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Bow and Arrow Variations | BJJ Submission Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 20256 min read

Bow and Arrow Variations

bjjsubmissionchokegiback_attack

⚠️ SAFETY NOTICE

This submission can cause LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS and NECK INJURY if applied improperly.

  • Injury Risks:
    • Loss of consciousness (4-8 seconds after full pressure)
    • Neck strain from excessive pulling
    • Spinal stress from hyperextension
    • Shoulder injury from pants grip tension
  • Application Speed: SLOW and progressive. 3-5 seconds minimum from pressure initiation to tap.
  • Tap Signals: Verbal “tap”, physical tap with hands on opponent or mat
  • Release Protocol: 1) Release collar grip immediately, 2) Release pants grip, 3) Open position, 4) Monitor partner for 10-15 seconds
  • Training Requirement: Advanced level with instructor supervision
  • Never: Apply at competition speed during drilling

Remember: This choke combines neck compression with spinal tension. Extra care required.

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: SUB239
  • Submission Name: Bow and Arrow Variations
  • Alternative Names: Bow and Arrow Choke, Berimbau Choke

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80%
  • Execution Complexity: High
  • Energy Cost: Medium
  • Time Required: Medium
  • Risk Level: Low

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for grip and pulling strength
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium for leg extension
  • Coordination Requirements: High for simultaneous movements
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for sustained pressure

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

From back control with one hook in, you establish a deep cross collar grip with your choking hand while controlling opponent’s pants at the knee with your other hand. As opponent defends or tries to escape, you extend your choking-side leg across their body while pulling the pants grip to hyperextend their spine. This creates a bow-like configuration with your collar grip compressing the carotid arteries as the pants grip stretches them into the choke. Maintaining this position with progressive pressure, you continue until submission as the combined choking and stretching forces become irresistible.

Template: “From back control, establish deep collar grip and pants grip at knee, extend leg across body while pulling pants to hyperextend spine, compress carotids with collar grip.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish back control or high turtle control position
  2. Initial Movement: Secure deep cross collar grip with choking hand
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent typically defends neck or attempts to escape
  4. Adaptation: Control pants at knee level with free hand
  5. Positioning: Extend choking-side leg across opponent’s body
  6. Pressure Application: Pull pants grip to hyperextend while compressing neck
  7. Completion: Apply controlled pressure until submission

Key Technical Details

  • Grip Requirements: Deep collar grip and secure pants control
  • Base/Foundation: Extended leg creates leverage for pulling motion
  • Timing Windows: Execute when one hook is in and opponent’s defense is compromised
  • Leverage Points: Combination of collar pull and pants extension
  • Common Adjustments: Vary leg extension angle and grip adjustments

Success Modifiers

  • Setup Quality: Depth of collar grip and pants control (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing during defensive lapses (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced back defense (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding choke mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Positional Control: Effectiveness of back control (+/-10%)

Common Counters

Expert Insights

  • John Danaher: “The bow and arrow succeeds through proper angle creation and simultaneous pulling forces. The key is extending the leg fully to create maximum spine hyperextension while maintaining deep collar control. This combination makes defense nearly impossible once properly established.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, I transition to bow and arrow when traditional RNC is defended. The pants grip allows control even if opponent turns into me. Patience in establishing proper angle before applying full pressure dramatically increases success rates.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “The bow and arrow demonstrates perfect marriage of spinal manipulation and choking force. It’s particularly effective in gi competition where collar and pants provide excellent control points. The position itself creates the submission.”

Common Errors

  • Error: Insufficient spine hyperextension

  • Why It Fails: Reduces pressure on carotids

  • Correction: Fully extend leg and pull pants grip aggressively

  • Recognition: Choke feels weak despite proper collar grip

  • Error: Poor collar grip depth

  • Why It Fails: Easy defense and escape for opponent

  • Correction: Establish deep cross collar grip before extending

  • Recognition: Opponent easily tucks chin or escapes

  • Error: Not controlling opponent’s leg properly

  • Why It Fails: Opponent can turn or escape position

  • Correction: Secure pants grip at knee for maximum control

  • Recognition: Opponent creates movement or space

SAFETY ERRORS (CRITICAL)

DANGER: Excessive Spinal Hyperextension

  • Mistake: Pulling pants grip too aggressively
  • Why dangerous: Can cause spinal injury
  • Injury risk: Vertebral damage, muscle tears
  • Correction: Progressive extension with continuous monitoring

DANGER: Ignoring Tap Signals

  • Mistake: Continuing after tap
  • Why dangerous: Combined spinal and choking pressure
  • Injury risk: Unconsciousness and spinal damage
  • Correction: IMMEDIATE release upon tap

Training Progressions

Phase 1-2: Technical Understanding (Weeks 1-4)

  • Study mechanics without application
  • Practice grip placement only
  • Learn proper leg extension angle
  • EXTRA SLOW practice at 20% pressure

Phase 3-4: Progressive Resistance (Weeks 5-12)

  • Partner provides mild resistance
  • Build up to 50-70% pressure maximum
  • Focus on control before pressure
  • Develop release protocol reflexes

Phase 5-6: Live Application (Weeks 13+)

  • Integrate into rolling at reduced speed
  • Competition speed only in competition
  • Maintain safety as absolute priority

Variations

From High Back Control

  • Establish position with both hooks high
  • Transition to collar and pants grips
  • Extend leg while pulling pants
  • Success: Advanced 85%

From Turtle Top

  • Control opponent in turtle
  • Establish collar grip from behind
  • Secure pants grip and roll to side
  • Extend into bow and arrow finish
  • Success: Intermediate 65%

One-Hook Variation

  • Maintain one hook in back control
  • Use non-hooked leg for extension
  • More mobile, less stable
  • Success: Intermediate 55%
  • Rear Naked Choke - Primary back attack
  • Clock Choke - Alternative from similar position
  • Armbar from Back - If choke is defended

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at brown and black belt in gi
  • Strategic Use: High-percentage finish from back control
  • Tournament Impact: Often decisive in gi competition

Safety Considerations

  • Spinal Awareness: Monitor spine hyperextension carefully
  • Pressure Control: Progressive application critical
  • Partner Communication: Verbal check-ins during drilling
  • Release Protocol: Immediate upon tap

Graph View

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