Learn the powerful BJJ Bow and Arrow Choke step-by-step. This guide covers setup, execution, common mistakes, and variations to add this dominant...
Choke
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Intermediate
The Bow and Arrow Choke is a highly effective and visually striking submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known for its powerful leverage and high finishing rate. Executed primarily from the Back Mount or turtle position, it utilizes a combination of gi grips and body mechanics to apply immense pressure to the opponent's carotid arteries.
Technique Map
graph LR
Choke["Choke"]:::catNode
Choke --> Bow_And_Arrow_Choke
Bow_And_Arrow_Choke["Bow And Arrow Choke"]:::currentNode
Bow_And_Arrow_Choke -.-> Rear_Naked_Choke["Rear Naked Choke"]:::relNode
Bow_And_Arrow_Choke -.-> Triangle_Choke["Triangle Choke"]:::relNode
Bow_And_Arrow_Choke -.-> Guillotine_Choke["Guillotine Choke"]:::relNode
Bow_And_Arrow_Choke -.-> Ezekiel_Choke["Ezekiel Choke"]:::relNode
Bow_And_Arrow_Choke -.-> D_Arce_Choke["D'Arce Choke"]:::relNode
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classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
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1. Initial Collar Grip: From back control, secure a deep cross-collar grip with your top hand on the opponent's lapel, ensuring your thumb is inside for maximum control.
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2. Pant Grip and Hip Escape: Use your bottom hand to grab the opponent's same-side pant leg (the leg opposite your collar grip), then perform a sharp hip escape to the side of your collar grip, creating a strong angle.
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3. Leg Over the Shoulder: Bring your outside leg (the one on the side of your collar grip) over the opponent's shoulder, planting your foot firmly on the mat near their head.
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4. Extend and Finish: Extend your body, pulling your collar grip hand back towards your chest while simultaneously pulling the pant leg grip away and driving your hips forward to stretch your opponent and apply the choke.
Key Details & Tips
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1. Deep Collar Grip is Crucial: Ensure your initial collar grip is as deep as possible, ideally reaching their opposite shoulder, for maximum leverage.
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2. Body Extension, Not Arm Strength: The power of this choke comes from the full extension of your body, stretching your opponent like a bow, rather than just arm strength.
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3. Maintain Back Control: Never lose back control during the setup; constantly threaten other submissions or transitions if your opponent tries to escape.
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4. Common Mistake: Failing to create a sufficient angle with your hip escape, which reduces the leverage needed for the choke.
Variations
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1. Bow and Arrow from Turtle: Transition directly into the choke from a kneeling or standing turtle position by securing the grips as the opponent defends.
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2. Lapel Choke from Back Mount: A related choke using the opponent's own lapel fed to your other hand, often leading into a Bow and Arrow setup.
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3. No-Gi Bow and Arrow (Modified): While primarily a gi choke, a similar stretching mechanics can be achieved in no-gi using neck cranks or arm-triangle setups.
When to Use
This technique works best when you have established strong back control (seatbelt or double lapel grips) and your opponent is actively trying to escape or defend by turning away. It's also highly effective when an opponent turtles up, allowing you to secure the initial grips and transition.
Counters & Defenses
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1. Defend the Initial Grip: Immediately tuck your chin and use your hands to strip away any attempts at a deep cross-collar grip.
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2. Turn Towards the Pant Grip: If the collar grip is established, turn your body aggressively towards the side where your opponent has the pant leg grip, making it harder for them to stretch you.
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3. Bridge and Escape Back Control: Before your opponent can get their leg over your shoulder, bridge aggressively and try to escape back control, creating space to deny the setup.
Elite Athletes Who Use This Technique
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: Why is it called the 'Bow and Arrow' Choke?
It's named for the distinctive posture you adopt during execution: one arm pulls the collar back like drawing a bowstring, while the other arm and leg extend, creating a 'bow' shape with your opponent's body.
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