Cross Choke from Closed Guard: A Fundamental Submission in BJJ

The cross choke from closed guard is a simple yet highly effective submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a fundamental technique that every BJJ practitioner should learn, as it can be used against opponents of all sizes and skill levels. In this article, we will break down the steps to perform the cross choke from closed guard, including variations and details to ensure a successful submission.

Setting up the Cross Choke:

The first step to executing a successful cross choke is to set up the grip. Start by securing your opponent’s collar with both hands. Your dominant hand will grip the collar near the opponent’s neck, while your non-dominant hand will grip the collar near the opponent’s hip. Your elbows should be tight to your body to prevent your opponent from posturing up.

Creating Space and Positioning:

To create space and improve your positioning, you can use your legs to open your opponent’s guard slightly. Place one foot on your opponent’s hip and push away, while pulling down on the collar grip with your dominant hand. This will create space for your non-dominant hand to slide deeper into your opponent’s collar.

Finalizing the Grip:

Once your non-dominant hand is deep in your opponent’s collar, you can adjust your grip to ensure a tight hold. Make sure that the blade of your wrist is pressing against your opponent’s neck, as this will make the choke more effective. You can also use your dominant hand to help adjust the grip, if necessary.

Finishing the Choke:

To finish the choke, you will need to pull your opponent’s collar towards you with both hands, while simultaneously squeezing your arms together. This will create pressure on your opponent’s neck, causing them to either tap out or go to sleep.

Variations:

There are several variations of the cross choke from closed guard, including the deep cross choke and the cross choke with the sleeve grip. The deep cross choke involves sliding your non-dominant hand deep into your opponent’s collar, while using your dominant hand to grip their far lapel. The cross choke with the sleeve grip involves gripping your opponent’s sleeve with your non-dominant hand, instead of their collar.

Details for Success:

To ensure a successful cross choke from closed guard, it is important to pay attention to the details. Make sure that your elbows are tight to your body, your grips are secure, and your wrist blade is pressing against your opponent’s neck. Also, keep your legs active by squeezing your opponent’s hips with your thighs, which will prevent them from posturing up and escaping the choke.

The cross choke from closed guard is a fundamental submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that should be part of every BJJ practitioner’s arsenal. By following the steps outlined in this article and paying attention to the details, you can successfully execute this choke against opponents of all sizes and skill levels.