SAFETY: Bow and Arrow Choke from Rear Triangle targets the Carotid arteries. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness. Release immediately upon tap.
Executing the Bow and Arrow Choke from Rear Triangle requires maintaining your triangle lock integrity while establishing the deep cross-collar grip and pants control. The rear triangle provides a uniquely stable base since your legs control the opponent’s posture and trapped arm, freeing both hands for the collar feed and leg grip that create the bow and arrow finishing mechanic. The key distinction from standard bow and arrow setups is that you already have head and arm control through the triangle, so your focus shifts entirely to grip establishment and the extension finish. The trapped arm inside the triangle cannot effectively interfere with your collar grip, giving you a significant advantage over traditional back control bow and arrow entries where the opponent has both hands free to grip fight.
From Position: Rear Triangle (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Bow and Arrow Choke from Rear Triangle?
- Maintain triangle lock compression while transitioning hands to collar grip - any loosening allows the opponent to extract their trapped arm during setup
- Feed the cross-collar grip as deep as possible behind the opponent’s neck so the blade of the forearm contacts the carotid rather than catching the jaw
- Secure pants grip at the knee on the same side as the collar grip to create opposing force vectors for the finishing extension
- Use progressive body extension to finish by arching the back while simultaneously pulling the collar and straightening the leg grip in opposite directions
- Time the collar feed during a moment of defensive stillness since attempting the grip while the opponent is actively fighting increases the risk of losing the rear triangle
- Keep your choking-side elbow tight against the opponent’s neck throughout the extension to prevent the collar from sliding to a less effective position
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Bow and Arrow Choke from Rear Triangle?
- Rear triangle fully locked with ankle secured behind the knee and triangle legs compressing the opponent’s neck and trapped arm
- Opponent’s gi collar accessible for cross-grip establishment on the choking side with enough slack to feed deep
- Opponent’s trapped arm secured inside the triangle to prevent extraction during the collar feed
- Chest-to-back connection maintained with hips angled toward the trapped arm side for optimal control
- Opponent’s posture broken forward to expose the back of the collar for deep grip insertion
Execution Steps
How do you execute Bow and Arrow Choke from Rear Triangle step by step?
- Confirm and tighten rear triangle lock: Verify your triangle is properly locked with your ankle behind your knee and knees squeezed together. The choking leg should cross behind the opponent’s neck, not in front. Actively squeeze to compress the space around the trapped arm and remove any slack before releasing your hands from defensive grips. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Break posture and expose the collar: Use your triangle legs to curl the opponent’s posture forward, bringing their chin toward their chest. This exposes the back of their collar and makes the far lapel accessible. Your hands should begin moving toward the collar area once the posture is sufficiently broken and the triangle is bearing the positional control load. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Feed the cross-collar grip deep behind the neck: Reach your choking hand across the opponent’s neck to their far lapel. Thread your four fingers inside the collar as deep as possible so the blade of your wrist sits directly against the side of their neck over the carotid artery. A shallow grip that catches the jaw will produce pain but not an effective blood choke, so prioritize depth over speed. (Timing: 2-4 seconds)
- Secure the pants grip at the knee: With your free hand, reach down and grip the opponent’s pants at the knee on the same side as your collar grip. This grip creates the lever arm needed for the extension finish. Grab the pants material firmly at or just below the knee crease where the fabric bunches, providing a secure handle that will not slip during the extension phase. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Begin body extension with controlled pressure: Start extending your legs to push the opponent’s body away from you while simultaneously pulling the collar grip toward your chest and the pants grip in the opposite direction. The triangle legs provide a fulcrum point at the neck. Extend progressively rather than explosively, allowing your training partner time to recognize the choke and tap safely. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Arch and complete the bow and arrow finish: Arch your back to maximize the distance between the collar pull and the leg extension, creating the characteristic bow and arrow shape. Your choking forearm blade drives deeper into the carotid as the extension increases. Maintain the triangle squeeze throughout the extension to prevent the opponent from creating rotation or extracting their trapped arm. Hold steady progressive pressure until you receive a tap signal. (Timing: 2-4 seconds)
- Monitor for tap and execute release protocol: Throughout the extension, stay attentive for verbal or physical tap signals. The blood choke can render an opponent unconscious in 4-8 seconds under full compression, so maintain awareness of their responsiveness. Upon any tap signal or loss of resistance, immediately release the collar grip, unlock the triangle, and allow your partner to recover to a neutral position before checking their status. (Timing: Continuous monitoring)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 62% |
| Failure | Rear Triangle | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 13% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Bow and Arrow Choke from Rear Triangle?
- Two-on-one grip fighting on the collar hand before depth is established (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Use your free hand to strip their grip on your wrist while maintaining triangle compression. If they successfully prevent the collar feed, cycle to rear naked choke or armbar on the trapped arm instead of forcing the bow and arrow. → Leads to Rear Triangle
- Tucking chin and turning face into the choking forearm to block collar depth (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Walk your fingers deeper into the collar incrementally rather than forcing past the chin. Alternatively, use your free hand to cross-face and turn their head away from the choking arm, then immediately re-feed the collar grip to the exposed side of the neck. → Leads to Rear Triangle
- Rolling toward the collar grip side to relieve extension pressure and invert (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the roll by maintaining collar tension and adjusting your body angle. If they complete the roll, you may end up in a top position with the collar grip still intact. Use the pants grip to prevent full rotation and redirect the extension angle. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Extracting the trapped arm from the triangle during the collar feed transition (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If you feel the arm slipping, immediately re-squeeze the triangle and abandon the collar attempt temporarily. Re-establish full triangle control before attempting the grip again. Consider switching to rear naked choke if the arm comes partially free. → Leads to Rear Triangle