The Japanese Necktie
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Japanese Necktie·Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne
My No Gi Chokes DVD here: Focusing on the guillotine, arm in guillotine, anaconda, darce, Japanese necktie, North South …
Japanese Necktie
SubFamilyジャパニーズネクタイ
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Japanese Necktie is a front headlock choke/crank hybrid that combines elements of the D'Arce choke and the front headlock guillotine — the attacker threads the choking arm under the opponent's armpit and around the neck from the front headlock position, using a figure-four or clasp grip to create bilateral compression. [1] The technique creates both a choking/strangling action and a cervical crank simultaneously, making it extremely uncomfortable and difficult to defend. [1],[2]
Japanese Necktie ChokeFront Headlock NecktieWrestling
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the parent martial arts tradition. [1]
Competition Record
Used in relevant competition formats. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Executing this specific technique through its characteristic mechanical pattern
Joints Involved — Technique-specific joints depending on whether this is an escape (hips for bridging/shrimping), sweep (hips and legs for leverage), submission (target joint plus controlling joints), throw (hips, legs, shoulders for projection), or position (control-specific body parts)
Force Vector — Directed along the technique's primary action line
Technique Mechanic — Each technique has a specific mechanical sequence that must be followed for effective execution
Position & Entry
From the parent position — Enter this technique from the primary position described in the parent family
From a transition — Access this technique during a positional transition or scramble
From defence — Enter this technique as a defensive response or counter
Videos
Japanese necktie
0
Japanese Necktie·jes03070
This is a nasty choke. A last minute addition to the end of the seminar by request. Nice rash guards too ;) Oh, and c…
2 videos
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
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
✓Drill the technique with progressive resistance
✓Understand the entry position before drilling the finish
✓Chain with related techniques for a complete system
✓Practice both sides where applicable
Common Mistakes
!Poor entry positioning
!Incomplete execution
!Not chaining with follow-up techniques
!Attempting without proper setup
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Entry Position
2Set Up the Technique
3Execute
4Follow Through
5Consolidate or Transition
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
2BookRelevant martial arts instructional resources
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] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
5CitationRelevant martial arts instructional resources
Community
Athletics
Requires
technique-specific physical attributes
Key muscles
technique-dependent
Sub-techniques
Notes
The Japanese necktie is a front headlock choke that uses a D'Arce-like arm thread but finishes with a sprawling motion rather than a roll. Named after its association with Japanese fighters in early MMA. Less common than the guillotine but extremely effective when the opponent defends the standard guillotine by pulling their head free. (BJJ technique archives)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use the Japanese Necktie instead of the Darce Choke?
The Japanese Necktie works better when you have shorter arms, since the Darce Choke requires long enough arms to reach through for the lock. Instructors at Absolute MMA St Kilda note it's a viable alternative if the standard Darce setup doesn't work for your arm length.
What's the key positioning to set up the Japanese Necktie?
Block your opponent's hip and maintain space—you don't want them to close the gap when they go for the underhook, as this makes the technique harder to complete. Keep their underhook loose by controlling the distance, then secure a chin strap with their head tied against your ribs before driving them back.
How do I finish the Japanese Necktie once I have the position?
Feed your hand through while curling their head and sliding your forearm back to connect your hands together. Keep heavy pressure on that arm, don't let them extend their head or roll to their back, then lift your chest over the top behind the head and scoot your hips lower as you pull.
When is the right time to go for the Japanese Necktie in a match?
One effective timing is when your opponent is defending your guillotine by going around the neck instead of under—transition to the Japanese Necktie as an alternative finish from that defensive position.
How does the Japanese Necktie work?
The Japanese Necktie is a front headlock choke/crank hybrid that combines elements of the D'Arce choke and the front headlock guillotine — the attacker threads the choking arm under the opponent's armpit and around the neck from the front headlock position, using a figure-four or clasp grip to create bilateral compression. The technique creates both a choking/strangling action and a cervical crank simultaneously, making it extremely uncomfortable and difficult to defend.
Where does the Japanese Necktie come from?
This technique developed within its parent martial arts tradition and has been refined through competition.
Is the Japanese Necktie 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 Japanese Necktie?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
How do I set up the Japanese Necktie?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Set Up the Technique → Execute → Follow Through → Consolidate or Transition.
How do I defend against the Japanese Necktie?
Standard counters include: Defensive techniques against this specific technique / Prevention of the entry position.
What are the variants of the Japanese Necktie?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios).
How effective is the Japanese Necktie in competition?
Used in relevant competition formats.
What are common mistakes when doing the Japanese Necktie?
Top errors to watch for: Poor entry positioning / Incomplete execution / Not chaining with follow-up techniques / Attempting without proper setup.
What are other names for the Japanese Necktie?
The Japanese Necktie is also known as Japanese Necktie Choke, Front Headlock Necktie.