Collar Choke from the Back: A Classic Submission for Every BJJ Practitioner

The back position is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it’s the perfect place to set up submissions. One of the most classic and effective submissions from the back is the collar choke. In this article, we will be breaking down the key steps to executing a collar choke from the back, so you can add this essential technique to your BJJ arsenal.

Setting up the position

To execute a collar choke from the back, you need to secure the back position. Start by getting behind your opponent and securing both hooks, wrapping your legs around their waist. From here, use your arms to control your opponent’s movements and maintain your position.

Gripping the collar

With the back position secured, you need to grip your opponent’s collar to set up the choke. Reach over your opponent’s shoulder with one arm and grab the lapel on the opposite side. With your other hand, grab the lapel on the same side, creating a strong grip on your opponent’s collar.

Sliding the collar

With your grips in place, it’s time to slide the collar up your opponent’s neck to apply the choke. Use the hand on the same side as the lapel grip to slide the collar up, while the other hand pulls down on the opposite side of the collar. The collar should be tight against your opponent’s neck, ready for the choke.

Adjusting the position

If your opponent is resisting the choke or defending it, you may need to adjust your position slightly. One common adjustment is to slide your body to the side of your choking arm, making it more difficult for your opponent to escape. You can also adjust the position of your legs, squeezing your opponent’s waist and hips with your thighs to limit their mobility.

Squeezing the choke

With the position and the grip in place, it’s time to apply the choke. Squeeze your elbows together, bringing your forearms against your opponent’s neck. To maximize the pressure of the choke, focus on contracting your biceps, pulling your opponent’s head down and creating space for your arms to tighten the choke.

Finishing the choke

Once you have the position and the grip, it’s time to finish the choke. Squeeze your arms together, putting pressure on your opponent’s neck and cutting off their air supply. You may need to adjust your grip or your position slightly to get the best leverage, but with the right technique and timing, you can finish the choke and secure the submission.

Common mistakes to avoid

As with any technique in BJJ, there are common mistakes to avoid when executing a collar choke from the back. One common mistake is failing to control your opponent’s movements and losing the back position. Another mistake is not securing a strong enough grip on the collar, allowing your opponent to defend the choke more easily.

 

Drilling and repetition

To master the collar choke from the back, you need to drill the steps and practice them regularly. Work on both sides, so you can execute the choke from either side of your opponent. And remember, the more you practice, the more confident and comfortable you’ll become with the technique.

 

The collar choke from the back is a classic submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it’s an essential technique for every practitioner to master. With the right setup, grip, and squeeze, you can apply this choke from the back position and force your opponent to defend or submit. With practice and persistence, you can become a skilled practitioner of this iconic submission and take your BJJ game to the next level.