Peruvian Necktie

SAFETY: Peruvian Necktie targets the Carotid arteries and trachea. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness. Release immediately upon tap.

Play as Attacker Play as Defender

The Peruvian Necktie is a sophisticated blood choke that attacks the carotid arteries from a front headlock position, typically initiated when the opponent is in turtle or combat base. Unlike traditional guillotine variations, this submission utilizes a unique body positioning where the attacker threads their leg through the opponent’s neck and arm configuration, creating a fulcrum that amplifies choking pressure. The technique derives its effectiveness from the combination of arm pressure across the neck and the leverage created by the attacker’s bodyweight and leg position. This submission is particularly effective in scrambles and transitional situations where the opponent attempts to build back to their base from turtle. The Peruvian Necktie represents an advanced understanding of front headlock mechanics and requires precise timing and positioning. When executed correctly, it creates an inescapable choking mechanism that forces a rapid tap due to the simultaneous compression of both carotid arteries. The submission has gained prominence in modern no-gi grappling and MMA due to its effectiveness in dynamic situations and its relatively low energy cost compared to maintaining traditional control positions.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and trachea Starting Position: Front Headlock From Position: Front Headlock (Top) Success Rate: 52%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness	CRITICAL	Immediate if released, potential neurological complications if held past unconsciousness
Trachea damage from improper forearm placement	High	2-4 weeks for bruising, longer for structural damage
Neck strain or cervical spine stress from twisting pressure	Medium	1-2 weeks
Shoulder joint stress from arm being trapped	Medium	1-3 weeks

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum in training, NEVER snap or jerk

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or any distress vocalization)
• Physical hand tap on opponent’s body or mat
• Physical foot tap on mat
• Any loss of resistance or going limp
• Any distress signal or irregular breathing

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately release choking arm and remove pressure
2. Unwrap leg from opponent’s neck slowly
3. Allow opponent to straighten their neck naturally
4. Monitor partner for consciousness and breathing
5. Check for neck mobility before continuing training
6. If partner lost consciousness, call for medical assistance and monitor airway

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply competition speed or intensity in training
• Never spike or jerk the submission
• Always communicate before drilling this choke
• Beginners must drill under supervision only
• Never practice on partners with neck injuries
• Always ensure training partner can tap with free hand
• Stop immediately if partner shows any sign of distress beyond normal discomfort

Outcomes

Result	Position	Probability
Success	game-over	60%
Failure	Front Headlock	25%
Counter	Turtle	15%

Attacker vs Defender

	Attacker	Defender
Focus	Execute and finish	Escape and survive
Key Principles	Front headlock control must be established before attempting…	Defend earliest possible - every phase the attacker complete…
Options	6 execution steps	4 defensive options

Playing as Attacker

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Key Principles

• Front headlock control must be established before attempting the submission

• The leg threading creates the fulcrum that amplifies choking pressure

• Forearm placement across the neck targets carotid arteries, not trachea

• Hip pressure and bodyweight distribution are critical for finishing mechanics

• The opponent’s trapped arm creates structural rigidity that prevents escape

• Timing during scrambles and transitions is more important than static strength

• The choke tightens progressively as you settle your weight and adjust angles

Execution Steps

• Establish Front Headlock Control: From opponent’s turtle or combat base, secure a tight front headlock with your choking arm wrapped a…

• Trap the Near Arm: As you maintain the front headlock, use your body position to trap the opponent’s near arm (same sid…

• Thread Your Near Leg Through: This is the defining movement of the Peruvian Necktie. Take your near leg (same side as your choking…

• Secure the Triangle Lock: Once your leg is threaded through, bring your far leg over your near leg’s ankle to create a triangl…

• Hip Rotation and Shoulder Drive: With the triangle locked, begin to rotate your hips away from the opponent while simultaneously driv…

• Final Compression and Control: For the finish, squeeze your triangle lock tightly while pulling your choking arm toward your chest …

Common Mistakes

• Applying the choke too quickly or jerking the neck

  • Consequence: High risk of neck injury, trachea damage, or causing panic in training partner
  • Correction: Always apply progressive pressure over 3-5 seconds in training. Focus on body positioning and mechanical advantage rather than explosive force. Safety in training builds trust and allows for proper technical refinement.

• Threading the leg too low on the opponent’s back instead of through the gap near their neck

  • Consequence: No choking pressure generated, opponent easily escapes, you’re off-balance
  • Correction: Ensure your leg threads through the small gap between their head and trapped arm, with your shin ending up high across the back of their neck and shoulders, not down on their mid-back.

• Failing to trap the near arm securely before threading the leg

  • Consequence: Opponent uses the free arm to defend, prevent the leg thread, or escape the position entirely
  • Correction: Use shoulder and chest pressure to pin the opponent’s near arm against their own neck before attempting to thread your leg. The arm must be completely trapped and immobilized for the technique to work.

Playing as Defender

→ Full Defender Guide

Key Principles

• Defend earliest possible - every phase the attacker completes reduces your escape probability dramatically

• Chin tucked to chest at all times to prevent neck extension and reduce choking surface area

• Near arm must stay free - once the arm is trapped against your neck the choke structure is halfway complete

• Create lateral movement and angles rather than pulling straight backward against the choking force

• Posture recovery is your highest-percentage escape before the leg is threaded

• If triangle is locked and hip rotation begins, tap immediately rather than risk unconsciousness

• Hand fight constantly to prevent the attacker from consolidating control at any phase

Recognition Cues

• Opponent secures front headlock with heavy shoulder pressure while your posture is broken forward in turtle or combat base

• You feel your near arm being pinned against your own neck by opponent’s chest and shoulder weight, restricting your hand-fighting ability

• Opponent begins shifting their hips toward your head and you feel a leg threading between your head and your trapped arm

• A shin presses across the back or side of your neck as the opponent locks a triangle configuration with their legs

• Bilateral pressure on the sides of your neck increases as opponent rotates their hips away from you while pulling their arm toward their chest

Escape Paths

• Posture up and break free from front headlock before arm is trapped - transition to standing or neutral guard position

• Extract near arm and circle away from choking side to recover to turtle or half guard, forcing attacker to abandon Peruvian Necktie

• Turn into the attacker during leg threading phase and sit through to recover closed guard or half guard

• Roll through with the attacker’s momentum if triangle is partially locked, potentially ending in top position or scramble

Variations

Peruvian Necktie from Turtle Attack: The most common entry where opponent is in defensive turtle position. You establish front headlock control from top turtle, trap their near arm, and execute the standard leg threading sequence. This variation works particularly well after failed guillotine attempts or during scrambles from guard. (When to use: When opponent turtles to defend guard passes, after takedowns, or during scrambles where they assume a defensive shell position)

Peruvian Necktie from Failed Takedown Defense: When opponent shoots a takedown and you sprawl successfully, you may end up in a front headlock position with their head trapped. If they’re on their knees trying to recover, this creates an ideal opportunity for the Peruvian Necktie. The leg threading is easier because their posture is already compromised from the failed takedown. (When to use: After successfully defending single or double leg takedowns when opponent remains on their knees with you controlling front headlock position)

Rolling Peruvian Necktie: When opponent begins to roll or cartwheel to escape the standard Peruvian Necktie, you can maintain the triangle lock and roll with them, often ending in a mounted or side control position with the choke still secured. This variation requires comfort with rolling dynamics and maintaining connection during positional transitions. (When to use: When opponent attempts athletic escapes through rolling or cartwheeling, or when you want to follow their momentum to improve position while maintaining the submission)

Peruvian Necktie from Standing Front Headlock: An advanced variation where you secure the front headlock from standing (common in wrestling positions or takedown exchanges) and execute the technique by dropping your weight down while threading your leg through. This requires quick reactions and strong front headlock control but can catch opponents by surprise during scrambles. (When to use: During standing exchanges, clinch situations, or when transitioning from standing to ground positions with front headlock control established)

From Which Positions?

• Front Headlock
• Turtle
• Scramble Position
• North-South
• Crucifix

Related Submissions

• Guillotine Choke
• Darce Choke
• Anaconda Choke
• Arm Triangle
• Rear Naked Choke
• Brabo Choke
• Arm in Guillotine
• Japanese Necktie
• Peruvian Necktie

Additional Related Content

• Front Headlock - Primary control position for entries and setup variations
• Guillotine Choke - Alternative finish from same position when arm not trapped
• Darce Choke - Parallel choke option using arm-in configuration
• Anaconda Choke - Alternative front headlock finish using opposite arm configuration
• Turtle - Primary attacking position where Peruvian Necktie opportunities arise
• Back Control - Alternative attack option when Peruvian Necktie is defended
• Arm Triangle - Related arm-in choking attack from similar positions
• Crucifix - Alternative control position when opponent defends front headlock attacks
• Japanese Necktie - Closely related front headlock choke with similar leg threading mechanics

Match Outcome

Successful execution of Peruvian Necktie leads to → Game Over

All submissions in BJJ ultimately converge to the same terminal state: the match ends when your opponent taps.