Welcome to “Mastering The Side Choke,” your ultimate guide to perfecting one of the most effective and versatile submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this article, you’ll discover step-by-step techniques, key details, and strategic insights to elevate your grappling game. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to expand your arsenal, mastering the side choke will give you a powerful tool to dominate on the mats. Get ready to boost your confidence and take your submission game to the next level! Have you ever wondered how to elevate your game on the mat and add a powerful submission to your arsenal that could give you an edge in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or mixed martial arts? Look no further! Mastering the Side Choke, also known as the Arm Triangle Choke, can provide you with just that—a reliable, effective technique that can be executed from various positions once you understand its mechanics and principles.
Understanding the Side Choke
The Side Choke is primarily a blood choke, meaning it restricts blood flow to the brain, leading your opponent to either tap out or lose consciousness. While it might seem intricate at first, with practice and a solid grasp of its principles, you’ll find it to be a versatile and rewarding tool in your grappling toolkit.
What is the Side Choke?
The Side Choke, also known as the Arm Triangle Choke, involves using your arm and shoulder to compress one side of your opponent’s neck while their own arm compresses the other side. Essentially, you’re creating a triangle formation around their neck, hence the name. The goal is to cut off blood flow through the carotid arteries on each side of the neck, leading to a submission.
Why Learn the Side Choke?
Here are a few reasons why mastering the Side Choke is an absolute game-changer:
- Versatility: It can be applied from a variety of positions such as side control, mount, and even from the bottom guard positions.
- Control: Executing the Side Choke effectively requires and teaches good positional control, which is critical in grappling.
- Efficiency: It’s a high-percentage submission that doesn’t rely on explosive strength, making it suitable for practitioners of all sizes.
Mechanics of the Side Choke
Positioning and Grip
Proper positioning and grip are fundamental to successfully executing the Side Choke. Initially, you should start from a dominant position such as side control or mount.
- From Side Control: Move to the opponent’s side and ensure your chest is heavy on theirs, reducing their ability to move.
- Hand Placement: Slide your arm under their neck while using your other hand to push their arm across their face, positioning it against the far side of their neck.
- Closing the Triangle: Lock your hands together by gripping your biceps and apply pressure by squeezing your arms and expanding your chest.
Application and Finish
To finish the Side Choke, once you have the position secured, apply pressure gradually. Simply squeezing won’t be enough; you need to apply pressure in a way that maximizes the choke.
- Tighten the Grip: Squeeze your elbows together while expanding your chest.
- Weight Distribution: Shift your weight onto your opponent to add pressure.
- Details Matter: Small adjustments, like ensuring your head is low and tight to their shoulders, can make a world of difference.
Common Mistakes
Poor Positioning
One of the most common mistakes is not establishing a strong base before attempting the choke. Without solid side control or mount, it’s difficult to apply the necessary pressure. Always focus on stabilization first.
Incorrect Hand Placement
Another mistake is improper hand placement, like not having a deep enough grip or failing to secure the opponent’s arm correctly. Make sure your arm is deep under their neck and your grip is secure.
Rushing the Choke
Many beginners make the mistake of rushing or muscling through the choke. Patience and technique are key—focus on the slow and controlled application of pressure.
Setting Up the Side Choke
From Side Control
- Establish Control: Make sure you’re stable in side control, using your body weight effectively.
- Thread the Needle: Slip your arm under their neck and push their far arm across their face.
- Lock Hands: Secure your grip by locking your hands together, ideally with a gable grip.
- Apply Pressure: Finish the choke by tightening your grip, expanding your chest, and shifting your weight toward their body.
From Mount
- Mount Position: Obtain a dominant mount position.
- Isolate the Arm: Use your body to manipulate their arm across their neck, threading your arm underneath.
- Hand Lock: Engage a firm grip, locking hands as in side control.
- Pressure Application: Press your weight down and apply the choke pressure.
From Guard
- Guard Control: Control the opponent in your guard.
- Arm Setup: Pull their arm across your body while looping your arm around their neck.
- Grip Tightening: Lock your hands and use your legs to control their body.
- Finish: Squeeze and apply the choke pressure.
Drilling and Practice
Solo Drills
If you don’t have a training partner, you can still practice some aspects of the choke:
- Shadow Grappling: Visualize an opponent and practice the arm and body movements.
- Resistance Band: Use bands to simulate the resistance you’ll face when locking in the grip and applying pressure.
Partner Drills
Practicing with a partner is indispensable for mastering the Side Choke:
- Positioning Drills: Start from side control and work solely on achieving the right positioning.
- Flow Drills: Transition between various positions like mount, guard, and side control while maintaining the choke setup.
- Resistant Drills: Have your partner resist at different intensities to simulate real-live scenarios.
Tips and Tricks
Utilizing the Gi
If you practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the gi, use the fabric to enhance your choke. Utilize your collar grip to tighten the choke and add additional control.
No-Gi Adjustments
In a no-gi setting, ensure your hand placement is precise and your grip secure since you won’t have the fabric to assist. Focus on leverage and proper technique.
Breathing and Patience
It’s essential to maintain your breathing and stay calm. The more relaxed you are, the more effectively you’ll apply the choke. Rushing can often lead to mistakes.
Case Studies and Examples
Several high-level practitioners have successfully incorporated the Side Choke into their skill set, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness.
| Practitioner | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|
| Roger Gracie | Renowned for his impeccable technique and has used the Side Choke in many victories. |
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | Successfully utilized Arm Triangle Chokes in numerous MMA fights. |
Roger Gracie’s Approach
Roger Gracie often employs the Side Choke from the mount, meticulously isolating the arm and using his weight to apply pressure, demonstrating textbook execution.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Execution
Khabib’s grappling in MMA shows a blend of control and relentless pressure, making his application of the Side Choke unstoppable. He frequently uses it to transition from dominant ground positions.
Advanced Variations
Gator Roll Side Choke
This dynamic variation involves rolling with your opponent to create momentum and tighten the choke, often executed from a sprawl position.
- Sprawl Position: Start in a sprawl with your opponent on their knees.
- Arm Positioning: Hug their neck and thread their arm.
- Gator Roll: Roll with them, maintaining the choke setup.
- Finish: Use the roll to apply the choke pressure.
Darce Choke Variation
The Darce Choke is similar but often applied when the opponent is trying to escape. It involves a deeper grip and a shift in angle.
- Catch the Neck: As they try to escape, thread your arm deeply under their neck.
- Arm Around: Lock your arm around their head and bicep.
- Apply Pressure: Use body weight and proper grip to finish the choke.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Why Is My Side Choke Not Working?
Several factors could contribute:
- Grip Strength: Your grip might not be secure enough.
- Incorrect Positioning: Reassess your positioning and ensure you’re stable.
- Lack of Pressure: Ensure you’re applying pressure gradually and correctly.
How Can I Improve My Grip?
Work on grip strength through exercises like pull-ups, dead hangs, and using grip trainers. Consistent practice with the choke itself will also help.
Can I Use the Side Choke in MMA?
Absolutely! The Side Choke is an effective submission in MMA, often used to finish fights due to its control and pressure.
Conclusion
Mastering the Side Choke takes time, patience, and a lot of practice, but it’s well worth the effort. This versatile submission can enhance your game tremendously, offering you a reliable and powerful tool to secure victories. Start incorporating the techniques and tips discussed in this guide into your training routine, and watch your grappling skills soar to new heights. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the journey to mastering the Side Choke is just as rewarding as the destination. Keep training, stay focused, and don’t be afraid to choke up your opponents on your way to the top!