Clock Choke Guide | BJJ App Wiki
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The BJJ clock choke: setup from turtle and guard top, grip options, pressure mechanics, combination attacks, and gi vs. no-gi variations.
The clock choke is a powerful collar choke applied against the turtle position — a high-percentage gi attack that also has no-gi variations using arm pressure.
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What Is the Clock Choke?
The clock choke (tokei-jime in Japanese) is a collar choke applied from the top turtle position. You grip the opponent's near collar deep, walk in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction around their head (like a clock hand), and drive your forearm across the neck, forcing them to submit from the collar and forearm pressure.
Entry from Top Turtle
Standard entry: from top turtle, establish a knee-on-back or knee-on-ribs position, reach under their neck and grip the far collar deep with your first hand, post your other hand on the mat or grip the gi, then walk around toward their head in a circular motion while driving your body weight down.
Grip Variations
Three grip options: (1) Standard collar grip — deep first four fingers in the collar, (2) Cross collar grip — grip across to the other side for more pressure, (3) Arm-in variation — no collar needed, use the forearm across the neck directly (works in gi and no-gi). Each variation applies slightly different pressure to the neck.
Pressure Mechanics
The clock choke works by compressing the carotid arteries with the collar and forearm combination. The walking motion (clockwise or counter) increases pressure progressively. Critical: drive your shoulder/chest down as you walk — the submission fails if you are upright. Your body weight is the engine.
Combination Attacks from Turtle
Clock choke combines well with: bow-and-arrow choke (when they turn to defend), crab ride entry (when they stand up), back take (when they flatten out), and neck crank (as a pain compliance follow-up). Always have a second attack ready when they defend the clock choke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the clock choke is legal in IBJJF gi competition at all belt levels. In no-gi, collar grips are not available, but the forearm pressure variation (using the arm against the neck) is still applicable.
Two common issues: (1) Not walking far enough around the head — the more you walk, the more pressure you create, (2) Not driving your body weight down — if you are kneeling upright, you lose the compression force that makes the choke work.
Yes with modifications — replace the collar grip with a deep grip on the chin or use a palm-on-palm grip across the neck. The walking motion and body weight mechanics remain the same. Ryan Hall has used a similar pressure choke from the turtle in no-gi competition.
Related Guides
→ 🔗 Submission Chain Guide→ 🎯 High Percentage Attacks→ 🎯 Back Attacks Guide→ 🛡️ Guard Types Guide→ 👕 No-Gi ConceptsGet the BJJ Wiki Newsletter
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Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
Neck strain typically occurs when you're using muscular force to constrict the trachea and carotid arteries. For a proper clock choke, focus on driving your shoulder into their carotid artery and using your hips to create a tight seal, rather than squeezing with your arms and neck muscles.
Against a larger opponent, you need to prioritize breaking their posture and controlling their base before committing to the choke. Use your legs to hook their hips and pull them into your guard, then transition to the clock position by driving your shoulder into their neck and using your hips to flatten them out.
A common mistake is not establishing a strong shoulder and chest pressure into the opponent's neck and shoulder joint. Ensure your shoulder is deep in their carotid artery and your chest is firmly against their upper back, preventing them from posturing up or creating space to escape.
More Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from defending the Clock Choke?
Control their posture by keeping their head down and their body tight to yours. Use your legs to create a strong base and prevent them from posturing up or turning their head away. Your free arm should also be actively controlling their arm or shoulder to limit their defensive options.
What if my opponent tries to stack me during the Clock Choke?
If they attempt to stack, focus on maintaining your hip pressure and keeping your legs tight around their body. You can often use this stack to your advantage by driving your hips forward and tightening the choke further, or by transitioning to a different submission like a triangle if the opportunity arises.
When is the best time to attempt the Clock Choke?
The Clock Choke is most effective when your opponent is on their side or attempting to turn away from you, especially from guard or side control. It's also a great submission to transition into if your opponent is defending a different choke or submission attempt poorly.