Understanding the Bow and Arrow Choke
The bow and arrow choke is an advanced submission technique used when a standard rear-naked choke cannot be finished due to opponent resistance or grip strength limitations. This guide covers both fundamental execution and advanced refinements that most practitioners overlook.
Grip Transition and Control Setup
From a back control position, the instructor establishes a collar grip and transitions by passing the collar to create an underhook. This underhook position provides exceptional choking opportunity and control, particularly in gi grappling, while developing muscle memory applicable to no-gi scenarios.
Recognizing When to Transition
A skilled grappler develops intuition about submission viability—knowing when they have sufficient control versus when additional mechanics are required. When a traditional choke becomes impossible to finish, transitioning to the bow and arrow setup becomes strategically necessary.
Hip Control and Elbow Positioning
The first critical step involves placing the free hand near the opponent's hip while walking the hips together. This hip-to-hip positioning prevents the opponent's most efficient escape—looping their head under the choking arm—by eliminating the necessary gap.
Stepping Over Mechanics
The practitioner steps over upstream of their hand placement, ideally maintaining a continuous grip to prevent escape windows. Flexibility determines whether a crossface can be maintained; however, proper foot placement on the opponent's body takes priority over maintaining the crossface grip.
Leg Grip Selection and Arm Positioning
Practitioners should grip either the thigh or pants depending on arm length and reach. The critical principle is maintaining a bent arm throughout—straightening the arm allows the opponent to kick free, while a bent-arm grip remains secure regardless of leg movement.
Foot Placement on the Armpit
The right foot circles out and positions the heel directly on the opponent's armpit rather than underneath their body. This placement enables the foot to hook under the arm if the opponent's grip relaxes, while simultaneously preventing upward head escape and amplifying overall control.
Final Positioning and Submission Finish
The practitioner maintains a crunched forward posture while executing the final row motion with both the collar grip and leg pressure simultaneously. If the opponent attempts head escape, the hooked arm provides secondary control, guaranteeing submission completion.
HOW to Execute the PERFECT BOW & ARROW Choke!
Key Takeaways
- •Understanding the Bow and Arrow Choke
- •Grip Transition and Control Setup
- •Recognizing When to Transition
- •Hip Control and Elbow Positioning
SALE SALE SALE OVER 50% OFF – BOX SET – ALL 4 COURSES 50% OFF CLICK HERE – https://bit.ly/2lAOHmp • The Blue Belt Super Series • The Kimura Attack System • The Trap Door Series • 14 Days to Better BJJ CLICK HERE – https://bit.ly/2lAOHmp PURCHASE SINGLE COURSES • The Blue Belt Super Series - https://bit.ly/2PvbrCo • The Kimura Attack System - https://bit.ly/2m3a1kF • The Trap Door Series - https://bit.ly/2DdTbX0 • 14 Days to Better BJJ - https://bit.ly/2kaavFc TESTIMONIALS ‘Started hitting the moves laid out in these courses the very next class...extremely uplifting to have such a quick improvement in my game’ - Houston, TX ‘I’m the only white belt in the academy doing these moves…I’m suddenly competing at a blue belt and above level…thanks Coach Tom’ - LA, California ‘Some of the best strategies you are going to see for control and submission’ - London, UK ‘The detailed way Prof Tom breaks down his moves into the absolute essentials is just next level for me. This is absolute gold‘ - Sydney, Australia ‘Most of the guys at my Academy, have about 60lbs on me, but since purchasing your ‘Kimura Attack system’ and ’14 days’ everything has changed. I feel much more confident, roll better and the guys on the mat have commented on the same. Thanks, Coach Tom’ – Dallas, TX ‘I know you have your names for your courses, but I’ve renamed them the ‘Zero to hero’ courses, I went from getting constantly owned, to now being completely dominant on the mat in no time at all’ - San Diego, California ‘I use the course material heaps, and just recently put it into action at a local comp, walked away with double gold. No one was more surprised than me! - Miami, Florida ‘As a new white belt, these classes have helped me so much, Prof Tom’s technique, the details, and his attitude. I love how Prof. Tom shows the ‘mistakes people make’ and then shows the correct way of doing things. The only one I have ever seen do this’ – New York, New York Great videos, great instruction. I just watch them for hours…Melbourne, Australia ‘The instructional saved me big time at a recent comp, my opponent was def more experienced, but that was ok, coz I had Prof Tom’s video in my brain. Nailed it and scored gold’ - Colorado, Denver ‘All of it. Everything you show in your awesome videos are now my ‘go to techniques’. Thanks for your vids Prof, Tom’ - Houston, TX ‘You really have to watch every second of the video because Prof, Tom drops these little nuggets of gold throughout the course. And they make ALL the difference. The only one doing this. Keep them coming Professor’ - NY, New York ‘If I could only be taught from one person, Prof Tom would be it. I can’t wait to train in person one day’ – Dallas, TX ‘Went to a recent competition with these videos fresh in my mind. I knew I had an edge and the confidence this gave me was unreal. Got the gold. All submission wins! – LA, California
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about bow and arrow choke?
This video covers understanding the bow and arrow choke, grip transition and control setup, recognizing when to transition. It provides detailed instruction from The Grappling Academy.
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 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing bow and arrow choke?
The right foot circles out and positions the heel directly on the opponent's armpit rather than underneath their body. This placement enables the foot to hook under the arm if the opponent's grip relaxes, while simultaneously preventing upward head escape and amplifying overall control.
