Are you also aiming to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but aren’t aware of the different types of BJJ chokes compulsory to win the big game? Don’t worry about the question that How many chokes are there in BJJ? Just keep reading.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is gaining importance with every passing day due to its powerful submissions. The most potent submission of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is its chokes. These not only hit the opponent hard but also leave no way out for the opponent to escape or opt for defense.
But for that, it is proper to execute the right choke at the precise time. So, here we are going to discuss the 12 types of BJJ chokes, along with their effectiveness.
So, without any further ado, let’s break into the details.
How do the Chokes work in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- The Anatomy
The functional anatomy of different BJJ chokes depends on the area it acts on. Broadly we divide the different types of BJJ chokes into two main categories
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blood Choke
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Air Choke
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blood Choke
In a blood choke, the execution of the choke restricts the supply of blood and oxygen by compressing the blood vessels. Mostly the attack is on the jugular vein, which supplies blood between the brain and heart. Later, the carotid arteries and veins are attacked, stopping the blood supply.
Moreover, the execution of blood choke requires only 7 to 8 seconds, and 90% of the blood vessels compression occurs. So, holding for more results in lethal consequences.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Air Choke
In air chokes, you restrict the supply of air and not blood. So, these are comparatively simpler. You attack Adam’s apple, which restricts the supply of air in the windpipe by applying pressure. Since it stops air supply, its execution takes more time and is comparatively less effective.
Related: Is Japanese Jiu Jitsu Effective than Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
12 Different Types Of BJJ Chokes
There are nearly 40 different submissions of BJJ, but the chokehold is the most effective one. So, here is the list of BJJ chokes:
1: Triangle Choke
The first choke that will gain our attention is the triangle choke. It is one of the most effective chokes that are easy to execute from nearly every position.
It belongs to the blood choke category and works by building pressure on the opponent’s neck. You wrap your legs around the opponent’s neck and place his arms between his legs. In this way, you restrict the blood supply, and hence the opponent has no way out other than to tap out.
2: Ezekiel Choke
Ezekiel chokes are practiced by practitioners of not only BJJ but also other martial arts. Among all the types of chokes in BJJ, this is the most enthralling one that can act as both airflow choke and blood choke, according to your submission.
Among all the BJJ types of chokes, the Ezekiel choke is the easiest one and can be appropriately accomplished with little to no training. However, the full mount is the best position to execute this choke.
3: Arm Triangle Choke
Arm Triangle Choke is similar to a standard triangle choke, apart from the fact that instead of legs, we use arms for its execution. It is a head and arm choke in which the blood supply disrupts during chest-to-chest contact.
It is one of the most effective Brazilian Jiu jitsu chokes that can also be fatal if applied for a comparatively longer time.
You execute this type of BJJ choke from the side control or mount. However, a close guard can also work sometimes. The aim is to trap the head and arm of the opponent and squeeze them to restrict the air supply.
4: Cross Choke
X choke or cross choke is a strong collar BJJ submission in which the application of pressure is on the carotid arteries of the opponent. Among the long list of BJJ chokes, this is used by great players like Roger Gracie.
The execution of this choke is such that the first-hand slips into the opponent’s collar bone and the palm is kept as up as possible. Then the second hand comes over the first hand with palm down.
5: Guillotine Choke
Among all the types of BJJ chokes, the guillotine choke is the easiest choke technique. You can execute it while standing or from the ground too. You need to surround the neck of your opponent using your arms just kine a guillotine so that the blood flow stops.
However, it stops the blood flow of up to 75 percent of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the brain. So, the opponent gets unconscious and taps out.
6: Loop Choke
Loop choke is an essential GI choke that you learn during the essential trainee days. Claiming it to be one of the most challenging BJJ strokes won’t be wrong.
You basically grip the opponent’s collar and loop or tuck it into the chin, resulting in no oxygen supply to the brain.
The ideal position to execute loop choke are closed guard, side control, and bottom half guard.
7: Bow and Arrow Choke
It is also a Brazilian Jiu jitsu blood choke in which you attack the GI collar of the opponent to stop blood supply as tremendous pressure builds on the carotid arteries.
The best position to perform bow and arrow choke is the back mount.
8: Baseball Bat Choke
Baseball Bat Choke is a collar choke in which you use label techniques to apply a significant amount of pressure around the opponent’s neck using your forearms only.
Make sure to insert your thumb inside the opponent’s GI.
It is both air and blood choke, and hence, there is no way to defend it.
9: Paper Cutter Choke
Among the different types of Jiu Jitsu chokes, the paper cutter choke is the most dangerous choke. The execution of this type of choke requires you to take your right hand under the opponent’s arm followed by under hooking towards their neck.
Your other hand gets across the neck of the opponent, tucking it under the chin.
Undoubtedly, Its execution is the most difficult of all the BJJ types of chokes. The best position to apply this choke is side control.
10: North-South Choke
The only choke that all the successful fighters practice is the north-south choke. You can execute it both with and without GI.
It is also a blood choke, in which you apply pressure on the opponent’s neck, resulting in no supply of blood to the brain. As a result, your opponent becomes unconscious and taps out.
11: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Anaconda Choke
Available in BJJ grappling, this is the strongest chokes off the list of BJJ chokes. In this, there is the application of high pressure to the head and arm of the opponent, and the arm enters into the head of the opponent profoundly.
As a result, the blood supply stops, and if the opponent doesn’t tap out at the right it, it leads to permanent sleep.
12: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu D’Arce Choke
This choke is identical to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Anaconda Choke, except that the choking arm enters deeply into the neck of the opponent instead of the head, resulting in the distribution of blood supply.
Are BJJ Chokes Dangerous to Perform?
No, the different types of Jiu Jitsu chokes are not dangerous at all as long as you execute them properly. In extreme cases, you can become unconscious.
However, if the execution of the choke is not correctly, or it is held for a more extended period than the recommended limit, it can lead to permanent damage to organs, paralyzes, and even death. Therefore, proper execution is required.
Related: If you want to know the difference between Jiu Jitsu vs Aikido then click here
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tips for Executing Chokes
Different types of BJJ chokes need different execution techniques. However, here are three tips you should follow to make your execution successful
- The hand must be deep enough in the collar and head of the opponent for complete execution of the choke.
- The majority of strokes use the sharp bone of your wrist. Therefore, if not appropriately placed, the blood supply is not stopped. hence, the correct placement of sharp wrist bone is also necessary.
- Moreover, if the grip is not tight, the execution is not correct.
Conclusion-A Final Verdict
Till now, our promise of making you up with the 12 types of BJJ chokes has come to an end. Undoubtedly, BJJ chokes are the most common submissions used among all of its techniques.
Now, it is your turn to practice the brazilian jiu jitsu choke holds you find the most appropriate and thrilling.
About Author
Chris Bent
Chris Bent is a professional MMA Trainer who has expertise in both Martial Arts and Karate and he loves to teach Men, Women and Kids.
