Loop Choke

The Loop Choke is a powerful and sneaky gi choke that uses the opponent’s lapel to strangle them. It is often applied from positions where the opponent's head is low, such as during a guard pass attempt or a scramble. Here's a breakdown of the choke:

Key Concepts

Gi Dependency

  • The Loop Choke requires the use of the opponent's gi collar.

Leverage and Angles

  • Proper angle adjustment is crucial to create maximum pressure.

Grip Fighting

Execution Steps

Set Up the Collar Grip

  • From a seated or defensive Guard position, grab the opponent’s collar with your dominant hand. Use a Cross Collar Grip with four fingers inside and thumb out.

Break Their Posture

  • Pull the collar while engaging your hips to bring their head closer to your chest. This disrupts their Fundamentals/Base and aligns them for the choke.

Feed the Collar Around

  • As their head lowers, loop the collar-gripping hand over their head, guiding their neck into the collar. Your forearm will now rest behind their neck.

Trap the Head

  • Use your free hand to control their head or wrist to prevent escapes.
  • Adjust your hips to create the proper Angles and ensure the collar tightens around their neck.

Finish the Choke

  • Drive your wrist downward while pulling the collar grip across their neck.
  • Simultaneously use your hips to create pressure and close off the choke.

Common Entries

From Closed Guard

  • Catch the opponent’s posture during a pass attempt or as they attempt to break your guard.

From Butterfly Guard or Butt Scoot

  • Bait the opponent into pressuring forward, opening the opportunity to loop the collar over their head.

During Passing Guard Defense

  • Apply the choke when the opponent drops their head while passing.

From Scrambles

  • As the opponent lowers their head during a scramble, you can quickly establish the choke.

Tips for Success

Use Your Hips

  • Engage your hips to generate downward pressure, not just your arms.

Keep Tight Connections

  • Ensure no slack in the lapel; a tight grip is crucial.

Control Their Escape Options

  • Control the far arm or wrist to prevent them from posturing out.

Drill Entries

  • Repetition from different scenarios will make this choke a reliable attack.
Warning

Ensure you don’t compromise your Fundamentals/Base or posture while setting up the Loop Choke, as your opponent might counter with a pass or submission.

Positioning

The effectiveness of the Loop Choke across these positions depends on your ability to maintain proper angles, tight Grips Overview, and precise timing during the setup and execution.

Closed Guard

  • The opponent’s posture can be broken to expose their neck, allowing you to set the Loop Choke.

Open Guard Variations

Butt Scoot

  • As the opponent approaches, their forward momentum can be used to trap their head with the choke.

Half Guard

  • While defending a pass or during a transition, you can catch the opponent’s collar and loop it around their neck.

Side Control Bottom

  • If the opponent’s head dips forward while controlling, you can use their gi collar to set up the Loop Choke.

Side Control

  • Transition into the choke if the opponent turns into you, exposing their neck.

Turtle Guard (Opponent’s Defense)

  • When the opponent turtles, their head is often low, making it easier to loop the collar around their neck.

During Passing Guard

  • As the opponent attempts to pass your guard and drops their head low, you can counter with the choke.

Scramble Situations

  • Dynamic exchanges often present opportunities to control the opponent’s head and collar for the Loop Choke.

Failed Takedowns

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