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BeginnerCross Choke
Juji Jime
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About This Technique
Cross Choke from Closed Guard
The Cross Choke is a classic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) submission that can be executed from various positions, most notably from the closed guard. This choke involves using your gi's collars to compress the opponent's carotid arteries, cutting off blood flow to the brain and resulting in a quick submission.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Secure Closed Guard
- Start by maintaining a solid closed guard position where your legs are wrapped around your opponent's waist.
- Control your posture by holding the back of your opponent's gi collar or their head with one hand while keeping them close to you.
-
Set Up Initial Collar Grip
- With your dominant hand, open the opponent's collar with a strong grip using a thumb-in-grab.
- Adjust for deep penetration of the collar, aiming to go past the opponent's neck towards their back.
-
Lean and Balance
- Lean slightly to the opposite side of the hand you've just placed in their collar.
- Use this movement to create space for your other hand to insert correctly.
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Establish the Second Grip
- Slide your free hand across the partner's neck to grab the opposite side of their collar with a thumb-out grip.
- Ensure your elbow is pointing downwards and is snug against their chest; this secures the choke.
-
Execute the Choke
- Simultaneously pull both elbows towards your rib cage while expanding your chest upwards.
- Your hands should cross, forming an 'X' with their collar; this should effectively apply pressure to the carotid arteries.
-
Maintain Guard Control
- While executing the choke, maintain a closed guard and keep your opponent as close to you as possible.
- Flex your legs inward to prevent them from posturing up.
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Obtain the Tap
- Apply gradual pressure until you feel your grips tighten around the neck.
- Hold steady until your opponent taps, indicating submission.
Tips:
- Ensure your initial grip on the collar is deep; this is key to applying sufficient pressure.
- Utilize your legs to maintain control of their hip movement, giving you a stronger position.
- Combining your elbow squeeze with chest expansion maximizes the efficiency of the choke.
Available From Positions:
- Closed Guard
- Mount
- Knee on Belly
The Cross Choke is a versatile and fundamental BJJ technique suitable for practitioners of all levels, enabling effective control and submission from both top and bottom positions. As always, practice with a partner and under the supervision of a qualified instructor to ensure proper technique and safety.
How to Execute
# Cross Choke from Closed Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in the closed guard position with your opponent inside your legs. Your legs should be locked around their waist, controlling their posture.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: You will need to establish grips on your opponent's collar for the choke. Ensure your opponent's posture is sufficiently broken down before attempting the choke.
## Steps
1. **Break the Opponent's Posture**:
- Use your legs and arms to pull your opponent forward, breaking their posture. You can use your hands to control their head or collar to bring them closer.
2. **Establish the First Grip**:
- With your right hand, reach across your opponent's body to grab their right collar, deep with your thumb inside the collar. Try to get this grip as close to the back of their neck as possible.
- Keep your forearm close to your opponent’s chest to maintain control.
3. **Create Space for the Second Grip**:
- With your left hand, push your opponent's left shoulder or bicep to create space.
- At the same time, use your legs to slightly shift your hips to your right side to make room for your second hand.
4. **Establish the Second Grip**:
- Slide your left hand under your right arm and grab your opponent's left collar with your thumb inside. Your hands should now be crossed over each other.
5. **Adjust Your Position**:
- Square your hips back up with your opponent and pull them closer using your legs.
- Keep your elbows tight to your body and your wrists bent slightly to increase leverage.
6. **Finish the Choke**:
- Pull your elbows down towards your ribs and squeeze your wrists together. Imagine trying to touch your wrists and elbows while keeping pressure on their neck.
- Simultaneously, use your legs to pull your opponent even closer to maintain control and increase the choke's effectiveness.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Ensure both collar grips are deep enough for effective pressure.
- Keep your opponent's posture broken to execute the choke more easily.
- Maintain tight elbows and control with your legs throughout the technique.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Avoid loose grips on the collar, which reduce the effectiveness of the choke.
- Do not allow your opponent to regain their posture, as this will make the choke difficult to apply.
- Avoid flaring your elbows out, which can reduce the pressure and allow your opponent to escape.
By following these steps and keeping key points in mind, you can effectively perform the Cross Choke from Closed Guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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