What is the Cross Collar Choke? (Definition & Historical Significance)

The Cross Collar Choke, known in Portuguese as estrangulamento cruzado and in Judo as juji-jime, is a fundamental gi chokehold in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It involves crossing the arms and gripping the opponent's collar to apply a strangle, primarily targeting the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck. This technique restricts blood flow to the brain, resulting in rapid unconsciousness (a "blood choke").

Historically, the Cross Collar Choke entered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through Kodokan Judo, where it is classified into variations such as nami-juji-jime and kata-juji-jime. It has been integral to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since its inception. In 1951, Helio Gracie famously utilized this choke to defeat Yukio Kato. Over the decades, legendary practitioners like Rickson Gracie and Roger Gracie have consistently demonstrated its effectiveness at the highest levels of competition.

Biomechanics and Principles of the Cross Collar Choke

The Cross Collar Choke achieves its effectiveness through direct compression of the carotid arteries rather than relying solely on airway obstruction. Proper execution involves deep collar grips, precise forearm alignment, and controlled pressure. The attacker's forearms form an "X" across the opponent's neck, with the rigid bone edges pressing directly into the arteries.

Key biomechanical principles include:

• Drawing the elbows inward toward the ribs.
• Rotating the wrists inward (similar to revving a motorcycle throttle).
• Employing a subtle scissoring motion to maximize pressure.

Effective application leverages whole-body mechanics, engaging core, back, and leg muscles rather than relying purely on arm strength.

Applying the Cross Collar Choke from Closed Guard (Step-by-Step Guide)

To execute the Cross Collar Choke effectively from the closed guard position:

1. Break your opponent's posture by pulling them forward using your legs and grips.
2. Secure a deep initial collar grip with your dominant hand (palm-up), sliding your fingers behind the opponent's neck until your fingertips reach the collar seam.
3. Insert your second hand into the opposite collar, choosing from variations such as palm-up (under the first arm), palm-down thumb-in (over the first arm), or palm-down cloth grip near the shoulder.
4. Shift your hips slightly to one side, creating a favorable angle and preventing your opponent from easily regaining posture.
5. Finish the choke by pinching your elbows toward your ribs, rotating your wrists inward, and performing a crunching motion with your core and legs to tighten the choke.

Applying the Cross Collar Choke from Mount (Step-by-Step Guide)

To apply the Cross Collar Choke from the mount position:

1. Establish a stable mount with your weight low and centered, knees wide, and hips heavy.
2. Secure a deep initial collar grip with your dominant hand (palm-up), maintaining balance and preventing your opponent from bridging.
3. Insert your second hand into the opposite collar, selecting from variations such as palm-up, palm-down thumb-in, or palm-down cloth grip.
4. Position your head low and slightly to one side, counterbalancing your weight as you secure the second grip.
5. Finish the choke by driving your weight forward and downward, pinching your elbows inward, rotating your wrists inward, and applying chest pressure to amplify the choke.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Executing the Cross Collar Choke

Practitioners frequently encounter several pitfalls when attempting the Cross Collar Choke:

• Shallow collar grips that fail to adequately compress the carotid arteries.
• Flaring or lifting elbows outward, reducing choke effectiveness.
• Over-reliance on arm strength instead of proper leverage and body mechanics.
• Neglecting posture control and positional stability, allowing opponents to escape or counter.
• Telegraphing the second grip, giving opponents time to defend, and poor forearm alignment, resulting in pressure on the jaw or windpipe rather than the arteries.

Defending and Escaping the Cross Collar Choke (Counter-Strategies)

Effective defense against the Cross Collar Choke involves early recognition and proactive measures:

• Engage in early grip fighting to prevent your opponent from establishing deep collar grips.
• Maintain upright posture when inside an opponent's closed guard, preventing them from breaking your posture and setting up the choke.
• Execute a bridge and roll (upa) escape from mount by trapping one of your opponent's arms and bridging explosively to that side.
• Block your opponent's elbow flare by pushing inward on their elbows, reducing choke pressure.
• Insert your hand between your neck and your opponent's forearm ("answering the phone") to relieve immediate pressure and buy time for further escapes.

Effective Application Scenarios and Strategic Uses

The Cross Collar Choke is versatile and effective across various scenarios:

• From closed guard, it serves as a primary attacking platform, enabling the bottom player to threaten submissions or sweeps.
• From mount, it leverages positional dominance, gravity, and body weight to maximize choke pressure.
• During guard passing transitions, such as the knee-slice pass, practitioners can opportunistically secure collar grips and apply the choke as they advance position.
• It integrates seamlessly into chain attacks, forcing opponents into defensive reactions and exposing them to follow-up submissions like armbars or back takes.
• Late in matches, the Cross Collar Choke remains highly effective against fatigued opponents who may leave their neck exposed or react slowly to grip threats.

Notable Practitioners and Matches Featuring the Cross Collar Choke

Several legendary practitioners have famously utilized the Cross Collar Choke:

• Helio Gracie notably defeated Yukio Kato in 1951 using this technique.
• Rickson Gracie became renowned for his mastery of the Cross Collar Choke, often finishing opponents swiftly once grips were established.
• Roger Gracie frequently employed the Cross Collar Choke from mount in elite competitions, consistently demonstrating its effectiveness at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.