Clock Choke

SAFETY: Clock Choke targets the Carotid arteries and jugular veins. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness. Release immediately upon tap.

Position Variants

From Position	Success Rate	Top Injury Risk	Key Difference
Invisible Collar	58%	Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness
Rodeo Ride	58%	Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness

The Clock Choke is a highly effective gi-based blood choke primarily executed from turtle position, though it can also be applied from back control variations. The technique derives its name from the circular walking motion the attacker makes around the opponent’s head, resembling the movement of clock hands. This submission targets the carotid arteries using a combination of the opponent’s own gi lapel and precise body positioning. The Clock Choke represents an excellent example of using the gi as a force multiplier, creating a mechanical advantage that doesn’t require significant upper body strength. The technique is particularly valuable because it can be executed when traditional back takes are defended, offering an alternative finishing option from turtle and transition positions. Many practitioners overlook the Clock Choke in favor of taking the back, but experienced grapplers recognize it as a high-percentage finish that capitalizes on the opponent’s defensive posture in turtle.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and jugular veins Success Rate: 58% (average across variants)

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness	High	Immediate recovery if released promptly; potential for serious injury if held after unconsciousness
Neck strain or cervical spine stress from rotational pressure	Medium	3-7 days for minor strains; 2-4 weeks for more severe cases
Jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) compression	Medium	1-2 weeks for minor discomfort; longer for existing TMJ issues

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum to allow partner to recognize the choke and tap

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap or verbal submission signal
• Physical hand tap on attacker’s body or mat
• Physical foot tap on mat
• Any rapid or frantic movement indicating distress

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately release the lapel grip upon receiving tap signal
2. Remove your weight from opponent’s back and create space
3. Allow partner to recover in a neutral position without pressure
4. Check on partner’s condition before continuing training

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply the choke rapidly or explosively in training
• Never maintain pressure after partner taps or shows distress
• Always ensure partner has clear access to tap with hands or feet
• Avoid training this technique with partners who have neck injuries or cardiovascular conditions

Variation Details

Clock Choke from Back Control: When opponent is defending back control with strong hand fighting preventing the second hook, you can transition to the Clock Choke. Feed your choking hand deep into the collar from your seatbelt control position, then begin the walking motion even while maintaining one hook. This variation is effective when traditional back takes are well defended. (When to use: When opponent has strong back defense preventing second hook insertion or when they are successfully preventing the rear naked choke)

Rolling Clock Choke: As you establish the collar grip from turtle, instead of walking around opponent, you roll over your shoulder in the direction of the choke. This creates instant rotational pressure and can surprise opponents who are preparing to defend the traditional walking version. As you complete the roll, you end up on your back with opponent stacked on top of you, but with the choke fully locked. (When to use: When you have limited space to walk or when opponent is very heavy and difficult to walk around; also effective when they are bracing hard against the traditional setup)

Clock Choke from North-South: From north-south position, reach under opponent’s head and grip their far collar, then begin walking your body in a circular motion similar to the turtle version. This requires more flexibility and collar awareness but can catch opponents off-guard who don’t expect the submission from this position. Your circular motion eventually positions you similar to the traditional setup. (When to use: When transitioning through north-south and opponent turns into turtle, or when your opponent is effectively defending traditional north-south submissions)

Two-on-One Clock Choke: Instead of controlling opponent’s far side with your free hand, use it to reinforce your choking grip by grabbing your own wrist or grabbing the gi material near your choking hand. This creates significantly more pressure but requires you to already have excellent positioning and control. The trade-off is less ability to prevent opponent’s rolling escape. (When to use: When opponent is smaller or when you have already achieved perfect positioning and want maximum choking pressure; most effective when they cannot roll due to being near the edge of the mat)

From Which Positions?

• Turtle
• Back Control
• Crab Ride
• North-South
• Seat Belt Control Back
• Gift Wrap
• Kesa Gatame
• Crucifix

Related Submissions

• Rear Naked Choke - Primary alternative finish from back control when Clock Choke grip is unavailable
• Bow and Arrow Choke - Complementary gi choke from similar positions that chains with Clock Choke collar access
• Darce Choke - Alternative front headlock choke that chains from turtle attack sequences
• Anaconda Choke - Related head and arm choke available from overlapping turtle attack positions
• Arm Triangle - Alternative head and arm choke accessible during turtle-to-side-control transitions
• Breadcutter Choke - Complementary gi choke using similar collar grip mechanics from top positions
• North-South Choke - Alternative pressure choke with overlapping positional setups from north-south
• Cross Collar Choke - Related gi-based collar choke sharing fundamental grip principles
• Loop Choke - Related collar choke that can chain from similar lapel grip entries

Additional Related Content

• Turtle - Primary starting position for Clock Choke setup and execution
• Back Control - Alternative starting position and transition point when back take is defended
• Seat Belt Control Back - Control position that naturally feeds into Clock Choke collar grip setup
• Crab Ride - Control position from turtle that creates Clock Choke opportunities
• Rear Naked Choke - Primary alternative finish from back control; Clock Choke serves as backup when RNC is defended
• Bow and Arrow Choke - Complementary gi choke from similar positions; can chain between techniques
• Crucifix - Alternative control position from turtle; can transition to Clock Choke when crucifix is defended
• North-South - Alternative position from which Clock Choke variation can be applied
• Darce Choke - Alternative front headlock choke that chains with Clock Choke attacks from turtle
• Anaconda Choke - Related head and arm choke available from similar turtle attacking positions
• Kesa Gatame - Side control variation that can transition to Clock Choke opportunities
• Gift Wrap - Arm control position that creates collar access for Clock Choke setup

Match Outcome

Successful execution of Clock Choke leads to → Game Over

All submissions in BJJ ultimately converge to the same terminal state: the match ends when your opponent taps.