the best control methods while on the ground behind your opponent is the “clutch” or “seat belt: as they call it. Your right hand will go over the right shoulder of your opponent, and your left arm will go under the left arm pit of your opponent. To have ultimate control grab your right wrist with your left hand, but don’t grab your right hand too far down because if you do you will give your opponent your wrist. Always hide your wristwatch.
Now that you are in position you are going to hold tight, bringing your hands to your chin. Your right hand is open and is free to work. Feed your right thumb to their far left lapel.
Slide your thumb underneath the inside of their lapel. Okay, once you have this in position let your left hand go. With your left hand, grab their left lapel underneath your right hand. Using your left hand pull their lapel down, sliding the lapel through your right hand.
Your right grip doesn’t have to be super tight just a basic grip will do so loosen up a bit. To finish up the move using your left hand; grab their far (right) jacket lapel. You’re then going to fall to your side. As you fall to your side, bring your right elbow up and behind your opponent’s right shoulder. Then pull both your elbows back as you pull your legs back. Below are a few video demonstrations of the move.
The DOUBLE Collar Choke From The Back
How to Do the Cross Lapel Choke From the Back
In conclusion the cross collar choke from guard, mount or the back can be a great move to use to submit your opponent. in fact it’s actually one of the first choke moves you learn in judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s basic but if you don’t have an understanding of how to do it properly then you won’t apply it effectively. Perfect the move and use it to conquer in grappling matched.