Neil Knot

The Neil Knot is a lesser-known but highly effective gi choke that involves creating a knot-like structure using your opponent’s lapel to strangle them. It is typically executed from top positions, such as Side Control or Mount, and leverages the opponent’s own gi against them.

Key Concepts

Gi Dependency

  • The Neil Knot requires the opponent’s lapel to function as a choking tool.

Tight Lapel Control

  • Proper tension in the lapel is critical for creating the knot and applying pressure.

Leverage and Angles

  • Adjusting your position relative to the opponent’s neck ensures the choke is effective.

Execution Steps

Secure the Lapel

  • From a dominant position like Side Control or Mount, pull the opponent’s lapel free from their belt and straighten it for easier manipulation.

Wrap the Lapel Around the Neck

  • Feed the lapel under their neck and pass it to your far-side hand. Ensure it lies flat against their throat for maximum effectiveness.

Create the Knot

  • Use your other hand to grab a portion of the lapel and create a loop or knot structure, tightening it around their neck. The knot should trap both sides of the neck to cut off blood flow.

Establish Control

  • Maintain strong Fundamentals/Base and pressure by settling your weight through your hips. This prevents the opponent from escaping while you set up the finish.

Finish the Choke

  • Apply downward pressure using your chest, shoulders, or arms to tighten the lapel and knot structure. The combination of compression and the lapel’s tension creates a suffocating effect.

Common Entries

From Side Control

  • Loosen the lapel while maintaining top control, then wrap it under their neck as they attempt to frame or turn.

From Mount

  • Expose the lapel during transitions or while threatening other attacks, such as an Armbar or Americana.

From Scrambles

  • Quickly access the lapel and secure the choke during moments of disorganization.

During a Guard Pass

  • Pull the lapel free while controlling the opponent’s posture and head.

Tips for Success

Tight Lapel Management

  • Keep the lapel as tight as possible during the setup to reduce slack and ensure a quick finish.

Control the Hips

Threaten Multiple Attacks

  • Combine the Neil Knot with other submissions to force the opponent into defensive mistakes.

Drill Knot Formation

  • Practice forming the knot and adjusting tension quickly to make the choke efficient.
Warning

The Neil Knot requires precision and time to set up, making it less viable against highly mobile or experienced opponents. Ensure your pressure and control are solid to prevent escapes during the setup.

Positioning

The key to executing the Neil Knot effectively from these positions lies in maintaining tight connections, creating the necessary pressure through proper angles, and ensuring your control prevents the opponent from escaping during the setup.

Side Control

  • A prime position for setting up the Neil Knot, as you have access to the opponent's lapel while maintaining strong pressure and weight distribution.

Mount

  • From mount, the lapel can be easily freed and wrapped around the opponent's neck while maintaining control and dominance.

Knee on Belly

  • The Neil Knot can be initiated while applying pressure on the opponent’s abdomen, forcing them to expose their neck and giving you space to manipulate the lapel.

North South

  • Transitioning to or from North South can provide opportunities to loop the lapel under the opponent’s neck for the choke.

S-Mount

  • From the S-Mount position, the lapel is accessible, and you can maintain tight control over the opponent while setting up the knot.

Back Defense

  • While controlling the opponent's upper body from the back or transitioning through Back Defense, the lapel can be used to trap their neck.

During Guard Pass Attempts

  • While passing guard, particularly in Half Guard or Headquarters, you can free the lapel and prepare the setup as the opponent focuses on defending the pass.

Scramble Situations

  • In chaotic transitions or scrambles, quick access to the lapel can allow for a surprise setup of the Neil Knot.

Failed Takedown Defense

  • When defending a Takedown and maintaining top control, the opponent’s lapel might be exposed, allowing you to transition into the choke.

Technical Mount

  • From technical mount, the lapel can be controlled and tightened around the neck while maintaining a dominant attacking position.

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