The Paper Cutter Choke (also called the sliding collar choke or cross-collar choke from side control) is one of the most effective and widely used gi chokes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Executed from side control, it uses the opponent's own gi collar to apply a blood choke to both sides of the neck simultaneously. The choke is named for the shearing, cutting motion of the forearm across the throat β clean and efficient, like a paper cutter.
The Paper Cutter Choke is a gi-specific blood choke applied from side control (or north-south). It works by threading your top arm's hand deep into the opponent's far-side collar while your bottom forearm applies pressure to the near side of the neck. The result is a bilateral carotid compression β both carotid arteries are compressed simultaneously β causing rapid unconsciousness if not tapped.
The choke requires a gi because it relies on the collar lapel as the choking agent for the far-side compression. It is illegal in no-gi formats. In gi BJJ, it is legal for all belt levels and is a staple submission in both training and competition.
The Paper Cutter Choke creates a bilateral carotid choke through two simultaneous pressure points:
When both pressures are applied simultaneously and the arms are closed together, the opponent's blood flow to the brain is cut off from both sides. The choke works in seconds and can be very tight β opponents often tap before feeling serious discomfort because the onset is rapid.
The paper cutter can also be applied from north-south position. From north-south, reach back to grab the near collar, slide the grip to the far collar, and apply the same scissoring motion. This variation can be harder to defend as the opponent's arms are less mobile in north-south.
The Bread Cutter Choke is the reverse β the bottom arm grips the collar while the top forearm provides near-side pressure. This variation is often tighter for people with longer arms and can be easier to apply against opponents with strong bridge-and-roll defenses.
Some practitioners use a baseball bat choke grip on the collar (both hands on the same collar) to apply the paper cutter. This can add leverage but requires a gi with sufficient slack in the collar.
If your kimura or americana attempt from side control fails because the opponent pulls their arm close, they often inadvertently create collar access. This is a common entry to the paper cutter that appears seamlessly in flow rolling.
Yes. The paper cutter choke is a blood choke (carotid compression) and is legal for all belt levels in gi BJJ under IBJJF rules and most other major rulesets. It requires a gi and is not available in no-gi formats.
In the paper cutter, your top (far-side) hand grips the collar while the bottom forearm provides near-side pressure. In the bread cutter, it's reversed β the bottom arm grips the collar while the top forearm provides pressure. Both are bilateral carotid chokes from side control; the choice often depends on body proportions and grip preference.
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Start Free βMost practitioners develop functional competency with Paper Cutter Choke within 3β6 months of consistent drilling. Mastery β the ability to execute reliably in live rolling against resisting opponents β typically takes 1β2 years.
Yes. Paper Cutter Choke 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.
3β5 times per week is ideal for rapid skill acquisition. Even 10 focused repetitions per session compounds over time β consistency matters more than volume.
BJJ is a linked system. Paper Cutter Choke flows naturally to and from related positions. Study transitions in both directions to build a complete positional game.
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Get Free Access βFocus on securing a tight grip on their collar and maintaining head control to limit their movement. A strong crossface can also prevent them from turning into you, making the choke more effective.
The Paper Cutter Choke is a specific type of collar choke, often applied from side control or mount, where the choking arm slices across the opponent's neck. Many other Gi chokes exist, such as the cross-collar choke or Ezekiel choke, with different mechanics and entry points.
Ensure you're using the lapel to cut across the carotid artery, not just squeezing their neck. Tightening your grip and driving your shoulder into their neck, while simultaneously pulling their head towards you, will increase the pressure.