The helicopter choke is one of the most visually impressive submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While not commonly seen in every BJJ class, it’s a technique that demonstrates the art’s beauty, especially when done with perfect technique. The helicopter choke is essentially a rolling lapel choke done against a turtled opponent. This is a move that can definitely attract the attention of many spectators. Today, we will go over the helicopter choke in BJJ.
Origins And Evolution Of The Helicopter Choke
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of this move, it has been popularized by various high-level practitioners who have used it effectively in competitions. The helicopter choke embodies the essence of BJJ: using technique over brute strength, applying leverage, and maintaining control over the opponent’s body to create openings for submission.
Executing The Helicopter Choke
To execute the helicopter choke, you must first establish a dominant position against the opponent. Forcing the opponent to go to the turtle position is of utmost importance here as it forces them to stay defensive while giving you avenues to attack. From here, grip the opponent’s collar and control their arms. The key to the helicopter choke is in how you set up the move, utilizing grips to control the opponent’s upper body while properly positioning yourself to the proper position.
Creating The Helicopter Motion
One of the essential aspects of the helicopter choke is the setup. You need to create space and lift your opponent off the ground. This is typically done by placing your leg on the opponent’s body, creating a platform to elevate the opponent’s body. You then pull the opponent’s weight sideways, breaking their posture and forcing them into an unfavorable position. This forward momentum is crucial, as it sets the stage for the transition that defines the helicopter choke.
With the opponent’s weight shifted you can now transition by rotating their hips and lifting their legs, creating a sweeping motion that lifts the opponent off the ground. The legs act as levers, and the practitioner’s core strength plays a significant role in executing this movement smoothly. As the opponent is lifted, they are essentially flipped over, creating a helicopter-like motion, hence the name of the choke. You must maintain control of the opponent’s arms during this transition, ensuring that they are in the correct position to apply the choke once the opponent is in a vulnerable state.
Finishing The Helicopter Choke
The helicopter choke is a unique submission because it uses body mechanics and momentum. As the opponent is lifted and rotated, you can transition directly into a choke by using one leg to apply pressure on the opponent’s neck while maintaining control of the arm. The choke is applied by compressing the carotid arteries on either side of the opponent’s neck, restricting blood flow and leading to a quick submission. The quick application of the helicopter choke can force many opponents to tap out. Keep in mind that you have to control the opponent’s posture while finishing the choke so that there is no room for escape.
Timing And Precision In Execution
Timing and precision are critical in executing the helicopter choke effectively. You must anticipate the opponent’s movements and react quickly to capitalize on the opening created by the lift and rotation. The move’s success also relies heavily on your ability to control the opponent’s movement and maintain a strong grip throughout the transition. Any lapse in control can result in disaster.
Training The Helicopter Choke
While the helicopter choke is undoubtedly an advanced technique, it’s not entirely out of reach for practitioners willing to put in the time to master it. Drilling the fundamental movements, such as controlling the guard, breaking the opponent’s posture, and executing the lift, is essential for developing the timing and coordination needed to perform the choke. Flexibility and core strength are also vital components, as they enable the practitioner to generate the necessary lift and maintain control during the aerial transition.
Competition Application
In competition, the helicopter choke can work but should be applied with intelligent setups. Its unexpected nature and the dramatic way it is executed can catch opponents off guard, leading to a quick and decisive victory. However, its effectiveness is not limited to its flashiness. When executed correctly, the helicopter choke is a legitimate submission that leverages the principles of BJJ to subdue even the most aggressive opponents.
Benefits Of Practicing & Consideration
Though an unusual submission, the helicopter choke is a submission that’ll definitely turn heads and capture attention when executed perfectly.
The helicopter choke obviously requires hours and hours of practice and drilling. As it is a technique with many critical steps, we recommend that you practice the helicopter choke as consistently as you can. Drill the helicopter choke in isolation so that you can fully understand the mechanics of the move. After this, slowly introduce it during your sparring sessions. Practice the technique with as many training partners as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the helicopter choke is a technique that can get you a lot of quick taps. We encourage you to watch competition videos of the technique if you are skeptical of its application. The helicopter choke is a legitimate technique and needs to be respected. While it may not be as commonly used as other submissions, its versatility and potential for surprise make it a valuable addition to your grappling arsenal. Whether using it as an attacking option against a turtled opponent, a counter to a transition attempt, or even a standalone attack, the helicopter choke can be an excellent tool for training and competition.
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