Side control is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From here, you can control your opponent’s movement, apply pressure, and set up a variety of submissions. One of the most effective submission options available from side control is the choke. Chokes from side control can quickly put your opponent in compromising spots and force a tap, thus making them essential tools in any grappler’s arsenal. In this article, we’ll discuss eight chokes you can execute from the side control position.
1) Cross-Collar Choke
The cross-collar choke is a classic BJJ submission, often one of the first chokes taught to beginners. It’s simple but highly effective, particularly when applied from side control. To execute this choke, you first need to secure a strong grip on your opponent’s far collar with your bottom hand. Slide your top hand under your opponent’s head and grip the opposite collar. Once your grips are in place, pull down with your bottom hand and push across with your top hand, applying pressure to the sides of your opponent’s neck. This choke relies on the lapel to cut off the blood flow to the brain, leading to a quick submission.
To make the cross collar choke more effective, ensure your body weight is applied correctly. Your chest should be pressing down on your opponent’s torso, making it difficult for them to escape. Also, focus on keeping your elbows close to your body to maximize the power of the choke. This is not only a submission technique but also a way to maintain positional control over your opponent, making it a staple in many practitioners’ arsenals.
2) Bread Cutter Choke
The bread cutter choke, also known as the paper cutter choke, is another powerful option from side control. This choke is named for the slicing motion your arm makes as it applies pressure to your opponent’s neck. Start by controlling your opponent’s far side lapel with one hand, while your other hand slides under their near side arm and grips the far side lapel near their neck. Once your grips are set, drive your forearm across your opponent’s throat, applying downward pressure. Your body weight should assist in tightening the choke, making it extremely difficult for your opponent to defend.
This choke works well when your opponent is trying to defend by turning into you. The bread cutter choke capitalizes on this movement, using their own momentum to increase the pressure on their neck. Make sure to maintain a low, heavy side control to prevent your opponent from escaping the position. This choke is particularly effective against defensive opponents who are focused on protecting their arms, as it targets the neck directly and is difficult to see coming.
The arm triangle choke, or kata gatame, is a powerful submission that can be initiated from side control. This choke involves isolating one of your opponent’s arms and using it against them to apply pressure to the carotid arteries. Begin by controlling your opponent’s far arm and threading your arm under their head, reaching for your own bicep. Once you’ve secured your grip, walk your body toward your opponent’s head while applying downward pressure with your shoulder on their neck. This will tighten the choke and force a tap.
The arm triangle choke is particularly effective against opponents who attempt to push you away with their arms while in side control. By isolating the arm and pinning it against their neck, you can turn their defense into a submission opportunity. Be patient when applying this choke, as it can take a few seconds to fully lock in. It’s a choke that requires precision, as improper positioning can allow your opponent to escape or resist the submission, but when applied correctly, it’s highly effective.
4) D’Arce Choke
The Darce choke, a favorite among many grapplers, can be set up from various positions, including side control. This choke involves threading your arm under your opponent’s near side arm and reaching through to the opposite side of their neck, where you’ll lock your hands together. Once your hands are clasped, apply pressure by dropping your weight and squeezing your arms together. The Darce choke is a nasty submission, cutting off the blood supply to your opponent’s brain, leading to a quick submission.
The Darce choke is particularly useful when your opponent attempts to escape by turning into you or coming up to their knees. This movement creates the perfect opportunity to thread your arm and secure the choke. To make this choke more effective, ensure your grip is tight and your body weight is positioned correctly. It’s a versatile submission that can be transitioned into various situations, making it a valuable addition to your side control game.
The north-south choke is a highly effective submission that can be executed when transitioning from side control to the north-south position. To apply this choke, move your body so that your head is over your opponent’s chest and your arms encircle their neck. Once you’ve secured the position, drop your chest onto your opponent’s head while squeezing your arms together. The north-south choke applies pressure to the carotid arteries, leading to a rapid submission.
One key to making the north-south choke effective is maintaining control of your opponent’s hips as you transition to the north-south position. This prevents them from escaping or turning into you. Additionally, make sure your chest is directly over their face to maximize the pressure of the choke. This choke is particularly useful when your opponent is defending against other chokes from side control, as the transition to north-south can catch them off guard and lead to a quick submission.
The Ezekiel choke is a versatile submission that can be applied from various positions, including side control. This choke involves using your own sleeve to create a noose around your opponent’s neck. Start by securing a grip inside your sleeve with one hand, while your other hand loops around your opponent’s head and under their chin. Once your grip is in place, extend your arms to apply pressure to your opponent’s neck for the finish.
The Ezekiel choke is particularly effective in No-Gi situations, as it doesn’t rely on your opponent’s gi for leverage. However, it can also be applied in Gi situations, making it a versatile option in your arsenal. Be sure to maintain a strong side control and use your body weight to keep your opponent pinned while applying the choke. The Ezekiel choke is deceptive in its simplicity and can catch opponents by surprise, making it a powerful tool in your submission game.
7) Canto Choke
The Canto choke is a technique that’s become popular thanks to its effectiveness and relative obscurity. It’s named after the Judo practitioner Flavio Canto, who is known for using it successfully in competition. From side control, the Canto choke involves using your opponent’s gi lapel to create a stranglehold. To execute this choke, feed the lapel under your opponent’s arm and across their neck, gripping it with your far hand. Once the lapel is secured, apply downward pressure with your arm while pulling the lapel tight across your opponent’s neck, cutting off their blood supply and forcing a tap.
This choke is particularly effective because it’s difficult to see coming, especially if your opponent is focused on defending other attacks. The lapel is already in place, and with a quick motion, you can secure the choke before your opponent has time to react. The Canto choke is a Gi-specific technique, but it’s one that can end matches quickly and decisively, making it a valuable addition to your side control arsenal.
8) Breaststroke Choke
The breaststroke choke, also known as the swim choke or reverse arm triangle, is a powerful and somewhat unconventional submission that can be applied from side control. To execute this choke, start by securing an underhook on your opponent’s far arm, then thread your arm across their neck while maintaining a strong grip on their lapel or shoulder. From here, you’ll use a breaststroke-like motion with your arms, pulling your opponent’s head into the choke while applying pressure with your shoulder and chest. This motion not only tightens the choke but also forces your opponent’s head into a compromising position, cutting off their air supply and forcing a submission.
The breaststroke choke is effective because it combines upper body strength with leverage, making it difficult for your opponent to defend. It’s a choke that requires precise timing and control, but when executed correctly, it’s a devastating submission that can catch your opponent off guard. This choke works well against opponents who are focused on defending against more common submissions, as it’s less well-known and can be applied quickly.
Conclusion
Chokes from side control are an essential part of any BJJ practitioner’s game. These submissions allow you to capitalize on your dominant position and finish the fight efficiently. Remember, the key to successful submissions is control, so always focus on maintaining strong side control before transitioning to a choke. With consistent practice and dedication, these chokes will become a powerful part of your BJJ arsenal.
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