Introduction to Turtle Position Chokes

Eli Knight demonstrates a comprehensive series of choke techniques applicable when the opponent is in turtle position. From this dominant posture, the instructor can exploit various body wedges—at the neck, armpits, and hips—to set up multiple finishing techniques. Understanding these entry points and transitions is essential for maximizing control and submission opportunities.

Initial Chin Strap and Ten-Finger Guillotine

The first technique involves cutting through to establish a chin strap with the snuff box of the forearm positioned against the trachea. The instructor hugs the jawline and drives the chest toward the base of the opponent's shoulder, positioning their head into the diaphragm. A second hand cups and secures the position, allowing forward pressure and a powerful squeeze by rising on the balls of the feet.

Transition to Arm Triangle via Armpit Entry

When the opponent blocks the second hand insertion, the instructor cups the back of the bicep and pulls to create space. The arm is then threaded under the armpit with the back of the hand against the lat and shoulder. After shooting the arm through and tucking the nose underneath, a backstep and roll transition into the arm triangle or anaconda choke, with the second leg brought over for additional squeezing pressure.

Darce Choke from Turtle Position

This variation reverses the entry point by going in via the armpit and exiting by the neck, opposite to the anaconda setup. Before locking the full arm triangle, the instructor uses an S-grip with the forearm on the back of the head and cranks upward under the armpit to flip the opponent onto their side. The bicep is then driven in front of the neck, the elbow pressed to the floor, and the hand inserted into the crook of the elbow for a tight finish.

Anaconda Choke Fundamentals

The anaconda choke involves grabbing by the chin and tricep while pulling the opponent forward. When unable to achieve sufficient depth for this technique, the instructor transitions to a palm-to-palm grip, keeping the forearm against the tricep to wedge the arm and neck together. This middle-ground position can be held as-is or developed further into the anaconda or alternative submissions.

Arm in Guillotine Variation with Knee Control

From the palm-to-palm position, the bottom hand switches to grab the wrist while the leg steps far back toward the opponent's hips and buttocks. The knee is then inserted at the opponent's midsection, and the instructor steps over to apply pressure while squeezing with the arm still trapped inside. This configuration creates a secure arm-in guillotine choke with additional positional control.

Peruvian Neck Tie Setup

When the arm cannot achieve sufficient depth for either the anaconda or Darce choke, the instructor connects underneath with a reinforced guillotine grip. The instructor steps over the opponent's head to block it while sitting down and throwing the second leg over the opponent's back. Pressure is applied by pulling up through the neck and arm while the legs drive downward on the head and body, creating a severe multi-directional choke.

Bulldog Headlock Choke Variation

This unique technique begins with a wrong-side seatbelt control instead of the standard seatbelt position. The instructor uses the opponent's leg as a ramp by placing the shin on top and sliding it downward, which funnels the opponent's arm and neck together. The position is then wrapped tightly like a guillotine, and a sit-out motion completes the choke, combining elements of arm triangle, guillotine, and neck crank pressure.

Technique Tuesday: Eli Knight - Chokes from turtle position

McDojoLife

Arm Triangle Choke — From Turtle

3 min read·8 key moments·PT7M1S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Turtle Position Chokes
•Initial Chin Strap and Ten-Finger Guillotine
•Transition to Arm Triangle via Armpit Entry
•Darce Choke from Turtle Position

Today my homie Eli Knight will be covering a few chokes from the turtle position. Enjoy :) If you enjoyed these techniques then you should check out all his other work: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDaSNu2fM3JL4VdlSwcFtOw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knight_jiu_jitsu_/?hl=en Website: https://knightbjj.com/ Discounts from our sponsors, links to our other accounts (Instagram/Twitch/Twitter), McDojoLife apparel or support us on Patreon: https://linktr.ee/mcdojolife

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about arm triangle choke — from turtle?

This video covers introduction to turtle position chokes, initial chin strap and ten-finger guillotine, transition to arm triangle via armpit entry. It provides detailed instruction from McDojoLife.

How long does it take to learn arm triangle choke — from turtle?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.