### Baseball Bat Choke: A Comprehensive Guide The **Baseball Bat Choke** is a potent gi submission technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Named for the way a practitioner grips their opponent’s gi collar like a baseball bat, this choke can be applied from various positions, including the top of side control or knee on belly. #### Japanese Name - **Shia watchi jime** (a general term sometimes used for collar chokes) - Specific Japanese name unknown #### Position - **Top** - **Side Control, Knee on Belly** ### Step-by-Step Instructions #### Setup from Side Control 1. **Establish Side Control:** Begin by establishing a solid side control position on your opponent. Ensure that your opponent is flat on their back with your weight distributed properly. 2. **Get the First Grip:** Using your far-side hand, reach under your opponent's head and grab their far-side collar with your palm facing up. This is similar to gripping a baseball bat. Aim for deep collar control. 3. **Second Grip Placement:** With your near-side hand, reach across their neck to grip the same collar with a palm-down grip. Your two hands should now be mirroring each other in their grip of the collar, akin to holding a baseball bat. 4. **Adjustment and Pressure:** Ensure both of your grips are tight and secure, your wrists should be in a strong position ready to apply pressure. 5. **Execute the Choke:** Apply the choke by dropping your forearms and wrists onto the sides of your opponent's neck. Rotate your wrist slightly to apply pressure to the carotid arteries. 6. **Control the Position:** Keep your body weight low and tight to your opponent's body to prevent them from escaping or relieving pressure. #### Transition from Knee on Belly 1. **Transition:** While in a knee-on-belly position, start by gripping the opponent's near-side collar with a palm-up grip. 2. **Second Grip:** Similar to the side control method, use your free hand to grip the other side of their collar, palm down, ensuring a mirrored grip. 3. **Choke Execution:** Drop your elbows towards the mat, applying pressure across the neck by using the weight of your shoulders as leverage. 4. **Maintain Control:** Utilize your knee-on-belly pressure to immobilize the opponent’s torso, maintaining tight control for the choke to be effective. ### Tips and Considerations - **Grip Security:** Ensure both of your grips are deep and secure to maximize choke effectiveness. - **Body Mechanics:** Use your whole body to apply force, not just your arms. - **Opponent's Reaction:** Be aware that opponents may instinctively try to shift or shrimp to alleviate pressure, be ready to adjust accordingly. ### Conclusion The Baseball Bat Choke is effective due to the widespread leverage and strong control it provides. With practice, this technique can be a game-changer in securing submissions during sparring and competition. Always remember to apply techniques with caution during practice to ensure your partner’s safety.