Cow Catcher - Catching the Head Standing
0
Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock S-GripΒ·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 S-Grip variation of the standing Cattle Choke uses an S-grip (four fingers interlocked) to clasp the hands during the choke β providing a different grip texture than the Gable grip that some practitioners find more secure for this particular choke angle. [1],[2]
Standing Cattle Choke S-GripHeadlock S-Grip 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
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
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
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
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
Why shouldn't I lean over my opponent's head when setting up the cattle choke from standing headlock?
Leaning over the head is ineffective techniqueβinstead, you should bring your opponent's head to your arm to maintain proper control and positioning. Brandon Quick emphasizes avoiding this common white belt mistake of allowing your elbow to come over your shoulder.
What happens if I don't control my opponent's head properly in the standing position?
Without solid head control, your opponent can escape into chain wrestling entries like a fireman's carry, single leg, or double leg takedown. Brandon Quick stresses that head control is essential to prevent these escape options.
Should I reach for the back pocket while standing, or should I wait?
Don't reach for the back pocket while standing. Brandon Quick advises pulling your opponent down to the floor first before reaching for the back pocket to finish the technique.
How does the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock S-Grip work?
The S-Grip variation of the standing Cattle Choke uses an S-grip (four fingers interlocked) to clasp the hands during the choke β providing a different grip texture than the Gable grip that some practitioners find more secure for this particular choke angle.
Where does the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock S-Grip come from?
This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.
Is the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock S-Grip 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 S-Grip?
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 S-Grip?
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 S-Grip?
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 S-Grip?
Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).
How effective is the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock S-Grip in competition?
Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock S-Grip?
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 S-Grip?
The Cattle Choke From Standing Headlock S-Grip is also known as Standing Cattle Choke S-Grip, Headlock S-Grip Finish.