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Clock Choke

Quick Introduction​

The clock choke is the highest-percentage gi submission from turtle. Deep collar grips combined with a circular walking motion — like clock hands around their head — create devastating collar compression. The name comes from the walk. If they turn into you to defend, you abandon and take the back instead. Win-win.

Position Overview​

From: Turtle top (primary), back control transitions | Finish: Collar compression via circular walk and body extension

Standard Clock Choke​

  1. Opponent turtles defensively
  2. Position behind and slightly to one side
  3. Reach over far shoulder — grip deep into far collar (4+ fingers, past shoulder)
  4. Second hand grips near-side collar (palm up for leverage)
  5. Drive chest weight heavy onto their back
  6. Walk feet in circular pattern toward their head (toward deep grip side)
  7. As you circle, your body becomes perpendicular to theirs
  8. Fall to hip on the circling side
  9. Extend legs away while pulling both collar grips tight
  10. Your head ends near their far hip — full extension finishes it

Key detail: Grips first, walk second. If you start walking before grips are locked, they'll defend the collar. Chest pressure keeps them flat while you establish depth.

With Gi Tail (Modified Grip)​

  1. Pull their gi tail out from belt
  2. Feed gi tail through their collar on far side
  3. Grip the fed-through gi tail — creates even deeper "grip"
  4. Same circular walk and extension finish
  5. Gi tail is extremely hard to strip once established

If They Turn Into You​

If they turn toward you during setup — abandon the clock choke immediately and take back mount. Their defensive rotation exposes the back. The collar grip you already have transitions directly to bow and arrow or seatbelt control.

Core Principles​

  1. Collar depth is non-negotiable — 4+ fingers past shoulder; shallow = failed choke
  2. Circular walk creates angle — like clock hands around their head
  3. Grips before walking — secure depth, then move
  4. Extension finishes — pulling collar + extending body away = pressure
  5. Back take is plan B — if they defend collar by turning, take the back

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Shallow collar grip4+ fingers, past shoulder — fight for depth
Walking before grips secureChest pressure, establish grips, then walk
Straight-line movementCircular walk, not straight
Not extending bodyPull collar while extending legs away

Next Steps​

  1. Back Mount - When they turn to defend, take the back
  2. Bow and Arrow - Uses similar deep collar grip from back
  3. Turtle Attacks - Complete turtle attack system