Establishing Back Control with Seat Belt Grip
Begin with back control and hooks in place, then secure a seat belt grip by wrapping one arm around the opponent's torso. The top hand that encircles the neck must be protected—if the opponent pulls it away, transition immediately to the collar grip. This foundational position ensures control before executing the choke.
Collar Feed and Hand Position
Pop the collar with the thumb and feed it to the opposite hand. The receiving hand must maintain a concave position, as if looking at a wristwatch, with the pinky facing up and thumb pointing down. This hand shape creates the mechanical advantage necessary for an effective choke.
The Step-Off and Lean Back
Grab the opponent's knee and step off the body in a four-count sequence. Once positioned, lean back sharply to apply pressure through the collar and seat belt grip. The self-tightening hook on the hand intensifies the choke as body weight transfers backward.
Shortcut Transition: Ankle Over Shoulder
After gripping the collar, pull the opponent down and to the side—not on top—while maintaining an upright posture. Cross one ankle over the opponent's shoulder and rotate approximately 90 degrees from the initial back control position. This shortcut bypasses the full step-off sequence.
Arm Lock Alternative When Choke Fails
If the choke position cannot be tightened, swivel the hips in and place the knee on the opponent's sternum. The hand that was choking now hugs the opponent's arm while the leg wraps around the neck. Keep heels out and knees together to control the arm lock position.
Grip Pressure: Medium Over Maximum
The bow and arrow choke is highly effective even with moderate grip pressure rather than maximum force. Practitioners should practice with a loose to medium grip for realistic training scenarios. This approach develops better technique and control against resisting opponents.
Critical Detail: Clearing the Leg Wide
The most common mistake is allowing the opponent's weight to settle on the attacking leg, which locks the hips and prevents torque application. Always throw the leg wide to ensure the opponent cannot use their body weight as a defensive counter. If weight lands on the leg, reposition the hip and continue adjusting for leverage.
Variations for Maximum Tightening
When standard positioning fails, practitioners can apply pressure using the foot on the ground, place the knee on the opponent's shoulder, or cross the ankles while pressing the opposite shoulder. If the choke still cannot be tightened, rotate the body 90 degrees into space for additional turning leverage and torque application.
Executing from Turtle Position
Access the same choke when the opponent assumes turtle position by gripping the collar and working a leg underneath the hamstring. Execute a shoulder roll to rotate the opponent onto their back, then adjust hand and leg placement as needed. This variation demonstrates the technique's versatility from multiple positional entries.
How To Do the Bow and Arrow Choke | The Jiu Jitsu Class
Key Takeaways
- •Establishing Back Control with Seat Belt Grip
- •Collar Feed and Hand Position
- •The Step-Off and Lean Back
- •Shortcut Transition: Ankle Over Shoulder
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about bow and arrow choke?
This video covers establishing back control with seat belt grip, collar feed and hand position, the step-off and lean back. It provides detailed instruction from ROYDEAN.
How long does it take to learn bow and arrow 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.
What are the key details for finishing bow and arrow choke?
When standard positioning fails, practitioners can apply pressure using the foot on the ground, place the knee on the opponent's shoulder, or cross the ankles while pressing the opposite shoulder. If the choke still cannot be tightened, rotate the body 90 degrees into space for additional turning leverage and torque application.
