Kesa Gatame Deep Dive, Part 5: The Compression Choke
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Forearm Compression Short Choke·Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu
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Translation: forearm compression short choke
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Forearm Compression Short Choke is a rear naked choke variation where the choking arm wraps only partially around the neck. The forearm compresses one side of the neck against the practitioner's bicep, targeting the carotid artery rather than the trachea — the goal is the same arterial blood choke as the full rear naked choke, achieved through a tighter, shorter wrap. [1] This shorter choke is used when the opponent's chin defence prevents the standard full RNC wrap, and is also taught as a higher-leverage alternative using a 'blade of the forearm' or karate-chop hand at the back of the neck. [1],[2]
Short RNCForearm ChokeQuick Choke
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the BJJ/grappling submission system. [1]
Competition Record
Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Applying this specific choking or cranking configuration to the opponent's neck or spine
Joints Involved — Neck (cervical spine — the target of all chokes/cranks in this family), arms (the choking limb creates the compression surface), shoulders (positioning determines the choking angle)
Force Vector — Bilateral compression (chokes compress from two sides) or rotational/extension (cranks apply torsion or hyperextension)
Submission Mechanic — The specific grip, arm positioning, and body alignment create the unique compression geometry of this variation
Position & Entry
From back control — Establish back control, then transition to this specific choke/crank variation
From front headlock — Secure the front headlock, then apply this specific choke configuration
From the parent position — Enter through the position described in the parent genus/species
Videos
How to Rear Naked Choke (RNC) for Beginners
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Forearm Compression Short Choke·Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling
Compression the life out of your Opponent | Compression Choke | Free Technique | Owen Livesey
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Forearm Compression Short Choke·Owen Livesey
What Do You Call This Choke?
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Forearm Compression Short Choke·Knight Jiu-Jitsu
What do you call this choke? I tend to call it a variation of either single wing, kata ha jime, the cobra clutch or the …
Choke 'em out with this RNC tip! ✅🥋
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Forearm Compression Short Choke·Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu
📩 Newsletter: http://jordanteachesjiujitsu.com/newsletter/ ✅ BJJ Theory Course: https://courses.jordanteachesjiujitsu.…
Ouch! 3 Most PAINFUL Submissions in BJJ
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Forearm Compression Short Choke·Matt Arroyo Jiu Jitsu
JOE BREAKDOWN REAR NAKED CHOKE TECHNIQUE #shorts #mma #ufc
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Forearm Compression Short Choke·LIFECKECK MMA
#shorts #mma #ufc
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7 videosWhat Instructors Say
The forearm compression short choke is a submission that applies pressure primarily through body weight and structural compression rather than traditional neck-based strangulation. As detailed by Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu, this technique differs fundamentally from air chokes and blood chokes by attacking the lungs directly—the attacker compresses the opponent's chest and uses body weight to prevent inhalation, similar to a boa constrictor's mechanism. The setup commonly begins from kesa gatame (side control), where the attacker weaves an arm under the opponent's elbow, locks the hands together, and rocks backward to fold the opponent across the sternum while maintaining downward pressure. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling demonstrates related rear control variations using seat belt grips and bicep control, though with different mechanical principles. Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu emphasizes that compression chokes require sustained pressure—often 10 to 30 seconds—and warns against releasing prematurely; the technique becomes most effective when the opponent begins thrashing, indicating successful compression. Knight Jiu-Jitsu adds a gift-wrap variation where the attacker can transition by grabbing the opponent's elbow and pulling it tight for a compressed effect. The technique's effectiveness was notably demonstrated when Josh Barnett submitted Dean Lister, a 15-year undefeated competitor, despite the move's initially implausible appearance.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling — How to Rear Naked Choke (RNC) for Beginners: Describes rear control choke mechanics using seat belt grip and bicep control, demonstrating multiple grip variations and positioning principles applicable to rear-mounted submissions.
- Owen Livesey — Compression the life out of your Opponent | Compression Choke | Free Technique | Owen Livesey: Outlines a three-step compression finish: pull head to knee, maintain tension, and lift—providing a concise mechanical framework for the choke's execution.
- Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu — Kesa Gatame Deep Dive, Part 5: The Compression Choke: Provides comprehensive explanation of compression choke physiology, emphasizing lung compression over neck strangulation, sustained pressure requirements (10-30 seconds), proper hip positioning, and the significance of opponent thrashing as an effectiveness indicator. References the Josh Barnett vs. Dean Lister submission as exemplar.
- Knight Jiu-Jitsu — What Do You Call This Choke?: Demonstrates a gift-wrap transition variation where elbow control creates a compressed choke effect through controlled pulling and tight positioning.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Chokes and neck cranks carry significant risk; blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 6-10 seconds; neck cranks can cause cervical spine damage; always tap early
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Apply slowly in training — chokes and cranks can cause injury if applied explosively
✓Tap early when caught — blood chokes cause unconsciousness rapidly; neck cranks can damage the cervical spine
✓Drill the specific grip and positioning until automatic
✓Chain with alternative choke variations when this one is defended
Common Mistakes
!Applying too fast — gradual application is safer and often more effective
!Wrong grip positioning — the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique
!Not controlling posture before applying
!Holding after the tap — release immediately
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Control Position
2Secure the Specific Grip
3Position the Choking Surface
4Apply Compression
5Finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Choking/cranking technique curriculum [2] Competition analysis
2BookMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Choking/cranking technique curriculum [2] Competition analysis
5CitationMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip strength, arm positioning precision, back control ability
Key muscles
forearms (squeeze), biceps (compression), shoulders (positioning)
Sub-techniques
Find by what a technique does — not its name
Every move, in any martial art, shares a few universal traits. Mix and match below to pinpoint the right tool — or compare equivalents across styles.
Category
Distance
Body target
Gable Grip
VarietyThe Gable Grip finishing variation uses a palm-to-palm grip (no thumbs interlocked) to secure the short choke — the strongest clasp grip available, named after wrestling legend Dan Gable. [1] The Gable grip prevents the hands from being stripped because there are no fingers to peel. [1,2]
Explore
Palm To Palm Grip
VarietyThe Palm-to-Palm Grip variation of the forearm compression short choke uses an alternative palm-to-palm clasp (similar to the Gable grip but with slightly different hand positioning) to lock the choking configuration behind the opponent's neck. [1,2]
Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a compression choke and a neck crank?
A common mistake is focusing pressure on the head and neck, which creates a neck crank. Instead, the compression choke targets the sternum by bending the opponent's body across it—achieved by locking up the position, leaning back slightly, and moving your hips forward.
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping the forearm compression choke?
Position yourself underneath the opponent's elbow so they cannot slide it out, and pull their head up from underneath. This control makes the standard escape of pushing back and throwing the leg over the head much less effective, especially when chest compression is applied.
How does the Forearm Compression Short Choke work?
The Forearm Compression Short Choke is a rear naked choke variation where the choking arm wraps only partially around the neck. The forearm compresses one side of the neck against the practitioner's bicep, targeting the carotid artery rather than the trachea — the goal is the same arterial blood choke as the full rear naked choke, achieved through a tighter, shorter wrap.
Where does the Forearm Compression Short Choke come from?
This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.
Is the Forearm Compression Short Choke legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Forearm Compression Short Choke?
Danger rating 8/10. High — chokes and neck cranks carry significant risk; blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 6-10 seconds; neck cranks can cause cervical spine damage; always tap early
How do I set up the Forearm Compression Short Choke?
The standard setup chain: Establish Control Position → Secure the Specific Grip → Position the Choking Surface → Apply Compression → Finish.
How do I defend against the Forearm Compression Short Choke?
Standard counters include: Hand fighting — stripping the grip before the choke is set / Chin tuck — protecting the throat / Posture — creating distance to prevent the choke / Turning — turning to face the attacker.
What are the variants of the Forearm Compression Short Choke?
Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).
How effective is the Forearm Compression Short Choke in competition?
Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Forearm Compression Short Choke?
Top errors to watch for: Applying too fast — gradual application is safer and often more effective / Wrong grip positioning — the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique / Not controlling posture before applying / Holding after the tap — release immediately.
What are other names for the Forearm Compression Short Choke?
The Forearm Compression Short Choke is also known as Zen-Wan Asshuku Shōto Chōku, Short RNC, Forearm Choke, Quick Choke.