The Peruvian Necktie is a powerful front headlock submission that combines a choke and neck crank, most commonly applied when the opponent shoots a double or single leg takedown. It is widely used in both BJJ and MMA and is a natural extension of the Front Headlock system.
The Peruvian Necktie is a front headlock submission where the attacker wraps one arm under the opponent's neck and threads their leg over the opponent's back, creating a combined choke and spinal compression. Unlike the Guillotine which is primarily a blood or air choke, the Peruvian Necktie also loads the cervical spine, making it extremely painful and difficult to endure.
It is legal under most no-gi rulesets and in MMA, though some gi competitions restrict neck cranks. The submission is named for its distinctive "tie"-like arm position. It is closely related to the Anaconda Choke and D'Arce Choke but is unique in its leg-over-back configuration and the angle of choke pressure.
The most common entry is from a front headlock position β typically when the opponent shoots a takedown and you sprawl:
The finish involves two simultaneous forces creating a tight pincer on the neck and spine:
Most opponents will tap quickly due to the combined discomfort of the blood choke and neck compression. Do not crank excessively β a clean blood choke finish is sufficient and safer for training partners.
If an opponent turtles or dives into you, you can establish the front headlock on the ground and still swing your leg over to apply the Necktie from a semi-guard position.
From a standing front headlock (e.g., opponent shot a deep single leg), you can apply the Necktie while still upright, then fall to the side to finish. This is common in MMA where the falling action adds extra force.
If your opponent defends the Necktie by tucking their chin, you can slide your arm further under their armpit to transition into an Anaconda Choke, which is an arm-triangle style finish from the same front headlock position.
The Peruvian Necktie is most effective as a takedown defense. When you sprawl on a shot and land in a front headlock, the Necktie is often faster to finish than a guillotine because you don't need to fully sit through β the leg swing gives you the leverage you need from a standing or staggered position.
It also works well as a threat: setting it up forces your opponent to stop shooting and think defensively, creating other attacks like front headlock arm drags, D'Arce Chokes, and trips.
The blood choke component is legal, but the neck crank / spinal compression element may result in a warning or disqualification in IBJJF depending on ruleset and belt level. It is generally safer to use in no-gi or MMA contexts. Always verify current ruleset rules before competition.
Both attack the neck from the front headlock, but the Peruvian Necktie involves swinging one leg over the opponent's back to create a neck crank component. The Guillotine is a pure choke (blood or air) without the leg involvement. The Necktie is generally considered faster to set up from a sprawl, while the Guillotine has more finishing options from guard.
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Get Free Access βThe primary risks involve potential injury to your own neck or your opponent's if not executed with control. There's also a risk of getting caught in a counter submission if you overcommit and lose your base.
Focus on controlling their posture and head by driving your shoulder into their neck and using your legs to create leverage. Keeping your hips tight and preventing them from creating space are crucial for a successful finish.
It can often be set up from guard, especially when an opponent tries to pass or establish top control. Transitions from other submissions like the anaconda or d'arce can also lead to the Peruvian Necktie if the opponent defends in a specific way.