Loop Choke: Complete BJJ Guide - Sneaky Gi Submission

Loop Choke: BJJ’s Sneakiest Submission

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 2, 2026

The Loop Choke is the silent assassin of the gi game. Unlike the Triangle Choke or Armbar, which require large body movements that are easy to spot, the Loop Choke hides in plain sight. It often looks like a lazy collar grip or a failed guard pull—until the trap snaps shut.

This submission is unique because it uses your opponent’s own momentum against them. Whether they are passing your guard, shooting for a takedown, or trying to turtle, the Loop Choke is always there, waiting for them to lower their head. It is a favorite of creative grapplers like Alexandre Vieira and Magid Hage, who have used it to put world-class black belts to sleep in seconds.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the mechanics, the most effective setups from various positions, and the critical details that turn a “nuisance” grip into a “lights out” strangle.

The Mechanics: Why It Works

The Loop Choke is a collar-based strangulation that relies on a “loop” created by your arm and their lapel.

The Grip: It starts with a loose cross-collar grip (fingers inside, thumb out).
The Loop: You thread your hand under their chin and around the side of their neck, creating a noose.
The Fulcrum: Your forearm acts as the bar across the throat, while their own lapel tightens around the back of the neck.
The Head Placement: This is the secret. For the choke to work, you must “loop” your head under your own arm or dive across their body. This rotation tightens the noose instantly.

Setup #1: The Classic Closed Guard Finish

This is the foundational variation every white belt should learn. It teaches you the core rolling mechanic without the chaos of a scramble.

The Grip: From Closed Guard, establish a cross-collar grip. It should be loose—somewhere near their clavicle. If it’s too tight, you can’t loop your hand around.
The Bait: Use your legs to break their posture slightly. You want their head to drop.
The Snap: As they try to posture back up, snap your gripping hand behind their head. Your wrist should curl around their neck like a hook.
The Dive: Use your free hand to push their head down (or grab their leg). Simultaneously, dive your head under your gripping arm’s elbow.
The Finish: Roll to your side (belly down). This rotation tightens the lapel against their carotids. Keep rolling until you are face down or they tap.

Setup #2: The “Knee Tap” from Turtle

One of the best times to hit a Loop Choke is when your opponent is playing a defensive turtle game.

The Entry: When facing a turtled opponent, reach your cross-grip hand deep into their collar (thumb in, fingers out) under their neck.
The Frame: Place your other hand on their far knee (knee tap grip) or hip to prevent them from rolling.
The Sprawl: Drop your weight onto their upper back to keep their head stuck.
The Slide: Slide your gripping hand further through until your wrist bone is cutting into the throat.
The Roll: Roll forward over your own shoulder (like a somersault). This pulls the opponent over you and lands you in a top-side finish, often called the “Cement Mixer”.

Setup #3: The “Butterfly Guard” Surprise

When playing Butterfly Guard, opponents often lead with their head to pass. This is a trap.

The Grip: Establish that same loose cross-collar grip.
The Snap Down: Snap their head down into the space between your legs.
The Overhook: Use your free arm to overhook their head (guillotine style) to keep it in place.
The Loop: Feed your gripping hand behind their neck.
The Butterfly Sweep: Initiate a butterfly sweep to the side of the choking arm. Even if the sweep fails, the motion tightens the choke. If they post a hand to stop the sweep, the choke sinks in even deeper.

Advanced Variation: The “Rolling Loop” vs. Takedowns

This is the signature move of Alexandre Vieira. It turns a defensive sprawl into an offensive finish.

The Scenario: Opponent shoots for a Single Leg Takedown.
The Reaction: Instead of just sprawling, feed your cross-collar grip immediately.
The Sacrifice: Drop to your hip and roll underneath them. Your body weight pulls them over, and because their head is trapped in the loop, they land directly in the choke.
The Caution: You must commit fully. If you hesitate, you just gave up a takedown and 2 points.

Defense: How to survive the Noose

If you feel a loose collar grip, be paranoid. The Loop Choke comes on fast.

The Elbow Push: The moment you feel the grip go behind your neck, use your hand to push their elbow up and over your head. If their elbow clears your head, the loop is broken.
Posture Up: Do not let your head get snapped down. If your head stays above their shoulders, the choke has no leverage.
Roll With It: If they initiate the roll, you must roll with them. Do not fight the momentum. Roll through to relieve the pressure, then scramble to free your head.

Troubleshooting: Why Your Choke Is Failing

Mistake #1: The Grip is Too Tight.
- The Fix: Loosen up. You need slack in the gi to wrap around their neck. If your grip is right behind their ear, you have no rope left to hang them with.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the Head Dive.
- The Fix: You cannot finish this just by pulling. You must rotate your body. Your head needs to go under your arm to create the torsion.
Mistake #3: Wrong Wrist Position.
- The Fix: Flex your wrist. The “blade” of your wrist (radius bone) should be cutting into the neck, not the flat part of your forearm.

Conclusion

The Loop Choke is a weapon of opportunity. It is rarely a primary attack plan, but it is the ultimate punishment for an opponent who gets lazy with their head position.

Start by drilling the setup from Closed Guard to understand the mechanics. Once you feel the “snap” of the choke tightening, start looking for it everywhere—from passing, from turtle, and even when defending takedowns.