Introduction and Technique Overview

Coach Tom introduces the baseball bat choke, also known as the spinning choke, as a deceptive and effective grappling technique. The technique remains effective even when the opponent is aware it is coming, and the instructor demonstrates several setups and variations.

Grip Mechanics and Basic Structure

The baseball bat choke is executed with the thumb inserted behind the opponent's neck and four fingers placed in front, resembling a baseball bat grip. The practitioner brings both elbows together and applies pressure by positioning the head toward the opponent's back while maintaining balance on the head to control the choke's force.

Setup from Knee on Belly Position

From knee on belly or knee ride position, the choke can be set up by first controlling the opponent's arm to create the appearance of multiple attack options. This misdirection allows the practitioner to insert the thumb and secure the grip before the opponent can defend effectively.

Defense Counters and Elbow Control

When an opponent blocks the elbow connection by placing their hand through the gap, the practitioner can execute a windshield-wiper motion with the knee on the shoulder to facilitate closing the elbows. This movement bypasses the opponent's arm defense and completes the choking grip.

Fist Insertion Method

An alternative grip setup involves using a horizontal fist strike to the back of the opponent's head rather than inserting the thumb first. After this positioning, the practitioner spins to the opposite side, transitions the elbow onto the opponent's chest, and secures the choke with both arms in place.

Guard Position Application

The baseball bat choke can be applied from bottom position in the opponent's guard by initially grabbing the collar area while appearing to establish a neutral grip. As the practitioner transitions to side control, they execute a sweeping motion while closing their elbows to apply the choke.

Grip Quality and Finishing Principles

The effectiveness of the spinning choke depends significantly on grip quality and choking mechanics rather than the spinning motion itself. With proper grip security, the practitioner can finish the choke without executing the full spinning setup, demonstrating the technique's efficiency.

Defensive Awareness and Positioning Versatility

The baseball bat choke can be executed from both top and bottom positions across multiple offensive and defensive situations. Practitioners are advised to develop comprehensive understanding of the technique's applications to defend against it effectively when in vulnerable positions.

The Baseball Bat Choke

The Grappling Academy

Baseball Bat Lapel Rear Choke

2 min read·8 key moments·PT6M31S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction and Technique Overview
•Grip Mechanics and Basic Structure
•Setup from Knee on Belly Position
•Defense Counters and Elbow Control

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

Cross Lapel Rear Choke FormArm Compression Rear Strangle Lapel Feed Rear Choke Rear Choke Self Lapel Rear Choke

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about baseball bat lapel rear choke?

This video covers introduction and technique overview, grip mechanics and basic structure, setup from knee on belly position. It provides detailed instruction from The Grappling Academy.

How long does it take to learn baseball bat lapel rear 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.