Cross Collar Choke
Juji-jime
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About This Technique
Technique Overview
The Cross Collar Choke is a fundamental and effective submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, primarily executed from the closed guard. Utilizing the lapels of an opponent's gi, this choke employs leverage and precision to apply pressure to the opponent's carotid arteries, inducing a blood choke.
Japanese Name
Juji-jime (十字絞め)
Position
Closed Guard
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Setup the Position: - From the closed guard, ensure your legs are tightly wrapped around your opponent's waist to control their posture.
- Maintain a strong grip on the gi to prevent them from easily standing or passing your guard.
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Secure Hand Grip: - Initiate the technique by opening up your opponent’s right lapel with your left hand to create space.
- Slide your right hand deeply into the opened section of the right lapel, with your thumb inside and fingers outside. Your palm should rest on the back of their neck.
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Establish Cross Grip: - Using your left hand, reach over and secure a similar grip on the other lapel (left side), ensuring your thumb is inside and your palm is pressing down against the back of your opponent’s neck.
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Protect Your Position: - Shift your hips slightly to one side to enhance your leverage and create a better angle, preventing your opponent's escape attempts.
- Pull down with your legs to break any remaining posture your opponent may have.
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Apply the Choke: - Simultaneously pull both sets of lapels across the sides of your opponent's neck while squeezing your elbows toward your body. Your forearms should form an 'X' shape over their neck.
- For increased pressure, try to place your wrists against the carotid arteries on either side of their neck.
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Finalize and Control: - Maintain control by tightening your grip and using your legs to prevent any attempts to pull away. If executed correctly, your opponent will tap to signal submission.
Key Details and Tips
- Depth of Grip: The effectiveness of the choke largely depends on the depth of your wrist placement when initially grabbing your opponent's collar. Aim to have a grip high enough to ensure maximum control over their posture.
- Keep Your Balance: Use your legs to maintain a balanced position, ensuring your back is not flat on the mat.
- Avoid Telegraphing: Stay smooth and controlled when reaching for grips. Fast, jerky movements can alert your opponent to your intentions.
- Alternative Position: While primarily executed from closed guard, variations of this choke can be performed from mount or back mount, with positional adjustments.
Practicing the Cross Collar Choke helps develop precision in grip control and timing, cornerstones of a successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game. Always prioritize safety and tap early during training to prevent injury.
How to Execute
# Cross Collar Choke from Closed Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: You start in the closed guard position, lying on your back with your opponent inside your guard. Your legs are wrapped around their waist, with your feet crossed at the ankles.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Establish a solid grip on your opponent's collar with your dominant hand (usually the same side as their opposite collar), reaching deep into the collar to ensure a strong grip. Your fingers should be inside the collar while your thumb stays outside.
## Steps
1. **Establish the First Collar Grip**:
- Use your dominant hand to grip deep into your opponent's opposite collar. Ensure your wrist is straight, and your grip is as deep as possible to increase leverage.
2. **Create Space and Adjust**:
- Use your other hand to control your opponent's head or shoulder to create space. This will help you maneuver your body for a better angle and maintain control.
3. **Establish the Second Collar Grip**:
- With the hand that was controlling their head or shoulder, reach across to grip the opposite side of their collar, mirroring the first grip. This hand should also go deep into the collar, with your fingers inside and thumb outside.
4. **Adjust Your Position**:
- Shrimp or move your hips slightly to one side to create a better angle for the choke. This adjustment helps in tightening the choke and maintaining control.
5. **Execute the Choke**:
- Pull your elbows towards your hips while simultaneously bringing your wrists together in a 'scissoring' motion. This action will tighten the collar around your opponent’s neck, applying the choke.
6. **Maintain Control**:
- Keep your legs active by squeezing your knees together and pulling your opponent down with your legs, preventing them from posturing up.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Ensure your grips are deep in the collar to maximize leverage.
- Maintain constant pressure by keeping your elbows close to your body.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Avoid having loose grips; ensure both grips are tight and secure.
- Do not allow your opponent to posture up, as this will relieve pressure and make the choke ineffective.
- Be careful not to flare your elbows out, as this decreases the pressure of the choke.
By following these steps and focusing on the key points, you can effectively perform the Cross Collar Choke from the Closed Guard position.