Collar Tie
The Collar Tie is a fundamental grip in grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu used to control the upper body of an opponent. It involves gripping the back of the opponent’s neck or the base of their head with one hand while maintaining a strong posture and engaging in Grip Fighting. This grip is versatile for both offensive and defensive strategies and is often seen in wrestling and no-gi situations.
Key Features of the Collar Tie
Hand Placement
- The hand cups the back of the opponent's neck or the base of their skull, with the fingers wrapping over the top.
Elbow Position
- The elbow stays close to your body to maintain a strong frame and prevent counters.
Posture
Uses in BJJ
Control
- The Collar Tie is a powerful way to control your opponent’s head, dictating their posture and movement.
Takedown Setups
- Sets up techniques like the Snap-Down to Front Headlock, Double-Leg Takedown, or Duck Under by manipulating their posture and balance.
Offense
- Creates openings for strikes (in MMA) or setups for submissions and transitions.
Defense
- Blocks your opponent’s attempts to establish grips or secure Underhooks.
Advantages
Tips for Effective Use
Head Position
- Keep your forehead or temple close to the opponent’s head or jaw to establish a dominant position and maintain Pressure.
Engage Your Whole Body
- Use your legs, hips, and shoulders to apply pressure, not just your arm.
Combine with Movement
- Pull their head downward while circling or angling to off-balance them and create opportunities for attack.
Maintain Tightness
- Avoid leaving space between your hand and their neck to prevent escapes.
Common Mistakes
Overreaching
- Extending your arm too far makes the grip weak and exposes you to counters like arm drags or Underhooks.
Poor Head Position
- Keeping your head upright or away from theirs leaves you vulnerable to takedowns or strikes.
Weak Frame
- Allowing your elbow to flare out reduces control and makes it easier for the opponent to break the grip.
Stationary Use
- Failing to combine the Collar Tie with footwork or Angles limits its effectiveness.
Variations and Combinations
- Both hands grip the opponent's neck, often used for controlling posture or setting up Snap-Down to Front Headlock.
Collar Tie to Underhook
- Transitioning from the Collar Tie to an Underhook for better control and leverage.
Collar Tie and Arm Drag
- Pulling their arm across while controlling their head to set up sweeps, takedowns, or back takes.
By mastering the Collar Tie, you gain a tool to dominate the center line, control your opponent’s Base, and set up attacks with precision and Leverage. It’s a key element of any grappler’s toolkit in both offensive and defensive scenarios.