Bow and Arrow

The Bow and Arrow Choke is a highly effective gi submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that relies on the opponent's lapels to create a choking mechanism. It derives its name from the finishing motion, where you pull on the opponent's collar and their body in opposite directions, resembling a bow being drawn.

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Mechanics of the Bow and Arrow Choke

Grips

  • One hand grips the opponent's far-side collar with a deep Same-side Collar Grip (thumb inside or fingers inside).
  • The other hand often grips the opponent's pant leg or belt, creating tension for leverage.

Choke Mechanics

  • The choke works by pulling the collar across the opponent’s neck to cut off blood flow through the carotid arteries.

Finishing Motion

  • You generate tension by pulling the collar with one hand and their lower body with the other, creating a "bow" effect.

Common Setups for the Bow and Arrow Choke

From Back Control

  • This is the most common setup for the Bow and Arrow choke.
  • From Back Control, establish a deep cross-collar grip with one hand.
  • Use the other hand to grip the opponent's pant leg or belt and pivot off to the side to create the choke tension.

From Guard

  • If your opponent kneels while in your guard, you can set up the grip on their collar and use a leg swing motion to create the proper angle for the choke.

From Side Control

  • Secure the Lapel Grip, transition to a modified Technical Mount, and step over their body to pull them into the choke position.

During Scrambles or Transitions

  • The Bow and Arrow choke can be executed opportunistically if the opponent exposes their neck during positional changes.

Key Concepts

Grip Depth

  • A deep collar grip is crucial for success. The thumb or fingers should be close to the back of the opponent’s neck for maximum leverage.

Body Angle

  • The choke becomes more effective when you pivot your hips and angle away from the opponent to maximize the "bow and arrow" tension.

Leverage and Pressure

  • Use your entire body, not just your arms, to apply the choking pressure. The pulling hand and your legs play significant roles.

Execution Steps

  • Secure a deep collar grip (same side or cross collar).
  • Pull the opponent slightly to break their posture if needed.
  • Grip their pant leg or belt with your free hand.
  • Rotate your body to the side while stepping over or angling your hips for leverage.
  • Pull their collar across their neck while extending their lower body away, finishing the choke.

Counters to the Bow and Arrow Choke

Grip Fighting

  • Prevent the deep collar grip by breaking their grips early.

Postural Defense

  • Maintain strong posture to avoid being dragged into the choke setup.

Escape to Guard

  • Roll into the opponent to disrupt the choking angle and regain control.

The Bow and Arrow choke is one of the most powerful submissions, especially from Back Control, combining Grip Fighting, Angles, and Pressure to secure a tight finish.

Positioning

The Bow and Arrow Choke is a versatile and high-percentage submission, commonly executed from positions where you have strong control over the opponent’s upper body and access to their collar. Here are the key positions where the Bow and Arrow Choke can be applied:

Back Control

Setup

  • This is the most common position for the Bow and Arrow Choke.
  • With your Hooks in, establish a deep cross-collar grip (thumb-in or fingers-in grip).
  • Use your free hand to grab their pant leg or belt.

Execution

  • Pivot your hips off to one side, extending their body like a bowstring, and pull their collar across their neck for the choke.

Back Defense

Setup

  • If the opponent escapes from Back Control into Back Defense, you can still maintain control and transition into the choke.
  • Secure the collar grip and a strong pant or belt grip.

Execution

  • Use the same pulling motion as in Back Control while adjusting your body angle to maximize pressure.

Guard

Setup

  • From closed or Open Guard, break their posture and secure a cross-collar grip.
  • As they attempt to stand or pass, establish a grip on their pants or belt.

Execution

  • Use your legs to angle off and create the pulling motion needed to finish the choke.

Side Control

Setup

  • After controlling the opponent’s upper body, establish a cross-collar grip.
  • Transition into Technical Mount or S-Mount to create the angle for the choke.

Execution

  • Step over their body or rotate your hips to isolate their neck and pull the collar across.

Technical Mount

Setup

  • From Technical Mount, secure a deep grip on their collar and grab their pants with your free hand.

Execution

  • Roll or pivot off to the side while extending their legs and pulling on the collar to apply the choke.

Turtle Control

Setup

  • When the opponent is in Turtle Guard, secure a deep collar grip.
  • Grab their far-side pants or belt with your free hand.

Execution

  • Roll them to the side or back, using your body to create tension for the choke.

During Transitions and Scrambles

Setup

  • The Bow and Arrow choke can also be opportunistically applied during positional changes, especially if you already have a deep collar grip.

Execution

  • Secure the pant or belt grip quickly and angle your hips to create the choking pressure as the opponent moves.

Key Positional Elements

Grip Fighting

  • A deep collar grip and a secure pant/belt grip are essential for success.

Angles

  • Pivoting and angling your hips away from the opponent amplifies the choking pressure.

Pressure and Leverage

  • Use your entire body to apply force, pulling the collar while extending their lower body.

Common Path to Bow and Arrow

The Bow and Arrow Choke is most effective when paired with positional control and precise grip setups, making it a reliable submission across various scenarios.

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