The Short Choke Attack is a highly efficient strangle executed from the Gift Wrap position that capitalizes on the opponent’s compromised defensive capability. With one arm already trapped across their body, the defender has severely limited ability to protect their neck, making this choke significantly higher percentage than standard rear naked choke attempts from back control.
The mechanics of the Short Choke differ from traditional rear naked chokes in that you use the opponent’s own trapped arm as part of the choking structure. Your free arm slides under the chin and connects to your bicep or forearm of the Gift Wrap controlling arm, creating a figure-four configuration that compresses both sides of the neck. This structure requires less space to establish than a standard RNC because you’re not threading a second arm behind the head.
Strategically, the Short Choke represents the most direct submission threat from Gift Wrap and should be viewed as the primary attack from this position. When the opponent defends the Short Choke by tucking their chin or using their free hand, this creates openings for secondary attacks including armbar on the free arm, transition to crucifix, or advancement to mounted positions. Understanding this attack tree transforms the Gift Wrap into a systematic submission hunting position rather than a static control.
From Position: Gift Wrap (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Short Choke Attack?
- Use opponent’s trapped arm as integral part of choking structure rather than ignoring it
- Chin-to-chest connection prevents choke entry - create angle to bypass chin
- Figure-four grip configuration maximizes compression with minimal space requirement
- Gift Wrap arm position must remain high across chest to support choke mechanics
- Patience in grip setting prevents telegraphing and opponent defensive preparation
- Free arm defense by opponent opens secondary attacks - maintain threat to keep options
- Chest-to-back pressure flattens opponent and reduces their defensive mobility
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Short Choke Attack?
- Gift Wrap control fully established with opponent’s arm trapped high across their chest
- Back control maintained with hooks in or body triangle secured
- Opponent’s chin is exposed or accessible through angle manipulation
- Free arm positioning allows you to slide under opponent’s chin without obstruction
- Chest-to-back connection maintained to prevent opponent from creating defensive space
Execution Steps
How do you execute Short Choke Attack step by step?
- Consolidate Gift Wrap: Ensure the trapped arm is pulled high across opponent’s chest toward their opposite shoulder. Verify your threading arm maintains wrist or forearm control with elbow tight to their body.
- Flatten opponent: Drive your hips forward into opponent’s lower back while pulling their trapped arm tight. This flattens them toward the mat and compromises their ability to create defensive angles or use explosive bridging.
- Clear chin access: If opponent’s chin is tucked, use your free hand to push against their forehead or use skull friction to tilt the head. Create angle by rotating your body slightly to access the space under their chin from the side.
- Thread choking arm: Slide your free arm under opponent’s chin from the side closest to their trapped arm. Your forearm should contact the front of their throat with your elbow positioned directly under their chin for maximum choking leverage.
- Connect figure-four: Grip your Gift Wrap controlling arm’s bicep or forearm with your choking hand. The exact grip depends on arm length and positioning, but the connection should create a closed loop around opponent’s neck using their own trapped arm as part of the structure.
- Apply finishing pressure: Squeeze elbows together while expanding your chest and arching slightly backward. The compression comes from all directions simultaneously - your forearm on the front of the neck and the figure-four configuration creating lateral pressure on both carotid arteries.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Short Choke | 55% |
| Failure | Gift Wrap | 30% |
| Counter | Back Control | 15% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Short Choke Attack?
- Chin tuck with shoulder shrug to prevent arm threading under chin (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Use angle changes and forehead pressure to create access; alternatively, switch to armbar attack on the free arm while they focus on chin defense → Leads to Gift Wrap
- Free hand grip fighting to prevent figure-four connection (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain pressure and wait for their grip to fatigue; their free arm defending the choke opens pathways to armbar or transition to crucifix → Leads to Gift Wrap
- Explosive bridge and roll attempt to escape back position entirely (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Absorb the bridge with forward hip pressure; if they roll, follow and maintain back control or transition to mounted Gift Wrap → Leads to Back Control
- Turning toward attacker to face them and reduce choke angle (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow rotation and transition to mounted Gift Wrap or technical mount while maintaining arm trap; this actually improves your position → Leads to Gift Wrap
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Short Choke Attack?
The Short Choke Attack is a blood choke that compresses the carotid arteries and can produce unconsciousness within seconds when properly applied. Training partners must tap immediately when they feel the choke tighten. Attackers must release pressure instantly upon feeling a tap or verbal submission. Never hold a choke after the tap, and never apply the choke explosively or with cranking neck pressure. In drilling, apply the choke slowly to allow partners time to recognize and tap to the submission. Be especially careful with newer training partners who may not recognize the sensation of a blood choke versus an air choke. If a training partner loses consciousness, release immediately and position them in recovery position. The Short Choke should only be practiced under qualified instruction with attentive training partners.