The Invisible Collar from top position represents advanced back attack methodology where grip concealment creates submission opportunities that opponents fail to recognize until finishing mechanics are already in place. This position requires sophisticated understanding of hand positioning, timing for grip establishment, and the ability to maintain what appears to be a defensive or controlling posture while actually setting up fight-ending submissions. The invisible collar serves as both a direct submission position and a platform for creating dilemmas where every defensive choice leads to a different attack.
From top position, the practitioner must establish the invisible collar grip gradually and casually, making it appear as simple positional control rather than an active submission setup. This requires sensitivity to opponent’s defensive focus and the ability to deepen collar penetration incrementally while the opponent is distracted by other threats such as hook defense or preventing crucifix transitions. The most successful practitioners treat the invisible collar as a stealth position that provides multiple attack options while remaining sustainable over time.
Success in invisible collar top requires coordinating upper body attacks with lower body control, ensuring that hook positioning prevents escape while the collar grip develops. The position demands patience and timing—rushing the grip establishment or applying finishing pressure too early alerts the opponent and allows them to mount effective defense. Advanced practitioners use the invisible collar as part of comprehensive back attack systems where it connects seamlessly with rear naked chokes, armbars, and crucifix positions, creating submission chains that are extremely difficult to defend.
Position Definition
- Practitioner positioned on opponent’s back with chest connected to opponent’s upper back and shoulder blades, maintaining close body-to-body contact that prevents opponent from creating escape space
- At least one hook inserted deep under opponent’s leg with foot crossing to opposite side, establishing lower body control that limits opponent’s mobility and prevents forward or rotational escape attempts
- Seatbelt grip structure maintained with one arm over opponent’s shoulder and one arm under opposite armpit, creating the characteristic diagonal grip pattern that provides upper body control while setting up collar entry
- Collar grip hand establishing specific invisible collar configuration with gi material folded against opponent’s neck, fingers penetrating deep inside collar with thumb positioned on outside creating concealed choking mechanism that appears passive to opponent
- Opponent’s posture compressed forward with practitioner’s weight distributed to control movement while maintaining sustainability, opponent often unaware of immediate submission threat due to grip’s deceptive appearance and gradual pressure application
Prerequisites
- Established back control position with at least one hook secured
- Opponent wearing gi with sufficient collar material available
- Seatbelt or similar upper body control already in place
- Opponent’s defensive attention focused on other threats
- Practitioner possesses grip strength and finger dexterity for deep collar control
- Body positioning allows for weight distribution that prevents rolling escape
Key Offensive Principles
- Conceal submission intention by making grip appear positional rather than attacking
- Establish collar grip depth gradually while opponent is distracted by other threats
- Maintain seatbelt structure throughout to preserve back control while setting up submissions
- Use opponent’s defensive movements to tighten grip rather than forcing the choke
- Keep body weight distributed to prevent opponent from rolling or turning into guard
- Coordinate hook control with upper body positioning to prevent escape while finishing
- Transition smoothly between invisible collar and other back attack options to create dilemmas
Available Attacks
Cross Collar Choke Finish → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 60%
- Intermediate: 75%
- Advanced: 88%
Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 55%
- Intermediate: 70%
- Advanced: 85%
Armbar from Back with Legs → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Transition to Crucifix → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Clock Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Back Control Maintenance → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 70%
- Intermediate: 80%
- Advanced: 90%
Body Triangle Lock → Body Triangle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 78%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent is unaware of invisible collar and not defending the grip:
- Execute Continue Deepening Collar Grip → Won by Submission (Probability: 80%)
- Execute Finish Collar Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 75%)
If opponent recognizes threat and begins hand fighting the collar grip:
- Execute Switch to Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Transition to Crucifix → Crucifix (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Attack Extended Arm with Armbar → Armbar Control (Probability: 60%)
If opponent turns into the collar side attempting to relieve pressure:
- Execute Follow with Crucifix Entry → Crucifix (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Tighten Collar Choke with Rotation → Won by Submission (Probability: 68%)
If opponent successfully tucks chin and defends neck:
- Execute Transition to Armbar from Back → Armbar Control (Probability: 58%)
- Execute Setup Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 52%)
- Execute Maintain Back Control and Reset → Back Control (Probability: 75%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct collar choke finish
Back Control → Invisible Collar Top → Cross Collar Choke → Won by Submission
Collar to RNC transition path
Back Control → Invisible Collar Top → Opponent Defends Collar → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Armbar conversion path
Back Control → Invisible Collar Top → Opponent Extends Arm to Defend → Armbar from Back with Legs → Won by Submission
Crucifix transition path
Back Control → Invisible Collar Top → Opponent Turns Into Grip → Crucifix → Choke from Crucifix → Won by Submission
Bow and arrow setup path
Back Control → Invisible Collar Top → Opponent Defends Neck → Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 55% | 50% | 45% |
| Intermediate | 70% | 65% | 62% |
| Advanced | 85% | 80% | 78% |
Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds from establishment to finish or transition
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The invisible collar represents a sophisticated application of concealment theory in submission grappling. The mechanical advantage comes not from superior leverage alone, but from the opponent’s delayed recognition of the threat. By the time most practitioners realize they are defending a choke rather than simple positional control, the grip is already established beyond the point where conventional hand fighting can remove it. The key technical detail is achieving maximum collar penetration with minimal visible telegraphing—your fingers should be as deep as anatomically possible before you begin applying rotational pressure. This position also exemplifies the principle of submission chains: the invisible collar is not merely one technique but rather a platform from which multiple submissions become available. When the opponent defends the collar, they inevitably create openings for the rear naked choke or armbar. This forced choice between equally dangerous options is the essence of high-level back attack methodology.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, the invisible collar is one of the highest percentage setups I use from back control because people simply don’t see it coming until it’s too late. The grip looks passive, almost lazy, so opponents don’t prioritize defending it while they’re busy trying to remove my hooks or escape. By the time they realize what I’ve set up, I’m already squeezing and the tap comes fast. The competition-tested detail that matters most is waiting for the right moment—you need your opponent distracted or tired before you establish the grip. I typically threaten the armbar or work for my second hook, and while they’re defending those threats, I casually sink my hand deeper into the collar. Once it’s set, you have multiple finishes available and your opponent is in serious trouble. Against high-level guys, I’ll often use the invisible collar as a control position rather than rushing the finish, because having that grip established means I can attack whenever I see an opening and they know they’re in danger the entire time.
Eddie Bravo
The invisible collar is a perfect example of how traditional gi techniques can be evolved into modern traps. At 10th Planet we focus on no-gi, but this concept translates beautifully to our back control system—instead of the collar, we use the same principle of concealed hand positioning behind the head or neck that appears defensive but is actually setting up the kill. What makes this position so dangerous is the mind game aspect: your opponent thinks they’re in back control, which is bad enough, but they don’t realize you’re already in a submission position until you start finishing. That psychological element is huge. The invisible collar also fits perfectly into the dilemma system we teach—you’re creating a situation where every defensive choice leads to a different attack. They defend the collar? Hit the RNC. They defend the neck? Take the arm. They try to turn? Crucifix time. This is high-level strategic grappling where you’re controlling both the position and your opponent’s decision-making process. For my students, I emphasize making the grip establishment so smooth and casual that it looks like you’re just resting your hand there, not setting up a fight-ending choke.