The Sliding Collar Choke is a gi-based submission executed primarily from the back mount position, utilizing the opponent's own lapels to compress both carotid arteries simultaneously. Originating from Kodokan Judo, where it is known as Okuri-eri-jime ("sliding lapel strangle"), this technique transitioned seamlessly into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu due to its effectiveness and reliability. Historically, its efficacy was prominently showcased during the 1964 Olympic Judo tournament, solidifying its reputation as a high-percentage choke. At the 2022 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the Sliding Collar Choke ranked as the most successful submission among adult black belt competitors, underscoring its continued relevance in modern competition.

The Sliding Collar Choke relies heavily on precise grip placement and leveraging mechanics. From the back mount, the attacker inserts their thumb deeply into the opponent's collar, aligning the wrist and forearm firmly against one side of the opponent's neck. The second hand reaches under the opponent's opposite armpit, gripping the far collar or lapel to remove slack and anchor the choke. By pulling the choking arm's elbow backward and simultaneously driving the second hand downward, the attacker generates opposing forces that compress the carotid arteries. Proper alignment, tight collar tension, and controlled body positioning are essential, as the choke primarily restricts blood flow rather than airflow, leading to rapid submission.

1. Establish a Deep Initial Grip: From back mount, slide your thumb deeply into the opponent's collar, ensuring your wrist bone presses firmly against their neck.
2. Secure the Second Grip: With your opposite hand, reach under the opponent's armpit and grip the far collar or lapel, removing any slack.
3. Execute the Levering Motion: Pull your choking arm's elbow straight back while simultaneously pulling your second hand downward toward the opponent's hip.
4. Finalize Body Positioning: Keep your elbows close to your ribs, arch your hips forward, and press your chest firmly into the opponent's back. Slightly extend backward, bringing the opponent's head toward your chest, maximizing choking pressure and quickly inducing submission.

Grip and Positioning Errors

• Shallow Initial Collar Grip: A shallow grip reduces compression, making the choke difficult to finish.
• Incorrect Pulling Direction or Slack: Pulling sideways rather than downward with the second hand can loosen the choke and reduce effectiveness.

Defensive Opportunities for Opponent

• Allowing Chin Tucking: Hesitation allows the opponent to tuck their chin, creating a barrier against the choke.
• Neglecting Back Control: Losing positional stability or crossing ankles can lead to escapes or counters.

Execution Errors

• Overexertion and Telegraphing: Excessive force or repeated tugging alerts the opponent and exhausts the attacker, diminishing the choke's effectiveness.

Effective defense against the Sliding Collar Choke involves proactive grip fighting, positional awareness, and timely escapes:

Early Prevention

• Grip Fighting: Immediately control the attacker's choking arm using a two-on-one grip to prevent deep collar insertion.
• Chin Tucking and Posture Adjustments: Tuck your chin and elevate your shoulders to create defensive barriers against the choke.

Positional Escapes

• Turning into the Choking Arm Side: Rotate your body toward the choking arm side, aiming to place your back flat on the mat and escape back control.
• Exploiting Positional Mistakes: If the attacker crosses their ankles, apply an ankle lock counter by bridging your hips over their crossed feet.

The Sliding Collar Choke remains a highly effective submission in gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. Practitioners frequently set up this choke from turtle positions or by feeding the opponent's lapel to achieve deeper grips. Strategically, it pairs seamlessly with related submissions such as the Bow and Arrow Choke and the Rear Naked Choke, creating submission dilemmas for opponents. Even when unsuccessful, the Sliding Collar Choke attempt reinforces dominant back control, maintaining positional advantage. Elite competitors, including Roger Gracie and Xande Ribeiro, have consistently demonstrated the choke's reliability and effectiveness at the highest levels of competition.