Breadcutter Choke

⚠️ SAFETY: Breadcutter Choke targets the Carotid arteries and trachea. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness. Release immediately upon tap.

The Breadcutter Choke is a powerful gi-based blood choke that utilizes the opponent’s own collar to create a devastating strangling mechanism. Executed primarily from turtle position, back control, or transitional positions, this technique creates immense pressure on both carotid arteries while simultaneously compressing the trachea. The name derives from the cutting action of the collar across the neck, similar to slicing bread. What makes the Breadcutter particularly effective is its ability to be applied from positions where the opponent believes they are relatively safe or defending other attacks. The mechanics rely on deep collar grips combined with precise body positioning to generate choking pressure without requiring both arms wrapped around the opponent. This makes it an excellent option when traditional rear naked choke grips are not available. The Breadcutter belongs to a family of collar chokes that includes the Clock Choke, Bow and Arrow, and Baseball Bat variations, but distinguishes itself through its unique application angle and grip configuration.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and trachea Starting Position: Turtle Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness	High	Immediate with proper release; prolonged compression can cause serious injury
Tracheal damage from excessive force or sudden jerking	High	2-6 weeks for minor damage; surgery required for severe cases
Neck strain or cervical spine stress	Medium	1-3 weeks
Jaw or facial pressure causing TMJ issues	Medium	2-4 weeks

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum in training, never spike or jerk

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or any distress vocalization)
• Physical hand tap on opponent’s body
• Physical foot tap on mat
• Any rapid tapping motion with hand or foot
• Body going limp (automatic release required)

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately release collar grip upon tap signal
2. Remove body weight and pressure from opponent’s neck
3. Allow opponent to turn to safe position (typically supine or seated)
4. Check that opponent is breathing normally and conscious
5. Give partner time to recover before continuing training

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply competition speed or force in training
• Never spike or jerk the choke - always apply gradually
• Always ensure partner has clear access to tap
• Stop immediately at any sign of distress, even without tap
• Never practice on partners with neck or throat injuries
• Beginners must drill under supervision for first 20+ repetitions

Key Principles

• Deep collar grip with blade of hand creates maximum cutting pressure across carotid arteries
• Body weight and hip positioning generate choking force rather than pure arm strength
• Collar must feed deeply across neck with proper angle to engage both sides simultaneously
• Control opponent’s posture and prevent escape routes before fully committing to finish
• Maintaining connection between your body and opponent’s back prevents defensive space creation
• The non-choking arm controls opponent’s far shoulder or posts to prevent rolling escapes
• Gradual pressure application allows technical refinement and safe training practice

Prerequisites

• Opponent is in turtle position or you have back control without full seat belt grip established
• Access to opponent’s collar on at least one side (preferably both)
• Ability to control opponent’s hips or upper body to prevent escape during setup
• Proper angle positioning (typically 45-90 degrees to opponent’s spine)
• Sufficient gi material to feed collar deeply across neck
• Control of opponent’s defensive hand to prevent collar grip stripping

Execution Steps

1. Establish Initial Control: From turtle or back position, secure control of opponent’s hips with one arm or use knee pressure on their near hip. Your other hand reaches for the far collar, inserting four fingers deep inside the collar at the back of their neck. The thumb stays outside. This grip must be established before opponent recognizes the attack. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for grip establishment) [Pressure: Light]
2. Feed the Collar: Pull the collar material across opponent’s neck, feeding it deeply so your blade hand (pinky side) makes contact with the near side of their neck. The collar should cut diagonally across both carotid arteries. Maintain continuous pressure during this feed to prevent opponent from creating defensive frames. Your elbow drives toward the mat on the choking side. (Timing: 2-4 seconds for deep collar feed) [Pressure: Moderate]
3. Secure Far Side Control: Your non-choking hand reaches across opponent’s body to control their far shoulder, far collar, or posts on the mat for base. This prevents rolling escapes and adds rotational pressure to the choke. Some variations use this hand to grip the pants or belt on the far hip instead. The key is preventing their escape route. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
4. Adjust Hip Position: Walk your hips toward the choking side, positioning your body at approximately 45-90 degrees to opponent’s spine. Your chest should be heavy on their back, with your hips low and driving forward. This angle maximizes the cutting pressure of the collar across their neck while preventing back exposure during the finish. (Timing: 1-3 seconds for optimal positioning) [Pressure: Firm]
5. Drive the Finish: Expand your chest while pulling the collar grip toward your own body, simultaneously driving your hips forward and down. The choking pressure comes from your body weight transmitted through the collar, not just arm strength. Your head should be positioned near opponent’s far shoulder to prevent them rolling toward you. The blade of your forearm creates the primary cutting pressure. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive pressure) [Pressure: Firm]
6. Maintain Position Until Tap: Continue steady pressure while monitoring opponent’s tap signals. If they attempt to roll or escape, follow their movement while maintaining collar control and chest pressure. The choke typically finishes within 3-7 seconds of full application. Be prepared for immediate release upon any tap signal or distress indication. (Timing: 3-7 seconds to tap) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Tucking chin and pulling collar away from neck (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Establish collar grip before they recognize attack; use free hand to pull their head away from tucking angle; if collar is already defended, switch to alternative attack like Clock Choke or abandon for position advancement
• Rolling toward the choking side to escape pressure (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Post your head near their far shoulder to block rolling direction; use your non-choking hand to control far shoulder and prevent rotation; if roll continues, follow through and maintain collar grip, transitioning to modified finishing angle
• Sitting back into guard to remove back exposure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Follow their movement and establish back control with hooks if they sit back; maintain collar grip throughout transition; if full back control achieved, reassess for Rear Naked Choke or continue Breadcutter from improved position
• Gripping your choking arm with both hands to relieve pressure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Increase body weight pressure through chest and hips rather than relying on arm strength alone; use your free hand to strip their defensive grips one at a time; adjust hip angle to maximize collar cutting pressure independently of arm position
• Explosive forward motion to escape your body control (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Anticipate forward pressure by establishing deep collar grip early; use your hip connection to load weight onto their back, making forward motion carry your weight; follow their escape attempt while maintaining collar control, potentially transitioning to Clock Choke if angle shifts

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Applying sudden jerking or spiking motion with the collar [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Severe tracheal damage, potential loss of consciousness without tap opportunity, dangerous training environment
  • Correction: Always apply progressive pressure over 3-5 seconds minimum in training; imagine tightening a screw rather than yanking; focus on body positioning and weight distribution rather than explosive arm strength
• Mistake: Insufficient collar depth - grip too shallow at front of throat [High DANGER]
  • Consequence: Choke targets trachea instead of carotid arteries, causing excessive pain without effective blood restriction, allows easy defensive hand insertion
  • Correction: Feed collar deeply across back of neck first, ensuring blade hand contacts near-side neck; four fingers must be inserted deep in collar at back/side of neck, not front of throat; check grip position before applying pressure
• Mistake: Poor hip positioning - staying too square to opponent’s back [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Reduced choking pressure, easy escape via forward roll or sit-back, vulnerable to counter attacks, inefficient use of body weight
  • Correction: Walk hips to 45-90 degree angle relative to opponent’s spine; keep hips low and driving forward; chest must be heavy on their back with weight distributed through collar grip, not just hanging on opponent
• Mistake: Neglecting far side control with non-choking hand [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent easily rolls toward you to escape, loss of position control, potential reversal to bottom position
  • Correction: Non-choking hand must actively control far shoulder, far collar, or post for base; this hand prevents rolling escapes and adds rotational force to choke; grip must be established before finishing pressure
• Mistake: Releasing pressure too early when opponent struggles [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Loss of dominant position, allows opponent to escape and recover, wasted energy expenditure
  • Correction: Maintain steady pressure through opponent’s initial defensive movements; only release upon clear tap signal or distress; if position is deteriorating, follow opponent’s movement while maintaining collar control rather than abandoning completely
• Mistake: Ignoring tap signals or continuing pressure after tap [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Loss of consciousness, potential brain damage from prolonged restriction, severe injury to training partner, immediate removal from training environment
  • Correction: Actively monitor for all tap signals (verbal, hand, foot, body limpness); release immediately upon any indication of submission; establish pre-training agreement on tap signals with all partners; if in doubt, release pressure and ask partner
• Mistake: Using only arm strength without body weight integration [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Muscular fatigue before finish, reduced choking effectiveness, increased risk of tracheal pressure from incorrect angle, allows opponent time to escape
  • Correction: Generate choking force from hip drive and chest weight transmitted through collar; arms should maintain grip structure while body weight creates pressure; focus on expanding chest and driving hips forward simultaneously

Variations

Clock Choke Transition: When opponent defends initial Breadcutter setup by pulling collar away or tucking chin, walk your feet in circular motion around their head (like hands on a clock) while maintaining deep collar grip. This rotational movement creates alternative choking angle and often surprises opponent who focused defense on initial attack vector. Finish with same body weight principles but from perpendicular or reverse angle. (When to use: When opponent successfully defends collar feed or creates defensive frames against standard Breadcutter angle; particularly effective when they roll slightly toward choking side)

From Back Control Transition: When opponent defends Rear Naked Choke by gripping your choking arm with both hands, transition to Breadcutter by releasing RNC attempt and immediately establishing deep collar grip on same side. Your previous choking arm now feeds collar across their neck while opposite hand controls far shoulder. This catches opponent during defensive focus on previous attack. Maintain back control hooks or transition to side-back position for finish. (When to use: When opponent successfully defends Rear Naked Choke attempts; when you cannot secure proper RNC hand positioning due to collar interference or opponent’s defensive grip strength)

Reverse Breadcutter (Opposite Side Finish): Instead of feeding far collar across near side of neck, grip near collar with deep insertion and pull it across far side of their neck. This requires you to position on opposite side of turtle compared to standard variation. Your body angle becomes more perpendicular to their spine. Particularly effective when opponent over-commits defense to one side, leaving opposite collar exposed. Finish mechanics identical but mirror-imaged. (When to use: When far collar is defended but near collar remains accessible; when opponent’s defensive posture creates better angle for opposite-side attack; useful for creating dilemma by threatening both sides)

Mounted Breadcutter: From mount position when opponent turns to side or turtles defensively, establish collar grip before they fully escape. As they continue turtle motion or turn to hands and knees, follow their movement while maintaining mount pressure and collar control. Transition to standard Breadcutter position as they complete turtle defensive motion. This variation chains positional dominance (mount) with submission finish (Breadcutter) in single sequence. (When to use: When opponent attempts to escape mount by turning to turtle; when you feel mount position becoming unstable and want to chain to submission rather than fight to maintain mount)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the minimum time period you should apply progressive pressure when executing the Breadcutter Choke in training, and why is this critical? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: A minimum of 3-5 seconds of progressive, gradual pressure application is critical in training to allow your partner time to recognize the threat, assess their defensive options, and tap safely if needed. Sudden or spiking application can cause immediate loss of consciousness without tap opportunity, or can damage the trachea before carotid restriction takes effect. The slow application also allows you to develop technical precision rather than relying on explosive force. In competition, faster application may be appropriate, but in training the safety of your partner must always be the priority. This time window also gives you opportunity to feel the proper mechanics and adjust your technique.

Q2: What are all the tap signals you must recognize when applying the Breadcutter Choke, including non-standard distress indicators? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: You must recognize and respond immediately to: (1) Verbal taps including saying ‘tap’ or any vocalization of distress, (2) Physical hand taps on your body, the mat, or in the air, (3) Physical foot taps on the mat, (4) Any rapid tapping motion with hand or foot even if not making solid contact, and (5) The body going limp, which indicates loss of consciousness and requires immediate release. Additionally, you should release pressure if partner makes unusual sounds, if their resistance suddenly stops without clear tap, or if you have any doubt about their state. When applying chokes, the burden is always on the person applying the technique to ensure their partner’s safety. If you cannot see or feel clear tap signals due to positioning, you must either adjust to ensure tap access or abandon the technique.

Q3: Why must the collar grip be inserted deeply at the back/side of the neck rather than at the front of the throat, and what injury risk does shallow grip positioning create? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: A deep collar grip inserted at the back or side of the neck allows the blade of your hand and forearm to create pressure on the carotid arteries located on the sides of the neck, which causes relatively quick and safe loss of consciousness through blood restriction. When the grip is too shallow at the front of the throat, the pressure targets the trachea (windpipe) instead of the carotid arteries. Tracheal pressure is extremely painful and can cause serious injuries including collapsed trachea, damage to the larynx, or crushing of the hyoid bone - all of which require medical intervention and have long recovery times. Blood chokes (carotid restriction) are safer than air chokes (tracheal compression) because they work faster with less pain, allowing clearer tap signals and reducing panic responses. The deep grip position also makes the choke more effective and harder to defend.

Q4: How should you adjust your hip positioning and body angle to maximize choking pressure while maintaining safe control during the Breadcutter Choke finish? A: Walk your hips toward the choking side to create a 45-90 degree angle relative to the opponent’s spine, rather than staying square to their back. Keep your hips low and driving forward, with your chest heavy on their back. This angle allows your body weight to transmit through the collar grip, generating choking force from your mass and hip drive rather than arm strength alone. Your head should be positioned near their far shoulder to prevent rolling escapes toward you. The hip position also maintains your base and prevents back exposure during the finish. This positioning ensures the collar cuts across both carotid arteries simultaneously with maximum efficiency. The forward hip drive combined with chest expansion creates the finishing pressure in a controlled, progressive manner that allows safe training practice while remaining highly effective.

Q5: What is the primary purpose of your non-choking hand during Breadcutter Choke execution, and what happens if this control is neglected? A: The non-choking hand serves two critical functions: (1) It controls the opponent’s far shoulder, far collar, or posts on the mat to prevent rolling escapes, particularly rolls toward your choking side which is their primary escape route, and (2) It adds rotational pressure to the choke by creating opposition to your choking-side pressure. If this control is neglected, the opponent can easily initiate rolling escapes, especially toward you, which can result in complete loss of position or even reversal to bottom. The far-side control must be established before you commit full pressure to the finish. Some variations use this hand to grip the pants or belt on the far hip, while others prefer shoulder or collar control - the key is preventing rotational escape while you focus finishing pressure on the choking side.

Q6: When is the optimal time to transition from other positions or attacks into the Breadcutter Choke, and what defensive reactions make this transition particularly effective? A: The Breadcutter becomes particularly effective when transitioning from: (1) Failed Rear Naked Choke attempts when opponent successfully defends by gripping your choking arm - they are focused on that defense while you switch to collar attack, (2) Mount escape attempts when opponent turns to turtle - you maintain offensive pressure during their defensive transition, (3) Turtle position when opponent is defending other attacks like Clock Choke or trying to stand up - the Breadcutter offers different angle of attack than they are expecting, and (4) Scramble situations where you have temporary back access but cannot establish full control. The technique capitalizes on opponent’s false sense of security in turtle position or their defensive focus on other attacks. It is most effective when you can establish the deep collar grip before opponent recognizes the Breadcutter threat, which is why transitional moments or defended attacks create ideal setup windows.

Q7: What specific physical mechanics differentiate the Breadcutter Choke from a Rear Naked Choke, and why might you choose one over the other in training or competition? A: The Rear Naked Choke uses your forearm and bicep to create a vice around the neck, requiring no gi and typically applied from full back control with both arms wrapped around the opponent. The Breadcutter uses the opponent’s own gi collar as the primary choking mechanism, with your blade hand/forearm driving the collar across their carotid arteries, and requires only one arm for the actual choke while the other provides positional control. You might choose Breadcutter over RNC when: (1) You cannot secure proper RNC hand positioning due to opponent’s defensive grips, (2) The gi collar provides better leverage than your arm structure, (3) You are transitioning from turtle rather than established back control, (4) You want to conserve arm strength by using body weight through collar instead of pure squeezing force, or (5) Opponent is defending RNC attempts, making collar-based attacks unexpected. In no-gi situations, Breadcutter is not available and RNC becomes the primary option from back positions.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding and Grip Mechanics (Week 1-2 (6-10 training sessions))

• Focus: Learn proper collar grip depth, hand positioning, and body angle without any choking pressure. Practice grip insertion, collar feeding mechanics, and hip positioning on fully compliant partner. Understand anatomy of carotid arteries vs trachea. Review all tap signals and safety protocols. Shadow drill the movement pattern solo. Watch instructional footage and discuss safety considerations with coach.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Memorize all tap signals and practice immediate release response. Never apply any pressure during this phase - focus purely on positioning mechanics. Understand the injury risks associated with improper collar depth or sudden application.

Slow Practice with Minimal Pressure (Week 3-4 (8-12 training sessions))

• Focus: Execute full technique with cooperative partner who allows proper positioning. Apply very light pressure (10-20% maximum) over 7-10 seconds to feel proper collar angle and body weight distribution. Partner provides feedback on pressure location (should feel carotid pressure, not tracheal). Practice from static turtle position only. Count out loud during pressure application to ensure slow progression.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Partner must verbally confirm pressure location before increasing intensity. Stop immediately if partner reports throat discomfort rather than neck pressure. Both partners discuss sensations after each repetition. Apply pressure so slowly that partner can tap at any point with full awareness.

Progressive Resistance and Escape Recognition (Week 5-8 (12-16 training sessions))

• Focus: Partner provides mild defensive resistance - tucking chin, pulling collar, or attempting minor positional adjustments. Practice maintaining position and adjusting technique against these defenses. Increase pressure to 30-50% maximum over 5-7 seconds. Begin recognizing when choke is properly locked vs when defensive frames are effective. Drill transitions from other positions like back control or mount.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Partner provides verbal countdown during pressure application. Establish clear communication protocol before each repetition. Practice catching tap signals during dynamic movement. Neither partner should go to completion (tap should occur before maximum pressure).

Realistic Defense and Competition Timing (Week 9-12 (12-16 training sessions))

• Focus: Partner uses realistic defensive strategies including grip fighting, rolling attempts, and forward pressure. Practice following their escape attempts while maintaining collar control. Increase pressure application to 60-75% maximum over 4-5 seconds. Begin implementing against resisting opponents in specific training (start from turtle or back control positions). Drill variations including Clock Choke transitions.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Partner still taps before completion to preserve training longevity. Both practitioners check in after each round about pressure levels and safety concerns. Ensure sufficient rest between high-intensity repetitions. Stop training this technique if experiencing any neck discomfort.

Dynamic Application and Chain Systems (Month 4-6 (ongoing))

• Focus: Implement Breadcutter during positional sparring from various starting points. Chain with other submissions like Clock Choke, Bow and Arrow, or Rear Naked Choke. Practice recognizing setup opportunities during live rolling without forcing the technique. Develop ability to abandon technique if position is compromised. Begin using in controlled sparring with trusted partners.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: In positional sparring, both partners should still be training safely - not competition intensity. Give partner opportunity to tap early without shame or pressure. If partner is less experienced, maintain training-speed application (4-5 seconds minimum). Check ego and prioritize partner safety over finish rate.

Competition Preparation and Full Integration (Month 7+ (after successful integration in training))

• Focus: Full-speed application during competition rounds or competition-simulation training. Integrate with overall game strategy and recognize when Breadcutter offers highest percentage option vs other attacks. Develop ability to finish efficiently under stress and time pressure. Refine technique against opponents of various sizes, strengths, and defensive styles. Maintain technical precision even at high intensity.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Even in competition simulation, maintain awareness of tap signals and release immediately. In actual competition, you may apply faster (3-4 seconds), but never spike or jerk. If you injure training partners during this phase, return to previous phases to develop better control. Remember that even in competition, we are martial artists who respect opponent safety - apply with intention to win, not to injure.

From Which Positions?

• Turtle
• Back Control
• Side Control
• North-South
• Knee on Belly
• Scramble Position
• Seat Belt Control Back
• Kesa Gatame
• Modified Scarf Hold

Related Submissions

• Clock Choke
• Bow and Arrow Choke
• Baseball Bat Choke
• Rear Naked Choke
• Paper Cutter Choke
• Short Choke
• North-South Choke
• Darce Choke
• Anaconda Choke
• Bow and Arrow Choke Variations
• Loop Choke
• Ezekiel Choke

Additional Related Content

• Turtle - Primary starting position for standard Breadcutter application
• Back Control - Alternative starting position and transition opportunity from failed RNC
• Clock Choke - Related collar choke with circular finishing motion, natural transition option
• Side Control - Can transition to Breadcutter as opponent attempts turtle escape
• Collar Control - Fundamental principle for establishing and maintaining effective grip
• Submission Chains - Breadcutter fits into turtle attack chains and back control sequences
• North-South - Breadcutter can be applied from North-South when opponent turns to side
• Bow and Arrow Choke - Similar collar-based choking mechanism with different body positioning
• Kesa Gatame - Can transition to Breadcutter when opponent turtles from scarf hold
• Danaher Straight Jacket System - Breadcutter fits into systematic approach to back attacks and turtle control

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The Breadcutter Choke exemplifies the principle of using your opponent’s equipment against them - in this case, their gi collar becomes the primary weapon. The technical precision required centers on collar depth and blade hand positioning. You must understand that the effectiveness of any collar choke derives from proper angle of force application relative to the carotid arteries. Insufficient depth results in tracheal pressure, which is painful but less effective for finishing and carries higher injury risk. The biomechanics favor using your body mass transmitted through the collar grip rather than arm strength alone - this is why hip positioning at 45-90 degrees to the opponent’s spine is critical. When teaching this technique, I emphasize the systematic progression: establish positional control, secure deep collar grip, create proper angle, then apply body weight progressively. From a safety perspective, the gradual application over minimum 3-5 seconds in training is non-negotiable. Students must develop the sensitivity to distinguish between effective blood restriction and dangerous tracheal compression. The Breadcutter fits within the larger turtle attack system alongside Clock Choke and other collar-based attacks, creating a network of threats that opponents cannot simultaneously defend. Technical mastery means recognizing which variation offers the highest percentage based on opponent’s defensive posture.
• Gordon Ryan: The Breadcutter is one of those techniques that separates competitors who just know moves from those who understand positional dominance and submission chains. In competition, when I have someone in turtle and they’re defending back takes or other attacks, the Breadcutter often becomes available because they’re focused elsewhere. The key difference between training and competition application is speed of execution - in competition, once I have that deep collar grip established, I’m finishing in 3-4 seconds, not 7-8. But here’s what’s critical: I’m still applying progressive pressure, just on a faster timeline. The distinction between training and competition intensity is essential for longevity in this sport. I’ve seen too many guys who train like every roll is ADCC finals and they either get injured or injure their partners and run out of people to train with. In the training room, I’m giving my partners time to feel the position and tap early. In competition, I’m hunting for the finish. The technical element that makes Breadcutter effective at high levels is the body positioning - your chest weight on their back and hips driven forward creates the pressure, not arm yanking. When opponents defend, I’m immediately reading whether to continue Breadcutter, walk to Clock Choke, or establish full back control. The best competitors don’t force single techniques; they flow between options based on defensive reactions. Breadcutter is particularly high-percentage when you transition from mount as they turtle, because you maintain offensive initiative through their defensive movement.
• Eddie Bravo: The Breadcutter is super effective but here’s what people miss - it’s not just one technique, it’s a whole entry point into the collar choke system. At 10th Planet, we focus on no-gi, but when training in the gi, collar chokes like Breadcutter are money because they use the opponent’s equipment against them. What I teach is the concept of creating dilemmas: if I’m threatening Breadcutter from turtle, opponent defends by pulling collar away or rolling, which opens Clock Choke. If they defend Clock, they expose back control. You’re creating a web where they can’t defend everything simultaneously. The innovative approach is combining Breadcutter setups from unconventional positions - like from Truck position if you have access to the gi, or from Twister Side Control. Most people only think about Breadcutter from standard turtle, but if you understand the mechanics of collar-across-neck plus body weight at angle, you can apply the concept from multiple entries. From a training culture perspective, we emphasize safety in the room because you can’t learn if you’re injured and you can’t have training partners if you’re hurting people. The slow progression through the learning phases isn’t just about safety - it’s about developing the sensitivity and technical precision that makes the technique actually work at high levels. Rushing to use techniques in sparring before mastering the mechanics just builds bad habits. The creative aspect is recognizing that Breadcutter, Clock, Bow and Arrow, and Baseball Bat are all variations of the same concept: collar cutting across carotids at different angles. Once you understand the principle, you can adapt to whatever defensive reaction opponent gives you.