Setup and Grip Positioning
The loop choke begins with a cross-lapel grip positioned high on the opponent's neck, near the chin. The grip should be tight enough that when the wrist is curled, it contacts the neck directly. Proper hand placement—thumb to knuckle alignment at the throat—ensures the grip reaches deep into the opponent's neck when executed.
Initial Pressure and Trigger
The attacker creates initial pressure by pushing the fist into the opponent's body, prompting a reactive backward response. As the opponent comes back, the attacker simultaneously smacks the head downward while lifting their body upward to position the opponent's head under their armpit. This coordinated movement sets up the primary control position.
Wrist Curl and Positioning
Critical to the choke's effectiveness is curling the wrist rather than keeping it straight, similar to a cross-collar jump grip. The attacker lifts their body while pushing the head under the armpit and drops their shoulder onto the opponent's back. This positioning initiates mild pressure, but full compression requires transitioning the opponent to their side.
Side Control Transition
The attacker uses three points of contact—shoulder, hand, and leg—to drive the opponent onto their side like a wrestling takedown. The attacker maintains the leg grip while repositioning their shoulder from the opponent's back to their shoulder. This transition prevents the opponent from returning to guard position.
Finish Position and Leverage
To complete the choke, the attacker lowers their shoulder beneath the opponent's shoulder while pushing into it as their elbow drives to their hip. The lower the shoulder placement, the tighter the choke becomes. This finishing position applies leverage-based pressure rather than muscular strength, eventually forcing a tap regardless of the opponent's resistance.
Guard Bottom Entry
From the guard position on bottom, the attacker establishes the same cross-lapel grip near the chin and curls the wrist into the opponent's neck. The attacker pushes to encourage the opponent to drive back, then sweeps them over using hand, shoulder, and leg coordination. Once the opponent is on their side, the same finishing sequence applies.
Guard Top Finish Without Sweep
If the opponent passes the guard in response to the initial choke pressure, the attacker flips their hand over the opponent's back to prevent the ninja choke counter. The attacker brings their elbow to their hip and applies steady pulling pressure, comparable to starting a lawnmower. Consistent pressure eventually produces a tap despite being pinned underneath.
Best Loop Choke Technique (top and bottom)
Key Takeaways
- •Setup and Grip Positioning
- •Initial Pressure and Trigger
- •Wrist Curl and Positioning
- •Side Control Transition
http://www.MattArroyo.com Matt Arroyo teaches the loop choke from top and from bottom at Gracie Tampa South MMA. These are very high percentage chokes that will tap even the most resistant opponent. http://www.VirtualJiuJitsuAcademy.com/mainpage Matt Arroyo, BJJ, Gracie Tampa, Gracie Tampa South, Rob Kahn, Royce Gracie, BJJ Tampa, MMA Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard loop choke?
This video covers setup and grip positioning, initial pressure and trigger, wrist curl and positioning. It provides detailed instruction from Matt Arroyo Jiu Jitsu .
How long does it take to learn standard loop choke?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard loop choke?
From the guard position on bottom, the attacker establishes the same cross-lapel grip near the chin and curls the wrist into the opponent's neck. The attacker pushes to encourage the opponent to drive back, then sweeps them over using hand, shoulder, and leg coordination. Once the opponent is on their side, the same finishing sequence applies.
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