フルクラムヘッドロックチョーク(Furukuramu Heddorokku Chōku)
TransliterationTranslation: Fulcrum Headlock Choke (katakana loanword)
The fulcrum headlock choke from front headlock uses the attacker's own body structure — typically the hip bone or forearm — as a rigid fulcrum point against which the opponent's neck is bent and compressed. [1],[2] From the front headlock position, the attacker wraps the head and drives the opponent's neck over the fulcrum point while applying downward pressure with the chest and shoulders. [1] The fulcrum mechanics create both a choke and a cervical compression, making the technique a hybrid strangle-crank that attacks blood flow and spinal alignment simultaneously. [1],[2]
Fulcrum-based headlock chokes have roots in catch wrestling, where the front facelock was used as both a controlling hold and a finishing technique. [1],[2] The specific use of the body as a rigid fulcrum for neck compression distinguishes this technique from arm-only strangles and reflects the catch wrestling emphasis on using the entire body to generate submission pressure. [1] The technique has been adapted into modern no-gi grappling as a front headlock option. [1],[2]
Fulcrum headlock chokes provide an alternative to guillotines when arm wrapping is difficult — the direct bone pressure requires less arm threading. Effective with precise placement on the carotid groove. [1]
Catch wrestling heritage — the front headlock fulcrum bridges wrestling head control with direct pressure submission techniques. Integrated into modern front headlock systems by Danaher and others. [1]
Appears in catch wrestling, submission wrestling, and MMA competition. Less common than guillotines in BJJ but effective when guillotine defences are strong. [1]
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Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Fulcrum headlock chokes use a bracing point to amplify front headlock compression
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
grip or squeeze strength, positional control
strong upper body for sustained compression
forearms, biceps, pectorals, core stabilisers
The elbow-fulcrum headlock choke uses the point of the attacker's elbow as the primary fulcrum against the opponent's neck from a front headlock position. [1] The attacker wraps the opponent's head, then positions the elbow tip directly against the throat or side of the neck, creating a sharp focal point of pressure. [1,2] The free arm reinforces by pushing the opponent's head into the elbow fulcrum, generating concentrated compression on a very small surface area. [2] The elbow fulcrum produces a faster tap than broader forearm-based chokes due to the intense localised pressure, though it carries higher risk of tracheal injury. [2,3]
The forearm-fulcrum headlock choke uses the flat or bony edge of the forearm as the fulcrum surface against the opponent's neck from a front headlock. [1] Unlike the elbow-point variant, the forearm fulcrum distributes pressure across a wider area while still concentrating force through the radial bone edge. [1,2] The attacker positions the forearm across the throat, then uses the opposing arm to press the opponent's head into the forearm, creating a wedge effect that compresses the carotid arteries bilaterally. [2] The forearm variant is considered more controllable than the elbow point, making it more suitable for training and competition contexts where measured application is desired. [2,3]
According to TRITAC Martial Arts, grab deeper on the opponent's face rather than just the chin—your thumb should ride along the edge of the jawline to create a solid handle for the choke.
TRITAC Martial Arts emphasizes keeping your hips away from your opponent and maintaining heavy pressure on their head to prevent them from accessing your legs.
Post on your opponent's shoulder to create space, then roll your hand forward and drop them down while keeping your legs away, as demonstrated by TRITAC Martial Arts.
The fulcrum headlock choke from front headlock uses the attacker's own body structure — typically the hip bone or forearm — as a rigid fulcrum point against which the opponent's neck is bent and compressed. From the front headlock position, the attacker wraps the head and drives the opponent's neck over the fulcrum point while applying downward pressure with the chest and shoulders.
Fulcrum-based headlock chokes have roots in catch wrestling, where the front facelock was used as both a controlling hold and a finishing technique. The specific use of the body as a rigid fulcrum for neck compression distinguishes this technique from arm-only strangles and reflects the catch wrestling emphasis on using the entire body to generate submission pressure.
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
Danger rating 8/10. Fulcrum headlock chokes use a bracing point to amplify front headlock compression
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
Common variants: Standard grip variation (primary hand configuration for maximum choking pressure); Gi variation (uses the lapel or collar as an anchor for additional fric…); No-gi variation (adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling wit…); Transition finish (applied during a positional change to catch the opponent …).
Appears in catch wrestling, submission wrestling, and MMA competition. Less common than guillotines in BJJ but effective when guillotine defences are strong.
Top errors to watch for: Not understanding the difference between a fulcrum choke and a guillotine — the guillotine wraps and squeezes; the fu… / Placing the fulcrum without head control — the head must be trapped; without control, the opponent moves their neck a… / Using muscle rather than structure — the fulcrum works through bone-on-artery contact, not muscular squeezing; positi… / Attempting from a weak front headlock — the headlock must be tight; a loose headlock allows the opponent to posture a….
The Fulcrum Headlock Choke From Front Headlock is also known as Furukuramu Heddorokku Chōku, Front Headlock Fulcrum Choke, Headlock Fulcrum Press.
