Introduction to the No-Gi Baseball Bat Choke

The baseball bat choke is a collar-based submission traditionally performed in the gi by placing the thumb inside one collar and fingers inside the other, then crossing the arms to execute the choke. In no-gi grappling, the absence of collar material requires alternative gripping methods to achieve the same strangling mechanism. This guide addresses the various grip options and execution techniques specific to no-gi applications.

Grip Options: Gable, Preacher, and Three-Finger Variations

The gable grip, while effective in some cases, restricts wrist flexibility and requires significant arm positioning to bring elbows together. The preacher-style grip incorporates the thumbs for slightly improved wrist mobility but still has limitations. The three-finger grip, featuring the thumb positioned between the index and middle fingers, provides superior wrist flexibility and can be applied from either side of the opponent's neck.

The S-Grip: Optimal Wrist Flexibility and Control

The S-grip offers the best wrist flexion by positioning one palm down and one palm up, then interlacing all four fingers in an S-configuration. This grip allows the instructor to bring both elbows together efficiently while maintaining proper neck pressure. The parallel hand positioning and resulting wrist rotation create a secure connection that translates across different opponent sizes and body types.

Execution and Mechanical Advantage

The choke is applied by connecting the S-grip with elbows together in front of the opponent's neck while placing the head in the pocket created by the grip. The instructor should hide their head to prevent the opponent from creating inside frames. The choke often succeeds during positional transitions when the opponent continues advancing position while the choke gradually tightens, leading to either a tap or unconsciousness.

Setup from Mount Position

From mount, the instructor begins with one arm underneath the opponent's neck in a standard ride position. To execute the choke, the instructor must transition from mount to knee ride by pummeling the leg off into a modified neon belly or knee ride position. This transition is necessary because the mounted position prevents the elbows from coming together effectively.

Knee Ride Transition and Defense Cutting

From knee ride, the instructor slides the controlling knee diagonally across the opponent's shoulder to cut off arm-based defenses before they develop. The hands are pinned to the floor while executing this knee placement, which prevents the opponent from bringing their hands up to frame against the neck. This positional setup obscures the choke's development since parallel arms do not immediately signal a submission threat.

Facing Up and Finishing the Choke

The instructor turns to face the opponent while maintaining the S-grip, allowing the wrist to rotate and elbows to come together. Placing the head on the far-side shoulder prevents the opponent from creating inside frames. The simultaneous connection of both elbows and head positioning creates immediate constriction around the neck.

No-Gi Advantages Over Gi Application

While the gi version benefits from material that can slip or slide, the no-gi version provides a more secure connection with zero possibility of material slippage. The tight direct contact between skin and arms creates a more durable choke that cannot be compromised through material manipulation. However, the gi version allows for additional pivoting to north-south position, which is unnecessary in no-gi due to inherent tightness.

Rolling Defense and Continued Pressure

When the opponent attempts to roll the instructor away due to the triangulated structure (knee, hands, and leg with one unsupported side), the instructor should not release the grip. Even if rolled to the bottom position, the choke remains viable as long as the instructor continues turning away from the opponent. The submission succeeds regardless of position reversal as long as hand connection and pressure remain intact.

The No Gi Baseball Bat Choke Complete Guide

Knight Jiu-Jitsu

Baseball Choke

3 min read·9 key moments·PT10M51S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the No-Gi Baseball Bat Choke
•Grip Options: Gable, Preacher, and Three-Finger Variations
•The S-Grip: Optimal Wrist Flexibility and Control
•Execution and Mechanical Advantage

The No Gi Baseball Bat Choke is a powerful and deceptive choke with a variety of uses and combinations. This video shows some details and concepts for this great technique. Hope you like it! 0:00 - 2:25 - Intro & Explanation 2:26 - 4:12 - Mount Application 4:13 - 5:26 - Knee on Belly Application 5:27 - 6:50 - Guard Pass Hail Mary 6:51 - 8:08 - Darce to Arm-In Baseball Bat Transition 8:09 - 8:19 - Please Subscribe & Follow 8:20 - 9:57 - Standing Application 9:58 - 10:50 - Outtro Hope you like it! Gear from @RollBliss Brace from @Anacondafightwear If you’re interested in having me for a seminar, message me here or on other socials or email me at [email protected] Hundreds more class instruction videos at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu, BJJ Fanatics & Jiu-Jitsu X. Please be sure to turn on notifications for new videos if you haven’t, so you can find out as soon as I upload a new one each week. Become a member of this channel for exclusive class videos not available for free. Super cheap cost for access to lots of exclusive content. • Exclusive Class Content at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu • BJJ Fanatics Instructionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y4ujekp6 • T-Shirts available here: tinyurl.com/wzu6ufb • Instagram @knight_jiu_jitsu_ • TikTok @knightjiujitsu

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about baseball choke?

This video covers introduction to the no-gi baseball bat choke, grip options: gable, preacher, and three-finger variations, the s-grip: optimal wrist flexibility and control. It provides detailed instruction from Knight Jiu-Jitsu.

How long does it take to learn baseball choke?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.