SAFETY: Bow and Arrow Choke from Invisible Collar targets the Carotid arteries. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness. Release immediately upon tap.
The Bow and Arrow Choke from Invisible Collar gives the attacker a significant tactical advantage because the deep collar grip is already established before the opponent recognizes the submission threat. Unlike conventional bow and arrow entries that require fighting for collar access from back control, this variant begins with grip depth already achieved through the deceptive invisible collar configuration. The attacker’s primary task is executing a smooth transition from the concealed back control grip to the angled finishing position while maintaining enough control to prevent the opponent from turning or rolling free. Success depends on timing the hip shift and pant grip acquisition during a moment when the defender is occupied with other threats, then committing to the extension with decisive full-body engagement.
From Position: Invisible Collar (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Bow and Arrow Choke from Invisible Collar?
- Leverage the pre-established invisible collar grip depth rather than fighting for new collar access
- Time the transition to bow and arrow when opponent is focused on defending hooks or other threats
- Maintain at least one hook until the pant grip is secured to prevent escape during transition
- Generate choking pressure through skeletal extension rather than arm strength alone
- Fall to the collar grip side to maximize mechanical advantage of the diagonal stretch
- Commit fully to the transition once initiated - hesitation creates defensive windows
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Bow and Arrow Choke from Invisible Collar?
- Deep four-finger invisible collar grip with knuckles firmly against the opponent’s neck and thumb outside the collar
- At least one hook inserted to maintain back control during the transition to the side
- Opponent’s defensive attention directed away from the collar grip, ideally focused on hook defense or hand fighting the seatbelt
- Sufficient gi material available on the far pant leg for a secure knee-line grip
- Body positioning that allows rotation to the collar grip side without losing chest-to-back connection
- Seatbelt or underhook control with the non-collar hand ready to transition to the pant grip
Execution Steps
How do you execute Bow and Arrow Choke from Invisible Collar step by step?
- Verify collar grip depth: Confirm that all four fingers are deep inside the collar with knuckles pressed firmly against the opponent’s neck. If the grip is shallow, use small incremental adjustments to walk your fingers deeper before committing to the transition. The grip must be deep enough that pulling creates immediate carotid pressure rather than jaw pressure. (Timing: 2-5 seconds of subtle grip adjustment)
- Shift hips to the collar grip side: Begin rotating your body from directly behind the opponent to an angle on the collar grip side. Move your hips laterally while keeping your chest connected to their upper back. This hip shift creates the angle needed for the bow and arrow extension and positions you to fall to the correct side for maximum leverage. (Timing: 1-2 seconds, smooth and controlled)
- Release the near-side hook and plant your foot: Release the hook on the same side as your collar grip and plant that foot on the mat for base. Maintain the far-side hook to prevent the opponent from turning away. Your planted foot provides the platform for the next phase of the transition and prevents you from being rolled backward during the side fall. (Timing: Simultaneous with hip shift, under 1 second)
- Reach across and secure the far pant grip: Extend your free hand across the opponent’s body to grab the far pant leg behind the knee with a deep four-finger grip. This reach must be decisive and committed—grab the material firmly in one motion rather than tentatively reaching. The pant grip is the critical control point that enables the extension finish and prevents the opponent from rotating to relieve pressure. (Timing: 1 second, single decisive motion)
- Fall to your hip and begin body extension: Drop to your hip on the collar grip side while simultaneously beginning to straighten your legs. Keep your collar grip elbow connected to your ribs and pull toward your own hip as you fall. The far-side hook should drag across the opponent’s body during this movement, creating additional rotational control that prevents them from following your movement. (Timing: 1-2 seconds, controlled fall)
- Extend legs and pull pant grip to full stretch: Straighten your legs fully while pulling the pant grip toward your chest and the collar grip toward your opposite hip. Your body should form a diagonal line with opposing forces stretching the opponent across your frame. The leg that was hooked can now press against the opponent’s hip or thigh to maintain distance and prevent them from closing the gap. (Timing: 1-2 seconds of progressive extension)
- Apply finishing pressure with wrist rotation: Rotate your collar grip wrist inward while driving your hips slightly away from the opponent. This final adjustment folds the gi material tighter against the carotid arteries and eliminates any remaining slack. The pressure should increase progressively and steadily, giving the opponent time to recognize the choke and tap before unconsciousness. Arch your back slightly to add the final degree of pressure. (Timing: 3-5 seconds, slow progressive squeeze)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 62% |
| Failure | Invisible Collar | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 13% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Bow and Arrow Choke from Invisible Collar?
- Two-on-one grip fighting to strip the collar grip before extension (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If the opponent commits both hands to your collar grip, their neck is momentarily undefended for a rear naked choke switch, or use the grip fighting moment to deepen collar penetration further before they can strip it → Leads to Invisible Collar
- Turning aggressively into the attacker during the hip shift to prevent the angled finishing position (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use their turning momentum to transition to a mounted collar choke or follow the rotation into a crucifix entry where their turning arm gets trapped → Leads to Closed Guard
- Blocking the pant grip by controlling the reaching hand with both arms before it secures the knee (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Switch to a short choke finish using only the collar grip combined with chest pressure and hip extension, or fake the pant reach to draw their hands down then re-attack the neck with a rear naked choke → Leads to Invisible Collar
- Bridging and rolling toward the collar grip side to create slack and initiate a scramble (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow the roll while maintaining both grips and end up in a mounted bow and arrow variation where gravity now assists the choke rather than fights it → Leads to Closed Guard