What is a cross collar choke?

The cross collar choke (or cross choke) is the classic gi submission from mount. You grip deep in both collars with your hands crossed - one hand palm up, one palm down - and squeeze your elbows together while pulling their head toward you. The collar material cuts into both sides of their neck. This choke is fundamental to gi BJJ and Roger Gracie built his legendary career on its perfection. The depth of your grips matters most - get your hands as deep as possible before closing the choke. Cross collar chokes also work from guard and other positions, but mount offers the most control and pressure.