Just another night on the mat.
And once again, I allowed someone to get on my back. In that moment, suddenly, the intensity increased. A submission was now in sight, and the guy was hunting. He wanted it. And he went after it.
Then through flurry of grip fighting, he finally gets the cross collar lapel grip…
I can’t tell you how many times that has happened to me. I’ll admit it. There’s no shame. I’m very comfortable in that situation, and it’s specifically because I test my defense against people who actively and aggressively pursue the bow and arrow choke.
All about Rotation
If you understand the choke, it’s not hard to escape, but there is a point of no return (obviously). The key to staying far away from that point is understanding how you should rotate in order to reduce the threat.
Below, you’ll see an example of exactly what you can do.
Of course, it has to be done fast, and you’re already steps behind in the game. You’re just trying to recover ground now. But it’s still possible. And I’ve escaped a lot of bow and arrow chokes using exactly this method. And I’ve also just frustrated the hell out of people with rotation alone.
It’s fun as hell.
In fact, last week, I was rolling with a blue belt, and while he was attempting to finish the choke, I made some small adjustments, told him that I was about to escape, and then did exactly that. And you’ll be able to do the same exact thing if you truly grasp this movement and the concept behind it.
One Challenge
Fair warning.
What your opponent does with their non-choking hand may restrict your ability to rotate. Respect the grip if they grab your far lapel with that hand. It will restrict your ability to rotate and make escape more difficult.