Cow Catcher - Catching the Head Standing
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Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-PalmΒ·Brandon Quick
@fusenryu-jiu-jitsubresilie910 Fusen Ryu Tournai, Belgium π§πͺ -Flare a palm, flare an elbow to gain an Underhook -Gβ¦
Translation
Not yet documented
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Palm-to-Palm variation of the standing Cattle Choke uses a palm-to-palm clasp (Gable-style grip) to secure the choking configuration β the strongest clasp available, preventing grip stripping during the choke attempt. [1],[2]
Standing Cattle Choke Palm GripHeadlock Palm FinishWrestling
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 β Applying this specific choking or cranking configuration to the opponent's neck or spine
Joints Involved β Neck (cervical spine β 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 β Bilateral compression (chokes compress from two sides) or rotational/extension (cranks apply torsion or hyperextension)
Submission Mechanic β The specific grip, arm positioning, and body alignment create the unique compression geometry of this variation
Position & Entry
From back control β Establish back control, then transition to this specific choke/crank variation
From front headlock β Secure the front headlock, then apply this specific choke configuration
From the parent position β Enter through the position described in the parent genus/species
Variants
This is a specific variation β 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
β FIAS Sport Sambo β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
β IBJJF β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ shime-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ ADCC β Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal β choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βApply slowly in training β chokes and cranks can cause injury if applied explosively
βTap early when caught β blood chokes cause unconsciousness rapidly; neck cranks can damage the cervical spine
βDrill the specific grip and positioning until automatic
βChain with alternative choke variations when this one is defended
Common Mistakes
!Applying too fast β gradual application is safer and often more effective
!Wrong grip positioning β the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique
!Not controlling posture before applying
!Holding after the tap β 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 β [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 (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources β [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
How do I control my opponent's head properly when setting up the cattle choke from standing?
Brandon Quick emphasizes that you must bring your opponent's head to your arm rather than leaning over and reaching for their headβdoing so is ineffective technique. Proper head control is critical because without it, your opponent can escape into fireman's carry, single leg, or double leg attacks.
Should I reach for the back pocket while still standing?
NoβBrandon Quick stresses not to reach for the pocket while standing. Instead, snap your opponent down to the floor first by pulling down on their shoulder, then reach for the back pocket once they're grounded.
What's the proper body positioning when snapping my opponent down into this technique?
Keep your posture bent slightly and control your opponent's leg positioning. When snapping them to the floor, your knee should be down on the same side as their head, with your opposite leg up for base and control.
How does the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm work?
The Palm-to-Palm variation of the standing Cattle Choke uses a palm-to-palm clasp (Gable-style grip) to secure the choking configuration β the strongest clasp available, preventing grip stripping during the choke attempt.
Where does the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm come from?
This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.
Is the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm legal in competition?
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
How dangerous is the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm?
Danger rating 8/10. High β 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 Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm?
The standard setup chain: Establish Control Position β Secure the Specific Grip β Position the Choking Surface β Apply Compression β Finish.
How do I defend against the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm?
Standard counters include: Hand fighting β stripping the grip before the choke is set / Chin tuck β protecting the throat / Posture β creating distance to prevent the choke / Turning β turning to face the attacker.
What are the variants of the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm?
Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).
How effective is the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm in competition?
Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm?
Top errors to watch for: Applying too fast β gradual application is safer and often more effective / Wrong grip positioning β the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique / Not controlling posture before applying / Holding after the tap β release immediately.
What are other names for the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm?
The Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock Palm-to-Palm is also known as Standing Cattle Choke Palm Grip, Headlock Palm Finish.