BJJ Graph

Cross Collar Choke

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Cross Collar Choke

bjjstatesubmissiongichoke

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: S046
  • Submission Name: Cross Collar Choke
  • Alternative Names: Cross Lapel Choke, X-Collar Strangle

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Low to Medium - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Short - duration of submission attempt
  • Risk Level: Low - chance of position loss if failed

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for grip maintenance
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low for body positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for precise grip and elbow expansion
  • Endurance Requirements: Low to Medium for sustained pressure during finish

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From a dominant position like Closed Guard Bottom, Mount, or Side Control, you begin by establishing a deep grip with your first hand inside the opponent’s collar, fingers inside and thumb outside to maximize control over their neck. Your second hand reaches across to grip the opposite lapel, creating a cross-formation with fingers inside and thumb outside, ensuring both grips are secure and deep for optimal pressure. Rotate your wrists to bunch the collar fabric and expand your elbows outward, forming a tight frame that compresses both carotid arteries, rather than pulling with your arms which would be less efficient. As you maintain connection with the opponent’s upper body and apply synchronized pressure by expanding your elbows further and rotating your torso slightly, the choke intensifies, cutting off blood flow to the brain until the opponent submits or loses consciousness.

Template: “From Closed Guard or Mount, secure a deep grip inside one collar, fingers in. Grip the opposite collar across, creating a cross-formation. Rotate wrists to bunch fabric and expand elbows outward for pressure. Maintain connection and intensify choke until submission.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish position (Closed Guard, Mount, or Side Control)
  2. Initial Movement: Secure deep grip inside opponent’s collar with first hand (fingers in)
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent may attempt to posture up or hand fight
  4. Adaptation: Grip opposite lapel with second hand across (fingers in) for cross-formation
  5. Positioning: Rotate wrists to bunch collar fabric and prepare for pressure
  6. Pressure Application: Expand elbows outward to compress carotid arteries
  7. Completion: Maintain upper body connection and apply synchronized pressure until submission

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Deep grips inside both collars for control
  • Base/Foundation: Stable position like Closed Guard or Mount for leverage
  • Timing Windows: Execute after secure grip establishment
  • Leverage Points: Wrist rotation and elbow expansion for carotid compression
  • Common Adjustments: Adjust grip depth and torso rotation based on resistance

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Depth and security of collar grips (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing before opponent defends posture (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive strength over time (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding choke mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Elbow Expansion: Effectiveness of elbow movement for pressure (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Hand Fighting: Breaking collar grips → Grip Breaking (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: early reaction)
  • Posture Up: Maintaining upright posture to reduce pressure → Defensive Posture (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: strong base)
  • Create Space: Framing to disrupt connection → Frame Creation (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: mobility available)
  • Chin Tuck: Protecting neck by tucking chin → Trachea Protection (Success Rate: 15%, Conditions: quick anticipation)
  • Bridge and Roll: Attempting sweep or escape → Guard Pass (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: significant space)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic for Opponent Behavior

If [cross collar grips] are not fully secured:
- Execute [[Hand Fighting]] (Probability: 30%)

Else if [base] allows posture maintenance:
- Execute [[Posture Up]] (Probability: 25%)

Else if [body mobility] permits framing:
- Execute [[Create Space]] (Probability: 20%)

Else if [reaction time] allows chin protection:
- Execute [[Chin Tuck]] (Probability: 15%)

Else [optimal submission execution]:
- Accept submission (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Defensive Considerations

Common Threats During Attempt

Primary risks while attempting this submission:

  • Grip Break: Opponent breaks collar grips → Grip Breaking (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Position Loss: Opponent escapes position during setup → Position Change (Threat Level: Low)
  • Counter Attack: Opponent uses framing to initiate sweep → Sweep Attempt (Threat Level: Low)
  • Stalemate: Opponent tucks chin to stall choke → Trachea Protection (Threat Level: Medium)

Format: [[Threat Type]] → [[Resulting Position]] (Threat Level: X)

Defensive Strategies

Methods to mitigate threats:

  • Grip Maintenance: Secure deep grips quickly to prevent breaks
  • Position Control: Maintain stable base to avoid sweeps or escapes
  • Wrist Rotation: Maximize compression early to limit defensive options
  • Torso Rotation: Use rotational movement to disrupt opponent’s posture
  • Adaptation Readiness: Be prepared to switch to alternative chokes if defended

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The Cross Collar Choke’s effectiveness lies in precise mechanical execution. Focus on exact grip depth, wrist rotation, and elbow positioning to maximize choking efficiency. Understanding the anatomical impact on carotid arteries over trachea compression is key.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “Though I’m primarily a no-gi specialist, the Cross Collar Choke is vital in gi contexts. It integrates well within a broader submission system, offering transitions to other attacks if defended. The connection between grips and follow-ups is crucial.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “I’ve adapted Cross Collar Choke principles into no-gi with variations like the Zombie Choke. It’s a foundational BJJ technique that showcases core choking mechanics. This submission proves how traditional grips can be weaponized effectively.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Insufficient grip depth in collars

  • Why It Fails: Reduces choking effectiveness on carotid arteries

  • Correction: Ensure deep grip with fingers inside collar for control

  • Recognition: Pressure feels weak despite proper positioning

  • Error: Pulling with arms instead of expanding elbows

  • Why It Fails: Leads to energy inefficiency and reduced pressure

  • Correction: Expand elbows outward to create choking frame

  • Recognition: Arms tire quickly without significant choke impact

  • Error: Poor wrist rotation during application

  • Why It Fails: Limits fabric bunching and pressure application

  • Correction: Rotate wrists to tighten collar around neck

  • Recognition: Choke feels loose despite secure grips

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: After secure establishment of Closed Guard, Mount, or Side Control
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong posture or grip breaks
  • Setup Sequences: During posture breaks or from dominant positions
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete within 5-10 seconds to prevent defense or fatigue

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of gi grip mechanics and choking principles
  • Physical Preparation: Grip strength for maintaining collar control
  • Positional Knowledge: Control from Closed Guard, Mount, or Side Control
  • Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced - fundamental gi technique

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the choking pressure in the Cross Collar Choke?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate the Cross Collar Choke?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in grip placement for this submission?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grip configuration is essential for the Cross Collar Choke?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent starts to posture up?”

Variants and Configurations

Different setups within the submission:

  • Standard Cross Collar Choke: Classic deep grip from Closed Guard or Mount
  • Thumb-In Variation: Alternative grip with thumbs inside for control
  • Palm-Up Variation: Different wrist orientation for pressure
  • Modified with Lapel: Enhanced control using additional gi fabric
  • Dynamic Cross Collar: Applied during transitions for surprise

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Grip Familiarization: Practice collar grip depth and placement solo
  • Control Drilling: Work with partner on establishing cross-formation grips
  • Wrist Rotation Integration: Add rotation mechanics for pressure
  • Pressure Practice: Incorporate elbow expansion with progressive resistance
  • Live Application: Use in sparring from Closed Guard or Mount with focus on timing

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Secure, grip, rotate, expand, maintain, apply, compress
  • Spatial References: Collar cross-formation, deep grip, elbow frame
  • Pressure Dynamics: Choking pressure, carotid compression, grip tension
  • Momentum Descriptions: Quick grip setup, progressive pressure increase

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Get that deep grip inside the collar, fingers in”
  • Execution Guidance: “Cross to the opposite lapel and secure the grip”
  • Adjustment Prompts: “Rotate wrists and expand elbows for choking pressure”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Maintain connection and apply pressure until they tap”

Technical Specifications

Control Mechanics

Scientific submission analysis:

  • Force Vectors: Compression through elbow expansion on carotid arteries
  • Leverage Points: Wrist rotation as fulcrum for collar tension
  • Stability Factors: Stable position for grip security and pressure
  • Mobility Dynamics: Torso rotation for dynamic pressure adjustment
  • Energy Efficiency: Low to moderate energy use with high submission return

Success Factors

Elements that strengthen submission:

  • Grip Depth: Quality of collar control (+/-20%)
  • Wrist Rotation: Effectiveness of fabric bunching (+/-15%)
  • Elbow Expansion: Precision of elbow frame (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive resistance over time (+/-5%)
  • Experience Level: Familiarity with gi choke mechanics (+/-10%)

Validation Checklist

Every submission file must include:

  • All required properties with specific values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete execution steps list (minimum 7 steps)
  • Strategic advantages and common challenges
  • At least 3 high-probability counters with success rates
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Defensive considerations and strategies
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Americana for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent submission data for state machine implementation
  • Detailed control mechanics for realistic modeling
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured counter analysis for complete coverage
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all submission files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Baseball Bat Choke - Alternative gi choke with similar grips
  • Ezekiel Choke - Follow-up if Cross Collar Choke is defended
  • Loop Choke - Complementary choke from similar positions
  • Triangle Choke - Secondary attack if posture is broken
  • Armbar - Alternative submission if choke fails

Historical Context

The Cross Collar Choke is one of the oldest and most fundamental techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a cornerstone of the Gracie family’s system since its inception. It exemplifies the core BJJ principle of using leverage and positioning to overcome larger opponents, requiring minimal strength when executed correctly. This choke has been pivotal in countless competitive matches and self-defense scenarios throughout BJJ history.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels in gi competition, scores as submission win
  • Strategic Use: High-percentage finish in gi contexts from multiple positions
  • Gi Specificity: Relies on collar grips, ineffective in no-gi
  • Tournament Impact: Often used to control and finish from dominant positions

Safety Considerations

  • Pressure Control: Apply choke gradually to avoid sudden unconsciousness
  • Partner Awareness: Monitor opponent’s response during application
  • Mat Space: Ensure adequate space for safe positioning
  • Release Timing: Release immediately upon tap to prevent injury
  • Neck Safety: Avoid excessive force beyond reasonable compression point

Submission Integration

Common Cross Collar Choke combinations:

Training Applications

  • Gi Specialization: Essential for gi competitors focusing on chokes
  • Competition Preparation: Strong submission for tournament strategies
  • Control Development: Builds understanding of collar grip mechanics
  • Tactical Exploration: Encourages chaining submissions from dominant positions

Graph View

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