Broken Papercutter

The Broken Papercutter is a gi choke variation, named for its similarity to the traditional Paper Cutter choke but with slight differences in grip and execution. This submission uses the opponent's lapels to create a blood choke, targeting the carotid arteries. It is effective when the opponent’s posture and neck are compromised, and it often arises from positions where you have dominant control.

Mechanics of the Broken Papercutter

Grips

  • One hand grips the collar or lapel near the opponent’s neck (typically thumb-in).
  • The other hand controls the far-side shoulder, or gi material for stabilization.

Choke Mechanics

  • The choke works by driving one side of the lapel across the neck while the other side provides counter-pressure, cutting off blood flow to the brain.

Finishing Motion

  • The choke is finished by using a scissor-like motion, where one hand pulls while the other pushes, creating the "broken" variation of a Paper Cutter.

Common Setups for the Broken Papercutter

From Side Control

Setup

  • Secure the far-side lapel with a deep thumb-in grip while controlling the opponent’s movement with your body weight.

Execution

  • Drive your shoulder into their neck or chest to limit their movement, then use your free hand to manipulate the lapel for the choke.

From North South

Setup

Execution

  • Apply downward pressure with your body while pulling the collar in opposite directions to tighten the choke.

From Technical Mount

Setup

Execution

  • Roll off to the side and use the lapels to isolate their neck and complete the choke.

From Knee on Belly

Setup

  • Use the opponent's reaction to the pressure of Knee on Belly to open their lapel and establish the grips.

Execution

Key Concepts for the Broken Papercutter

Grip Fighting

  • Establishing deep, secure grips on the lapels is critical for choke efficiency.

Pressure and Angles

  • Use your weight and body angle to increase the effectiveness of the choke.
  • Proper shoulder pressure on the opponent’s neck or chest is essential.

Weight Distribution

  • Stay heavy on the opponent to prevent escapes or resistance during the setup.

Execution Steps

  • Secure the collar or lapel grips deeply.
  • Use your weight and Pressure to pin your opponent.
  • Create a scissor-like motion with your hands while maintaining control over the opponent’s body.
  • Adjust your angle to ensure the lapels cut off both sides of the neck.

Counters to the Broken Papercutter

Postural Defense

  • Prevent the opponent from securing deep collar grips by framing or creating space.

Escape to Guard

  • Use a Bridge or Shrimp to disrupt their control and recover your guard.

Grip Breaking

  • Address and break the opponent’s grips as they attempt to set up the choke.

The Broken Papercutter is a powerful and sneaky gi choke that works well in combination with transitions between Side Control, North South, and other dominant positions. Mastery of grip setups, Pressure, and proper body positioning is key to effectively finishing this submission.

Positioning

The Broken Papercutter choke is a versatile submission that can be executed from various dominant positions, typically when you have control over the opponent's torso and can manipulate their lapels effectively. Below are the key positions where the Broken Papercutter can be applied:

Side Control

Setup

  • Establish a thumb-in grip on the far-side collar, and control the opponent's movement with your weight.
  • Use your free hand to grip the near-side lapel or material for leverage.

Execution

  • Apply Pressure by driving your shoulder into their chest or neck, and pull the collar in opposite directions to tighten the choke.

North South

Setup

  • Transition from Side Control to North South while maintaining control of the opponent's collar.
  • Use your body weight to pin them, preventing escapes.

Execution

  • Pull the lapels in opposite directions, using your weight and angle to amplify the choking pressure.

Knee on Belly

Setup

  • From Knee on Belly, establish a thumb-in grip on the far-side collar.
  • Use the opponent’s reaction to your pressure to open their posture for the choke.

Execution

Technical Mount

Setup

  • From Technical Mount, isolate the opponent’s neck with a thumb-in grip on their collar.
  • Control their movement with your weight and a grip on the far-side lapel or material.

Execution

  • Roll off to the side or adjust your angle to generate the scissor motion needed to tighten the choke.

Turtle Control

Setup

  • When the opponent turtles, establish a deep grip on the near-side collar while maintaining control of their posture.
  • Use your free hand to grip the lapel or belt.

Execution

  • Rotate to the side or over their body to create the leverage required for the choke.

During Transitions or Scrambles

Setup

  • Opportunistically grab the opponent’s lapel or collar during positional transitions (e.g., from a guard pass or a scramble).

Execution

  • Secure grips and drop into Side Control or another dominant position to finish the choke.

Key Positional Elements for Broken Papercutter

Grip Fighting

  • Deep and secure collar grips are essential for the effectiveness of the choke.

Pressure

  • Use your shoulder and body weight to control the opponent’s posture and movement.

Angles

  • Adjust your body position to apply the scissor-like motion efficiently, ensuring the lapels cut off both sides of the neck.

Common Path to Broken Papercutter

  • Establish control in a dominant position (e.g., Side Control, North South).
  • Secure grips on the collar or lapels.
  • Apply shoulder pressure and body rotation to finish the choke.

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