Blue
The Loop Choke: A Sneaky Gi Choke for BJJ Practitioners
The Loop Choke is a highly effective and often underestimated gi choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known for its deceptive setup and powerful finish. It leverages your opponent's posture and gi material to create a tight constriction around their neck, often catching them by surprise. This guide will break down the mechanics, setups, and common scenarios for executing this versatile submission.
Technique Map
graph LR
Choke["Choke"]:::catNode
Choke --> Loop_Choke
Loop_Choke["Loop Choke"]:::currentNode
Loop_Choke -.-> Rear_Naked_Choke["Rear Naked Choke"]:::relNode
Loop_Choke -.-> Triangle_Choke["Triangle Choke"]:::relNode
Loop_Choke -.-> Guillotine_Choke["Guillotine Choke"]:::relNode
Loop_Choke -.-> Bow_and_Arrow_Choke["Bow and Arrow Choke"]:::relNode
Loop_Choke -.-> Ezekiel_Choke["Ezekiel Choke"]:::relNode
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classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
Contents
How to Execute
1
Establish a deep, four-finger grip on your opponent's gi lapel with one hand, threading it through their collar towards the back of their neck.
2
Use your gripping hand to pull their head down towards their chest, breaking their posture and creating an opening for the choking arm.
3
With your free hand, reach over their head and grab your own sleeve or the back of their gi, creating a 'loop' with your arm and their lapel.
4
Drive your head down close to theirs, then pull your gripping hand towards your chest while simultaneously extending your 'looping' arm, squeezing the gi material tight around their neck.
5
Continue to apply pressure by crunching your body and pulling your hands in opposing directions until your opponent taps.
Key Details & Tips
1
Opponent's Head Position: The success of the loop choke heavily relies on your opponent's head being driven down and controlled.
2
Gi Material Management: Ensure you have enough slack in the gi to create a tight loop; sometimes pulling their lapel out first helps.
3
Common Mistake: Not breaking posture sufficiently, which allows the opponent to defend easily or create space for escape.
4
Tip: Use your head as a 'third hand', driving it into their shoulder or chest to maintain control and reinforce the posture break.
Variations
1
From Guard: Setting up the loop choke as the opponent attempts to pass or when they are postured up in your closed guard, using their forward momentum.
2
From Side Control/North-South: Transitioning into the loop choke as they try to escape side control or when you are in a north-south position and can control their head.
3
Modified Loop (Lapel to Lapel): Instead of grabbing your own sleeve, you might grab their far lapel, creating a double lapel choke with a similar looping motion.
When to Use
1
When your opponent is posturing up in your guard or half guard, offering their lapel and neck for an attack.
2
From side control or mount, especially if they are trying to frame or push into you, creating an opening around their neck.
3
As a counter to an opponent trying to pass your guard aggressively, driving their head forward and exposing their neck.
Counters & Defenses
1
Posture Up Immediately: As soon as the first grip is established, posture up aggressively and pull your head away from the choking arm's path.
2
Strip the Grip: Use both hands to strip the initial lapel grip, preventing the setup from progressing to the looping stage.
3
Tuck Chin/Turn Head: Tuck your chin tightly to your chest and turn your head away from the looping arm to create space and make it harder for them to cinch the choke.
Related Video
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โ๏ธ Training Safety & Performance
Q: Is the Loop Choke only effective with the gi?
While primarily a gi choke that heavily utilizes the lapel for its unique mechanics, the underlying principle of looping an arm around the neck can be adapted to no-gi situations. However, in no-gi, it often translates into variations of the arm-triangle or head-and-arm choke, rather than the traditional Loop Choke itself.
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