Stack Choke

The Stack Choke is a submission typically executed from the top position, where the practitioner stacks their opponent’s body while applying a choke. This technique leverages both pressure and angles to compress the opponent's neck and restrict blood flow, leading to a tap.

Key Steps

  1. Control the Opponent’s Guard:

    • Start by gaining control of the opponent’s Guard and breaking through their Frames using grips and movement.

  2. Secure a Deep Collar Grip:

    • Establish a deep grip with one hand on the opponent’s collar (e.g., Cross Collar Grip) to apply choking pressure. This hand will be key in tightening the choke.

  3. Stack the Opponent:

    • Drive your weight forward onto the opponent, stacking their knees toward their chest. This action limits their mobility and increases the choking pressure by tightening the collar grip against their neck.

  4. Apply the Choke:

    • Use the other hand to assist in maintaining control or stabilizing the opponent’s body. Apply downward Pressure with the grip on the collar while keeping the stack tight to compress their neck and close the choke.

  5. Adjust for Tightness:

    • If the choke is not immediately effective, adjust your grip, angle, or the degree of stacking until the pressure is maximized.

  6. Finish the Submission:

    • Maintain consistent pressure until the opponent taps. The Stack Choke relies on both the collar tension and the compression from stacking to seal the submission.

Key Details

Weight Distribution

  • Ensure your weight is centered and pressing down on the opponent’s chest to prevent them from creating space or escaping.

Grip Fighting

  • Prevent the opponent from breaking your collar grip, as this is critical to finishing the choke.

Angle Adjustment

  • Shift your hips or body angle if the choke is not secure, ensuring that the collar tightens effectively around the neck.

The Stack Choke is highly effective when combined with guard passes and pressure-based attacks, as it can force the opponent into a compromised position where escapes are difficult.

Positioning

The Stack Choke can be executed from several positions where the practitioner has control over the opponent's posture and the ability to apply pressure while stacking their body.

Closed Guard Top

  • After breaking the opponent’s guard, stacking their legs toward their chest while maintaining a collar grip can create the perfect setup for the Stack Choke.

Open Guard Top

  • During guard passes like the Stack Pass, stacking the opponent’s legs naturally aligns their body for the choke.

Turtle Guard Top

  • If the opponent is in a turtled position, you can apply the choke by controlling the collar and compressing their body into a stacked position.

Scramble Positions

  • During transitions or sweeps where the opponent’s legs are inadvertently stacked, quick grip control can lead to the Stack Choke.

Guard Recovery Attempts

  • When the opponent is attempting to re-establish their guard, stacking them before they regain a defensive position can open up the opportunity for the choke.

The key in all these setups is controlling grips and leveraging angles to maintain a tight stack, ensuring the choke is applied effectively.

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