Securing a choke against a defensive opponent who tucks their chin to block the submission is a common challenge. A recent video tutorial from Stephen Kesting offers insight into overcoming this defensive tactic, demonstrating five effective techniques to apply a choke even when the opponent’s chin is down. These techniques not only enhance your submission game but also showcase the depth and adaptability required in BJJ.

Understanding the Defensive Mechanism

When an opponent drops their chin to their chest, they are using one of the most basic yet effective defenses against chokeholds. This action protects the neck by placing the chin in the way of the attacking limbs, making it difficult to apply direct pressure to the throat. While this might discourage less experienced practitioners, seasoned BJJ athletes see it as a problem to be solved rather than an impasse.

Five Techniques to Overcome the Chin Defense

The video outlines five specific techniques that can help you bypass the chin defense to secure a choke effectively.

The instructor in the video, a seasoned BJJ black belt, emphasizes the importance of persistence and technique. “When you encounter a chin-down defense, it’s not the end of your choke attempt; it’s just a call to adjust your technique,” he explains. He further advises, “Use the opponent’s defensive position to your advantage, converting it into a vulnerability by applying pressure in ways they might not expect.”

Mastering these five techniques provides BJJ practitioners with a toolkit for handling a common defensive posture effectively. By learning to adapt to and overcome the chin-down defense, practitioners can significantly enhance their competitive edge and submission success rate. The tutorial not only teaches specific techniques but also imparts a broader lesson in adaptability and creativity in grappling arts.