Setting up chokes is an invaluable skill that every serious grappler needs in their submission arsenal.

These chokes are powerful tools whether gi or no gi, sport, mma, self defense, etc.

Turtle position is one of the most common and versatile positions from which to gain an understanding of how these chokes effectively work. A scramble or a sprawl is usually what will make this position happen , and occurs frequently in a variety of contexts.

One of the nastiest chokes is the loop choke. In the vast arsenal of BJJ techniques, loop chokes have a special place. They are by far, some of the gnarliest chokes in Jiu-Jitsu and place a huge torque on your opponent’s unsuspecting neck. They are like guillotines but using the Gi.

Another great thing about loop chokes is that you can set them up from almost any position, wether a dominant or inferior position.

BJJ black belt Eli Knight explains:

“I get asked a lot about what are some of the nastiest, most brutal, etc submissions I know of. So I thought I would kick off a series with some of the nastiest chokes I know. This is obviously not a comprehensive list, but these are some pretty vicious strangulations/chokes/cranks that will definitely get quick taps. Hope you like them.”

Want to develop insane loop choke attacks? Alexandre Vieira is one of the most exciting up and coming grapplers today under the Brazilian Top Team flag.  In 2017, his loop choke submission was chosen as the Submission of the Year by FloGrappling. Alexandre recently put together his Crucifix and Loop Choke 3 volume instructional set.  Alexandre brings a modern outlook to some of the sports most devastating, but sometimes ignored positions, the crucifix and the loop choke.