Bread Cutter Choke

What is the Bread Cutter Choke? (Definition & Historical Context)

The Bread Cutter Choke, also commonly referred to as the "paper cutter choke" or "corte de pão," is a gi-based collar choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It targets the opponent's neck by utilizing their own lapel to compress the carotid arteries and/or windpipe. The technique's name originates from the guillotine-like slicing motion of the choking arm across the opponent's throat.

Historically, the Bread Cutter Choke is recognized as a fundamental, high-percentage submission within traditional BJJ. Esteemed black belts such as Pedro Sauer, Saulo Ribeiro, and Xande Ribeiro have significantly popularized this choke. A thumb-in collar variation is often referred to as the "Saulo choke," honoring Saulo Ribeiro's effective and frequent use of this variation. Prominent competitors and instructors, including Jeff Glover, Bernardo Faria, and Nick "Chewy" Albin, regularly highlight this choke in seminars and instructional materials.

Detailed Mechanics of the Bread Cutter Choke

Establishing the Anchor Grip

The Bread Cutter Choke is typically executed from dominant top positions, most commonly Side Control. The attacker begins by sliding their far-side arm underneath the opponent's head, securing a deep thumb-in grip on the back of the opponent's collar near the neck. This anchor grip tightens the lapel around the neck and effectively pins the opponent in place.

Applying the Choking Arm

Next, the attacker threads their choking arm under the opponent's far arm, across the chest, and secures a thumb-in or palm-down grip on the far side of the collar. The forearm of this choking arm rests directly across the opponent's neck, applying immediate pressure.

Finishing the Choke

To complete the submission, the attacker drops the elbow of the choking arm toward the mat beside the opponent's ear, creating opposing leverage. The anchor grip pulls upward while the choking arm drives downward, maximizing pressure. Proper execution involves maintaining heavy chest-to-chest pressure, sprawling the hips, and angling the torso toward the opponent's head. Practitioners should rely on bodyweight rather than arm strength, ensuring the elbow reaches the mat to block the opponent's head and prevent escape.

Common Setups and Entries to the Bread Cutter Choke

The Bread Cutter Choke can be effectively initiated from various positions and transitions:

• Standard Side Control: Capitalizing on the opponent's framing or underhook attempts to secure collar grips.
• Knee-on-Belly Transition: Exploiting defensive reactions to establish initial collar grips, then transitioning back into side control to finish.
• North-South and Kesa Gatame Entries: Utilizing spinning transitions to expose the collar and set up the choke.
• Pedro Sauer Shoulder Lock Variation: Employing a rear-naked choke (RNC)-style grip that combines the choke with a shoulder lock, significantly hindering escapes.
• Cross-Collar Finish Variation: A hybrid between the classic cross choke and bread cutter, quickly applied from a north-south angle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying the Bread Cutter Choke

Practitioners should be mindful of several common errors when executing the Bread Cutter Choke:

• Shallow Collar Grip: A grip that is too shallow reduces choke effectiveness. Aim for a deep, secure grip behind the opponent's neck.
• Insufficient Forearm Pressure: Failing to fully drop the elbow or apply adequate forearm pressure weakens the choke. Ensure the elbow reaches the mat with shoulder weight behind it.
• Rushing the Technique: Attempting the choke prematurely without establishing proper control and positioning can result in losing the position.
• Ignoring Defensive Frames: Neglecting the opponent's defensive grips or frames can stall the choke. Use head and shoulder pressure to neutralize these defenses.
• Losing Base and Balance: Overcommitting without proper weight distribution risks reversals. Maintain a wide, stable base throughout execution.

Defending and Escaping the Bread Cutter Choke

Effective defense against the Bread Cutter Choke involves early recognition and proactive measures:

• Early Grip Prevention: Immediately strip or block the opponent's collar grips before they tighten.
• Chin Tuck and Framing: Tuck the chin and frame against the opponent's choking elbow or forearm to buy valuable time.
• Hip Bridging and Shrimping: Create space by bridging and shrimping, inserting frames to alleviate pressure.
• Submission Counter (Armbar): Counterattack with a far-side armbar during the opponent's initial grip setup.
• Late-stage "Pass-By" Escape: Redirect the opponent's head and slip under their chest as a last-ditch escape.

Strategic Application of the Bread Cutter Choke in Training and Competition

Strategically, the Bread Cutter Choke is highly valuable due to its ability to maintain dominant positions such as side control or knee-on-belly throughout execution. Effective timing involves exploiting the opponent's escape attempts or defensive framing. Competitors frequently use this choke to force reactions, creating openings for additional submissions.

Pressure-oriented competitors like Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, and Bernardo Faria favor the Bread Cutter Choke for its reliability. It is consistently featured in IBJJF gi tournaments across all belt levels, underscoring its effectiveness in competitive scenarios. Athletes from renowned teams such as Gracie Humaitá and Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu regularly drill this choke as a fundamental attack from dominant positions.