Setup: The Collar Tie Position

The instructor begins from a standard collar tie where both fighters maintain even grip control. Success depends on identifying when the opponent's elbow is slightly lazy or not fully tucked against their body. This position provides the optimal entry point for the technique.

Initiating Elbow Rotation

From the collar tie, the instructor ducks the shoulder slightly inward while using the thumb to strike the opponent's elbow and drive it upward. The critical element is creating rotational movement through the elbow joint, not simply lifting it vertically. This rotation must be continuous and controlled to prevent the opponent from resisting.

The Slip to Elbow-to-Elbow Position

As the opponent's elbow rotates toward the sky, the instructor executes a heavy slip to achieve an elbow-to-elbow position where both elbows connect. This body positioning is maintained through continued rotational pressure on the opponent's arm. The connection at the elbows serves as the foundation for all subsequent finishes.

First Finish: Shoulder Pressure Submission

If the opponent resists rolling forward, the instructor grabs their own elbow and drops heavily across the opponent's shoulder, applying direct pressure. This variation creates a rapid submission when the opponent chooses not to escape via forward roll. The heavy drop is essential for securing the finish.

Second Finish: Classic Armbar from Roll

When the opponent executes a forward roll to escape shoulder pressure, the instructor maintains the arm connection while transitioning to a mounted armbar position. The instructor's knee drives into the opponent's armpit while the foot crosses over the face. The arm is then extended with the hips lifted to complete the submission.

Contingency: Takedown from Slip

In no-gi scenarios with increased perspiration, the opponent's arm may slip free during the roll. Rather than pursuing a compromised submission, the instructor converts the position into a decisive takedown. This alternative outcome remains effective and maintains control over the opponent.

Key Principle: Continuous Elbow Rotation

The instructor emphasizes that elbow rotation is the foundational element distinguishing this technique from failed attempts. Without proper rotational mechanics, the opponent can simply turn their elbow downward and escape. Practitioners should initially exaggerate this rotation during drilling to develop proper muscle memory.

Execution Speed and Safety Considerations

When performed with sufficient speed and precision, this technique becomes a particularly effective submission with minimal setup time. However, instructors should remind training partners that rapid execution can create significant stress on the shoulder joint. Controlled practice ensures both effectiveness and injury prevention.

My #1 Attack When Someone Collar Ties Me (Shawn Melanson)

Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Standard Single Collar Tie

2 min read·8 key moments·PT4M3S video

Key Takeaways

•Setup: The Collar Tie Position
•Initiating Elbow Rotation
•The Slip to Elbow-to-Elbow Position
•First Finish: Shoulder Pressure Submission

Learn Shawn Melanson's number one high-percentage attack from the collar tie! In this Jiu-Jitsu technique video, the highly sought-after instructor Shawn Melanson shows 5-time World Champion Bernardo Faria a versatile standing armbar (Ude Gatame) that can also be used as a powerful takedown. This No-Gi BJJ move is perfect for surprising your opponent in a common clinch or wrestling scenario. Shawn breaks down the critical details for making this submission work, starting from a standard collar tie. You'll learn the secret to rotating your opponent's elbow to break their posture and create the opening for the attack. Melanson demonstrates how this single setup can lead to three different outcomes: A quick standing submission. A transition to a classic armbar on the ground if your opponent tries to roll. An effective takedown if you lose the submission grip. This is the perfect technique to add to your standing grappling arsenal for BJJ, Judo, or MMA For all your BJJ Gear and Apparel Needs Visit - https://store.bjjfanatics.com/ - Are you a BJJ Fanatics Insider? If not, you are missing out! Join now at: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/insiders-club - Bernardo Faria is a 5x World Champion. Bernardo started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil at the age of 14 in 2001. After receiving the Black Belt from his first instructor Ricardo Marques in 2008, He moved to Sao Paulo to join BJJ legend Fabio Gurgel and his Alliance team. After many years of training and winning many major titles, Bernardo moved to NYC in 2013 to train and teach at Marcelo Garcia Academy. In 2015 Bernardo achieved his dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship Open class title and his division, doing the double Gold and becoming the 1st in the IBJJF Ranking and also chosen as the best athlete of 2015. Bernardo Faria has now taken on the mission to share some of the lessons, techniques, experiences and more that he has learned along in his 16 years and counting as a BJJ student, teacher and world class competitor. Subscribe to his channel, and join him in this amazing BJJ Journey. We promise that you will also improve your BJJ with his awesome Video Lessons, Episodes of his "5 Minutes BJJ Talk" and more www.fujisports.com - 15% OFF Coupon Code: FARIA15 www.bjjfanatics.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: YOUTUBEFARIA www.fujimats.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: FARIAMAT10 http://bernardofaria.com https://www.facebook.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://www.instagram.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://twitter.com/bernardofariajj

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Striking Single Collar Tie

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard single collar tie?

This video covers setup: the collar tie position, initiating elbow rotation, the slip to elbow-to-elbow position. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn standard single collar tie?

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.