BJJ Chokes
Chokes are the most reliable way to finish in BJJ, because unlike joint locks a tight choke ends the match regardless of how tough or flexible the opponent is. They split into blood chokes that cut circulation to the brain and air chokes that close the windpipe.
Blood chokes versus air chokes
Blood chokes, the rear naked choke, the triangle, collar chokes, compress the arteries on the sides of the neck and work quickly and safely when done right. Air chokes crush the windpipe and are slower and harsher. The highest-percentage BJJ chokes are almost all blood chokes.
Where the best chokes come from
The rear naked choke from the back is the gold standard; the triangle and collar chokes come from the guard, mount, and the back. A good submission game funnels toward chokes because they do not depend on out-muscling the opponent.
Community flows for BJJ Chokes
- Complete Butterfly Guard, Vol 2: When They Deny the Under-Hook — Marcelo's jab-mentality answers when the under-hook isn't available: collar-tie and triceps cups as one-beat sweeps, the straight armbar when they post to…
- Modern Back Attack System, Vol 4: Finishes & Single Leg X — Once the back is held, finishes branch by which arm got trapped: standard rear-naked off the over-arm, reverse triangle / arm bar / front triangle off the…
- Mastering the Mount, Vol 4: Bonus New York Seminar — Roger's seminar version of the system: low-mount lockdown via crossed feet and head hug, the half-choke that's already set, the cross-arm defense gap that…
- Mastering the Mount, Vol 1: Concepts and Control — How Roger holds and climbs the mount before he ever attacks. Two escapes that matter, the soles-glued rule, the cross-feet hold for resting, and the foot-push…
- Standing to Submission — High-percentage techs from standing through dominant positions & submissions. Fundamental takedowns, front headlock control, & reliable chokes from top.
- Back Is the Endgame — Top game where every dominant position is a stepping stone to back control. HQ, side control, mount, & north-south all mapped toward the gift wrap & the rear…
- front headlock flow — what to do when you find yourself in a front headlock.
- Crucifix Flow — Crucifix as a fluid attack platform. Reading reactions and chaining submissions from top control.
- Street Survival Ground Fighting — Dominant top positions for real-world defense. Side control and mount with high-percentage submissions, capitalizing on reactions to secure chokes, armlocks…
- No-Gi Anti-Jitsu Flow — Complete no-gi game from standing through guard play to dominant positions. Practical pathways from takedowns or defensive scenarios into guard, passing…
- Back Control — Every position as a stepping stone to the back. Turtle, truck, crucifix, & Peruvian control all mapped toward getting behind your opponent & finishing
- Back Control — Control your opp's back & finish them. Different grips, handling their defenses, & knowing when to switch btwn the rear naked choke, rear triangle, & armbar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a blood choke and an air choke?
A blood choke compresses the arteries in the neck and cuts circulation to the brain, working quickly and safely. An air choke crushes the windpipe and is slower and more uncomfortable. Most high-percentage BJJ chokes are blood chokes.
What is the best choke in BJJ?
The rear naked choke from back control is the highest-percentage finish in the sport. The triangle and gi collar chokes are the other staples.
Are chokes safe to train?
Blood chokes are safe when you release the moment your partner taps, since they work by circulation rather than damage. Tap early and your partner should let go immediately.
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