Foundation: The Primary Strangle Arm

The first arm accounts for approximately 90% of the strangle's effectiveness in a north-south position. While the mechanics of this primary arm have been established, competition finishing requires locking both hands together. Locked hands and feet generate significantly greater force than unlocked limbs.

Initial Positioning and Hip Adjustment

The practitioner begins chest-to-chest with the opponent. As the strangle arm wraps around the neck, the hips rotate slightly so the outside of the knee contacts the mat, creating stability without over-extending. This precise hip positioning prevents the practitioner from becoming unstable or disconnected.

Walking the Center Line and Hand Placement

The practitioner walks across the opponent's center line while simultaneously moving down the body. The hands lock together at the throat rather than across the upper chest. Once secured, locked hands are used to push the practitioner's body away from the opponent, creating distance and leverage.

Transitioning to Belly-Down Position

From the initial position, the practitioner shifts toward the center line as the elbow follows naturally. The right shoulder then descends toward the esophagus to complete the transition. This movement culminates in a stable belly-down position that facilitates the final compression.

Ribcage Blocking and Face Control

By placing the outside of the right knee on the floor, the practitioner's ribcage blocks the opponent's face and prevents them from turning back into the strangle. This positioning creates mechanical control that enhances the effectiveness of the technique.

Elbow Positioning and Shoulder Depression

The practitioner must drive the elbow underneath the body rather than extending the arms toward the chest as in a guillotine choke. This elbow positioning allows the shoulder to depress fully toward the wrist. Extended arms significantly diminish strangle effectiveness.

The Paper Cutter Finish

The finishing action resembles a paper cutter descending vertically rather than lifting the hands upward. The right shoulder drives down to the right wrist in a controlled compression. Walking toward the center line while maintaining this pressure completes the strangulation.

Complete Sequence Execution

The arm wraps around the neck while the outside knee immediately contacts the floor. The chin aligns with the opponent's left shoulder (for right-side strangle). Walking to expose both hands for locking, pushing the body away, tucking the elbow underneath, and depressing the shoulder to wrist completes the technique.

North/South Strangle - Finishing With 2 Hands by John Danaher

BJJ Fanatics

Two Hand Collar Choke

2 min read·8 key moments·PT4M23S video

Key Takeaways

•Foundation: The Primary Strangle Arm
•Initial Positioning and Hip Adjustment
•Walking the Center Line and Hand Placement
•Transitioning to Belly-Down Position

FINISHING the North/South Strangle with 2 HANDS https://bjjfanatics.com John Danaher demonstrates how to finish a North/South Strangle with 2 Hands in this video. John Danaher is widely regarded as the greatest Jiu Jitsu Coach of all time. This is an excerpt from AGELESS JIU JITSU TOP GAME NO GI available from BJJFanatics.com. To learn more great Jiu Jitsu Techniques, visit https://www.bjjfanatics.com BJJ Fanatics was started by a pair of black belts (Bernardo Faria & Michael Zenga) who feel that nothing is more important than improving your BJJ skills as much as possible in the least amount of time. Their aim was to create a shop for BJJ Students who don’t look at BJJ as a sport – but as a lifestyle. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAqme-CE-yLm01BV5nUjPPA Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/733553463659020/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjj.fanatics/?hl=en 15% OFF On All Of Our BJJ Instructional Videos - Just Use The Coupon Code: FANATICSYOUTUBE Website: https://bjjfanatics.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about two hand collar choke?

This video covers foundation: the primary strangle arm, initial positioning and hip adjustment, walking the center line and hand placement. It provides detailed instruction from BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn two hand collar choke?

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.