Mastering the Bow and Arrow Choke: A Comprehensive Guide

The bow and arrow choke is one of the most effective submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a technique that can be used to finish an opponent from a variety of positions, including the back, side control, and turtle. The choke is named after the motion used to apply the submission, which resembles pulling back the string of a bow and arrow. In this article, we will break down the mechanics of the bow and arrow choke and provide tips for how to master this powerful submission.

The Mechanics of the Bow and Arrow Choke

The bow and arrow choke is a blood choke that cuts off blood flow to the opponent’s carotid arteries. To apply the choke, the attacker needs to secure a grip on the opponent’s collar and use their legs to trap the opponent’s arm. Once the attacker has control of the collar and arm, they can apply pressure to the opponent’s neck by pulling back with their arms and pushing forward with their legs.

Setting Up the Bow and Arrow Choke

The bow and arrow choke can be set up from a variety of positions, including the back, side control, and turtle. When attacking from the back, the attacker needs to secure a seatbelt grip and work to get one of their hooks in. Once the attacker has a hook in, they can use their other leg to trap the opponent’s arm and secure the grip on the collar. From side control, the attacker can use their knee to pin the opponent’s arm and secure the collar grip. From turtle, the attacker can work to get a seatbelt grip and then trap the opponent’s arm with their leg.

Applying the Bow and Arrow Choke from the Back

When applying the bow and arrow choke from the back, the attacker needs to secure a seatbelt grip and get one of their hooks in. Once the hook is in, the attacker can use their other leg to trap the opponent’s arm and secure the collar grip. To finish the choke, the attacker needs to pull back with their arms and push forward with their legs. The key to finishing the choke is to keep the opponent’s arm trapped and prevent them from rolling out of the submission.

Applying the Bow and Arrow Choke from Side Control

To apply the bow and arrow choke from side control, the attacker needs to secure the collar grip and use their knee to pin the opponent’s arm. Once the grip and control are established, the attacker can transition to the position where their leg traps the opponent’s arm. To finish the choke, the attacker needs to pull back with their arms and push forward with their legs, applying pressure to the opponent’s neck.

Applying the Bow and Arrow Choke from Turtle

When applying the bow and arrow choke from turtle, the attacker needs to secure a seatbelt grip and trap the opponent’s arm with their leg. Once the attacker has control, they can transition to the position where their leg traps the opponent’s arm and secure the collar grip. To finish the choke, the attacker needs to pull back with their arms and push forward with their legs, applying pressure to the opponent’s neck.

Tips for Finishing the Bow and Arrow Choke

To finish the bow and arrow choke, the attacker needs to apply pressure to the opponent’s neck while keeping their arm trapped. To increase the effectiveness of the choke, the attacker can use their body weight to drive forward and add pressure to the submission. It is also important to keep the opponent’s arm trapped and prevent them from rolling out of the choke. Another important tip is to use the lapel to maintain control over the opponent’s upper body and prevent them from defending the choke.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes when attempting the bow and arrow choke is not controlling the opponent’s arm properly. If the opponent’s arm is not trapped, they can easily defend the choke by rolling out of it. Another mistake is not controlling the opponent’s head, which can make it difficult to apply enough pressure to the choke. It’s also important to be patient and not rush the submission, as this can give the opponent an opportunity to escape.

The bow and arrow choke is a highly effective submission that can be used from a variety of positions. By using the lapel to control the opponent’s upper body and trapping their arm, the attacker can apply pressure to the opponent’s neck and force the tap. With the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can add the bow and arrow choke to your arsenal and increase your chances of success on the mat.