BJJ Chokes
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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
- Marcelo Garcia Complete Butterfly Guard Vol 2: No Underhook — Marcelo Garcia's butterfly answers with no underhook: collar-tie and triceps sweeps, straight armbar, snap-and-pull guillotine, and double-overhook clamp…
- Kaynan Duarte Modern Back Attack, Vol 4: Finishes & SLX — Kaynan Duarte's back finishes by trapped arm: rear naked choke off the over-arm, triangles or armbar off the underhook, and his SLX-to-back chain. Off the…
- Roger Gracie Mastering the Mount, Vol 4: New York Seminar — Roger Gracie's seminar run of his mount system: low-mount lockdown, the half-choke, the cross-arm gap, and the body lock to high-mount armlock chain. The low…
- Roger Gracie Mastering the Mount, Vol 1: Concepts & Control — Roger Gracie on holding mount: two escapes that matter, the soles-glued rule, the cross-feet rest, and the foot-push climb to high mount for the finish. The…
- 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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