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Cross Collar Choke from Guard – BJJ Guide

Learn the Cross Collar Choke from Closed Guard with Senior Professor Ed Shobe. Discover the ‘Laundry Tag’ grip and the 45-degree posture rule for the Legacy BJJ Omaha white belt stripe testing.

The Cross Collar Choke is the definitive submission of the closed guard. While it is one of the first attacks you learn, it is also one of the most difficult to master because it requires perfect “invisible” details.

For the White Belt Stripe Test, Senior Professor Ed Shobe is looking for deep grips and posture control. If your grips are shallow, you aren’t just losing the choke—you’re losing control of the fight.

Watch: Professor Ed Cross Collar Choke from Guard – BJJ Guide

Step-by-Step Cross Collar Choke from Guard

1. The Setup: C-Grip & Posture Control

  • The C-Grip: Start in a classic closed guard. Use your left hand to establish a C-Grip on the opponent’s sleeve/elbow area (middle finger and thumb on the outside). This prevents them from posting or framing effectively.
  • The First Grip: Your right hand goes deep into the opponent’s collar.
  • The “Laundry Tag” Rule: Your goal is to get your hand as deep as possible—aim for the laundry tag at the back of their neck.

2. The 45-Degree Rule

  • Angle of the Arm: Your right arm should be held at a 45-degree angle. This allows you to pull the opponent down and break their posture.
  • The Golden Rule: Never attack the choke when your arm is straight. A straight arm has no leverage and makes you vulnerable to being countered or having your posture broken.

3. Opening the Path

  • Changing the Angle: Shift your hips slightly toward your C-grip hand.
  • The “X” Formation: Open the opponent’s elbow with your left hand and slide that hand underneath your primary attacking arm.
  • Deepening the Grip: Insert four fingers into the lower part of their Gi collar.Pro Tip: If you can’t get that second hand deep enough, slightly “flare” or open your top attacking arm. This creates a pocket of space that allows you to shove your bottom hand deeper into the collar.

4. The Finish: The Motorcycle Grip

  • Wrist Alignment: Once both hands are set, apply a “Motorcycle Grip.” This means curling your wrists inward (like revving a bike) to eliminate any slack in the Gi.
  • The Squeeze: Bring your elbows toward your own ribs and pull the opponent into your chest using your legs. Do not just pull with your arms; use your entire body to finish the strangulation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Shallow Grips: If your first hand isn’t touching the back of their neck, the opponent will simply “post” their head up and escape.
  • Floating Elbows: Keep your elbows tucked. Flaring your elbows out wide makes the choke weaker and allows the opponent to duck their head inside.
  • Ignoring the Legs: The choke is 50% arms and 50% legs. Use your knees to pull the opponent toward you as you apply the wrist pressure.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Mastering the Cross Collar Choke from Guard is a rite of passage for every white belt at Legacy BJJ. If you are preparing for your next stripe test or simply want to sharpen your finishing mechanics, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates:

Cross Collar Choke from Guard – BJJ Guide

Learn the Cross Collar Choke from Closed Guard with Senior Professor Ed Shobe. Discover the ‘Laundry Tag’ grip and the 45-degree posture rule for the Legacy BJJ Omaha white belt stripe testing.

The Cross Collar Choke is the definitive submission of the closed guard. While it is one of the first attacks you learn, it is also one of the most difficult to master because it requires perfect “invisible” details.

For the White Belt Stripe Test, Senior Professor Ed Shobe is looking for deep grips and posture control. If your grips are shallow, you aren’t just losing the choke—you’re losing control of the fight.

Watch: Professor Ed Cross Collar Choke from Guard – BJJ Guide

Step-by-Step Cross Collar Choke from Guard

1. The Setup: C-Grip & Posture Control

  • The C-Grip: Start in a classic closed guard. Use your left hand to establish a C-Grip on the opponent’s sleeve/elbow area (middle finger and thumb on the outside). This prevents them from posting or framing effectively.
  • The First Grip: Your right hand goes deep into the opponent’s collar.
  • The “Laundry Tag” Rule: Your goal is to get your hand as deep as possible—aim for the laundry tag at the back of their neck.

2. The 45-Degree Rule

  • Angle of the Arm: Your right arm should be held at a 45-degree angle. This allows you to pull the opponent down and break their posture.
  • The Golden Rule: Never attack the choke when your arm is straight. A straight arm has no leverage and makes you vulnerable to being countered or having your posture broken.

3. Opening the Path

  • Changing the Angle: Shift your hips slightly toward your C-grip hand.
  • The “X” Formation: Open the opponent’s elbow with your left hand and slide that hand underneath your primary attacking arm.
  • Deepening the Grip: Insert four fingers into the lower part of their Gi collar.Pro Tip: If you can’t get that second hand deep enough, slightly “flare” or open your top attacking arm. This creates a pocket of space that allows you to shove your bottom hand deeper into the collar.

4. The Finish: The Motorcycle Grip

  • Wrist Alignment: Once both hands are set, apply a “Motorcycle Grip.” This means curling your wrists inward (like revving a bike) to eliminate any slack in the Gi.
  • The Squeeze: Bring your elbows toward your own ribs and pull the opponent into your chest using your legs. Do not just pull with your arms; use your entire body to finish the strangulation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Shallow Grips: If your first hand isn’t touching the back of their neck, the opponent will simply “post” their head up and escape.
  • Floating Elbows: Keep your elbows tucked. Flaring your elbows out wide makes the choke weaker and allows the opponent to duck their head inside.
  • Ignoring the Legs: The choke is 50% arms and 50% legs. Use your knees to pull the opponent toward you as you apply the wrist pressure.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Mastering the Cross Collar Choke from Guard is a rite of passage for every white belt at Legacy BJJ. If you are preparing for your next stripe test or simply want to sharpen your finishing mechanics, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates: