Advanced Back Attacks in BJJ: Finishing Systems | BJJ App Wiki
☰Contents
- Seatbelt Control Mechanics
- Standard Seatbelt
- Seatbelt Variations
- Bow and Arrow Choke
- Step-by-Step Execution
- Common Mistakes
- Rear Naked Choke (RNC) Mechanics
- Blade of the Forearm vs. Crook of the Elbow
- Armbar from Back
- Armbar Entry from Seatbelt
- Back Retention Strategies
- 🥋 Track Your BJJ Progress
- Related Techniques
Master advanced back attack systems in BJJ: bow and arrow choke details, collar choke variations, armbar from back, and modern back-retention strategies.
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The back position is the highest-scoring position in BJJ competition, and for good reason — the attacker controls everything while the defender has no direct offensive options. Advanced back attack systems build multiple simultaneous threats.
Seatbelt Control Mechanics
Proper seatbelt control is the foundation of all back attacks. The arm configuration determines both control quality and submission access.
Standard Seatbelt
- Top arm crosses over the shoulder and chest
- Bottom arm hooks under the armpit
- Hands grip together (gable grip or palm-to-palm)
- Both hooks in, feet pointing outward, not crossing
Seatbelt Variations
- High seatbelt (over both shoulders): Access to collar choke, less escape-proof
- Body triangle: Replace hooks with figure-four of the legs, extremely stable
- Rear mount with hooks: Standard control, versatile attack options
Bow and Arrow Choke
The bow and arrow is arguably the most powerful choke in gi BJJ. It uses the collar plus leg control for exponential leverage.
Step-by-Step Execution
- Establish seatbelt control with both hooks
- Obtain deep cross-collar grip with the top hand (4 fingers in)
- Use your bottom hand to pull opponent's same-side elbow
- Extend your top leg, hooking your foot under opponent's near knee
- Drop bottom shoulder to the mat while pulling the elbow
- Arch your back like a drawn bow — the leg kick creates the choke's power
Common Mistakes
- Not getting the collar deep enough — hand should grip at the base of the skull
- Pulling the elbow across instead of down
- Forgetting to extend the top leg for the "bow" effect
Rear Naked Choke (RNC) Mechanics
The RNC is BJJ and MMA's most iconic finishing technique. Proper mechanics require chin-to-neck contact for the choke to cut blood flow.
Blade of the Forearm vs. Crook of the Elbow
- The blade of the forearm goes across the throat (tracheal pressure)
- The crook of the elbow aligns with the carotid arteries
- Optimal is the crook of the elbow at the trachea — compresses both carotids
- The non-choking arm posts behind the opponent's head for amplification
Armbar from Back
When the opponent defends the choke by tucking their chin or posting their arm, the armbar becomes available.
Armbar Entry from Seatbelt
- Opponent posts their arm on your forearm to block the choke attempt
- Capture that arm by closing your elbow on it
- Release one hook, swing your leg over their shoulder
- Extend hips for armbar, control the wrist
Back Retention Strategies
Finishing from the back requires maintaining the position when the opponent tries to escape. Understanding escape patterns allows you to stay ahead.
- Shrimp escape prevention: Keep your chest glued to their back
- Rolling escape prevention: Stay on top, never let them roll over you
- Sit-out escape prevention: Use body triangle to prevent sitting
- Hand-fighting: Attack the near-side arm before they can grip your arms
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Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
Your opponent's head is likely slipping because you're not establishing a strong cross-collar grip with your choking arm, and your hips aren't driving forward to create the necessary leverage. Ensure your choking arm's bicep is deep in their neck crease, and actively push your hips into their shoulder to flatten them out and secure the choke.
To counter a tucked chin, you need to use your forearm to pry their chin upwards by sliding it under their jawline, while simultaneously using your other arm's bicep to create upward pressure on their occipital bone. This combination of lifting and pulling breaks their posture and opens the airway for the choke.
Your opponent rolls out because you're not isolating their arm effectively and maintaining hip pressure. As you transition, ensure your hips stay tight to their shoulder, and use your legs to 'trap' their far arm by hooking it with your ankle, preventing them from posturing up to roll.
More Questions
What are some common mistakes when attacking the back in BJJ?
A frequent error is not securing the seatbelt grip properly, allowing the opponent to escape. Another mistake is over-committing to a submission before establishing control, leading to a loss of position.
How do I transition from a failed back take to a dominant position?
If your back take is unsuccessful, focus on maintaining hooks and transitioning to a dominant side control or mount position rather than immediately giving up. Think about what your opponent is doing to defend and counter their escape.
What are the most effective submission options from the back?
The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is the most prevalent, but advanced attacks also include armbars, triangle chokes (especially from body triangle), and even kimuras if the opponent defends the RNC poorly.