Translation: Fulcrum Headlock Choke (katakana loanword)
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]
The forearm-fulcrum provides wider contact than the elbow, making it easier to position on the carotid. The radius bone creates rigid focal pressure when the forearm is rotated correctly. [1]
Traditional catch wrestling forearm-pressure technique adapted for the BJJ front headlock position. The forearm rotation detail (bone-to-artery contact) comes from catch wrestling instruction. [1]
Used in catch wrestling competition and submission grappling. More common than the elbow-fulcrum variant due to easier positioning. [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 (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β 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
According to TRITAC Martial Arts, your thumb should ride the edge of the jawline as your primary handle, and you want to grab deeper on the chin rather than just the surfaceβthis gives you a solid grip point for the choke.
TRITAC Martial Arts emphasizes keeping your hips away from your opponent and maintaining heavy pressure on their head to drive them down, rather than staying in a lazy position where they can easily access your legs.
Start by posting on your opponent's shoulder to create space, then roll your upper body on top and roll your hand forward while controlling both the chin and a secondary handle point on the head, keeping your legs away for safety.
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. Unlike the elbow-point variant, the forearm fulcrum distributes pressure across a wider area while still concentrating force through the radial bone edge.
Forearm fulcrum chokes are documented across multiple grappling traditions, from Japanese jujutsu to European catch wrestling. The front headlock application was systematised in modern submission grappling as a finishing option when guillotine and D'Arce entries were not available.
IBJJF: legal β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes are the safest submission catβ¦; IJF: legal β Legal (shime-waza) β strangulation techniques are one of three permitted submβ¦; ADCC: legal β Legal; Unified MMA: legal β Legal β choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal
Danger rating 8/10. Fulcrum headlock chokes use a bracing point to amplify front headlock compression
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position β Isolate the Neck β Set the Grip β Apply Pressure.
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up β 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 fricβ¦); No-gi variation (adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling witβ¦); Transition finish (applied during a positional change to catch the opponent β¦).
Used in catch wrestling competition and submission grappling. More common than the elbow-fulcrum variant due to easier positioning.
Top errors to watch for: Using the flat of the inner forearm β rotate so the radius bone contacts the neck; the soft inner forearm lacks the rβ¦ / Not controlling the opponent's head β the head must be trapped and still for the forearm to maintain artery contact / Pressing into the trachea β target the lateral neck; the forearm should be angled across the carotid groove / Squeezing without forearm rotation β the rotation is what brings the bone to the surface; squeezing with a flat foreaβ¦.
The Fulcrum Headlock Choke From Front Headlock Forearm-Fulcrum is also known as Furukuramu Heddorokku ChΕku, Forearm-Fulcrum Headlock Choke, Forearm Lever Front Choke.
