SubmissionBack-take gi chokeBelt: blue+Risk: moderateIBJJFNo-GiSub-OnlyADCCMMA
The Bow & Arrow Choke is a powerful gi submission executed from back control, using the opponent's collar and a strong rotational pull to isolate and strangle the neck. Its leverage and control make it one of the highest-percentage finishes in gi competition, especially when the opponent is defending traditional rear naked chokes.
Start
Back control with seatbelt
End
Submission
Prerequisites: Seatbelt grip retention · Collar grip breaking · Leg threading from back · Cross-collar choke mechanics
Steps
1
Establish deep collar grip
From seatbelt back control, use your choking hand to grip deep into the opponent's far-side collar (palm up), aiming to bury your thumb behind their neck with your knuckles tight to their jawline.
2
Open lapel and feed for maximum depth
With your support hand, open the opponent's near-side lapel and feed it to your choking hand, ensuring the grip is as deep as possible—ideally with your wrist bone against their carotid artery.
3
Thread your leg across opponent’s body
Release your seatbelt underhook and swing your same-side leg over the opponent’s far-side shoulder, placing your knee behind their head and your shin across their upper back.
4
Anchor the far pant leg
With your free hand, reach across the opponent’s body and grip their far-side pant leg at the knee, pulling it toward you to prevent them from rotating or escaping.
5
Rotate your body perpendicular
Turn your torso so you are nearly perpendicular to your opponent, aligning your chest with their shoulder line, and flare your elbow out to maximize tension on the collar.
6
Extend your leg and pull for the finish
Simultaneously pull the collar with your choking hand and the pant leg with your other hand, while extending your leg away from their head in a bow-and-arrow motion, tightening the choke across their neck.
7
Maintain head and hip control
Keep your knee tight behind the opponent’s head and your hips close to their back to prevent them from turning in or posturing out, maintaining full control until the tap.
Key details most people miss
The choking hand grip must be palm-up and as deep as possible—shallow grips allow the opponent to survive or peel your hand.
Your shin placement behind the opponent’s head is critical for immobilizing their posture and maximizing choke pressure.
Pulling the pant leg is not just for control—it creates rotational force, making the choke nearly inescapable.
Flaring your choking elbow outward (not just pulling back) increases the cutting pressure on the carotid artery.
Common mistakes
If your collar grip is too shallow, the choke will lack pressure and the opponent can peel your hand off.
Failing to anchor the pant leg allows the opponent to rotate and escape the back.
Letting your knee slip off the opponent’s head gives them space to posture and relieve choke pressure.
Trying to finish with your body parallel to theirs reduces leverage and makes the choke easy to defend.
Counters & responses
They try: Opponent tucks their chin tightly
You do: Slide your choking arm deeper by rotating your wrist and using your forearm to lift their chin before extending for the finish.
They try: Opponent grabs your choking wrist
You do: Switch your grip to reinforce with your support hand (double collar grip) or transition to an armbar if they overcommit.
They try: Opponent bridges and turns toward your leg
You do: Use your pant grip to pull them back into alignment and adjust your angle to stay perpendicular.
They try: Opponent strips your pant grip
You do: Switch to a cross-collar grip with both hands and finish with a standard cross-collar choke from the back.
Drill prescription
5 rounds × 3 minutes; 50% resistance; goal: 4 clean finishes per round with partner attempting realistic chin tucks and grip breaks.
How the masters teach it
Roger Gracie
Emphasizes maximum collar depth and methodical grip fighting for a nearly unstoppable finish.
Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics
Marcelo Garcia
Focuses on seamless transition from seatbelt to bow & arrow when opponents defend the rear naked choke.