Bow and Arrow Choke BJJ from Back Control
BJJ Chokes

Bow and
Arrow

The highest percentage gi choke from back control. Grip the collar, stretch the body, and finish with devastating leverage.

The Key Insight

Stretch Like A Bow.
Shoot Like An Arrow.

The Bow and Arrow creates mechanical advantage through opposing forces. One hand pulls the collar across the throat, the other pulls the leg away. Your body stretches in the opposite direction.

01

Grip The Collar

From back control, reach across and grip their far collar deep—knuckles against their neck. This is your primary choking grip.

02

Leg Over Face

Pass your leg over their face/neck. This blocks them from turning toward you and adds control. Your thigh pins their shoulder.

03

Stretch And Finish

Grip their pants at the knee. Now stretch—pull the collar one way, the leg the other. Your body extends like drawing a bow. Tap.

The Arsenal

3 Grips.
Same Stretch.

The stretch is the same. The grip varies based on their defense and gi availability.

Classic 01

Cross Collar
Bow Arrow

Reach across and grip their far lapel. The classic version—deep grip, maximum choke. Most common in competition.

Best For
Competition Deep Collar
Alternative 02

Same Side
Collar Grip

Grip their near side collar instead of crossing over. Less powerful but faster to set up when they’re defending the cross grip.

Best For
Quick Setup Defense Counter
Belt Grip 03

Belt Instead
Of Pants

Instead of gripping the pants, grab their belt. Provides different angle and can be stronger when pants grip isn’t available.

Best For
Belt Access Alternative Angle
Bow and Arrow Choke Mechanics - Collar Grip and Leg Position

The
Opposing
Forces

The Bow and Arrow works through mechanical advantage. You’re not squeezing—you’re stretching their body in opposite directions while the collar cuts across their throat.

  • Deep Collar Grip

    Your grip should be DEEP—four fingers inside the collar, knuckles pressed against their neck. Shallow grips won’t finish.

  • Leg Over The Face

    Your leg passes over their face/neck area. This blocks them from turning toward you and pins their upper body in place.

  • Stretch Everything

    Pull their collar toward you, push their leg away, and arch your back. Three opposing forces = devastating choke.

Why You Fail

3 Mistakes
That Kill Your Bow Arrow

✕

Shallow Collar Grip

If you only have two fingers in the collar, it’s not deep enough. Get four fingers in, knuckles against their neck. The deeper the grip, the faster the tap.

✕

No Leg Control

If you forget the pants grip, they can spin out. You need to anchor their lower body while pulling their upper body. Both grips matter.

✕

Squeezing Instead Of Stretching

This isn’t an arm choke—it’s a leverage choke. Stop squeezing with your arms. Stretch your body away, arch your back, create distance. The stretch finishes it.

Setup Windows

4 Ways
To The Position

The Bow and Arrow starts from back control. Here are the best moments to transition to the finish.

01

Failed RNC Defense

They defend the RNC by grabbing your arm. Switch to Bow and Arrow—their hands are busy.

02

Back Take Entry

As you take the back, immediately establish collar grip before they settle. Finish before they can defend.

03

Collar Drag Setup

You already have collar control from the drag. Keep it as you take the back—you’re halfway there.

04

Turtle Breakdown

They turtle, you break them down to their side. Collar is exposed—grab it and start the stretch.

Back Attack System

Related Techniques

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