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Loop Choke

Quick Introduction​

The loop choke hides within normal collar gripping — one deep grip, your arm looping over their neck, collar on one side, forearm on the other. It catches people during transitions, guard play, and passing attempts because it looks like a regular grip until it's already locked. Gi-specific, timing-based, deceptive.

Position Overview​

From: Closed Guard (bottom), turtle (attacking), during guard passes | Finish: Collar + arm loop compress carotids

From Closed Guard (Bottom)​

  1. Opponent postured up or attempting to pass
  2. Same-side hand shoots deep into their collar (palm up, thumb out)
  3. Grip absurdly deep — 4-5 fingers past shoulder
  4. Open guard, roll backward toward gripping side
  5. Swing legs over to the gripping side as you invert
  6. Gripping arm creates a loop/arc over their neck
  7. Collar on one side, your arm on the other
  8. Pull elbow toward your hip — their weight works against them

Key detail: Roll direction matters. Right hand grips = roll to your right. The loop forms naturally during the roll. Their own weight tightens it.

From Turtle (Attacking Top)​

  1. Opponent in defensive turtle, you at their side
  2. Near hand reaches deep into far collar (palm up, extremely deep)
  3. Drive weight over their back
  4. Circle gripping arm over their head — loop forms around neck
  5. Pull them onto their side while squeezing arm tight
  6. Pull elbow to hip to finish

During Guard Pass (Opportunistic)​

  1. As you pass, grip deep into their collar
  2. Continue passing motion — arm naturally loops over their neck
  3. Collar on one side, shoulder/arm on other
  4. Complete the pass and finish from top position

Key detail: This is the sneakiest version. The grip looks like part of your passing game until the loop is already around their neck.

Core Principles​

  1. Deepest collar grip in BJJ — this choke demands maximum depth
  2. Loop, not straight pull — arm creates an arc over their neck
  3. Timing during movement — works best in transitions
  4. Collar does half the work — your arm does the other half
  5. Their weight finishes it — work with gravity, not against it

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Grip not deep enoughEntire hand in collar — deepest grip you'll make
Straight pullCreate arc/loop over their neck
Wrong roll directionAlways toward gripping side
TelegraphingShould look like normal collar grip initially

Next Steps​

  1. Triangle - When they pull head back defending the loop
  2. Cross Collar Choke - Related collar choke mechanics
  3. Closed Guard - Best starting position