Fundamentals: Gable Grip Choke from the Back
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Gable Grip·Bellingham BJJ
The Gable Grip Choke, also known as the Short Choke or Fedor Choke, is the air choke counterpart to the Rear Naked Choke…
Translation: gable grip
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The 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]
Gable Grip FinishPalm-to-Palm No ThumbsGreco Grip
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
Variants
This is a specific variation — see parent genus/species for alternative variations
Videos
1 video
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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)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my opponent defends against my rear naked choke attempt?
If your opponent hangs on your arms to defend the rear naked choke, you can transition to a gable grip choke by bringing your elbow behind their shoulder blade instead. This elbow ratchet position is more powerful than finishing the choke without it.
Can I finish the rear naked choke without the elbow ratchet in front?
Yes, you can still finish the rear naked choke without bringing the elbow ratchet in front, although it won't be as powerful as the fully executed version.
Why is control important before attacking with the gable grip choke?
You have to control before you attack because you always compromise a little bit of control when you attack, so establishing solid positioning first ensures a more effective finish.
How does the Gable Grip work?
The 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. The Gable grip prevents the hands from being stripped because there are no fingers to peel.
Where does the Gable Grip come from?
This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.
Is the Gable Grip 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 Gable Grip?
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 Gable Grip?
The standard setup chain: Establish Control Position → Secure the Specific Grip → Position the Choking Surface → Apply Compression → Finish.
How do I defend against the Gable Grip?
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 Gable Grip?
Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).
How effective is the Gable Grip in competition?
Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Gable Grip?
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 Gable Grip?
The Gable Grip is also known as Gēburu Gurippu, Gable Grip Finish, Palm-to-Palm No Thumbs, Greco Grip.