### Paper Cutter Choke **Overview:** The Paper Cutter Choke is a powerful gi choke that is often executed from positions like side control or north-south. It is named for its motion which resembles a paper cutter's blade, slicing across the neck with precision. --- ### Position: Side Control **Step-by-Step Instructions:** 1. **Establish Side Control:** - Secure a dominant side control position over your opponent. Ensure your weight is heavy and distributed well through your torso to limit their movement. 2. **Grip the Collar:** - Use your hand closer to their head to grip deep into their far collar, similar to where you might set up a cross-collar choke. The deeper grip you secure, the more effective the choke will be. - Your palm should be facing up for maximum leverage. 3. **Set Up the Underhook:** - With your free hand (the one closer to their legs), underhook your opponent's far arm (inserting your arm under their arm and bringing it out by their head). - This underhook helps maintain control and restricts their ability to defend effectively. 4. **Slide Your Elbow Across:** - With the collar grip secure, bring your elbow to the mat, sliding it across their neck in a motion resembling a paper cutter. - As you move your elbow, your palm-up grip on their collar should remain steady, akin to slicing motion. 5. **Apply Pressure:** - Lower your body weight onto their neck and adjust your position to maximize pressure. Your free arm should help apply downward force to complete the choke. 6. **Finish the Choke:** - Continuously adjust both your grip tightness and leverage with your elbow across their throat until your opponent taps. - Focus your pressure on their neck for a clean, decisive finish. 7. **Adjust as Required:** - If needed, adjust your hips and chest to add direction and force, improving the choke's efficiency. --- ### Key Points: - Maintain tight control throughout the transition and application. - Balance your body weight evenly to prevent giving your opponent any opportunity to escape. - Keep constant pressure on their far collar to limit their defense mechanisms. --- ### Variations & Opening Opportunities: - You can attempt this choke from **North-South** if the side control grip doesn't fit right or if your opponent begins to turn away from you. - **Transition** opportunities exist to escalate to other choke submissions if your opponent defends effectively. ---