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Japanese Necktie

SubmissionNo-gi turtle chokeBelt: blue+Risk: moderateADCCNo-GiSub-OnlyMMA

The Japanese Necktie is a front headlock-based choke executed from top turtle or sprawl, blending elements of the D'Arce and Peruvian necktie. Its unique grip and finishing angle allow for a powerful strangle that is difficult to defend once locked, making it a potent submission in no-gi and MMA contexts.

Start
Front headlock on turtle
End
Submission
Prerequisites: Front headlock control · Snap-down from standing or sprawl · Threading the D'Arce grip · Chin strap grip · Rolling an opponent from turtle

Steps

  1. 1
    Establish Front Headlock
    From top turtle, secure a chin strap grip with your right arm around their head and your right hand cupping under their chin, left hand controlling their far armpit or triceps.
  2. 2
    Thread the D'Arce-Style Arm
    Slide your right arm deeper under their neck, reaching through to their far armpit, palm facing up, while your left arm threads under their near-side arm to meet your right hand.
  3. 3
    Lock the Necktie Grip
    Connect your hands palm-to-palm in a gable grip, keeping your right forearm tight against their carotid and your left elbow flared to prevent their arm from slipping out.
  4. 4
    Step Over the Head
    Bring your left knee up and step your left leg over the back of their head, planting your left foot on the mat to trap their skull and prevent them from rolling away.
  5. 5
    Angle Off Perpendicular
    Rotate your body to a 45° angle to their spine, chest heavy on their upper back, ensuring your hips are off the mat and weight is driving into their shoulders.
  6. 6
    Roll to Finish Position
    Roll your body towards your left shoulder, pulling them with you so they are forced onto their side or back, maintaining the grip and leg position.
  7. 7
    Apply the Choke
    Squeeze your elbows together, drive your chest into the back of their head, and pull your gable grip up towards their shoulder, using your left leg to anchor their head in place for maximal pressure.

Key details most people miss

  • The left leg must step high and tight over the base of the opponent's skull to prevent them from turning in or escaping the head.
  • Keep your right forearm blade directly across the opponent's carotid, not the trachea, for a blood choke rather than a crank.
  • Your chest should be angled and heavy on their upper back, not square, to maximize the squeeze and prevent their escape.
  • The gable grip should be palm-to-palm, not fingers, to prevent grip slippage under pressure.
  • Initiate the roll only when the choke structure is fully locked to avoid losing the head during transition.

Common mistakes

  • Failing to step the leg tightly over the head allows the opponent to turn in and escape the choke.
  • Letting the right forearm slip under the chin turns the choke into a neck crank and reduces finishing efficiency.
  • Rolling before securing the grip causes the opponent's head to slip out, nullifying the submission threat.
  • Leaving the chest too high or hips on the mat reduces pressure and gives space for the opponent to defend.
  • Using a loose gable grip leads to grip breakage when the opponent bridges or bucks.

Counters & responses

They try: Opponent posts their far arm to block the roll
You do: Switch to a standard D'Arce choke by threading your arm deeper and walking your hips around to finish from the side.
They try: Opponent tucks their chin tightly to defend the choke entry
You do: Use your chin strap grip to lift their head and snap them forward, creating space to thread your arm for the choke.
They try: Opponent grabs your stepping leg to prevent you from stepping over their head
You do: Switch to a Peruvian necktie by posting your leg over their back and sitting out to the side for the finish.
They try: Opponent rolls explosively as you initiate the finish
You do: Maintain chest pressure and follow the roll, keeping your grip tight and leg over their head to finish from the new angle.

Drill prescription

5 rounds × 3 minutes; partner resists at 50% by turtling and hand-fighting; goal: 4 clean Japanese Necktie finishes per round with full step-over and roll sequence.

How the masters teach it

Videos are still being curated for this technique. AI suggests these instructors:
Lachlan Giles — Known for detailed breakdowns of the Japanese Necktie, emphasizing grip structure and finishing mechanics in no-gi competition.Craig Jones — Frequently uses the Japanese Necktie in high-level ADCC matches, focusing on seamless transitions from failed D'Arce attempts.Rafael Lovato Jr — Adapts the necktie for gi and no-gi, highlighting the importance of angle and leg positioning for control.John Danaher — Systematizes the necktie within his front headlock series, teaching precise timing for the step-over and roll.
#front-headlock#turtle-top#no-gi#submission#choke#long-limbed#adcc-legal#mma-legal#transitional-attack#d'arce-variant