Bow and Arrow Choke
Collar strangle from back control using leg and collar grips — one of the strongest gi chokes from the back.
collar choke
Overview
The bow and arrow choke uses a deep collar grip and a controlling leg on the opponent’s hip or arm. You finish by extending your legs while pulling the collar — creating brutal strangle pressure without needing underhooks.
#Setup
- From back control, feed a deep collar grip across the neck.
- Hook the near-side leg over their hip or trap the arm with your leg.
- Grip the pants at the knee or hip on the same side as the collar pull.
#Execution
- Extend your legs while pulling the collar hand toward your armpit.
- Keep chest glued to their back throughout the motion.
- Finish with a long, steady pull — explosive yanks often lose collar depth.
#Finishing
- Switch to RNC if they hide the collar grip.
- Use body triangle to prevent rotation during the choke.
⚠️
Safety Note
Deep collar chokes can finish fast. Prioritize collar depth behind the neck, avoid yanking the jaw, and release immediately on tap.
Primary Targets
- Neck
Key Concepts
- Collar depth determines finish power.
- Leg extension and collar pull work in opposite directions.
- Body triangle stabilizes the back while you attack the collar.
Primary Entries
- Back control after seatbelt grip is established.
- Collar drag passes that land you on the opponent’s back.
- Failed RNC when collar grips are already deep.
Defenses & Counters
- Expect hand fighting that strips the collar — re-feed deep before extending the legs.
- Watch for rolls that clear your hooks; keep chest glued and reset the hip angle.
- If they hide the collar with chin and grips, switch attacks rather than ripping shallow fabric.
Follow-Ups
- Rear naked choke when collar grips are stripped or blocked.
- Armbar from the back if an arm posts to defend the collar.
- Body triangle and back retention when the choke forces a bridge.
- Rear naked choke when they defend the collar.
- Armbar from back when they expose an arm.
- Maintained back control when the choke opens defensive bridges.
Training Drills
- Collar feed from seatbelt with partner defending grips.
- Bow and arrow extension reps emphasizing leg drive.
- Back control rotation drill switching RNC and bow and arrow.
Related Techniques
Deepen your study with complementary positions and attacks.
Summary
In the gi, the bow and arrow is a fight-ender from the back. Deep collar, leg hook, and a full-body pull — when the mechanics align, defenses run out fast.