Knee on Hip to Step Over Triangle by Benji Silva
0
Step-Over Choke·BJJ Fanatics
KNEE ON HIP TO STEP OVER TRIANGLE https://bjjfanatics.com This Jiu Jitsu Training video explains the Knee on Hip to Ste…
Step-Over Choke
SubFamilyステップ・オーバー・チョーク(Suteppu Ōbā Chōku)
Translation: Step-over choke
Overview
The Step-Over Choke is executed from side control by stepping the far leg over the opponent's head while maintaining a collar grip, creating a choking mechanism that combines collar pressure with leg compression. [1] The leg stepping over the head adds downward pressure that amplifies the collar choke while simultaneously isolating the opponent's head and preventing escape. [1] Ribeiro presents this as a high-percentage side control submission. [1]
Step Over Collar ChokeLeg-Over Choke
History & Origin
Step-over attacks from side control are a classic BJJ development, combining positional control with submission threats. [1]
Effectiveness
High-percentage from side control; the leg step-over makes the position very secure. [1]
Lineage
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu side control methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Collar compression combined with leg pressure across the opponent's upper body and neck
Joints Involved — Attacker's legs (hip flexion for step-over), wrists (collar grip), opponent's neck
Force Vector — Downward and rotational from the leg step-over, combined with cross-collar pull
Leverage Principle — The leg over the head creates a pinning force that prevents the opponent from relieving collar pressure
Position & Entry
From side control — Establish collar grip, step far leg over opponent's head, tighten the collar choke
Variants
Not yet documented
Videos
Ferro Academy BJJ Step Over Choke from knee on belly and side control.#sidechoke#bjj
0
Step-Over Choke·Sickness Ferro
Step over choke from side control and knee on belly. Instagram: Sickness81 Instagram: Ferroacademnybjj6612
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The step-over choke is a submission technique executed from side control or knee-on-belly position that both BJJ Fanatics and Sickness Ferro emphasize as a high-percentage attack. Both instructors agree on the fundamental mechanics: the attacker secures a grip behind the opponent's neck or head, then steps one leg over the opponent's arm or body while using knee pressure to control the hips and create positional dominance. BJJ Fanatics describes the setup through a progression from a knee-on-hip position, where the defender's instinctive hand placement on the attacker's knee becomes a cue to transition into the step-over entry, followed by continuous rolling momentum to finalize a triangle position. Sickness Ferro presents the technique as either a direct choke from side control or as a more effective knee-on-belly variation where the attacker slices the shin across the opponent's hand to neutralize defense before executing the step-over. A critical distinction Ferro emphasizes is proper wrist rotation—turning the thumb inward to target the carotid artery effectively rather than creating only pain, and maintaining sufficient head-to-thigh contact during the squeeze for maximum pressure. Both instructors stress maintaining shoulder and chest pressure throughout the setup and emphasize that the attack should come quickly once positioning is established. The knee-on-belly version is presented as technically superior because it pre-positions the attacker's limb and restricts the opponent's defensive arm placement.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- BJJ Fanatics — Knee on Hip to Step Over Triangle by Benji Silva: Detailed progression from side control with knee-on-hip positioning, describing how the defender's defensive hand placement serves as a trigger for the step-over entry; emphasized continuous rolling momentum and triangle adjustments
- Sickness Ferro — Ferro Academy BJJ Step Over Choke from knee on belly and side control: Contrasted side control and knee-on-belly entries; emphasized proper wrist rotation and thumb positioning for effective carotid compression; highlighted knee-on-belly variant as superior due to pre-positioning and arm control; stressed head-to-thigh contact pressure
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
7
Very High7/10
Combination of collar choke and positional control makes escape very difficult
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 collar grip must be established before stepping over (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
✓Keep the hips heavy during the step-over
✓The leg pressure assists the choke — don't rely on arms alone
Common Mistakes
!Stepping over before securing the grip
!Losing side control during the transition
!Not keeping hips low
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Side control → Establish deep collar grip → Step far leg over head → Tighten and finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
1Book[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
2Citation[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
Community
Athletics
Requires hip flexibility for the step-over
Good top pressure
Notes
The step-over choke transitions from side control by stepping over the opponent's head while maintaining collar control — the rotation tightens the choke. A dynamic transition that combines position change with submission. (BJJ instructionals; competition records)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place my thumb when setting up the step-over choke?
Place your thumb behind the neck, slightly to the left side, to get a good grip. Sickness Ferro emphasizes avoiding turning your thumb inward, as this creates excessive pain and can restrict blood flow rather than execute a clean choke.
What are the main positions to attack the step-over choke from?
The step-over choke can be executed from both side control and knee on belly. According to Sickness Ferro, the knee on belly version is a nastier variation because you can control the opponent's arm more effectively as they attempt to escape.
How does the Step-Over Choke work?
The Step-Over Choke is executed from side control by stepping the far leg over the opponent's head while maintaining a collar grip, creating a choking mechanism that combines collar pressure with leg compression. The leg stepping over the head adds downward pressure that amplifies the collar choke while simultaneously isolating the opponent's head and preventing escape.
Where does the Step-Over Choke come from?
Step-over attacks from side control are a classic BJJ development, combining positional control with submission threats.
Is the Step-Over Choke 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 Step-Over Choke?
Danger rating 7/10. Combination of collar choke and positional control makes escape very difficult
How do I set up the Step-Over Choke?
The standard setup chain: Side control → Establish deep collar grip → Step far leg over head → Tighten and finish.
How do I defend against the Step-Over Choke?
Standard counters include: Frame against the step-over / Bridge and roll before the leg crosses / Fight the collar grip early.
How effective is the Step-Over Choke in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Step-Over Choke?
Top errors to watch for: Stepping over before securing the grip / Losing side control during the transition / Not keeping hips low.
What are other names for the Step-Over Choke?
The Step-Over Choke is also known as Suteppu Ōbā Chōku, Step Over Collar Choke, Leg-Over Choke.