SAFETY: Loop Choke from Mount targets the Carotid arteries and jugular veins. Risk: Loss of consciousness from carotid artery compression. Release immediately upon tap.
The Loop Choke from Mount is a devastating gi-based blood choke that leverages the attacker’s dominant top position to create an inescapable strangling mechanism using the opponent’s own collar. This technique exemplifies the principle of using positional control to set up high-percentage submissions. From mount, the practitioner feeds one hand deep into the opponent’s collar while securing the opposite side lapel with the other hand, creating a loop configuration that tightens around the neck as pressure is applied. The beauty of this submission lies in its ability to be applied from one of the most dominant positions in BJJ, making it extremely difficult to defend once properly set up. Unlike many other mount attacks that require significant positional shifts, the loop choke can be finished while maintaining full mount control, allowing the attacker to threaten the submission without compromising position. The technique works on a biomechanical principle where the opponent’s own collar becomes a noose, with the attacker’s grips creating opposing vectors of force that compress both carotid arteries simultaneously.
From Position: Mount (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Loop Choke from Mount?
- Maintain solid mount base throughout the setup and finish to prevent escapes
- Deep collar grip is essential - shallow grips result in air chokes rather than blood chokes
- The choke tightens through diagonal pulling vectors, not just downward pressure
- Opponent’s defensive frames can be used to help feed the initial collar grip deeper
- Weight distribution should pin opponent’s shoulders while allowing collar manipulation
- The loop configuration creates a self-tightening mechanism as opponent resists
- Timing the finish with opponent’s defensive movements increases effectiveness
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Loop Choke from Mount?
- Establish solid mount position with weight properly distributed on opponent’s chest and hips
- Control opponent’s near-side arm to prevent framing and collar defense
- Secure deep four-finger grip in opponent’s far collar, with thumb inside against neck
- Maintain high posture to create space for collar manipulation while preventing bridge escapes
- Ensure opponent’s collar is accessible and not trapped under their body
- Establish secondary grip on opponent’s near-side lapel or collar for the loop configuration
Execution Steps
How do you execute Loop Choke from Mount step by step?
- Establish mount control and isolate near arm: From solid mount position, use your weight to pin opponent’s hips while simultaneously controlling or trapping their near-side arm. This can be accomplished by pinning their wrist to the mat with your knee, catching their elbow with your hand, or using your weight to limit their defensive frames. The goal is to remove their ability to defend their collar on the side you’ll attack. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Feed deep collar grip on far side: Reach across with your same-side hand (right hand to opponent’s left collar) and feed your hand deep into their far collar, getting at least four fingers inside with your thumb against their neck. The deeper the grip, the more effective the choke. Use your opposite hand to pull their collar away from their neck to create space for insertion. Your elbow should be high and your grip should reach past their trachea toward the back of their neck. (Timing: 3-4 seconds)
- Secure opposite side lapel grip: While maintaining the deep collar grip, use your free hand to grab the opponent’s near-side lapel or collar, creating the loop configuration. This grip should be positioned near their shoulder or upper chest area. The two grips now form opposing vectors - one deep in the collar, one controlling the near lapel. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Adjust base and posture for finishing mechanics: Shift your weight slightly toward the side of your deep collar grip while maintaining mount control. Your knee on the deep-grip side should post out for base, while your opposite knee stays tight to their body. Lower your chest toward their head while keeping your elbows tight and grips secure. This positioning creates the proper angle for the choking mechanism. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Create diagonal pulling vectors: The finish involves pulling your deep collar grip toward your same-side hip while simultaneously pulling the near lapel grip across their neck toward your opposite shoulder. This creates crossing diagonal forces that tighten the collar loop around their neck. Think of it as making an ‘X’ with your forearms across their throat, with the collar acting as the strangling mechanism. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Apply controlled finishing pressure: Gradually increase pressure by pulling your grips in opposite diagonal directions while lowering your chest weight onto their upper body. The choke should tighten progressively over 3-5 seconds. Monitor your partner closely for tap signals. The proper choke attacks the carotid arteries bilaterally and should create an immediate tapping response when applied correctly. If the choke doesn’t work within 5-6 seconds, the setup is likely incorrect and you should reset rather than forcing it. (Timing: 3-5 seconds)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | Mount | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Loop Choke from Mount?
- Frames against attacker’s hips and attempts to bridge and shrimp to escape mount (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Use your grips on their collar to base out and prevent the bridge, then continue tightening the choke as they expend energy. Their bridging motion can actually help tighten the collar around their neck. → Leads to Mount
- Grabs and pulls on the deep collar grip wrist to prevent proper positioning (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: If they grab your wrist, use your free hand to reinforce the grip or to strip their hand away. Alternatively, use their pulling to help you circle your elbow over their face, which can set up the loop configuration from a different angle. → Leads to Mount
- Tucks chin deeply to protect neck and collar access (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: If the chin is tucked early, use collar drags and arm attacks to force them to extend their neck. Alternatively, transition to other mount attacks like Americana or armbar to create reactions that expose the collar. Once they defend other attacks, the collar becomes available again. → Leads to Mount
- Turns into opponent to prevent the loop configuration and attempts to go to turtle (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: If they turn into you, maintain your deep collar grip and transition to their back or to a modified mount position. The turning motion often makes the collar grip even deeper, and you can finish the loop choke from back control or side mount. → Leads to Mount
- Strips the lapel grip before the loop is fully established and bridges explosively to recover guard (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: This is the most effective defense if executed early. Counter by using your deep grip to off-balance them, or fake the loop choke to set up other attacks. If they’re focused on defending the lapel grip, switch to armbar or Americana attacks on the defending arm. → Leads to Closed Guard