### Overview The Cross Collar Choke is one of the most fundamental techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. It allows the practitioner to apply a choke using the opponent's lapels. This technique is highly effective and is primarily utilized from the guard position, though it can also be applied from the mount. --- ### Japanese Name - **Gyaku Juji Jime** --- ### Possible Positions - **Closed Guard:** This is the most common position for executing the Cross Collar Choke. - **Mount Position:** A powerful position that allows for tighter pressure due to gravity and weight. --- ### Step-by-Step Instructions #### From Closed Guard: 1. **Establish a Secure Guard:** - Start in the closed guard, keeping your legs tightly wrapped around your opponent's waist. 2. **Use Off-Balancing:** - Pull your opponent forward to control their posture using your legs, preventing them from sitting back. 3. **First Hand Grip:** - Use your left hand to reach deep inside your opponent's right collar (their left and your right side). - Make sure your thumb is inside the collar, and your four fingers are outside grabbing tightly. 4. **Second Hand Grip:** - While maintaining control, slide your right hand underneath the first hand, and grab the opponent's left collar with a mirrored grip (thumb inside, fingers outside). 5. **Break Posture:** - Keep your opponent's posture broken by pulling them further towards you with your legs. 6. **Execute the Choke:** - *Straighten* your arms across, pulling with your wrists downwards to tighten the lapels against your opponent’s carotid arteries. - Simultaneously, *expand* your chest and pull them into you. 7. **Adjust:** - If necessary, rock side-to-side or adjust the grips tighter to increase pressure if the choke is not being applied effectively. 8. **Observe:** - Watch for any sign of the tap; release immediately upon feeling the tap. #### From Mount Position: 1. **Stay Balanced:** - Keep a low mount with knees pinched around your opponent to maintain control. 2. **Establish First Grip:** - Use your left hand to reach into their left collar (across the body) in a thumb-in grip, establishing an anchor point. 3. **Second Hand:** - Slide your right hand across to mirror grip their right collar with a thumb-in grip. 4. **Compress:** - Drop your elbows downwards, crossing your arms across their neck while lowering your body weight. 5. **Tighten & Finish:** - Squeeze and bring your elbows together while expanding your chest as you slowly increase pressure on the choke. - Ensure to monitor your opponent for a tap or verbal signal. ### Key Points to Consider - **Maintain Pressure:** Always keep your opponent's posture broken; it helps in controlling the choke. - **Adjustments:** Don't rush, make small adjustments to improve grip and leverage. - **Safety:** Pay attention to cues for tapping out to prevent injury. --- By mastering the Cross Collar Choke, you not only arm yourself with a powerful submission but also enhance your overall understanding of leverage and control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.