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Peruvian Necktie

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

The Peruvian Necktie is a front headlock-based choke applied from the turtle position, using your legs to reinforce the strangle. It is a powerful submission that capitalizes on an opponent’s defensive posture and is especially effective in no-gi and MMA contexts.

Start
Front headlock on turtle
End
Submission
Prerequisites: Front headlock control · Snap-down to turtle · Chin strap grip · Hip sprawl from front headlock

Steps

  1. 1
    Establish the Front Headlock
    From top turtle, secure a chin strap grip with your right arm around their neck and your left hand controlling their triceps or posting on the mat. Keep your chest heavy on their upper back.
  2. 2
    Thread Your Arm Deep
    Slide your right arm deeper under their chin, palm facing up, so your forearm cuts across their throat. Keep your elbow tight to their chest to prevent head escape.
  3. 3
    Feed the Wrist and Post
    Feed your left wrist into your right hand, creating a palm-to-palm (gable) grip or S-grip, and post your left hand on the mat for base if needed.
  4. 4
    Swing Your Leg Over the Head
    Step your left leg over the back of their head, placing your thigh across their neck with your knee pointed toward the mat. Keep your weight centered to prevent them from rolling.
  5. 5
    Sit to the Side
    Sit your hips out to your left side, pulling them slightly forward with your grips. Your right shin should be tight to their shoulder, left thigh over their neck.
  6. 6
    Thread the Second Leg
    Bring your right leg over and across their back, so both legs are draped over their upper body. Pinch your knees together to trap their head and arm.
  7. 7
    Finish the Choke
    Extend your legs downward while pulling up with your grips, using your thighs to compress their head into your choking arm. Keep your elbows tight and flare your wrists for maximal pressure.

Key details most people miss

  • The depth of the chin strap arm is crucial—your forearm must be under the chin, not across the jaw, for a blood choke.
  • Swinging the leg over the head at the right moment prevents the opponent from posturing or rolling out.
  • Pinching your knees together amplifies head control and prevents their escape.
  • Extending the legs down (not just squeezing) increases the strangle and prevents bridging escapes.

Common mistakes

  • If you fail to get your forearm under the chin, the choke becomes a crank and loses effectiveness.
  • If you swing your leg too early, the opponent can duck their head and escape before you secure the position.
  • If your knees are too wide, opponent can posture up or roll to relieve pressure.
  • If you sit back too far, you lose chest connection and allow space for their head to slip out.

Counters & responses

They try: Opponent posts their hand to block your leg from coming over the head
You do: Switch to anaconda choke or threaten a d’arce to force them to retract the arm, then reattempt the leg swing.
They try: Opponent rolls forward to relieve pressure
You do: Follow the roll, keeping your grips, and finish the choke belly-down or transition to back control if the choke fails.
They try: Opponent grabs your choking arm and peels it off
You do: Switch to a gable grip and reinforce with your body weight, or transition to a guillotine if they expose their neck.
They try: Opponent postures up and drives into you
You do: Angle your hips out further and use your legs to anchor their head down, reestablishing the angle for the choke.

Drill prescription

6 rounds × 2 min; 50% resistance; each partner attempts 4 clean Peruvian Necktie setups per round, counting only full lock-ins with both legs over and a tap or clear choke pressure.

How the masters teach it

Videos are still being curated for this technique. AI suggests these instructors:
Tony DeSouza — Originator of the Peruvian Necktie, known for integrating wrestling-style front headlock attacks with leg assistance.Marcelo Garcia — Emphasizes chin strap control and rapid leg swing for high-percentage finishes in no-gi competition.Lachlan Giles — Focuses on precise angle creation and leg positioning to maximize choke efficiency and minimize escapes.Craig Jones — Incorporates the Peruvian Necktie into a broader front headlock system, highlighting transitions to anaconda and d’arce chokes.
#front-headlock#turtle-top#no-gi#choke#submission#long-limbed#mma-legal#fast-transition#gi-optional#upper-body-control