SAFETY: Clock Choke from Invisible Collar targets the Carotid arteries and jugular veins. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness. Release immediately upon tap.
Attacking with the Clock Choke from Invisible Collar leverages the pre-established concealed collar grip to bypass the most difficult phase of a standard clock choke—getting the initial collar penetration without the opponent recognizing the threat. From the invisible collar position, the attacker already has deep four-finger collar control disguised as passive back control. The transition to clock choke finishing mechanics involves releasing hooks, shifting weight forward over the opponent’s shoulders, and initiating the circular walking arc that generates rotational compression against the carotid arteries. The key advantage is speed of onset—because the grip is already seated deep, the choke becomes dangerous within the first two steps of the walk rather than requiring the full arc to build pressure.
From Position: Invisible Collar (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Clock Choke from Invisible Collar?
- Maintain invisible collar grip depth throughout the transition from back control to walking position
- Shift weight forward progressively to load the opponent’s shoulders before initiating the walk
- Use the free hand to control the far hip or belt to anchor against the opponent’s escape direction
- Walk in a tight arc toward the choking side to maximize rotational collar pressure
- Keep chest connected to the opponent’s upper back during the entire walking sequence
- Time the walking initiation for when the opponent is focused on hook defense or posture recovery
- Accelerate the walk smoothly rather than jerking to prevent the opponent from recognizing the shift
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Clock Choke from Invisible Collar?
- Invisible collar grip established with four fingers deep inside the lapel and knuckles against the neck
- Opponent in turtle or compressed posture with limited ability to track attacker’s weight shift
- Free hand positioned to control the opponent’s far hip, belt, or pants for anchoring
- Hooks removed or transitioning to sprawl position to allow walking movement around the head
- Body weight beginning to shift forward over the opponent’s shoulders to load the choke
Execution Steps
How do you execute Clock Choke from Invisible Collar step by step?
- Verify Collar Depth: Confirm that your invisible collar grip has all four fingers deep inside the lapel with knuckles pressed firmly against the opponent’s neck. The thumb should be on the outside of the collar material. If grip depth is insufficient, use subtle wrist rotations to walk your fingers deeper before committing to the clock choke transition. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to verify and adjust)
- Establish Far Side Anchor: Reach your free hand across the opponent’s back to grip their far hip, belt, or pants waistband. This anchor prevents the opponent from rolling away from the choke direction and provides a fixed point for you to generate rotational pressure against. Secure this grip firmly before changing your lower body position. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Remove Hooks and Sprawl: Disengage your hooks from the opponent’s legs and transition your lower body into a sprawl position with your hips driving forward into their upper back. This weight transfer loads the opponent’s shoulders and compresses their posture while freeing your legs for the walking motion. Maintain chest-to-back contact throughout. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Initiate Walking Arc: Begin walking your feet in a tight arc toward the choking side, moving around the opponent’s head. Each step should drive your hip forward while your collar grip acts as the fixed pivot point. The walking motion creates a rotational tightening effect on the collar material against the carotid arteries without requiring you to pull the grip. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for initial arc)
- Drive Weight Forward and Down: As you walk past the opponent’s head, drive your chest weight forward and down into the mat, flattening the opponent’s upper body. Your shoulder should press into the back of their head or neck while the collar tightens from the opposite side. This creates a vise between your bodyweight pressure and the collar compression. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Complete the Choke: Continue the walking arc until you feel the opponent’s body go slack or they tap. Pull your choking elbow toward your own hip to maximize the collar’s rotational pressure against the neck. Keep your far-side anchor grip tight to prevent any last-moment roll or escape. Maintain steady progressive pressure rather than explosive jerking force. (Timing: 2-4 seconds to finish)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 58% |
| Failure | Invisible Collar | 27% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Clock Choke from Invisible Collar?
- Opponent grabs choking wrist with both hands to strip the collar grip (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Accelerate the walking motion to tighten the choke before the grip can be broken. If the grip starts slipping, immediately transition to a rear naked choke setup since both their hands are now occupied with your collar arm, leaving their neck exposed. → Leads to Invisible Collar
- Opponent rolls toward the choking side to relieve collar pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the roll by maintaining your walking arc and keeping chest pressure connected. The roll often helps you by creating additional rotation on the collar. If they complete the roll to guard, maintain the collar grip and finish from top position. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Opponent sits out and turns to face you during the walk (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use your far-side anchor grip to prevent the sit-out from completing. If they partially turn, redirect your walking arc to follow their rotation and maintain the collar angle. The collar grip often becomes even more effective when they turn into it. → Leads to Invisible Collar
- Opponent tucks chin aggressively to block collar from seating on carotid (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: The invisible collar grip is already beneath the chin from the initial setup, making a chin tuck less effective than against a standard clock choke. Continue walking and driving weight forward—the chin tuck is exhausting to maintain and the collar pressure builds regardless. → Leads to game-over