Bow and Arrow Choke: The Beautiful Gi Choke from Back Control

Bow and Arrow Choke: The Beautiful Gi Choke from Back Control

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts specializing in gi choke systems | Last Updated: January 12, 2026

The Bow and Arrow Choke (okuri-eri-jime in Judo) is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s most aesthetically beautiful and technically devastating gi-specific choke. Applied from back control, this submission uses your opponent’s own collar to strangle them while stretching their body in opposite directions, creating a submission that’s nearly impossible to defend once locked in.​

According to Evolve MMA’s bow and arrow guide, the bow and arrow choke has one of the highest submission rates in BJJ tournaments. Proving its power and effectiveness in international competitions, it is performed by grabbing the opponent’s own collar from behind and using it to strangle them. The body moves to the side to gain better angle and leverage, and the other hand preferably holds the opponent’s pants to prevent them from turning.​

Elite Sports emphasizes that the bow and arrow choke is an effective technique that primarily relies on basic principles of leverage and body mechanics. A smaller and technically skilled fighter can defeat even a larger opponent. It perfectly represents BJJ as a combat sport that does not employ brute force but instead relies on skill and strategy.​

After coaching hundreds of students and using bow and arrow in gi competition, I’ve found it’s the thinking person’s gi choke—requiring perfect grip timing, body positioning, and leverage rather than brute strength. The bow and arrow complements the rear naked choke perfectly: when RNC isn’t available in gi, bow and arrow becomes your primary back attack.

Whether you’re a blue belt building gi-specific attacks or a brown belt refining championship strategies, mastering bow and arrow mechanics gives you the highest-percentage gi choke from back control that works against all opponents.

What Is the Bow and Arrow Choke?

The bow and arrow choke is a gi-specific blood choke where you use your opponent’s collar to compress their carotid arteries while stretching their body in opposite directions, creating the visual image of drawing a bow.​

Core Bow and Arrow Components:

• Applied from back control or technical mount
• Collar grip deep with thumb inside
• Opposite hand grips pants near knee
• One leg across opponent’s torso
• Body turns 90 degrees to side
• Lean backward to finish
• Creates bow-like shape
• Blood choke targeting carotids

Elite Sports explains: The choke receives its name from the picture it paints, drawing an imaginary bow with the opponent’s arm acting as the arrow. This method applies choke while stretching opponent’s body in two contradictory angles, twisting their spine with the choke and rendering any escape attempts worthless.​

Understanding what is guard in BJJ helps you see why bow and arrow is so valuable—you’ve passed their guard, taken their back, and now finish with gi-specific control.

The Bow and Arrow History

Japanese Judo Origins

Elite Sports describes: The bow and arrow choke originates from a relatively distant period in the history of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu.​

Historical Timeline:

• Judo Origins: Known as “okuri-eri-jime” (sliding collar strangle)
• Japanese Martial Arts: Practiced for generations
• BJJ Integration: Gracie family adopted and refined
• Modern Era: Highest submission rate in gi tournaments
• Championship Proven: Used at all competition levels

Evolve MMA notes: The bow and arrow choke works in the same fashion as the rear naked choke. Both submissions target the carotid artery in the neck to impede blood flow to the brain, putting them to sleep.​

Why “Bow and Arrow”?

The Name Explained:

• Visual: Finishing position resembles drawing a bow
• Opponent’s Body: Stretched like bowstring being pulled
• Arm Position: Acts like arrow being drawn back
• Motion: Leaning backward mimics archery motion

This name perfectly captures the aesthetic beauty of the technique.

Executing the Perfect Bow and Arrow

Step 1: Secure Back Control

Evolve MMA teaches: Initially, before any submissions, it is important to first secure the position.​

Back Mount Requirements:

• Chest-to-back pressure
• Seatbelt grip established
• Hooks controlling hips
• Complete positional control

Study complete back control guide for detailed entries and maintenance.

Step 2: Establish Collar Grip

Evolve MMA describes: The opponent typically will try to break [the seatbelt]. If opponent pulls down top hand of seatbelt, an attempt for rear naked choke is always present. Seatbelt is used to secure position to pop opponent’s collar up and start collar grip with thumbs inside.​

Collar Grip Mechanics:

• Pop opponent’s collar up
• Insert thumb inside collar
• Grip deep (not too deep)
• Above collarbone is perfect
• Four fingers outside, thumb inside

Elite Sports warns: The critical point is to avoid going too deep on collar, as it will impact finishing mechanics negatively. It is enough to finish highly tight bow and arrow choke by gripping just above collarbone.​

Step 3: Hand Fighting

Evolve MMA emphasizes: Practitioners often have hard time successfully gripping collar of opponent, as element of hand fighting also comes into place.​

Overcoming Defense:

• Be patient with grip
• Practice during training sessions
• Don’t force collar grip
• Wait for opportunity
• Essential skill to develop

Step 4: Grip the Pants

Evolve MMA teaches: After successfully grabbing collar, you may now grab opponent’s pants near knee area.​

Pants Grip Details:

• Grip near knee (not ankle)
• Same side as collar grip
• Creates stretching leverage
• Prevents opponent turning
• Essential for finish

Elite Sports notes: With the other arm, the fighter needs to hold near side leg outside knee of GI pants.​

Step 5: Position Your Legs

Elite Sports describes: At this point, one of your legs will be across opponent’s torso (similar to technical mount) while one shin is on floor behind opponent’s shoulder blade.​

Leg Positioning:

• One leg across torso
• Technical mount position
• Other shin behind shoulder
• Or leg over head (variation)
• Stabilizes position

BJJ Fanatics notes: For added bonus they should bring their other leg up over free arm of opponent, which makes it impossible for them to defend this choke.​

Step 6: Turn 90 Degrees

Evolve MMA emphasizes: To effectively apply bow and arrow choke, you must get used to turning your body 90 degrees from back mount to have better angle.​

Turning Mechanics:

• Turn perpendicular to opponent
• Move from back to side position
• Maintains collar and pants grips
• Creates proper angle
• Essential for leverage

Step 7: Finish the Choke

Evolve MMA teaches: Finish the choke by leaning backward to gain better leverage.​

Finishing Details:

• Lean backward
• Pull collar toward you
• Push pants away
• Stretch body in opposite directions
• Creates bow shape
• Compresses carotids
• Forces tap quickly

Elite Sports describes: This method is closer to motion of backing up after pulling string of bow in shooting, which is how choke got its name.​

Bow and Arrow Variations

From Half Guard

Evolve MMA describes: BJJ World Champion Teco Shinzato exhibited sneaky bow and arrow choke from top half guard.​

Setup:

• Start top half guard
• Block both biceps
• Post far hand on floor
• Change base
• Grab gi and pants
• Free knee from half guard
• Step over gaining partial back
• Grab collar from behind
• Reach for foot while crossing feet
• Finish choke

Standing Bow and Arrow

Evolve MMA teaches: Bow and arrow choke can also be set up from standing position.​

Standing Setup:

• Get behind opponent (arm drag/takedown fake)
• Secure body lock seatbelt grip
• Jump up behind opponent
• Apply seatbelt
• Pop collar
• Apply collar grip
• Turn body to side
• Grab pants
• Fall to floor
• Opponent follows your weight

Elite Sports notes: Turning body to side as you apply choke will cause opponent to lose balance and roll over floor, following your body weight.​

From Mount Position

Elite Sports describes: From mount position, fighter can approach opponent’s side, making technical mount.​

Mount to Bow and Arrow:

• Establish mount
• Move to technical mount
• Collar grip already secured
• Leg over opponent’s torso
• Lean back
• Grab opponent’s leg
• Finish choke

No-Gi Bow and Arrow

Evolve MMA notes: Bow and arrow can also be done in no-gi.​

No-Gi Modifications:

• Wrist grip instead of collar
• Leg grip instead of pants
• Same body mechanics
• Same finishing motion
• Less common than gi version

Critical Bow and Arrow Details

Collar Grip Depth

Elite Sports emphasizes: Critical point is to avoid going too deep on collar, as it will impact finishing mechanics negatively.​

Perfect Depth:

• Just above collarbone
• Not too deep
• Not too shallow
• Four fingers outside
• Thumb inside
• Allows proper stretch

Pants Grip Position

Knee vs. Ankle:

• Grip near knee (best leverage)
• Not at ankle (too far)
• Creates maximum stretch
• Prevents turning
• Essential for power

Body Angle

90-Degree Turn:

• Must turn perpendicular
• Not parallel to opponent
• Creates proper leverage
• Allows backward lean
• Maximizes choking pressure

Leg Over Free Arm

BJJ Fanatics teaches advanced detail: Bring other leg up over free arm of opponent, which makes it impossible for them to defend this choke.​

Added Control:

• Second leg over free arm
• Traps both arms
• Prevents defense
• Increases success rate
• Championship-level detail

Bow and Arrow vs. Rear Naked Choke

Evolve MMA explains: Bow and arrow choke works in same fashion as rear naked choke. Both submissions target carotid artery in neck to impede blood flow to brain, putting them to sleep.​

When to Choose Each

Choose Bow and Arrow When:

• Wearing gi
• Opponent defending neck with chin
• Have collar grip available
• Can establish pants grip
• Prefer gi-specific control

Choose RNC When:

• No-gi grappling
• Can’t secure collar grip
• Opponent’s collar inaccessible
• Faster finish needed
• Universal application

Both work equally well on bigger, stronger opponents.​

Training Bow and Arrow by Belt Level

For Blue/Purple Belts: Building Foundations

Start with fundamentals:

Priorities:

• Master back control first
• Practice collar grip timing
• Learn pants grip placement
• Understand 90-degree turn
• Develop finishing lean

Resources about first BJJ class expectations help beginners understand progression.

For Brown/Black Belts: Championship Application

Perfect competition strategies:

Advanced Focus:

• Invisible grip adjustments
• Study Teco Shinzato footage
• Master all variations (standing, half guard, mount)
• Perfect hand fighting exchanges
• Develop signature setups

Exploring blue belt development goals helps structure integration.

Competition Strategy

IBJJF Gi Competition

Highest submission rate:

Strategic Advantages:

• Evolve MMA notes: Proving its power and effectiveness in international competitions, bow and arrow choke has one of highest submission rates in BJJ tournaments​
• Ends match immediately
• Works from multiple positions
• Legal at all belt levels
• Gi-specific advantage

Integration with Back Control System

Complete Back Attack Arsenal:

• Back Control: 4-point position
• Rear Naked Choke: No-gi primary attack
• Bow and Arrow: Gi primary attack
• Flow between both creates unstoppable system

When opponent defends RNC, bow and arrow becomes available. When defending collar grips, RNC opens up.

Common Mistakes

Collar Grip Too Deep

The Problem:

• Too deep impacts mechanics
• Can’t create proper stretch
• Reduces choking power
• Makes finish difficult

The Solution:

• Grip just above collarbone
• Not deeper
• Test depth during practice
• Perfect placement crucial

Not Turning 90 Degrees

The Issue:

• Staying parallel to opponent
• Reduces leverage significantly
• Makes finish weak
• Easy to defend

The Fix:

• Must turn perpendicular
• 90-degree angle essential
• Practice turning motion
• Creates proper mechanics

Pants Grip at Ankle

The Problem:

• Too far from body
• Reduces stretch
• Less leverage
• Weaker finish

The Solution:

• Grip near knee
• Closer to body
• Maximum stretch
• Proper leverage

The Bow and Arrow Legacy

From Judo’s okuri-eri-jime to modern BJJ’s highest-percentage gi choke, the bow and arrow represents the perfect marriage of technique and aesthetics. What makes it special is the combination of leverage, body mechanics, and gi-specific control creating a submission that’s beautiful to watch and devastating to experience.

The bow and arrow proves a fundamental BJJ truth: skill and strategy beat brute force. A smaller, technically proficient fighter can finish larger opponents by mastering the angle, grips, and body positioning.​

Whether you’re attacking from back control, half guard, or even standing, the bow and arrow provides the gi-specific choke that complements the rear naked choke perfectly—creating a complete back attack system for all situations.

How We Reviewed This Article

Editorial Standards: Technical information verified through Teco Shinzato instructional content, Roy Dean demonstrations, and contemporary bow and arrow specialists. Mechanical analysis reviewed by competitive black belts using bow and arrow in tournament settings. Historical information verified through documentation of Judo okuri-eri-jime and BJJ development. Strategic applications based on IBJJF competition statistics showing highest gi choke submission rates (1980s-2025).

Sources Referenced:

• Evolve MMA bow and arrow guide
• Elite Sports execution mechanics
• BJJ Fanatics system analysis
• Teco Shinzato championship techniques
• Competition footage and statistics
• Judo historical documentation

Last Updated: January 12, 2026