Introduction to the Gift Wrap Position
The gift wrap, also known as the cobra clutch in professional wrestling, is a fundamental control position that appears frequently in grappling exchanges. This position occurs when the opponent's arm crosses their own body while the instructor maintains wrist control, making it difficult for the opponent to generate escape strength.
How the Gift Wrap Develops
The gift wrap position can develop from multiple scenarios, including side control transitions where the instructor's knee movement forces the opponent's arm across their head. Whether the opponent turns to post or turns toward the instructor, the result is the same secured control with the opponent's bent arm preventing effective escape attempts.
The Basic Gift Wrap Choke
The fundamental choke from the gift wrap begins by bringing the opponent's posture forward with the instructor's leg underneath them. The instructor's free hand slides through using the edge of the hand to push the sternomastoid muscle aside, then turns the hand straight down into the neck for immediate submission pressure from the opponent's own arm.
Executing the Hand Placement
Proper execution requires using the edge of the hand rather than a fist to create the choking pressure. The instructor comes under the opponent's elbow, pushes the neck muscle away, and turns the hand inward in a controlled motion to establish the choke without excessive initial force.
The Gi-Based Alternative When Blocked
When direct hand placement becomes impossible, the instructor can grab the near flap of the opponent's gi instead, bringing it across the body and securing it with the opposite hand. This technique maintains arm control while using the gi material to execute the choke when the opponent's defense tightens.
Transitioning to the Bow and Arrow Choke
If the opponent successfully defends the initial choke attempts, the gift wrap position offers immediate access to the bow and arrow choke. This submission uses the knee behind the head and pants grip combined with collar control to create finishing pressure from a different angle.
Alternative Collar Attacks and Defenses
The instructor demonstrates multiple collar-based submissions including far collar chokes and variations where the opponent's tight gi defense requires adapting hand placement. These techniques involve sliding the edge of the knuckles along the neck while maintaining pressure against the sternomastoid muscle from different angles.
The Straight Armlock Finish from Gift Wrap
When all choke variations are defended, the gift wrap position provides setup for the straight armlock (Kimura). The instructor uses feint movements in one direction to misdirect the opponent's defense before crossing over and executing the arm lock with proper elbow control.
Strategic Sequence and Adaptation
The gift wrap position offers a comprehensive attack sequence where the instructor can flow between multiple submissions based on the opponent's defensive responses. This systematic approach ensures that regardless of how the opponent defends one technique, the next variation is already set up from the same fundamental control position.
Gift Wrap Submissions
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Gift Wrap Position
- •How the Gift Wrap Develops
- •The Basic Gift Wrap Choke
- •Executing the Hand Placement
Mark Gilston, 4th degree judo black belt, and BJJ black belt shows strategies and submissions using an arm wrap technique (sometimes called "gift wrap" or "cobra"). http://www.coopermma.com/
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about gift wrap lapel choke?
This video covers introduction to the gift wrap position, how the gift wrap develops, the basic gift wrap choke. It provides detailed instruction from Seiryoku Zenyo.
How long does it take to learn gift wrap lapel 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 gift wrap lapel choke?
When all choke variations are defended, the gift wrap position provides setup for the straight armlock (Kimura). The instructor uses feint movements in one direction to misdirect the opponent's defense before crossing over and executing the arm lock with proper elbow control.
