In Jiu-jitsu, there are several techniques that you’re likely to learn early on, no matter where you train. One of them is the cross choke from closed guard.
And it’s effective at all levels.
But there’s a problem. Almost everyone learns it. That increases the chance that the threat will be recognized and addressed early.
For that reason, some make the choice to focus their attention elsewhere and give up on the cross choke. It’s sad because the choke is a strong tool to have. And there are specific things that you can do to make it more lethal.
You’ll learn a few right here if you read on.
How People Commonly Defend the Choke
The first step to finishing the cross choke requires that you establish a strong cross collar grip. There are exceptions to the rule (almost always the case) but in general, that’s how most cross chokes are initiated.
And since our goal is to have technique that works on the very best, we have to assume that our opponent will recognize the threat immediately (if they don’t, punish them).
In that instant, they will decide how to respond, and the common responses are:
- They will focus on breaking your grip.
- They will focus on posturing up to take themselves out of attack range.
- They will focus on shifting away from your first grip, which makes the second grip harder to get.
Depending on how they respond, other opportunities will arise. And that’s true no matter what they do. There is a constant give and take, and when they act, they close one path while opening another.
Your job is to recognize the opportunities that appear as a result of their action.
And I’ll share one possibility with you right now.
Offensive Path When They Shift Away From The Cross Choke
When your opponent shifts away from you to prevent the cross choke, it opens attacks on the near arm. And in the video below, you’ll see the possibilities that exist in that situation.
In addition to that, there’s some details on how to improve your effectiveness with the cross choke.
Study it and put the cross choke back in your arsenal.