Cow Catcher - The Suicide Roll
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Cattle Choke From Side Ride·Brandon Quick
Understand the movements coming back to Side Control or Mount after attempting to jump out of Half Guard
Cattle Choke From Side Ride
Speciesキャトルチョーク・サイドライドから
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Cattle Choke From Side Ride is a compression choke applied from a side-riding position (the attacker is beside the opponent) rather than from standing — using the side control or side ride angle to wrap the arms around the neck and squeeze. [1],[2]
Side Ride Bulldog ChokeCattle Choke Side Control
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
Eri Gatame (Collar Pin) and Submissions - Judo technique for BJJ
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Cattle Choke From Side Ride·Seiryoku Zenyo
Mark Gilston (4th degree black belt) - Judo Instructor at CooperMMA - shows how to apply a collar pin and use it for BJJ…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The cattle choke from side ride emerges from controlling an opponent's head via underhook or collar grip while maintaining side control, as demonstrated by Brandon Quick and Seiryoku Zenyo. Quick emphasizes the mechanics of transitioning to side control after securing an underhook on the head during half guard, noting that side control proves easier than mount for those with limited flexibility or mobility. He stresses protecting the top hand to prevent the opponent from escaping the underhook, then positioning the body to compress the neck—laying back on the opponent's hip and using buttock pressure against their wrist to control the arm and prevent defensive bumping. Seiryoku Zenyo approaches from a back collar grip position, describing how to control the opponent's head off the mat while transitioning from turtle position or flat positioning. His method involves underhook control and keeping the head elevated to prevent escape, then isolating the arm before applying a scissor choke or additional submissions. Both instructors agree that maintaining head control and preventing the opponent from reaching neutral positioning are critical; Quick prioritizes the compression angle of side control, while Zenyo emphasizes the back collar's control properties in varied ground positions. The technique functions as a controlling mechanism that can lead to multiple submission options.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Brandon Quick — Cow Catcher - The Suicide Roll: Detailed the underhook-to-side-control transition and neck compression mechanics, emphasizing hand protection and hip placement for choke application from side ride position.
- Seiryoku Zenyo — Eri Gatame (Collar Pin) and Submissions - Judo technique for BJJ: Illustrated back collar grip control and head positioning from turtle or flat positions, with transitions to arm trapping and scissor choke submissions.
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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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping the cattle choke when I'm in side control?
According to Brandon Quick, you need to lay back on your opponent's hip with your butt to control them, and avoid letting them bump out the back. This positioning makes it harder for them to escape the choke.
What should I do with my hand position when setting up the choke from side control?
Seiryoku Zenyo emphasizes keeping your hand flat with palm up when grabbing the collar, rather than using a closed fist, as this allows for better control and positioning of the choke.
How do I keep my opponent from turning into me during the cattle choke?
Seiryoku Zenyo recommends pushing down on the head while pulling up with a heavy elbow, which makes it very hard for your opponent to turn into you and escape the submission.
How does the Cattle Choke From Side Ride work?
The Cattle Choke From Side Ride is a compression choke applied from a side-riding position (the attacker is beside the opponent) rather than from standing — using the side control or side ride angle to wrap the arms around the neck and squeeze.
Where does the Cattle Choke From Side Ride come from?
This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.
Is the Cattle Choke From Side Ride 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 Cattle Choke From Side Ride?
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 Cattle Choke From Side Ride?
The standard setup chain: Establish Control Position → Secure the Specific Grip → Position the Choking Surface → Apply Compression → Finish.
How do I defend against the Cattle Choke From Side Ride?
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 Cattle Choke From Side Ride?
Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).
How effective is the Cattle Choke From Side Ride in competition?
Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Cattle Choke From Side Ride?
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 Cattle Choke From Side Ride?
The Cattle Choke From Side Ride is also known as Side Ride Bulldog Choke, Cattle Choke Side Control.