Setting up a Choke

We’ll leave the discussion of how to get behind your partner for another post and just assume you’ve managed that (quite difficult) portion of the set up.   The first step, once your there, is to get your hooks in.

Your hooks are your feet.  The purpose of the hooks is to take your partner’s hips out of the fight.  One method is to bring your feet on to the inner thighs of your partner and then pull in and down with your legs.  Another method is to use a figure four lock around your partner’s waist (as in the photo), where one shin goes across their midline and that same leg’s foot tucks into your opposite knee. It’s almost like doing a triangle choke, but on your partner’s ribs/stomach.  Whatever method you choose, be wary of leaving your ankles exposed, as a savvy wrestler will crank on them causing you to tap, which is awfully embarrassing when you’ve got such a strong positional advantage.

Alright.  So you’ve got your hooks in.  Next, slide one arm in, putting the crook of your elbow just below your partner’s chin.  So long as they don’t tuck their chin in, this should place your forearm on one side of their neck and your biceps on the other.  Don’t leave them any space to squirm.  Grab your other arm by the biceps and grab the back of your partner’s head with this auxiliary arm.  Press your ear against the back of your partner’s head to help take up space and to help prevent any backwards headbutts.  Finally, lay back slowly, press up with your hips and constrict your choking arm.

Are there problems that will arise?  Definitely.  If not, you’re probably working with a partner who isn’t offering you enough resistance.  Practice the technique.  Practice it with 10% resistance… then 20%… then 30%… etc.