Invisible Collar Top

Jan 23, 20269 min read

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%

Opponent Escapes

Escape Counters

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent is unaware of invisible collar and not defending the grip:

If opponent recognizes threat and begins hand fighting the collar grip:

If opponent turns into the collar side attempting to relieve pressure:

If opponent successfully tucks chin and defends neck:

Common Offensive Mistakes

1. Telegraphing submission intention by gripping collar too aggressively or obviously from the start

  • ❌ Consequence: Opponent immediately recognizes threat and establishes strong neck defense before choke can be properly applied, eliminating element of surprise
  • ✅ Correction: Establish collar grip gradually and casually while opponent is focused on defending hooks or other threats, making the grip appear positional rather than attacking until full depth is achieved

2. Failing to maintain proper seatbelt structure while focusing exclusively on collar grip establishment

  • ❌ Consequence: Opponent escapes back control by swimming arms through or removing hooks while practitioner is distracted by grip work, losing dominant position entirely
  • ✅ Correction: Keep non-collar arm active in seatbelt position with elbow tight to body, maintaining comprehensive back control structure even while establishing invisible collar grip

3. Insufficient collar grip depth with fingers not penetrating deep enough inside gi material

  • ❌ Consequence: Choke lacks finishing pressure and opponent can easily defend or remove the grip with basic hand fighting techniques, wasting setup effort
  • ✅ Correction: Drive all four fingers as deep as anatomically possible into collar with knuckles firmly against opponent’s neck, using gradual incremental adjustments to achieve maximum penetration depth

4. Losing hook control while attempting to finish the choke with excessive upper body focus

  • ❌ Consequence: Opponent escapes to guard or scrambles to better position while practitioner is focused solely on submission, losing both submission and positional dominance
  • ✅ Correction: Coordinate lower body and upper body attacks simultaneously, ensuring hooks remain active and controlling throughout the entire finishing sequence without relaxation

5. Applying choking pressure too early before grip is fully established and locked in

  • ❌ Consequence: Opponent becomes aware of submission threat prematurely and effectively defends before the position is properly secured, eliminating surprise advantage
  • ✅ Correction: Wait patiently until invisible collar grip is completely set with proper depth and hand position before beginning to apply any finishing pressure or rotational force

Training Drills for Attacks

Invisible Collar Grip Establishment Drill

Partner starts with basic back control and seatbelt grip. Practice establishing the invisible collar grip incrementally while partner provides 25% resistance initially, gradually increasing to 50%. Focus on concealing intention and achieving maximum depth without alerting partner to submission setup. Reset and repeat 10 times per side, tracking recognition time.

Duration: 5 minutes per partner

Collar to RNC Transition Flow Drill

From established invisible collar position, partner defends the collar aggressively by hand fighting and chin tucking at coach’s signal. Practitioner must smoothly transition to rear naked choke when collar is defended. Flow continuously between both submission options for timed rounds, emphasizing seamless transitions and maintaining back control throughout all movements.

Duration: 3 minutes per round, 3 rounds each

Positional Sparring from Back Control

Start with back control and both hooks inserted. Attacking practitioner must establish invisible collar and finish with any submission within 2 minutes. Defending practitioner focuses on recognizing the grip early and defending appropriately. If defender escapes back control completely, reset to starting position. Track success rates and recognition times to monitor improvement over multiple sessions.

Duration: 2-minute rounds, 5 rounds each role

Submission Dilemma Drill

From invisible collar position, create three-way dilemma: collar choke, rear naked choke, or armbar from back. Coach calls out which specific defense partner should prioritize (defend collar, defend neck, or keep arms protected). Practitioner must immediately recognize the opening created and attack the undefended target. Builds recognition speed, decision-making ability, and submission chain fluency.

Duration: 4 minutes continuous, switch roles and repeat

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 LevelRetention RateAdvancement ProbabilitySubmission Probability
Beginner55%50%45%
Intermediate70%65%62%
Advanced85%80%78%

Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds from establishment to finish or transition

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