The X-Choke
The X-Choke
In the following video we will be demonstrating the X-choke. Here are some of the major points you need to remember in order to make your choke secure so that you can enhance your chances of landing this powerful submission.
It all starts with the first grip
Open the collar with your right hand, making sure your left hand slides up the collar all the way until you can feel the back of his neck with the back of your hand. Keep you arm loose, don’t pull him down, use your legs to keep control of your partner. Pulling only serves to weaken your grip and as you’ll see in the demonstration, the more you pull the more your first grip slides down to the side of his neck.
Now it’s time for the second hand
Use your legs to control your opponent and get him closer to you. Use a fake attack by first reaching up towards your opponents face. Then quickly come back under your left arm and begin to slide your right hand up the opposite collar. Often students have difficulty getting a strong grip with the second hand. Make sure; 1. stay relaxed, the hand will slide easier. 2. if his collar is tight, use your fingers to walk up his collar. At this point, try to reach all the way meeting both your hands behind his neck.
Applying the choke
Watch the hands…holding the grip they will begin to turn facing the palms up, remember to keep your forearms tight against your partners collar bones, that will help to keep him from tucking his chin. Now with the palms turned upward, your partner should be feeling the effects of the choke already, to enhance it, start to slowly bring your opponent closer to you, remember not to spread your elbows at this point or you’ll take the pressure off the carotids and on to his wind pipe. Keep your elbows tight to your rib cage as you bring him down to your chest.
Done right, your partner should be tapping before his head is touching your chest. Try it out and let us know what you think!
Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
heelhook21@aol.com
Team RGDA - Team Gracie Humaita
[...] fully for the flower sweep, I make sure my grip is deep enough on my opponents collar for the x-choke, etc. However, being as small as I am has its (very) few advantages. I definitely try to use my [...]