Front Head lock to Peruvian Necktie and Multiple Submission Options
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Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock·Donny Blue
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Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock
Speciesペルヴィアンネクタイ(Peruvian Nekutai)
TransliterationTranslation: Peruvian Necktie (katakana loanword)
Overview
The Peruvian necktie from front headlock is the primary application of this technique, where the attacker secures a front headlock and then throws one or both legs over the opponent's back while sitting through to create a powerful downward lever on the trapped head. [1],[2] The legs act as a lever arm that drives the opponent's head deeper into the choking arm, creating simultaneous carotid compression (the choking arm bicep against one side of the neck) and cervical flexion (head driven into the chest). [1] The attacker sits back and extends the hips to maximize the downward force, producing a fast and powerful finish that blends choking with cranking mechanics. [1],[2]
History & Origin
Created and popularized by Tony DeSouza in MMA competition, the Peruvian necktie from front headlock became known as one of the most devastating front headlock submissions in no-gi grappling. [1],[2] DeSouza developed the technique by adding the leg-lever concept to the standard front headlock, creating significantly more force than arm strength alone could generate. [1] The technique was further refined by subsequent MMA and grappling competitors who systematized entries from common front headlock positions. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
One of the most effective front headlock submissions in no-gi grappling — combines head-and-arm compression with leg pressure across the neck for a quick finish [1]
Lineage
Created by Tony DeSouza, a Peruvian-American grappler training under Ralph Gracie. First demonstrated at major events in the early-to-mid 2000s; popularized through ADCC and 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu [1]
Competition Record
Regular finish at ADCC, no-gi worlds, and in MMA. Tony DeSouza, Dustin Hazelett, and numerous 10th Planet competitors have scored notable wins with this technique [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Compression of the neck structures — restricts blood flow or airway depending on technique application
Joints Involved — Cervical spine, surrounding musculature, and vascular structures of the neck
Force Vector — Directed compression against the neck from the choking limb or body position
Finishing Mechanic — Sustained pressure causes either vascular occlusion (unconsciousness) or tracheal restriction (breathing difficulty)
Position & Entry
From back control with seatbelt — Establish hooks or body triangle, slide choking arm under the chin, connect hands and squeeze
From turtle top (back take) — Break down the turtle, insert hooks, secure seatbelt grip, slide to back control and apply the choke
From standing back clinch — Secure rear body lock, drag opponent to the mat while inserting hooks, transition to choking position
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Necktie chokes use leg pressure over the back combined with front headlock grip for extreme compression
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
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
✓The Peruvian necktie from front headlock applies the necktie strangle directly from the front headlock control position — the head-down, arm-forward stance provides ideal access for the necktie grip and leg or shoulder lever (Danaher, Front Headlock System: Go Further Faster, 2019)
✓From front headlock: wrap the arm around the neck, connect the hands, then add the compression lever — either a leg over the back (shin variant) or shoulder drive (shoulder-post variant)
✓The front headlock is the natural entry for the Peruvian necktie: the position already provides head control and arm access — the necktie grip builds directly on the existing control
✓Two finishing variants from this entry: shin-across-neck (leg over back, shin presses neck) and shoulder-post (shoulder drives upper back, both feet stay on mat)
✓The Peruvian necktie from front headlock transitions from the same position as guillotines, D'Arces, and anacondas — the opponent must defend all four from one position
✓The necktie is particularly effective when other front headlock chokes are defended: the addition of the leg or shoulder lever creates compression from an angle that arm-only chokes cannot
✓The Peruvian necktie from front headlock is a wrestling-to-submission bridge: the front headlock is a wrestling control position, and the necktie converts it to a strangle
Common Mistakes
!Attempting the necktie without establishing front headlock control — the headlock must be secure before adding the lever; rushing the sequence loses position
!Not connecting the hands before adding the lever — the grip must be locked; the lever adds force to an established strangle, not to a loose headlock
!Choosing the wrong lever for the situation — if the leg can reach, use the shin variant (more force); if not, use the shoulder post (more stable)
!Not transitioning to other headlock attacks when the necktie is defended — guillotine, D'Arce, anaconda, and go-behind are all available; don't force a defended necktie
!Releasing the headlock to adjust the lever — maintain the grip throughout; lever adjustment should be done while the strangle remains active
!Not driving the finish — whether shin or shoulder, the lever must actively compress; passive placement doesn't finish
!Attempting the necktie against an opponent who is posturing — the front headlock must trap the head low; an upright opponent needs to be snapped down first
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Position — achieve the controlling position needed for this submission
2Create the Threat — begin the submission setup to force a defensive reaction
3Secure the Hold — lock the submission grip with proper body mechanics
4Finish — apply increasing pressure until the opponent taps or the joint/choke takes effect
Sources & References
Primary Source
Yahoo知恵袋 BJJ community; Acai Cafe (cafe.quietwarriors.com)
Japanese Q&A community — BJJ technique name verification
Japanese BJJ community forum
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationYahoo知恵袋 BJJ community; Acai Cafe (cafe.quietwarriors.com)
Japanese terminology sourced from Yahoo知恵袋 BJJ community; Acai Cafe (cafe.quietwarriors.com)
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip or squeeze strength, positional control
Favours
strong upper body for sustained compression
Key muscles
forearms, biceps, pectorals, core stabilisers
Sub-techniques
Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock Shin-Across Neck
VarietyThe Peruvian necktie from front headlock with shin across the neck is the standard application of this technique, where the attacker holds a front headlock and swings one leg over the opponent's head, placing the shin across the back of the neck. [1] From the front headlock, the attacker sits to the hip on the side of the choking arm, then threads the near leg over the opponent's head so the shin presses against the cervical spine. [1,2] The leg acts as a powerful lever — pulling the hands while pressing the shin creates a three-point compression system that attacks the neck from multiple angles simultaneously. [2] This is the most commonly taught and highest-percentage Peruvian necktie variant. [2,3]
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Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock Shoulder-Post Variant
VarietyThe shoulder-post Peruvian necktie variant modifies the standard entry by using the shoulder as a posting point against the opponent's back while applying the shin-across-neck compression. [1] Instead of sitting fully to the hip, the attacker posts the shoulder against the opponent's upper back, creating an additional pressure point that prevents the opponent from rolling or posturing out. [1,2] The shoulder post acts as a third contact point — combined with the shin on the neck and the hands on the head, it creates a triangulated pressure system that controls the opponent's entire upper body. [2] This variant is preferred when the opponent is actively resisting by trying to lift or roll through the standard finish. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up the initial grip for a Peruvian Necktie from front headlock?
According to Donny Blue, rest your shoulder in the middle of the opponent's shoulder blades while getting up on your toes. Place the hand underneath with the back of your hand in their armpit using a thumbless grip, then scoop low with your elbow.
What's the most important thing to focus on when finishing the Peruvian Necktie?
Donny Blue emphasizes staying tight with no space between you and your opponent—if you can see their neck, the choke is ineffective. Start squeezing your knees immediately and perform an oblique crunch by pushing off the hip while trying to touch your ear with the back of your hands.
What positioning should my opponent's shoulder be in for the choke to work?
Donny Blue stresses that the opponent's shoulder (not their arm) should be positioned in your crotch, and your shoulder should be lower than theirs, with the bone of your shoulder pressing into their neck.
What should I do if I can't finish the Peruvian Necktie submission?
If the neck choke isn't working, Donny Blue recommends digging deep with your hand and squeezing your knees together tightly, which can force a tap even when the primary submission is defended.
How does the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock work?
The Peruvian necktie from front headlock is the primary application of this technique, where the attacker secures a front headlock and then throws one or both legs over the opponent's back while sitting through to create a powerful downward lever on the trapped head. The legs act as a lever arm that drives the opponent's head deeper into the choking arm, creating simultaneous carotid compression (the choking arm bicep against one side of the neck) and cervical flexion (head driven into the chest).
Where does the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock come from?
Created and popularized by Tony DeSouza in MMA competition, the Peruvian necktie from front headlock became known as one of the most devastating front headlock submissions in no-gi grappling. DeSouza developed the technique by adding the leg-lever concept to the standard front headlock, creating significantly more force than arm strength alone could generate.
Is the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock 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 Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock?
Danger rating 9/10. Necktie chokes use leg pressure over the back combined with front headlock grip for extreme compression
How do I set up the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock?
Standard counters include: Early Recognition — identify the submission attempt early and begin defence immediately / Posture and Base — maintain strong posture and base to prevent submission setups / Grip Fight — deny the attacker their preferred gripping configuration.
What are the variants of the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock?
Common variants: Standard grip variation (primary hand configuration for maximum choking pressure); Gi variation (uses the lapel or collar as an anchor for additional fric…); No-gi variation (adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling wit…); Transition finish (applied during a positional change to catch the opponent …).
How effective is the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock in competition?
Regular finish at ADCC, no-gi worlds, and in MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting the necktie without establishing front headlock control — the headlock must be secure before adding the le… / Not connecting the hands before adding the lever — the grip must be locked; the lever adds force to an established st… / Choosing the wrong lever for the situation — if the leg can reach, use the shin variant (more force); if not, use the… / Not transitioning to other headlock attacks when the necktie is defended — guillotine, D'Arce, anaconda, and go-behin….
What are other names for the Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock?
The Peruvian Necktie From Front Headlock is also known as Peruvian Nekutai, Front Headlock Peruvian Necktie, Peruvian Tie from Sprawl.