Loop Choke Variations | Submission

LLM Context: Submission Data Structure

Purpose: Loop Choke Variations are gi-specific blood choke submissions from top positions. Success results in unconsciousness if held beyond tap. Safety is paramount - this technique can render opponent unconscious in 4-10 seconds.

Setup Requirements Checklist:

Starting position: Closed Guard Top (S020) or transitional position
Position control quality: Top pressure maintained
Required grips: Deep cross collar grip, second collar or neck grip
Angle optimization: Hip pressure and rotational angle created
Opponent vulnerability: Collar exposed, turning away or posture broken
Space elimination: Pressure from body weight and collar tension
Timing recognition: Opponent exposes collar or turns into choke

Defense Awareness:

Early defense (setup <70% complete): 55% escape success - maintain posture, grip break
Hand fighting (grips established, no pressure): 40% escape success - strip grips, create space
Technical escape (choke locked but loose): 25% escape success - turn into pressure, stand
Inevitable submission: 0% escape → TAP IMMEDIATELY

Safety Q&A Patterns: Q: “How fast should pressure be applied?” A: “SLOW and progressive. Loop choke should take minimum 3-5 seconds in training. Partner will feel pressure building gradually.”

Q: “What are the tap signals?” A: “Verbal ‘tap’, physical tap with hand on opponent or mat, physical tap with feet. Ensure partner can tap freely.”

Q: “What if my partner doesn’t tap?” A: “STOP IMMEDIATELY if: partner goes limp, color changes, breathing stops. Release and check consciousness.”

Q: “What are the injury risks?” A: “Loss of consciousness in 4-10 seconds. Neck strain from rotation. Always release immediately upon tap.”

Decision Tree for Execution:

IF top_position AND collar_grips_deep AND angle_created:
    → Attempt loop choke (Success Rate: [skill_level]%)
ELIF grips_established AND pressure_applied:
    → Progressive tightening (3-5 seconds)
    → WATCH FOR TAP CONTINUOUSLY
ELIF tap_signal_received:
    → RELEASE IMMEDIATELY per protocol
    → Monitor consciousness
ELSE:
    → Maintain position, establish better grips

⚠️ SAFETY NOTICE

This submission can cause LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS if applied improperly or held after tap.

Injury Risks:
- Loss of consciousness (4-10 seconds after full pressure)
- Neck strain from rotational pressure
- Carotid artery compression
Application Speed: SLOW and progressive. 3-5 seconds minimum from pressure initiation to tap.
Tap Signals: Verbal “tap”, physical tap with hands/feet on opponent or mat
Release Protocol:
1. Release collar grips immediately
2. Remove all pressure from neck
3. Return to neutral position
4. Monitor partner for 10-15 seconds
Training Requirement: Intermediate level with gi experience and supervision
Never: Hold after tap - unconsciousness occurs within seconds

Remember: Your training partner trusts you with their safety. Loop chokes use gi grips for powerful compression. Respect the tap immediately.

Overview

Loop Choke Variations are a family of gi-specific blood chokes executed from top positions using cross-collar grips. These techniques work by creating a loop of pressure around the opponent’s neck using their own gi collar, with the practitioner’s body weight and positioning creating compression on the carotid arteries.

The loop choke is particularly effective because it combines gi control with body pressure, making it difficult for opponents to defend once the grips are established. The technique can be applied from multiple positions including Closed Guard Top, Side Control, Turtle Top, and various transitional positions.

From Closed Guard Top (S020), the loop choke is typically set up when passing or when the opponent turns away to defend other attacks. The gi collar provides powerful mechanical advantage, allowing smaller practitioners to submit larger opponents through technical precision rather than strength.

Submission Properties

From Closed Guard Top (S020):

Success Rates:

Beginner: 20%
Intermediate: 40%
Advanced: 60%

Technical Characteristics:

Setup Complexity: Medium - requires deep collar grips and angle
Execution Speed: Medium - 3-5 seconds from lock to tap in training
Escape Difficulty: Medium - grip breaks and posture can defeat early
Damage Potential: Medium - can cause unconsciousness, neck strain
Target Area: Carotid arteries (both sides of neck)

Visual Finishing Sequence

With deep cross-collar grips established, you drive your forearm across the opponent’s neck while using your body weight to create rotational pressure. The collar loop tightens around their neck like a noose, compressing both carotid arteries. Your chest pressure combines with the gi tension to create overwhelming force.

Your opponent experiences increasing pressure on both sides of their neck, blood flow reducing rapidly. Their attempts to turn or posture are met with tightening collar pressure. Recognizing the submission is inevitable, they tap repeatedly on your arm. You immediately release all collar grips and remove pressure while monitoring their recovery.

Body Positioning:

Your position: Top position with deep collar grips, chest pressure driving forward, hips heavy, forearm across neck creating loop
Opponent’s position: Bottom or turning away, collar tight around neck, trapped by body weight and gi tension
Key pressure points: Both carotid arteries compressed by collar loop and forearm pressure
Leverage creation: Body weight + gi grip strength + rotational angle = overwhelming neck pressure

Setup Requirements

Conditions that must be satisfied before attempting:

Position Establishment: Closed Guard Top (S020), Side Control, or transitional position with top pressure
Control Points:
- Deep cross-collar grip (four fingers inside)
- Second collar grip or neck control
- Chest pressure on opponent
- Hip weight distributed for base
- Opponent’s movement restricted
Angle Creation:
- Rotational pressure available
- Forearm positioned across neck
- Body weight driving into choke
- Hip positioning creates leverage
Grip Acquisition:
- First grip: Deep cross-collar (fingers in, thumb out)
- Second grip: Opposite collar or reinforcing neck
- Grips tight and maintained under pressure
- Collar material gathered for maximum tension
Space Elimination:
- Chest pressure prevents escape
- Collar loop tight around neck
- No space between forearm and neck
- Hip pressure controls lower body
Timing Recognition:
- Opponent turns away from pressure
- Collar becomes exposed during movement
- Guard passing creates opportunity
- Opponent defends other attacks
Safety Verification:
- Partner aware of choke attempt
- Partner’s arms free to tap
- Clear tap signals established
- Verbal communication available

Position Quality Required: Top pressure must be maintained throughout. If opponent escapes to neutral or sweeps, choke becomes unavailable.

Execution Steps

SAFETY REMINDER: Apply pressure SLOWLY over 3-5 seconds. Watch for tap signals continuously. Monitor partner’s face/color throughout.

Step-by-Step Execution

Initial Grip (Setup Phase)
- Establish deep cross-collar grip with four fingers inside collar
- Secure second grip on opposite collar or behind neck
- Maintain top pressure with chest and hips
- Safety check: Ensure partner’s arms are free to tap
Position Adjustment (Alignment Phase)
- Drive chest pressure forward into opponent
- Bring forearm across neck (blade of forearm on carotid)
- Position body weight to create rotational pressure
- Partner check: Confirm collar loop is forming around neck
Pressure Initiation (Entry Phase)
- Pull collar grips tight to create initial loop tension
- Begin driving forward with chest and shoulder
- Apply rotational pressure with body positioning
- Speed: SLOW progressive increase
- Watch for: Partner’s color, breathing, tap signals
Progressive Tightening (Execution Phase)
- Increase pulling pressure on collar grips incrementally over 3-5 seconds
- Drive chest and shoulder forward progressively
- Maintain hip pressure to prevent escape
- Monitor: Partner’s face color, consciousness, tap signals
- Ensure: Collar loop tightening around both carotids
Final Adjustment (Completion Phase)
- Micro-adjust angle for maximum collar tension
- Ensure no space exists between forearm and neck
- Drive final chest pressure while maintaining grips
- Critical: WATCH FOR TAP continuously - time to unconsciousness is seconds
Submission Recognition & Release (Finish/Safety Phase)
- FEEL FOR TAP: Hand tapping your arm/body, foot tapping mat, verbal “tap”
- RELEASE IMMEDIATELY:
  - Open collar grips instantly
  - Remove forearm pressure from neck
  - Reduce chest pressure
  - Move to neutral position
- Post-submission: Monitor partner for consciousness, ask “you good?”, watch for distress

Total Execution Time in Training: Minimum 3-5 seconds from loop established to tap. In drilling, apply even slower (7-10 seconds).

Anatomical Targeting & Injury Awareness

Primary Target

Anatomical Structure: Bilateral carotid arteries
Pressure Direction: Circumferential compression from collar loop and forearm
Physiological Response: Reduced blood flow to brain → lightheadedness → loss of consciousness (4-10 seconds)

Secondary Effects

Windpipe Compression: Some air choke element depending on collar position
Cervical Spine Pressure: Rotational stress on neck vertebrae
Jaw/TMJ: Potential pressure if angle is wrong

INJURY RISKS & PREVENTION

Potential Injuries:

Loss of Consciousness: If held 4-10 seconds after full pressure, partner will go unconscious. Brain damage can occur if held significantly longer. RELEASE IMMEDIATELY upon tap.
Neck Strain: Rotational pressure can strain cervical muscles/ligaments. Recovery: days to weeks depending on severity.
Gi Burns: Rough collar material can cause friction burns on neck. Use smooth, controlled pressure.
Windpipe Damage: If loop is positioned too high, explosive pressure can damage trachea. Use proper neck positioning.

Prevention Measures:

Apply pressure SLOWLY and progressively (3-5 seconds minimum)
Never “spike” the choke with explosive pulling
Never “jerk” or rotate violently
Watch partner’s face/color continuously during application
Stop at ANY sign of distress (color change, eyes closing, body going limp)
Verbal check-ins during drilling: “Pressure okay?”
Release immediately upon ANY tap signal
After release, monitor partner for 10-15 seconds

Warning Signs to Stop IMMEDIATELY:

Partner unable to tap (grip arms if possible, adjust position)
Partner’s face color changes (redness → purple)
Partner’s eyes close or roll back
Partner’s body goes limp
Partner makes choking sounds
ANY uncertainty about partner’s consciousness
Your instinct says something is wrong - TRUST IT

Opponent Defense Patterns

Common Escape Attempts

Defensive responses with success rates and safety windows:

Early Defense (Submission <70% complete - grip establishment phase)

Grip Break Defense → Closed Guard Top (Success Rate: 55%, Window: 3-4 seconds)
Defender action: Strip grips before deep, maintain strong posture, hand fight aggressively
Attacker response: Fight for grips, use movement to create openings, threaten other attacks
Safety note: Best time to defend - loop not established yet

Hand Fighting (Grips deep but no pressure yet)

Collar Grip Strip → Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 40%, Window: 2-3 seconds)
Defender action: Two-on-one grip breaks, create frames, posture away from pressure
Attacker response: Maintain grips, drive chest pressure, switch angles
Safety note: Window still exists for safe escape before loop tightens

Technical Escape (Loop establishing but not tight)

Turn Into Pressure → Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 25%, Window: 1-2 seconds)
Defender action: Turn into choke direction, create space, stand in base
Attacker response: Follow rotation, maintain pressure, adjust grips
Safety critical: Last moment to escape - if loop is tight, must tap

Inevitable Submission (Loop tight, full pressure applied)

Tap Out → Terminal State (Success Rate: 0% escape)
Defender must: TAP IMMEDIATELY - multiple taps on arm, body, or verbal “tap”
Attacker must: RELEASE IMMEDIATELY upon feeling/hearing tap
Safety principle: NO SHAME IN TAPPING - unconsciousness occurs in 4-10 seconds

Defensive Decision Logic

If [grips establishing] AND [no pressure]:
- Execute [[Grip Break Defense]] (Success Rate: 55%)
- Window: 3-4 seconds to prevent setup
- Action: Strip grips, posture, create distance

Else if [loop forming] but [not tight]:
- Execute [[Turn Into Pressure]] (Success Rate: 25%)
- Window: 1-2 seconds before full pressure
- Action: Turn direction, create space, stand
- HIGH URGENCY: Window closing rapidly

Else if [loop tight] AND [pressure increasing]:
- Execute [[Tap Out]] (Immediate)
- Window: 4-10 seconds before unconscious
- CRITICAL: Tap multiple times clearly
- NO SHAME: Preserve safety and consciousness

Else [any sign of consciousness loss]:
- Partner should: Release immediately
- Training culture: Stop if partner's color changes or body goes limp

Resistance Patterns & Safety Considerations

Strength-Based Resistance: Using power to resist collar pressure
- Safety concern: Increases pressure on neck, higher injury risk
- Better option: Technical escape or tap
- Reality: Strength won’t overcome gi mechanical advantage
Technical Counter: Grip strips and posture recovery
- Must be executed in early window (before loop tightens)
- If late, tap instead of forcing
- One failed attempt = tap immediately
Positional Adjustment: Turning to relieve pressure
- Can work if loop is loose
- May accelerate choke if turning wrong direction
- If pressure increases during turn, tap immediately

Training Progressions & Safety Protocols

Safe learning pathway emphasizing control before completion:

Phase 1: Technical Understanding (Week 1-2)

Study loop choke mechanics without partner
Watch instructional content from multiple sources
Understand collar grip systems completely
Learn injury risks (consciousness loss, neck strain)
Study and memorize tap signals
Practice grip establishment without pressure
No live application yet

Phase 2: Slow Practice (Week 3-4)

Controlled application with willing partner
Partner provides ZERO resistance
Focus: Grip depth, collar positioning, angle creation only
Speed: EXTRA SLOW (10+ seconds per rep)
Partner gives “tap” at 20-30% pressure
Practice release protocol every repetition
Instructor supervision required for first 10-20 reps

Phase 3: Progressive Resistance (Week 5-8)

Partner provides mild resistance to grips
Practice reading defensive cues (grip fighting, posture)
Speed: SLOW (5-7 seconds per rep from setup to tap)
Partner taps at 40-50% pressure
Develop sensitivity to collar tension
Emphasize control over completion

Phase 4: Timing Development (Week 9-12)

Partner provides realistic resistance
Recognize optimal opportunities (turning, passing)
Speed: MODERATE (3-5 seconds from loop to tap)
Partner taps at 60-70% pressure
Learn to chain with other attacks
Safety maintained as priority

Phase 5: Safety Integration (Week 13-16)

Light rolling integration (50-70% intensity)
Proper tap recognition ingrained
Speed: Controlled in training (3-5 seconds minimum)
Competition speed ONLY in competition
Respect partner safety absolutely
Develop reputation as safe training partner

Phase 6: Live Application (Ongoing - 4+ months)

Full sparring integration with safety emphasis
Read situations for loop choke opportunities
Apply at appropriate speed for context
Never sacrifice partner safety for “getting tap”
Continue refining control and sensitivity
Mentor newer students on safety

CRITICAL: Progress through phases only when previous phase is mastered. Rushing progression increases injury risk. Gi chokes can be particularly dangerous due to strong mechanical advantage - respect the power.

Expert Insights

John Danaher Perspective

“The loop choke represents one of the most mechanically efficient applications of gi material in creating submission pressure. The key is understanding that the gi collar acts as a force multiplier - your relatively moderate pulling force is concentrated into a small loop that compresses the carotid arteries with tremendous pressure. The critical detail is grip depth: fingers must be deep inside the collar, creating enough material to form a proper loop. Shallow grips result in ineffective pressure and teach poor habits. In training, focus on achieving perfect grip depth and angle - the finish becomes automatic from correct position. Release immediately upon tap.”

Key Technical Detail: Deep collar grips (four fingers inside) are non-negotiable for effective loop chokes

Safety Emphasis: Danaher’s systematic approach emphasizes position perfection. Students learn proper grips and understand mechanical advantage, removing need for dangerous speed.

Gordon Ryan Perspective

“Loop chokes are one of my favorite gi techniques because they combine passing pressure with finishing threat. When I’m passing guard or controlling turtle, my hands are in collar grips anyway - the loop choke is just an extension of that control. In competition, I finish fast once grips are deep. In training, I finish slow because my training partners need their brain cells for tomorrow. The setup is everything: if your grips are deep and your angle is right, the choke is inevitable. If you’re muscling it or going fast to make it work, your grips aren’t deep enough. Fix the setup, not the speed.”

Competition Application: Ryan’s success comes from grip mastery during passing and transition, not explosive finishing

Training Modification: Deep grips + proper angle = inevitable finish. No need for speed in training.

Eddie Bravo Perspective

“In 10th Planet we’re mostly no-gi, but when I train gi, loop chokes are high percentage because people don’t expect them from certain positions. Traditional loop from guard passing is great, but I love the reverse loop from turtle, the loop from half guard, even loop variations from weird scrambles. The gi gives you these handles everywhere - be creative about when you use them. But creativity is for setups, not safety. Once the loop is tight, the mechanics are the same: progressive pressure, watch for tap, release immediately. Your training partners trust you with powerful tools - honor that trust.”

Innovation Focus: Loop chokes available from unconventional positions and transitions

Safety Non-Negotiable: Creative entries, standardized safe finishing - Bravo’s culture values both

Common Errors

Technical Errors

Error 1: Shallow Collar Grips

Mistake: Gripping collar with only 2-3 fingers, thumb inside, or grip too far from neck
Why it fails: Insufficient material to create tight loop, pressure disperses, easy to strip
Correction: Four fingers deep inside collar, thumb out, grip as deep toward neck as possible
Safety impact: Shallow grips lead to muscling and excessive force compensation

Error 2: Poor Angle Creation

Mistake: Staying directly perpendicular instead of creating rotational angle
Why it fails: No collar tightening, pressure too diffuse, easy to defend
Correction: Create angle with body positioning, drive at 45-degree angle into opponent
Safety impact: Poor angle leads to forcing technique with excessive pressure

Error 3: Insufficient Chest Pressure

Mistake: Relying only on grip strength without driving chest/shoulder pressure
Why it fails: Collar doesn’t tighten enough, opponent can posture out
Correction: Drive chest and shoulder forward into choke while maintaining grips
Safety impact: Grip-only attempts lead to arm fatigue and jerky finishing

Error 4: Wrong Forearm Position

Mistake: Using wrong part of forearm or positioning too high/low on neck
Why it fails: Ineffective pressure angle, becomes uncomfortable squeeze rather than choke
Correction: Blade of forearm across carotid zone (mid-neck), not windpipe or jaw
Safety impact: Wrong position increases windpipe damage risk

Error 5: No Base Maintenance

Mistake: Overcommitting to choke without maintaining hip base
Why it fails: Opponent can sweep, escape, or reverse position
Correction: Keep hips heavy, base wide, pressure forward but balanced
Safety impact: Loss of control mid-technique can cause dangerous situations

SAFETY ERRORS (CRITICAL)

DANGER: Explosive Collar Pull

Mistake: Yanking collar grips violently to tighten loop
Why dangerous: No time for partner to recognize and tap - unconsciousness can occur in 4 seconds
Injury risk: LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, neck strain, gi burns
Correction: Pull collar tension progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum
This can cause unconsciousness before partner can tap

DANGER: Ignoring Tap Signals

Mistake: Continuing pressure after feeling tap on arm/body or hearing verbal tap
Why dangerous: Blood choke causes unconsciousness rapidly once full pressure achieved
Injury risk: Unnecessary unconsciousness, breach of trust, potential brain damage if held
Correction: RELEASE IMMEDIATELY upon ANY tap signal
This is the most serious error in BJJ

DANGER: Jerking Rotational Pressure

Mistake: Explosive rotational movement to tighten choke
Why dangerous: Sudden torque on cervical spine
Injury risk: Neck strain, muscle tears, vertebrae stress (days to weeks recovery)
Correction: Apply rotational pressure smoothly and progressively
Neck injuries have long-term consequences

DANGER: Competition Speed in Drilling

Mistake: Applying loop choke at competition speed during drilling or light rolling
Why dangerous: Partner not defending full intensity, can’t protect themselves adequately
Injury risk: Unconsciousness, neck strain, breach of training agreement
Correction: Match speed to context - drilling slow (7-10 sec), rolling moderate (5-7 sec), competition fast (2-3 sec)
Save competition speed for competition

DANGER: Preventing Tap Access

Mistake: Pinning partner’s arms or controlling both hands, leaving no way to tap
Why dangerous: If partner cannot physically tap and goes unconscious, delayed recognition
Injury risk: Extended pressure without tap signal
Correction: Always ensure partner has at least one free limb; verbal “tap” as backup
Verbal “tap” is always valid when limbs trapped

Variations & Setups

Primary Setup (Most Common)

From Closed Guard Top during passing:

Establish deep cross-collar grip while posturing
Begin guard opening or passing sequence
When opponent turns away or defends pass, establish second collar grip
Drive chest pressure forward while pulling collar loop tight
Success rate: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 60%
Setup time: 2-3 seconds for grips, 3-5 seconds for finish
Safety considerations: Most common entry, ensure smooth pressure application

Alternative Setup 1: Loop Choke from Turtle Top

From Turtle Top:

Establish deep cross-collar grip from behind
Secure second collar grip or control back of head
Drive chest pressure down and forward into opponent
Pull collar loop tight while opponent’s posture is broken
Best for: When opponent turtles to defend back takes
Safety notes: Strong position, ensure partner can tap with hands/feet

Alternative Setup 2: Loop Choke from Side Control

From Side Control:

Control opponent’s far collar with deep grip
Establish near collar grip or wrap around neck
Drive chest pressure while creating collar loop
Rotate body angle to tighten pressure
Best for: When opponent turns away from cross face
Safety notes: Very tight control, watch for quick tap

Alternative Setup 3: Reverse Loop Choke

From Closed Guard Top:

Establish palm-up grip deep in opponent’s collar (same-side)
Secure opposite collar with other hand
Drive forearm and wrist bone into carotid
Create loop pressure by pulling both grips
Best for: When traditional loop grips unavailable
Safety notes: Different pressure angle, requires angle adjustment

Chain Combinations

After failed Guard Pass:

Opponent defends pass by turning away
Turn creates collar exposure and opportunity
Establish loop choke grips during defensive movement
Transition cue: Feel opponent turning, follow with collar grips
Safety: Smooth transition maintains control

After failed Back Take:

Opponent defends back control from turtle
As you lose back position, loop choke grips available
Maintain pressure while switching from back attack to choke
Decision point: When back hooks fail, loop choke becomes option
Safety: Don’t force if position compromised - maintain control first

No-Gi vs Gi Modifications

Gi Version (Required):

Grips: Deep cross-collar grips, four fingers inside
Advantages: Powerful mechanical advantage, strong control, multiple positions
Adjustments: Collar material quality affects grip (rough vs smooth gi)
Safety: Gi grips very strong - even more important to apply slow pressure

No-Gi Version (Not Applicable):

Loop chokes require gi material
No-gi equivalent: Arm Triangle, Darce Choke, Anaconda Choke
These use arm positioning rather than collar material for pressure

Mechanical Principles

Leverage Systems

Fulcrum: Opponent’s neck where collar loop forms
Effort Arm: Your grip pulling + chest pressure = combined force
Resistance Arm: Opponent’s neck structure (relatively weak)
Mechanical Advantage: Gi material acts as pulley system, multiplying grip force by 3-5x
Efficiency: Collar loop concentrates force into small area (carotid zone)

Pressure Distribution

Primary Pressure Point: Both carotid arteries compressed by collar loop
Force Vector: Circumferential compression from collar tightening + forward pressure from chest
Pressure Type: Bilateral compression + rotational torque
Progressive Loading: Initial grip creates 20% pressure, chest drive increases to 50%, final pull completes 100%
Threshold: ~15 lbs sustained pressure on carotids cuts blood flow causing unconsciousness in 4-10 seconds

Structural Weakness

Why It Works: Gi collar acts as noose that tightens with any pressure; carotid arteries have no protection
Body’s Response: Baroreceptors detect pressure → brain reduces blood pressure → oxygen loss → unconsciousness
Damage Mechanism: Continued pressure after unconsciousness causes brain damage (minor: 15-30 sec, serious: 1+ min)
Protection Limits: No physical defense against properly applied gi choke - must escape position or tap

Timing Elements

Setup Window: 3-4 seconds to establish deep grips before opponent defends
Application Phase: 3-5 seconds from loop established to tap in training (1-3 seconds competition)
Escape Windows:
- Pre-grips: 3-4 seconds (55% escape rate)
- Grips deep, no pressure: 2-3 seconds (40% escape rate)
- Loop forming: 1-2 seconds (25% escape rate)
Point of No Return: When loop is tight and chest pressure applied - no escape, tap required
Unconsciousness Timeline: 4-10 seconds from full pressure to unconsciousness
Tap Recognition: Attacker must respond within 0.5-1 second to prevent unnecessary pressure

Progressive Loading (Safety Critical)

Initial Contact (0-20% pressure):
- Deep grips established, collar loop forming
- Light contact with neck, no constriction
- Partner feels setup but no pressure
- Time: 1-2 seconds
Early Phase (20-40% pressure):
- Begin pulling collar grips
- Start driving chest pressure forward
- Partner feels pressure beginning
- Escape still possible with technique
- Time: 1-2 seconds
Middle Phase (40-70% pressure):
- Increased pull and chest drive
- Partner feels significant neck pressure
- Blood flow beginning to reduce
- Escape very difficult, tap decision point
- Time: 1-2 seconds
Completion Phase (70-100% pressure):
- Full collar pull and maximum chest pressure
- Partner should tap or will go unconscious
- Blood flow significantly restricted
- 4-10 seconds until unconsciousness
- Time: 1-3 seconds
Training Protocol: Stop at 50-60% in drilling, 70% in rolling
Competition Protocol: Continue to tap or unconsciousness

Knowledge Assessment

Test understanding before live application. Minimum 5/6 correct required.

Question 1: Setup Recognition (Safety Critical)

Q: What position and controls must be established before attempting this submission safely?

A: Starting position must be Closed Guard Top (S020), Side Control, or transitional position with top pressure. Required controls: (1) Deep cross-collar grip (four fingers inside collar, as deep toward neck as possible), (2) Second collar grip or neck control, (3) Chest pressure maintained on opponent, (4) Hip base for stability, (5) Partner’s arms free to tap. Safety verification includes confirming partner can tap clearly and has agreed to tap signals.

Why It Matters: Loop chokes use gi material for powerful mechanical advantage. Without proper setup, practitioners may muscle the technique, increasing injury risk. Deep grips are critical for both effectiveness and safety.

Question 2: Technical Execution (Mechanics)

Q: What creates the pressure in this technique, and what is the primary target?

A: Pressure is created by: (1) Deep collar grips pulling to tighten gi loop around neck, (2) Chest and shoulder driving forward, (3) Rotational angle created by body positioning, (4) Gi collar material acting as noose that tightens under tension. Primary target is bilateral carotid arteries compressed by the collar loop. The gi material concentrates force, multiplying grip strength by 3-5x and creating powerful compression in small area.

Why It Matters: Understanding gi mechanics prevents over-reliance on strength. Proper technique uses material advantage, not force. Knowing target helps recognize when position is correct.

Question 3: Safety Understanding (CRITICAL)

Q: How fast should pressure be applied in training, what are the proper tap signals, and what is the release protocol?

Application Speed:

Drilling: 7-10 seconds, stop at 40-50% pressure
Light rolling: 5-7 seconds, stop at 60-70% pressure
Competition rolling: 3-5 seconds, stop at 70-90% pressure
Competition: 1-3 seconds, continue to tap or unconsciousness

Tap Signals:

Physical tap with hands on opponent’s arm, body, or mat
Physical tap with feet on opponent or mat
Verbal “tap” or “tap tap tap”
Any distress sign (color change, eyes rolling, body going limp)

Release Protocol:

Open both collar grips immediately
Remove all forearm/chest pressure from neck
Move to neutral position
Monitor partner for consciousness and breathing (10-15 seconds)
Ask “you good?” and wait for clear response
Watch for color return, normal breathing

Why It Matters: Gi chokes create powerful pressure that can cause unconsciousness in 4-10 seconds. Understanding application speed and release protocol prevents serious injuries and maintains safe training environment.

Question 4: Defense Awareness (Tactical)

Q: What is the best defense against this submission, and when must it be executed?

Best Defense: Early grip prevention and stripping - prevent deep collar grips by maintaining strong posture, aggressive hand fighting, two-on-one grip breaks. Success rate: 55% if executed before grips are deep.

Timing Window: Must be executed during grip establishment phase, before collar loop forms and pressure applies. Once grips are deep and pressure begins, escape success drops to 25% and requires technical escapes (turning into pressure, standing, creating space). Once loop is tight with full pressure, escape rate is near 0%.

Tap Decision Point: When collar loop is tight around neck with no slack, chest pressure is increasing, and pressure building on carotids. At this point, no reliable escape exists. Tap immediately - blood chokes cause rapid unconsciousness.

Why It Matters: Gi chokes are powerful due to mechanical advantage. Knowing when to defend vs when to tap prevents injuries and teaches intelligent training. Tapping early to well-executed gi chokes is smart training.

Question 5: Anatomical Knowledge (Technical)

Q: What specific anatomical structure is targeted, and what injury can occur if pressure continues after tap?

Primary Target: Bilateral carotid arteries on both sides of neck. These vessels carry oxygenated blood from heart to brain.

Mechanism: Gi collar loop compresses both carotid arteries simultaneously. Reduced blood flow + baroreceptor response = rapid oxygen decrease to brain.

Unconsciousness Timeline: 4-10 seconds from full pressure to loss of consciousness

Injury If Held After Tap:

Continued unconsciousness (immediate)
Potential facial petechiae (burst vessels)
Temporary cognitive impairment
If held 15-30 seconds: Risk of minor brain damage
If held 1+ minute: Risk of serious brain damage
If held 3-5+ minutes: Risk of death

Secondary Injuries:

Neck strain from rotational pressure (days-weeks recovery)
Cervical muscle tears if jerked (weeks recovery)
Gi burns from collar friction (days recovery)
Windpipe damage if positioned wrong (rare, serious)

Why It Matters: Understanding injury potential creates respect for technique. Loop chokes may feel less dramatic than other chokes but cause unconsciousness equally fast. Lack of pain doesn’t mean lack of danger - blood flow restriction is silent.

Question 6: Release Protocol (Safety Critical)

Q: What is the immediate action required when partner taps, and how do you safely release this submission?

Immediate Action: STOP ALL PRESSURE IMMEDIATELY upon feeling or hearing any tap signal.

Release Steps:

Open Grips: Release both collar grips immediately (0.5 seconds)
Remove Pressure: Remove forearm and chest pressure from neck (0.5 seconds)
Create Space: Move body weight off partner (1 second)
Return Neutral: Move to neutral position (1 second)
Monitor Partner: Watch face, consciousness, breathing (10-15 seconds)
Verbal Check: Ask “you good?” and wait for clear response
Observe Recovery: Watch for normal color, clear eyes, regular breathing

What to Watch For:

Partner’s neck color returning to normal
Partner’s consciousness (alert, responsive, making eye contact)
Partner’s breathing (regular rhythm, not gasping)
Any signs of confusion or disorientation
Rare: If partner unconscious, elevate legs, monitor breathing, call for help

Total Release Time: 2-4 seconds from tap to full separation

Why It Matters: Gi chokes create powerful pressure that requires immediate release. How you release demonstrates respect for training partner’s trust. This is difference between valued training partner and someone people avoid.

Meta Description Template

“Master loop choke variations in BJJ. Complete guide covering safe setup from top positions, gi grip mechanics, execution, defenses, and injury prevention. Learn proper application speed and release protocol. Expert insights from Danaher, Gordon Ryan, and Eddie Bravo for all skill levels.”

Target Keywords

Primary: “bjj loop choke”, “loop choke technique”, “loop choke variations”
Secondary: “how to do loop choke”, “loop choke tutorial”, “gi choke techniques”
Long-tail: “loop choke defense”, “loop choke from guard”, “loop choke safety”, “loop choke grip”

Internal Linking

Closed Guard Top (S020) - primary setup position
Side Control - alternative setup position
Turtle Top - variation setup
Grip Break - main defensive counter
Guard Pass - transitional opportunity
Collar Drag - grip establishment technique

Remember: Deep grips make safe chokes. Shallow grips make dangerous chokes. Take the time to establish proper control.

BJJ Graph

Explorer

Loop Choke Variations | Submission | BJJ Graph