Bow and Arrow Choke: Back Attack Breakdown

Gripping and Positioning from Back Control

The bow and arrow choke starts from back control or a dominant turtle position. Establish a deep collar grip with your top hand — reach as far across the collar as possible, ideally to the far lapel. The deeper the grip, the more powerful the choke. Your other hand controls their near sleeve or wrist to prevent their hand from peeling your collar grip. Once the collar grip is secure, begin transitioning: remove your top hook and feed your leg through to hook their far leg at the knee or thigh. This leg connection is what gives the technique its name and its power — you extend your body like drawing a bow.

The Finish Mechanics

With your collar grip deep and your leg hooked around their thigh, extend your body away from theirs while pulling the collar grip toward your chest. Your hooked leg pulls them in the opposite direction, creating a rotational torque that collapses the carotid arteries. You end up in a seated position as they are stretched out, hence the bow and arrow shape. The choke is both a blood choke and a pressure choke — properly applied, it is nearly inescapable.

• Deep collar grip — reach to the far lapel for maximum leverage
• Hook the leg above the knee for control during the extension
• Extend your body away while pulling the collar toward your chest

Transitions and Backup Attacks

If your opponent defends the collar grip, transition to a rear naked choke or baseball bat choke depending on how their hands are positioned. If they manage to escape the back, do not release the collar grip — it can become a loop choke as they turn away. Drilling the bow and arrow from the turtle position is also valuable, as many opponents give their back on all fours while defending guard passes, making this a seamless transition for practitioners who have developed the timing.