Move of the Day

Loop Choke from Opponent’s Turtle

When they turtle to hide, feed the collar and walk the loop over their neck.

A panicked turtle is a gift if you know the loop choke. You feed a deep cross collar, walk your head and shoulder to the far side, and use your own body as the closing piece of the noose. It is uglier than a clock choke and often higher percentage against a tight turtle.

The steps

1. 01From the front or side of turtle, get a deep cross-collar — thumb in or four fingers, knuckles toward their neck.
2. 02Drop your head to the far side of their neck, ear toward the mat.
3. 03Step your near leg over their back or sit to your hip so your shoulder presses the loop closed.
4. 04Cinch by walking your hips toward their far shoulder, not by curling your wrist alone.
5. 05If they roll, stay connected to the collar and finish on your back like a front triangle variation.

Details that matter

• Shallow collar = no choke. Get past the label of the gi.
• Do not give them your near arm to roll you. Hide it or post.
• If the choke is not there, switch to a crucifix or clock choke. Same family.

Video walkthroughs live on the BJJ Everyday YouTube.

Back to archive