⚠️ SAFETY: Clock Choke targets the Carotid arteries and jugular veins. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness. Release immediately upon tap.
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 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 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:
- Immediately release the lapel grip upon receiving tap signal
- Remove your weight from opponent’s back and create space
- Allow partner to recover in a neutral position without pressure
- 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
Key Principles
- Control the near side collar deep with full grip before initiating the choke
- Walk your feet in a circular path around opponent’s head to create rotational pressure
- Keep your hips close to opponent’s body to prevent escape and maintain pressure
- Use your chest and body weight against the back of opponent’s head to seal the choke
- The choking pressure comes from the rotation and body positioning, not arm strength
- Maintain base throughout the circular motion to prevent counter-sweeps
- The opponent’s own shoulder acts as the secondary pressure point against their neck
Prerequisites
- Opponent is in turtle position or transitioning from guard recovery
- You have secure control of opponent’s near side collar, fed deep across their neck
- Your opposite arm controls opponent’s far side or controls their hip to prevent rolling
- You are positioned on opponent’s side, not directly behind them
- Opponent’s head is relatively low to the mat (not posturing up)
- You have established sufficient base to begin walking motion without being swept
Execution Steps
- Establish collar grip: From turtle position or while opponent is defending back control, feed your hand deep into opponent’s near side collar, getting at least four fingers inside. Your grip should be palm-down with the blade of your forearm positioned against the side of their neck. This initial grip is crucial - without depth, the choke will not be effective regardless of your subsequent positioning. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to establish proper depth) [Pressure: Light]
- Control far side: With your free hand, reach over opponent’s back and establish control of their far side hip, belt, or far side collar. This control prevents them from rolling away from you during the choke sequence. Maintain heavy chest pressure on their back. Your body weight should be distributed to make escape difficult while maintaining your own base. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Begin walking motion: Start walking your feet in a circular path around opponent’s head, moving in the direction of your choking arm (if gripping right collar, walk clockwise). Keep your steps small and controlled, maintaining constant pressure throughout. Your hips should stay low and close to opponent’s body. Think of your body as a lever rotating around your collar grip as the pivot point. (Timing: 2-4 seconds for initial quarter circle) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Increase rotational pressure: As you continue walking, your body rotation creates increasing pressure on opponent’s neck. The combination of your collar grip, their own shoulder, and the rotational force compresses the carotid arteries. Continue walking until you are nearly perpendicular to opponent’s body or past that point. Your chest should be pressing against the back of their head, adding additional pressure. (Timing: 2-3 seconds of progressive walking) [Pressure: Firm]
- Final adjustment and squeeze: Once you’ve achieved maximum rotation (typically when you’re past perpendicular to opponent’s body), make final adjustments. Drive your chest into the back of opponent’s head while pulling with your collar grip. Your free arm can now reinforce the choke by grabbing your own wrist or by continuing to control opponent’s far side. The pressure should increase gradually and progressively. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for final positioning) [Pressure: Firm]
- Secure the finish: Maintain all pressure points: collar grip, chest pressure against their head, hip pressure against their body, and rotational tension. Your body should be configured so that any attempt by opponent to turn or roll only tightens the choke. Wait for the tap, applying pressure progressively and never explosively. If opponent attempts to roll, maintain your grips and continue your circular motion to stay on top. (Timing: 3-5 seconds until tap) [Pressure: Maximum]
Opponent Defenses
- Opponent tucks their chin tightly to block collar access (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Use your free hand to grip under opponent’s chin or use collar grips to peel their chin up before feeding your primary choking hand deeper. Alternatively, wait for movement when they attempt to advance from turtle - defensive postures naturally open briefly during transitions.
- Opponent rolls forward (granby roll) toward your choking arm to relieve pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Follow the roll by continuing your circular motion, staying connected to opponent’s body. Often the roll actually helps complete your walking motion. Maintain your collar grip and chest connection throughout. You may need to post with your free hand to avoid being reversed.
- Opponent posts with their far arm and pushes into you to prevent rotation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Use your free hand to strip opponent’s posting arm or control their far hip more aggressively. Alternatively, momentarily release hip pressure to allow opponent to turn slightly, then re-establish control once you have better angle. Sometimes stepping over opponent’s arm can eliminate the post.
- Opponent drops to their side and attempts to turn into you (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: This movement often makes the choke tighter. Maintain your collar grip and continue your circular motion. As they turn, your chest pressure and rotational force increase. Follow their movement and secure the submission as they complete the turn.
- Opponent grabs your choking arm with both hands to strip the grip (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Once the choke is properly positioned, grip fighting becomes less effective for defense. Continue walking and applying rotational pressure - the mechanics of the position make grip stripping difficult. Focus on keeping your elbow tight and your collar grip deep. Your free hand can control opponent’s grip fighting hands.
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the minimum time you should allow for a training partner to recognize and tap to the Clock Choke, and why is this critical? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: You must allow minimum 3-5 seconds for progressive pressure application in training. This is critical because blood chokes can cause loss of consciousness if held too long, and the rotational nature of the Clock Choke means it can tighten very quickly. The gradual application gives your partner time to recognize the danger, assess their escape options, and make a safe decision to tap. Applying it explosively denies them this decision-making time and significantly increases injury risk.
Q2: Why must you immediately release the collar grip upon receiving a tap signal during the Clock Choke? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Immediate release is essential because the Clock Choke is a blood choke that restricts blood flow to the brain via carotid artery compression. If maintained even a few seconds after someone should tap, it can cause loss of consciousness. Brain damage can occur from prolonged oxygen deprivation, and the rotational pressure also stresses the cervical spine. The moment you feel or hear a tap, you must release the collar grip and remove your body weight to restore blood flow. This is your responsibility as the person applying the submission, even in competition settings with referees present.
Q3: What are the two primary structural components that create the choking pressure in the Clock Choke, and how do they work together? A: The two primary components are the collar grip across one side of the neck and the opponent’s own shoulder acting as the secondary pressure point on the other side. The choking mechanism is completed by your rotational walking motion which creates tension in the collar material while simultaneously driving opponent’s shoulder into their neck. Your chest pressure against the back of their head seals this closed system. This triangulated pressure compresses both carotid arteries simultaneously, making it a highly effective blood choke that doesn’t rely primarily on arm strength.
Q4: Why is collar grip depth more important than walking speed when executing the Clock Choke? A: Collar grip depth is fundamental because it determines whether the choke has structural integrity. A deep four-finger grip with your forearm across the side of opponent’s neck creates the proper blade position to compress the carotid artery. Without this depth, no amount of walking or body pressure will create an effective choke - you’ll simply be pulling on fabric without affecting blood flow. Walking speed is secondary; even slow, controlled walking with proper collar depth will secure the submission, while rapid walking with shallow grip will fail. The principle is setup over speed.
Q5: What is the purpose of controlling the opponent’s far side during the Clock Choke execution? A: Controlling the far side (hip, belt, or collar) serves multiple critical functions. First, it prevents opponent from rolling away from the pressure, which is their highest-percentage escape. Second, it helps you maintain balance during your walking motion so you don’t get swept. Third, it allows you to keep your body weight distributed on opponent, making other escapes difficult. Finally, it gives you a reference point for maintaining proper positioning throughout the submission sequence. Without this control, opponent can simply roll away, negating your collar grip and walking motion entirely.
Q6: How should you adjust your Clock Choke when an opponent attempts a granby roll defense? A: When opponent granby rolls toward your choking arm, you should maintain your collar grip and continue your circular walking motion, essentially following their roll. Often the roll actually assists in completing your rotation and can tighten the choke. Keep your chest connected to the back of their head and stay heavy throughout the motion. You may need to post with your free hand momentarily to maintain base, but your primary focus is maintaining the collar grip and body connection. Many practitioners make the mistake of releasing pressure during the roll, but the rotation actually works in your favor if you stay connected.
From Which Positions?
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The Clock Choke represents an excellent example of using rotational mechanics to amplify pressure without requiring significant upper body strength. The fundamental principle here is that you’re creating a closed system where the opponent’s own body structure - specifically their shoulder - acts as the secondary pressure point. Your collar grip and body rotation generate tension in the gi material while simultaneously driving that shoulder into their neck. This triangulated pressure is what makes it so effective. From a technical standpoint, the depth of your initial collar grip determines everything - without proper depth, all subsequent actions are meaningless. Most practitioners fail this technique not because of poor walking mechanics, but because they begin with insufficient collar penetration. The walking motion should be smooth and controlled, using small steps that maintain constant pressure while preserving your base. Your center of gravity must stay over the opponent throughout the rotation. Pay particular attention to keeping your chest heavy on the back of their head - this pressure seals the choke and prevents them from turning to relieve the arterial compression. The Clock Choke also teaches important principles about submission timing: you must be patient enough to establish proper position before attempting the finish. In training, apply this progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum to allow your partner decision-making time. The submission is highly effective precisely because it attacks the carotid arteries through mechanical advantage rather than muscular force.
- Gordon Ryan: I love the Clock Choke because it gives me a high-percentage finish when guys are really good at defending their back. In competition, everyone at the highest levels has been rear-naked-choked thousands of times - their hand fighting and chin defense are automatic. The Clock Choke punishes that defensive turtle posture they take when defending back takes. What makes it competition-viable is that once you get that collar grip deep, their defense options become very limited. They can try to roll, but if you stay connected, the roll actually helps complete your walking motion and can tighten the choke. The key is not rushing it - even in competition with limited time, taking 2-3 seconds to establish proper positioning will finish faster than scrambling with poor setup. I use it most often when I’ve got one hook in and they’re successfully preventing my second hook through hand fighting. Instead of fighting their grips, I transition to the collar, start walking, and finish before they realize they’ve given up the submission defense to prevent the back take. In training, you need to be especially careful with this one because it comes on quickly once properly positioned. I’ve had training partners go out because they’re so focused on defending they don’t recognize the choke is fully locked. Good partners are hard to find, so protect them by applying slowly and progressively, even when drilling. In competition, I’m finishing as soon as it’s locked, but training is different - the 3-5 second progressive application isn’t just for their safety, it’s so they can learn the defensive windows and you can develop precise control.
- Eddie Bravo: The Clock Choke is one of those techniques that works perfectly in gi but also teaches you principles about rotational pressure you can apply elsewhere. We play with this from the Truck position a lot because the mechanics are similar - you’re rotating around their head to create pressure. What I love about it is that it’s not a strength move at all. Small guys can absolutely destroy bigger opponents with this if they understand the geometry. The collar grip is everything - you need to feed that hand so deep it feels like you’re reaching for their far shoulder. Once you have that depth, the walking motion is almost casual. You’re not sprinting around their head, you’re taking controlled steps while staying heavy on their back. One variation we mess with is the rolling version where instead of walking, you roll over your shoulder. It’s faster and can surprise people, but requires more timing. The Clock Choke also connects well with our other turtle attacks. If they defend the Twister setup, the collar might be there. If they defend the Clock Choke by rolling, you might get the Twister. It’s all about creating those dilemmas. Safety-wise, this is a choke that can put people out fast because of how it hits both arteries, so in the gym we’re super careful with it. Our culture is about pushing boundaries with techniques but never with safety. The 10th Planet gyms train this choke with a lot of respect - we do it slowly, we tap early, and we make sure everyone understands the injury risks before we even start practicing it. That safety culture lets us explore aggressive techniques without hurting our team.