The Short Choke is a concealed gi lapel blood choke that compresses the carotid arteries with a short grip threaded behind the opponent’s neck, finishing from dominant top and back control where space is too tight for deeper collar attacks.
Safety
Short Choke targets the Carotid arteries. Primary risk: Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness. Tap early; release immediately on the tap. Full safety guide ↓
As a gi-based blood choke, the Short Choke is prized for finishing from dominant top and back control — side control, north-south, and from the back — when there is too little space for the deeper grips that traditional collar chokes demand. Unlike traditional collar chokes that require deep grips, the Short Choke capitalizes on minimal space and opponent defensive reactions. The technique involves threading your own lapel or the opponent’s lapel behind their neck while maintaining superior top position control, then applying pressure through a combination of wrist rotation and shoulder pressure.
This choke is particularly effective when opponents defend aggressively against more common submissions like the Americana or Kimura, creating the exact spacing needed for lapel manipulation. The Short Choke exemplifies economy of motion - once the lapel is positioned correctly, the finish requires minimal energy expenditure while creating maximum discomfort. The technique is especially valuable in gi competition because it can be concealed within normal top position pressure, making it difficult for opponents to recognize and defend until the submission is deeply locked.
Advanced practitioners use the Short Choke as both a primary finish and a setup for transitioning to mount or taking the back when opponents attempt to escape. The choke creates a powerful dilemma: defending the lapel threading exposes the arms to joint locks, while protecting the arms leaves the neck vulnerable to the choke.
What positions can you finish from?
| From Position | Seat | Success | Play as Attacker | Play as Defender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back Control | Top | 58% | Attack → | Defend → |
| Body Triangle | Top | 58% | Attack → | Defend → |
| Gift Wrap | Top | 58% | Attack → | Defend → |
| Harness | Top | 58% | Attack → | Defend → |
| Seat Belt Control Back | Top | 58% | Attack → | Defend → |
| Cross Body Ride | Top | 50% | Attack → | Defend → |
Mechanical variations (how the choke is finished)
- North-South Short Choke: Executed from north-south position using similar lapel threading mechanics but with your body perpendicular to opponent. Particularly effective when opponent defends the traditional north-south choke. (When to use: When transitioning from side control to north-south, or when opponent is successfully defending standard north-south attacks)
- Reverse Short Choke (Paper Cutter variation): Instead of using your own lapel, grip opponent’s far collar deep and apply pressure by driving your forearm across their neck while maintaining shoulder pressure. Creates similar carotid compression with different mechanics. (When to use: When opponent’s defensive posture prevents access to your own lapel, or when their gi collar offers better gripping opportunities)
- Mounted Short Choke: Applied from mount position by threading lapel while controlling opponent’s arms. Requires excellent mount maintenance but offers higher success rate due to superior position. (When to use: When in high mount with good arm control; excellent finishing option when opponent defends the armbar by pulling their elbow tight to their body)
- Short Choke to Back Take Transition: Use the Short Choke as a feint - when opponent defends by turning away from the pressure, maintain lapel grips and take the back, immediately transitioning to rear naked choke. (When to use: Against experienced opponents who recognize and defend the Short Choke early; creates excellent back exposure)
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness | High | Immediate recovery if released promptly; potential for confusion lasting 30-60 seconds |
| Trachea compression if technique is misapplied | Medium | 1-3 days of throat soreness; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty persists |
| Neck strain from rotational pressure | Low | 2-5 days with rest |
Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum in training
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap or verbal signal
- Physical hand tap on partner or mat
- Physical foot tap on mat
- Any distress signal including body going limp
Release Protocol:
- Immediately release lapel grip and remove all pressure from neck
- Remove your weight from opponent’s torso to allow breathing
- Check partner’s consciousness and breathing status
- If partner is unconscious, elevate legs and monitor airway
- Never apply the choke again in the same training session if unconsciousness occurred
Training Restrictions:
- Never apply sudden jerking motions with the lapel
- Never continue pressure after tap signal
- Never practice on partners with neck injuries or medical conditions
- Always ensure partner can tap with at least one hand
- Never use competition speed during initial learning phases