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Mastering the Gi Choke from the Back: A Technical Guide

Learn the step-by-step technical details for the Gi choke from the back. Featuring expert instruction from Senior Professor Ed Shobe of Legacy BJJ Omaha, this guide covers hooks, seatbelt grips, and the final finish.

The rear mount is widely considered the most dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Once you have taken an opponent’s back, your goal is to transition from control to a finish. The Gi choke (often referred to as the Bow and Arrow or Cross Collar from the back) is highly effective because it uses the opponent’s own uniform as a lever to apply pressure to the carotid arteries.

When executed correctly, this choke requires very little raw strength, relying instead on body positioning and mechanical advantage.

Following the instructions of Senior Professor Ed Shobe, we have broken down this choke in its most fundamental version required for the white belt stripe testing.

Watch: Senior Professor Ed Shobe Gi Choke from Rear Mount

Gi Choke from the Back Guide

Phase 1: Establishing the Foundation

  • Active Hooks: Place your hooks in between the opponent’s legs to maintain control of their lower body.
  • Heel Tension: Keep your feet pointed “in and out” with your heels pulled tight against their thighs.
  • The Backpack: Use the “backpack” method to control the opponent’s back and prevent them from sliding out.
  • The Seatbelt: Establish a seatbelt grip with one arm over (the choking arm) and the other arm under. Place your grip over the choking hand to protect it from being stripped.
  • Head Position: Keep your head down near their ear with “ear-to-ear” tightness to eliminate space.

Phase 2: Setting the Trap

  • The Roll: Sync up your position, then roll your bottom hand out to grab the opponent’s shoulder, establishing shoulder control.
  • The Angle: Turn your body toward the shoulder you are controlling to gain better leverage.
  • The Deep Grip: Open your palm and reach deep into the opponent’s Gi collar.

Phase 3: The Execution

  • The Secondary Grip: Your free hand reaches down near the opponent’s chest level to grab the Gi.
  • The Finish: Point that bottom hand down as you pull. To finish, expand your chest and pull your choking elbow toward the floor for a quick tap.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Mastering the Gi Choke from the Back 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:

Mastering the Gi Choke from the Back: A Technical Guide

Learn the step-by-step technical details for the Gi choke from the back. Featuring expert instruction from Senior Professor Ed Shobe of Legacy BJJ Omaha, this guide covers hooks, seatbelt grips, and the final finish.

The rear mount is widely considered the most dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Once you have taken an opponent’s back, your goal is to transition from control to a finish. The Gi choke (often referred to as the Bow and Arrow or Cross Collar from the back) is highly effective because it uses the opponent’s own uniform as a lever to apply pressure to the carotid arteries.

When executed correctly, this choke requires very little raw strength, relying instead on body positioning and mechanical advantage.

Following the instructions of Senior Professor Ed Shobe, we have broken down this choke in its most fundamental version required for the white belt stripe testing.

Watch: Senior Professor Ed Shobe Gi Choke from Rear Mount

Gi Choke from the Back Guide

Phase 1: Establishing the Foundation

  • Active Hooks: Place your hooks in between the opponent’s legs to maintain control of their lower body.
  • Heel Tension: Keep your feet pointed “in and out” with your heels pulled tight against their thighs.
  • The Backpack: Use the “backpack” method to control the opponent’s back and prevent them from sliding out.
  • The Seatbelt: Establish a seatbelt grip with one arm over (the choking arm) and the other arm under. Place your grip over the choking hand to protect it from being stripped.
  • Head Position: Keep your head down near their ear with “ear-to-ear” tightness to eliminate space.

Phase 2: Setting the Trap

  • The Roll: Sync up your position, then roll your bottom hand out to grab the opponent’s shoulder, establishing shoulder control.
  • The Angle: Turn your body toward the shoulder you are controlling to gain better leverage.
  • The Deep Grip: Open your palm and reach deep into the opponent’s Gi collar.

Phase 3: The Execution

  • The Secondary Grip: Your free hand reaches down near the opponent’s chest level to grab the Gi.
  • The Finish: Point that bottom hand down as you pull. To finish, expand your chest and pull your choking elbow toward the floor for a quick tap.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Mastering the Gi Choke from the Back 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: