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Cross Collar Choke from Guard

Nami-Juji-Jime

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About This Technique

Description

The Cross Collar Choke is a classic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submission performed from the guard position, utilizing the opponent's gi to apply pressure to their carotid arteries. This maneuver is both fundamental and effective, making it a staple attack in every BJJ practitioner's arsenal.

Japanese Name

Nami-Juji-Jime

Position

Closed Guard

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Secure a Strong Closed Guard

    • Begin by pulling your opponent into your closed guard. Ensure your legs are locked tightly around their midsection for control.
  2. Open the Opponent's Lapel

    • With your left hand, reach over your opponent's shoulder and grip their opposite-side collar (if starting from your right, grip their left collar) with your thumb inside, fingers on the outside.
    • Your grip should be deep, aiming for your hand to reach as far behind their neck as possible.
  3. Secure the Second Lapel Grip

    • With your right hand, reach under your left hand and grip the opposite collar.
    • Insert your thumb inside along the collar while your fingers grip the outside, mirroring the position of your left hand.
    • Aim to get this grip equally deep for optimal choke pressure.
  4. Create an Angle and Arch your Back

    • To enhance leverage, pivot slightly to one side, increasing the sideways angle to make it harder for your opponent to defend.
    • At the same time, pull your elbows toward your hips and arch your back slightly to tighten the choke.
    • Focus on squeezing your elbows together and expanding your chest.
  5. Apply Choking Pressure

    • As you tighten your grips, your wrists should naturally twist inward, forcing the lapels to constrict their carotid arteries.
    • Leverage the control from your legs to maintain your opponent's posture while you apply the choke.
  6. Wait for the Tap

    • Remain patient and persistent until your opponent taps, indicating submission, or the referee calls a stop if in competition.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If you struggle to get a deep initial grip, manipulate your opponent's collar with one hand to feed it deeper to your gripping hand.
  • Keep your guard active, using your legs to break your opponent's posture, preventing them from posturing up.
  • Ensure your grips are tight and relaxed to avoid premature fatigue during execution.

Training Notes

Practicing with a partner will allow for safe repetitions. Prioritize safety by tapping early and always training with a controlled application of force. Building familiarity with this technique will make it an effective tool in your BJJ repertoire.

How to Execute

Cross Collar Choke from Guard

The Cross Collar Choke from Guard is a popular submission in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It's a highly effective technique that you can use when you have your opponent in your guard. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Establish the Guard Position

Start by establishing a closed guard position. This means that you have your legs wrapped around your opponent's waist, with your ankles crossed behind their back.

Step 2: Secure the Collar Grip

Reach up with one hand and secure a grip on your opponent's collar. Your hand should be deep into their collar, with your fingers on the inside and your thumb on the outside. Make sure your grip is tight and controlled.

Step 3: Insert the Second Hand

With your other hand, reach up and grab your opponent's other collar. Again, your fingers should be on the inside and your thumb on the outside. This hand should be lower than the first, closer to your opponent's chest.

Step 4: Position Your Wrists

Position your wrists so they are against your opponent's neck. Your wrists should be flexed, creating a 'blade' that will apply pressure to your opponent's neck.

Step 5: Apply Pressure

Pull your opponent's collar towards you while simultaneously pushing your wrists into their neck. The pressure from your wrists and the pull from the collar will create a choke.

Step 6: Secure the Submission

Continue to apply pressure until your opponent taps out. Remember, safety is paramount in BJJ. Release the choke immediately once your opponent taps.

Remember to always practice these techniques under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

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