The Bow and Arrow Choke is one of the highest-percentage submissions in gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, executed from back control using a cross-collar grip combined with leg control of the opponent’s far leg. The name derives from the finishing position where your body resembles an archer drawing a bow—one hand pulls the collar while the opposite leg hooks and extends the opponent’s leg, creating maximum mechanical leverage on the neck.
This choke works by applying pressure to the carotid arteries through the gi collar, creating a blood choke that renders opponents unconscious within seconds when properly applied. The technique’s effectiveness stems from the simultaneous control of three critical points: the collar grip tightening across the neck, the near-side leg preventing rotation, and the far-side leg grip preventing escape while adding rotational torque to the choking mechanism.
Strategically, the Bow and Arrow Choke represents the primary collar attack from back control in gi grappling. It chains naturally with other back attacks—opponents defending the Bow and Arrow often expose their arms for armbar attacks or create space that allows transition to rear naked choke attempts. Understanding this submission’s mechanics and entries is essential for any serious gi competitor, as it accounts for a significant percentage of submission victories at the highest levels of competition.
From Position: Back Control (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
- Secure deep cross-collar grip with four fingers inside before initiating any other movement to ensure choking pressure
- Control opponent’s far leg with your same-side hand to prevent hip rotation and add mechanical leverage to the choke
- Maintain chest-to-back connection throughout entry to prevent opponent from creating defensive space
- Fall to your choking-side hip while extending your legs to maximize pulling distance and choking pressure
- Use your bottom leg to block opponent’s near-side hip, preventing them from turning toward you
- Keep your elbow tight to your body on the choking arm to maintain grip strength and prevent grip breaks
Prerequisites
- Established back control with at least one hook or body triangle controlling opponent’s hips
- Seatbelt or harness grip providing upper body control and access to collar
- Opponent wearing a gi with accessible collar for cross-collar grip insertion
- Your choking-side hand free to establish deep collar grip with four fingers inside
- Opponent’s posture broken slightly forward to expose collar and prevent defensive chin tuck
Execution Steps
- Secure collar grip: From back control with seatbelt, release your over-the-shoulder arm and reach across opponent’s neck to grab their far-side collar. Insert four fingers deep inside the collar, knuckles against their neck, gripping at or below the level of their ear.
- Control far leg: With your free hand (same side as your choking arm), reach down and grab opponent’s far-side pants at the knee or shin. This grip prevents hip rotation and will provide the ‘arrow’ extension in the finish.
- Shift to choking hip: Begin falling to your choking-side hip while maintaining chest-to-back connection. Your bottom leg should slide to block opponent’s near-side hip, preventing them from turning toward you during the transition.
- Extend and separate: Continue falling to your side while pulling the collar grip toward your chest and extending opponent’s far leg away from their body. Your body should begin straightening as you create separation between their head and trapped leg.
- Secure hip block: Your bottom leg hooks over opponent’s near-side hip or thigh, creating a frame that prevents them from turning into you. This leg acts as an anchor point while your upper body creates the choking pressure.
- Finish the choke: Simultaneously pull the collar toward your chest while driving your hips away and extending your legs. The combination of pulling with the collar grip and pushing with your leg on their far leg creates the bow-and-arrow tension that completes the blood choke. Keep your elbow tight and chin tucked over your choking arm.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 65% |
| Failure | Back Control | 25% |
| Counter | Half Guard | 10% |
Opponent Counters
- Two-on-one grip fighting to prevent collar grip establishment or strip existing grip before choke is locked (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Establish collar grip quickly and deeply before they can react; once grip is set, tuck elbow tight to body and begin transition immediately → Leads to Back Control
- Turning toward the choking side and sitting up to relieve pressure while attempting to face the attacker (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use your bottom leg as a frame against their hip to prevent rotation; if they begin turning, switch to armbar on the far arm that becomes exposed → Leads to Half Guard
- Grabbing and controlling the leg-gripping hand to prevent the archer extension that completes the choke (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: If they grip your pants-gripping hand, release and re-grip higher on their thigh or transition to a clock choke or collar drag variation → Leads to Back Control
- Tucking chin and creating defensive posture to prevent collar from getting deep enough for blood choke (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: A properly deep grip already behind the jaw makes chin tuck ineffective; apply steady pressure and the choke will work regardless of chin position → Leads to game-over
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the primary goal of the Bow and Arrow Choke? A: The primary goal is to apply a blood choke using the gi collar that compresses the carotid arteries, causing unconsciousness within seconds. The technique uses mechanical leverage from controlling the opponent’s far leg to amplify the choking pressure beyond what the collar grip alone could achieve.
Q2: What position do you start the Bow and Arrow Choke from? A: This technique starts from back control with at least one hook or body triangle established. You need upper body control through a seatbelt or harness grip, and your opponent must be wearing a gi with an accessible collar for the cross-collar grip.
Q3: What are the key grips needed for the Bow and Arrow Choke? A: Two essential grips are required: First, a deep cross-collar grip with four fingers inserted inside the collar, knuckles against the neck at or below ear level. Second, a pants grip on the opponent’s far leg at the knee or shin to create the extension leverage that amplifies choking pressure.
Q4: Your opponent begins turning toward your choking side mid-transition. How do you respond? A: Use your bottom leg as a frame against their near-side hip to stop the rotation. If they continue turning despite the frame, their far arm becomes exposed—switch to an armbar attack on that arm. The turn actually improves your armbar angle while their collar-defense posture leaves the arm vulnerable.
Q5: Why is the leg grip critical to the Bow and Arrow’s effectiveness? A: The leg grip creates mechanical leverage that multiplies choking pressure through extension. By pulling the collar toward your chest while driving opponent’s leg away with your grip and body extension, you create the bow-and-arrow tension. This leverage makes the choke significantly tighter than collar pressure alone and prevents hip escape.
Q6: What is the optimal timing window to attempt the Bow and Arrow Choke? A: The best timing is when opponent focuses on defending the rear naked choke with both hands at their neck—this leaves the collar accessible. Also when opponent attempts to clear hooks, as their hands are occupied with your feet rather than defending collar grip entry. The moment after establishing or adjusting back control often provides a brief window.
Q7: Your collar grip is established but opponent grabs your pants-gripping wrist with both hands. What adjustment do you make? A: Release the pants grip and immediately re-grip higher on their thigh near the hip, or abandon the leg control and transition to a short bow and arrow using your hooks for hip control. Alternatively, use their two-handed grip on your arm as an opportunity to pull their elbow across their body, setting up a potential armbar.
Q8: How does the Bow and Arrow Choke chain with other back control attacks? A: The Bow and Arrow creates a dilemma system: defending the collar grip exposes the neck for rear naked choke, defending the RNC leaves collar accessible for bow and arrow, and over-committing hands to either defense exposes arms for armbar. If opponent escapes to turtle with collar grip maintained, transition to clock choke.
Q9: What distinguishes a blood choke finish from an air choke in the Bow and Arrow? A: A blood choke compresses the carotid arteries, causing unconsciousness in 5-10 seconds with relatively little discomfort until blackout. An air choke compresses the trachea, is extremely uncomfortable, takes much longer to render unconscious, and risks injury. Proper grip depth with knuckles against the neck creates blood choke mechanics.
Q10: Your opponent tucks their chin tightly to prevent the choke. How do you address this defense? A: If your grip is properly deep with knuckles behind the jaw line, chin tucking is ineffective—the collar is already past the chin and directly on the arteries. Apply steady increasing pressure and the choke will work. If grip is shallow, you must re-establish deeper before chin tuck makes it ineffective.
Safety Considerations
The Bow and Arrow Choke is a blood choke that can cause unconsciousness within 5-10 seconds when properly applied. Training partners must tap early and clearly—do not wait until vision narrows or lightheadedness begins. The person applying the choke must release immediately upon tap, verbal submission, or loss of consciousness. Never hold a choke after opponent goes unconscious. When drilling, apply pressure progressively and communicate with your partner. Be aware that the leg extension component can also stress the opponent’s lower back and hip, particularly if applied explosively. Avoid this technique if either partner has neck injuries, cardiovascular conditions, or high blood pressure. In competition, be prepared to release instantly when referee intervenes. This choke has caused fatalities when held after unconsciousness—safety awareness is paramount.