Loop Choke: Open Guard Submission

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Contents

Overview

The loop choke is a powerful submission from open guard that uses your legs and collar grip together to apply extreme pressure.

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Guard Setup

From open guard, establish a strong collar grip with your hand. Ensure your legs are active and controlling your opponent's posture.

Leg Mechanics

Loop one of your legs over their shoulder and across their neck. The leg creates the "loop" while your hand controls the opposite collar.

Pressure Application

Pull collar grip toward you
Drive legs upward and forward
Keep chest to chest pressure

Variation Details

The loop choke can be modified by changing leg position, hand placement, and the angle of your body. Practice against different body types for consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn Loop Choke Guide?

Most practitioners develop functional competency with Loop Choke Guide within 3–6 months of consistent drilling. Mastery — the ability to execute reliably in live rolling against resisting opponents — typically takes 1–2 years.

Is Loop Choke Guide effective for beginners?

Yes. Loop Choke Guide is part of the core BJJ curriculum and taught at all belt levels. Beginners should focus on the fundamental mechanics and concepts before refining advanced entries.

How often should I drill Loop Choke Guide?

3–5 times per week is ideal for rapid skill acquisition. Even 10 focused repetitions per session compounds over time — consistency matters more than volume.

What positions connect to Loop Choke Guide?

BJJ is a linked system. Loop Choke Guide flows naturally to and from related positions. Study transitions in both directions to build a complete positional game.

More Questions

How do I prevent my opponent from stacking me when I'm trying the loop choke from open guard?

To counter stacking, focus on maintaining your hip connection and using your legs to create frames. Actively push off their hips and shoulders with your feet and shins to create space and prevent them from collapsing on you.

What's the best way to finish the loop choke if my opponent defends by posturing up?

If they posture up, you can transition to a triangle choke or armbar, or use that momentum to re-establish your guard and look for the loop choke again. Alternatively, you can use their upward movement to drive your shoulder deeper into their neck.

My loop choke feels loose, what am I doing wrong?

Ensure you're getting your choking arm deep enough, past their shoulder and across their neck. Also, make sure your secondary arm is securely trapping their far arm, preventing them from posturing or creating space to escape.

Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

Q: When I try to set up the Loop Choke from open guard, my opponent easily pulls their head out, what am I doing wrong biomechanically?

You're likely not establishing a strong cross-face with your forearm; ensure your elbow is driving into their cheekbone, creating a wedge that prevents head escape. Simultaneously, your choking arm needs to be deep under their chin, with your bicep pressing against their carotid artery, not just their throat.

Q: How can I generate more leverage and finish the Loop Choke from open guard when my opponent is much heavier than me?

To increase leverage against a heavier opponent, focus on tightening your grip by pulling their shoulder into your chest, effectively shortening the lever arm. Drive your hips up into their body to create upward pressure, while simultaneously using your legs to control their base and prevent them from posturing up.

Q: My neck feels strained and I'm not getting a clean submission with the Loop Choke from open guard, what is the correct body positioning to avoid injury and maximize pressure?

Ensure your choking arm's elbow is positioned lower than your opponent's head, creating a downward angle of attack on the carotid artery. Keep your back straight and hips elevated, using your core to pull your opponent's head into your bicep, rather than relying solely on neck strength.