SAFETY: Cross Collar Choke from Body Triangle targets the Carotid arteries. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to temporary loss of consciousness. Release immediately upon tap.
Attacking the cross collar choke from body triangle gives you an exceptionally stable platform for collar work. Your legs handle all positional control through the figure-four lock, freeing both hands entirely for grip fighting and choking. The breathing restriction from the body triangle creates urgency that forces your opponent into defensive errors, opening collar access. This combination of mechanical control and choking threat makes the cross collar choke from body triangle one of the highest-percentage gi finishes from back control, especially when integrated into a submission chain with the RNC and bow and arrow.
From Position: Body Triangle (Bottom)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Cross Collar Choke from Body Triangle?
- Use the body triangle’s breathing restriction to force defensive errors that expose the collar
- Feed the first grip deep into the cross-side collar with four fingers inside before pursuing the second grip
- Keep chest-to-back pressure constant to prevent the defender from creating space to turn and face you
- Finish by pulling elbows toward your hips while expanding your chest, creating a scissoring action across both carotids
- Chain collar attacks with RNC threats so every defensive response opens a different submission
- Maintain the body triangle squeeze throughout the choking sequence to compound breathing restriction with blood choke pressure
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Cross Collar Choke from Body Triangle?
- Established body triangle with secure figure-four lock around opponent’s lower ribcage
- Chest-to-back connection maintained with hips positioned on mat for stable base
- At least one hand free from positional maintenance to begin collar hunting
- Opponent wearing a gi with accessible collar material on both sides of the neck
- Upper body control sufficient to prevent opponent from turning to face you during grip work
Execution Steps
How do you execute Cross Collar Choke from Body Triangle step by step?
- Secure body triangle and establish upper body control: Lock your body triangle tight around the opponent’s lower ribcage with the foot deep behind your knee. Establish a seatbelt grip or over-under control with your upper body. Pulse the triangle squeeze to create breathing urgency. (Timing: Maintain for 5-10 seconds to establish control rhythm)
- Feed the first deep collar grip: With your choking-side hand, reach over the opponent’s shoulder and feed four fingers deep inside the cross-side collar, gripping the fabric near the back of the neck. Pull the collar tight against their neck to eliminate slack. (Timing: 2-4 seconds for grip insertion)
- Consolidate first grip and set angle: Once the first grip is deep, pull your elbow down toward your hip to take up slack in the collar. Adjust your hip angle slightly to position yourself for the second hand entry. Use the body triangle squeeze to distract the defender. (Timing: 1-3 seconds for adjustment)
- Work the second collar grip: Bring your other hand over or under the opponent’s opposite shoulder and feed four fingers inside the collar on the other side. This creates the crossed configuration with both hands gripping opposite collars, forming an X across the throat. (Timing: 3-6 seconds depending on opponent’s hand fighting)
- Set the choking angle: With both grips secured, position your wrists against the sides of the opponent’s neck targeting the carotid arteries. Ensure the pressure is directed to the sides of the neck rather than the front of the throat. Tighten both grips by twisting your fists. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for final positioning)
- Execute the finish: Pull both elbows back toward your hips while simultaneously expanding your chest forward into the opponent’s back. This scissoring action drives your wrists and forearms into both carotid arteries. Increase body triangle squeeze to prevent any escape attempt during the finish. (Timing: 3-5 seconds for progressive application in training)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 58% |
| Failure | Body Triangle | 27% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Cross Collar Choke from Body Triangle?
- Defender strips collar grips by two-on-one grip fighting before choke is set (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately switch to RNC attempt when hands come off your wrists, as grip fighting exposes the neck. Alternate between collar and RNC threats to keep defender reactive. → Leads to Body Triangle
- Defender tucks chin deep and hunches shoulders to block collar access (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use the body triangle squeeze to force them to address breathing, which loosens chin tuck. Alternatively, switch to bow and arrow by grabbing the collar from the bottom up rather than over the shoulder. → Leads to Body Triangle
- Defender turns toward you to face you and escape back control entirely (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use your body triangle to prevent the turn. If they begin turning, switch to armbar as their arm becomes exposed, or transition to mounted triangle if they fully face you. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Defender reaches back to attack the body triangle lock while you work collar grips (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Their hands attacking your legs means their neck is completely undefended. Accelerate collar grip insertion and immediately apply the choke. This is a favorable exchange for the attacker. → Leads to Body Triangle