Side Mount Series: The Scissor Choke
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Headscissors From Side Control·Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu
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Headscissors From Side Control
Speciesヘッドシザーズ(Heddo Shizāzu)
TransliterationTranslation: Head Scissors (katakana loanword)
Overview
The headscissors from side control is applied by the top player who isolates the opponent's head and threads the legs around the neck while transitioning from a side control pin. [1],[2] The attacker typically swings the far leg over the opponent's face and locks the ankles or thighs together, creating the scissoring compression around the neck. [1] This entry requires the attacker to momentarily sacrifice chest-to-chest pressure to achieve the leg-over-head position, making timing and control critical during the transition. [1],[2]
History & Origin
Headscissors from side control positions have roots in catch wrestling and judo's katame-waza, where pins were used as platforms to transition into strangulation techniques. [1],[2] In BJJ, the side-control headscissors became an option for fighters who preferred leg-based attacks over the more common americana, kimura, or arm triangle from side mount. [1] The technique saw increased attention as nogi grapplers explored creative submissions from dominant positions. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
Low-to-moderate percentage — transitioning from side control to headscissors sacrifices dominant position for an uncertain submission; better used as a surprise attack [1]
Lineage
Found in catch wrestling and sambo systems where transitioning between pins and submissions is fundamental [1]
Competition Record
Uncommon at major competition; used occasionally in submission-only formats where position is less important [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 guard (bottom position) — Use legs to control the opponent's head and arm, lock the leg configuration and apply compression
From mount (top) — Transition from mount by isolating an arm and threading legs around the head and arm
From side control (spinning) — Spin to face the opponent's legs, throw legs over the head to lock the choke
Videos
Scissor Choke Tutorial by Nikki Sullivan
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Headscissors From Side Control·nicsulli
I hit this choke back at EBI 12 and it can be pretty sneaky when your opponent's focused on defending the kimura. Check …
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The headscissors from side control is a leg-based strangulation that both nicsulli and Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu present as a tactical exit or complement to the Kimura grip when arm-lock defenses tighten. Both instructors establish the position from a Kimura setup in top side control, maintaining wrist pressure to control the opponent's arm throughout. The core mechanics are consistent: the bottom leg slides beneath the opponent's head to create a platform, while the top leg crosses over and locks under the bottom ankle with the shin or knee positioned across the throat. nicsulli emphasizes using the knee tendon to dig under the chin and ratchet upward if the opponent hides their chin, and highlights the ability to return to top position without losing advantage if the choke fails. Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu stresses proper leg-locking mechanics—specifically that the top leg must loop back around the bottom ankle rather than the opposite way, as this alignment directs pressure downward into the throat during extension. Both agree the technique comes on quickly and can be devastating if the Kimura grip remains intact, allowing transitions to arm locks if the opponent releases their hands to defend the leg choke. Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu explicitly frames this as a "back pocket move" that increases finishing options and forces opponents into difficult defensive choices.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- nicsulli — Scissor Choke Tutorial by Nikki Sullivan: Detailed mechanics of knee placement beneath the head, use of the knee tendon to apply chin pressure, ratcheting technique for hidden chins, and the ability to return to top position without conceding advantage.
- Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu — Side Mount Series: The Scissor Choke: Systematic setup from Kimura position, correct leg-locking orientation (top leg looping around bottom ankle), distinction between carotid and tracheal pressure based on head position, and integration with Kimura transitions and arm-lock options.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
7
Very High7/10
Headscissors use the thighs to squeeze the head laterally; risk of neck strain
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
✓The headscissors from side control threads the legs around the opponent's neck from the top side control position — using the lateral angle to capture the head in a scissoring configuration (Gracie & Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique, 2001)
✓From side control: the attacker steps one leg over the opponent's head and threads the other under — the head is captured between the thighs in a lateral figure-four
✓Side control provides the stability for the leg transition: the upper body maintains the pin while the legs reposition from controlling the hips to capturing the head
✓The headscissors from side control is a surprising attack: opponents defending armbars and collar chokes from side control rarely expect leg-based strangles
✓The transition is available when the opponent's head is accessible: during their escape attempts (turning, bridging), the head moves into positions that facilitate the leg capture
✓Two finishing options: squeeze from the side position or transition to north-south headscissors by rotating — the side entry leads to multiple finishing angles
✓The headscissors from side control chains with the side control submission series: kimura, americana, armbar, and headscissors all share the side control platform
Common Mistakes
!Losing side control pressure during the leg threading — the upper body must maintain control while the legs move; lifting to thread the legs gives the opponent space to escape
!Threading the legs too slowly — the transition must be decisive; slow leg movement allows the opponent to tuck the head or turn away
!Not maintaining the arm/shoulder control during the transition — the near arm should be controlled to prevent the opponent from framing against the incoming leg
!Not locking the figure-four immediately — lock as soon as both legs are around the neck; delay allows the opponent to push the legs apart
!Attempting against an opponent who has already framed — clear the frames before threading the legs; frames block leg passage
!Not having a plan if the headscissors is defended — return to standard side control or transition to other submissions; don't scramble with committed legs
!Crossing the ankles instead of figure-four — the figure-four provides superior structural advantage from the lateral angle
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
Japanese grappling/BJJ standard terminology; JBJJF competition usage
Official Japanese BJJ federation — competition rules and terminology
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese grappling/BJJ standard terminology; JBJJF competition usage
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese grappling/BJJ standard terminology; JBJJF competition usage
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I switch from trying a Kimura to going for the headscissors choke from side control?
Switch to the headscissors when your opponent is defending with his arms and the Kimura doesn't feel like it's coming, but you notice his neck is exposed. Nikki Sullivan emphasizes that if you can't get the Kimura out quickly, it becomes hard to break whatever grip your opponent makes, so that's when the headscissors becomes the better option.
How do I lock in the leg position for the headscissors choke?
Slide your bottom knee underneath your opponent's head as a base, then bring your top leg over and position the tendon behind your knee under their chin. Lock your top foot under the bottom foot and extend your hips down to finish the choke.
What should I do if my opponent hides their chin and I can't get the choke tight?
If your opponent is hiding their chin, use the tendon in your knee to ratchet underneath their chin to dig it up. You can also scratch their face with your legs and then extend—sometimes turning their head to the side actually makes the choke work better on the carotids.
Why is maintaining the Kimura grip important while going for the headscissors choke?
Keeping the Kimura grip tight—pushing your opponent's hand and wrist into their own body—prevents them from getting their elbow out and coming on top. If you can't finish the choke, this grip allows you to recover position and come back on top without losing anything.
How does the Headscissors From Side Control work?
The headscissors from side control is applied by the top player who isolates the opponent's head and threads the legs around the neck while transitioning from a side control pin. The attacker typically swings the far leg over the opponent's face and locks the ankles or thighs together, creating the scissoring compression around the neck.
Where does the Headscissors From Side Control come from?
Headscissors from side control positions have roots in catch wrestling and judo's katame-waza, where pins were used as platforms to transition into strangulation techniques. In BJJ, the side-control headscissors became an option for fighters who preferred leg-based attacks over the more common americana, kimura, or arm triangle from side mount.
Is the Headscissors From Side Control 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 Headscissors From Side Control?
Danger rating 7/10. Headscissors use the thighs to squeeze the head laterally; risk of neck strain
How do I set up the Headscissors From Side Control?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Headscissors From Side Control?
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 Headscissors From Side Control?
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 Headscissors From Side Control in competition?
Uncommon at major competition; used occasionally in submission-only formats where position is less important
What are common mistakes when doing the Headscissors From Side Control?
Top errors to watch for: Losing side control pressure during the leg threading — the upper body must maintain control while the legs move; lif… / Threading the legs too slowly — the transition must be decisive; slow leg movement allows the opponent to tuck the he… / Not maintaining the arm/shoulder control during the transition — the near arm should be controlled to prevent the opp… / Not locking the figure-four immediately — lock as soon as both legs are around the neck; delay allows the opponent to….
What are other names for the Headscissors From Side Control?
The Headscissors From Side Control is also known as Heddo Shizāzu, Side Control Head Scissors, Lateral Scissor Choke.