Over the years, the art of BJJ has evolved alongside the contributions of many legends and pioneers. Many of these important figures helped pave the way by introducing many unique sweeps and submissions for people to use. One of the most important techniques named after a legend is the Canto choke. Named after its originator, Flavio Canto, a Brazilian judoka and Olympic medalist, the Canto choke is a great technique that can catch many unsuspecting opponents. Although not as widely known as other chokes like the rear naked choke or triangle choke, the Canto choke is a valuable addition to any grappler’s arsenal. Today, we will talk about the Canto choke and its application to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Origins Of The Canto Choke
Flavio Canto, an accomplished judoka, is known for his innovative approach to grappling. His deep understanding of both judo and BJJ allowed him to develop the Canto choke, a technique that expresses his mastery of both arts. Canto, who won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, brought this technique into the limelight, demonstrating its effectiveness in high-level competition. The Canto choke has since become a respected and studied submission in BJJ, particularly for its application in Gi grappling.
The Mechanics Of The Canto Choke
The Canto choke is primarily a Gi-based submission, meaning it relies on the opponent’s Gi to apply the choke. The technique is typically executed from a top position, such as side control or the north-south position, where the practitioner can control the opponent’s movements and set up the choke. One of the key aspects of the Canto choke is its reliance on the opponent’s lapel to create a stranglehold, cutting off the blood flow to the brain and forcing the opponent to submit.
To execute the Canto choke, the practitioner usually begins in side control, one of the most dominant positions in BJJ. From here, the practitioner secures a firm grip on the opponent’s far-side lapel, using a thumb-in grip. This grip allows for significant control over the opponent’s upper body, preventing them from easily escaping or countering the submission. The grip also serves as the foundation for the choke, as it is through this lapel that the choke is ultimately applied.
Once the lapel grip is secured, the practitioner transitions their body position to either a more aggressive side control, or move towards the north-south position. This shift in positioning is crucial, as it allows the practitioner to create the necessary angle and leverage to apply the choke effectively. As the practitioner moves, they bring their free arm around the opponent’s neck, creating a loop with their arm that acts as a secondary lever in the choking mechanism. This arm loop is critical because it not only adds pressure to the choke but also stabilizes the opponent, making it difficult for them to escape.
Applying The Canto Choke
The finishing mechanics of the Canto choke involve a combination of pulling on the lapel and tightening the arm loop around the opponent’s neck. The lapel acts as a garrote, constricting the carotid arteries on either side of the opponent’s neck, while the arm loop adds additional pressure, ensuring the choke is both tight and inescapable. The dual pressure from the lapel and arm loop results in a quick and decisive submission, often catching opponents off guard due to the unconventional setup and application of the choke.
Strategy And Considerations
One of the strengths of the Canto choke lies in its versatility. Unlike some submissions that require specific conditions or positions to be effective, the Canto choke can be adapted to a variety of situations, making it a valuable tool in both offensive and defensive scenarios. For instance, if an opponent is attempting to escape from side control by turning into the practitioner, the practitioner can use the opponent’s movement to their advantage. By quickly securing the lapel grip and transitioning into the choke, the practitioner can turn the opponent’s escape attempt into a submission opportunity.
The Canto choke is also highly effective in scrambles, where control and stability are often at a premium. In a scramble, where both grapplers are vying for position, the lapel grip used in the Canto choke can serve as an anchor, allowing the practitioner to maintain control and slow down the pace of the scramble. This control not only sets up the choke but also provides opportunities to transition to other dominant positions or submissions if the choke attempt is defended.
Tournament Strategy And The Canto Choke
Another strategic application of the Canto choke is its use in tournament settings, where points, advantages, and time management play a critical role in the outcome of matches. In these contexts, the Canto choke can be used not only as a means to secure a submission but also as a way to assert positional dominance and control. By threatening the choke, the practitioner can force the opponent into a defensive posture, which can lead to openings for other attacks or opportunities to score points. Even if the choke does not result in an immediate submission, it can create valuable chances to advance position or earn advantages that can influence the judges’ decisions.
Challenges And Defensive Tactics
Despite its effectiveness, the Canto choke is not without its challenges. Because it relies on the Gi, it is not applicable in No-Gi and MMA scenarios, where the absence of the lapel removes a key element of the choke. Additionally, the setup for the Canto choke requires precise timing and positioning; a poorly executed attempt can leave the practitioner vulnerable to counters or escapes. As such, it is important for practitioners to drill the technique regularly and understand the nuances of its application to maximize its effectiveness.
Defending against the Canto choke requires awareness and anticipation. Since the choke often begins with the opponent securing a lapel grip, one of the best defenses is to prevent the grip from being established in the first place. If the lapel grip is secured, the next best defense is to control the opponent’s free arm and disrupt their ability to create the arm loop around the neck. By denying the practitioner the ability to complete the choke, the defender can create opportunities to escape or counter.
Conclusion
The Canto choke is a powerful submission that exemplifies the similarity between Judo and BJJ. As it is an easy submission to apply, there is no reason not to learn the Canto choke. As with all techniques, we encourage you to find time to practice applying this technique for the best results.
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