What is the Clock Choke?
The clock choke feeds a deep collar from top turtle, then walks your body around the opponent’s head to tighten the strangle. The “clock” motion removes slack that a static pull cannot, making it a staple gi attack against turtling defenders.
Setup
- From top turtle, feed a deep far-collar grip behind the neck.
- Control the near sleeve, elbow, or shoulder so they cannot roll away cleanly.
- Position your body to walk toward the head on the collar side.
Execution
- Pull the collar while walking your feet around their head (the clock motion).
- Keep chest pressure so they cannot posture into the grip.
- Drop your hip and expand the chest to finish as the slack disappears.
Finishing
- Maintain collar depth; shallow grips become cranks.
- If they roll, follow to back control or a bow-and-arrow style finish.
- Release on tap — collar pressure can finish without a dramatic squeeze.
⚠️
Safety Note
Shallow clock chokes can crank the neck. Prioritize collar depth behind the neck and stop immediately on tap.
Primary Targets
- Neck
Key Concepts
- Walk the clock — static pulling often stalls.
- Depth on the collar decides choke vs crank.
- Near-side control stops the easy roll-out.
Primary Entries
- Top turtle after a failed pass or guard retention.
- Front headlock to turtle when they turn down.
- Side control when they give turtle to escape pins.
Defenses & Counters
- Expect hand fighting on the collar — retake depth before walking.
- Watch for granby or roll-through escapes; follow or switch to the back.
- If the collar slips, abandon rather than ripping the jaw.
Follow-Ups
- Back take when they roll away from the clock walk.
- Bow-and-arrow if a second lapel becomes available.
- Loop choke when the head drops and one collar is deep.
Training Drills
- Collar-feed reps on cooperative turtle
- Clock-walk finishes to a light tap
- Turtle top rounds where only collar attacks score
Related Techniques
Deepen your study with complementary positions and attacks.
Summary
Clock choke is collar depth plus footwork. Feed the far collar on turtle, control the near side, walk around the head, and finish as the slack disappears — or take the back if they roll.