In this technique video, we have multiple time champion Ffion Davies showing how to properly execute a head and arm choke. Davies, a former member of the Welsh National Judo team, is currently one of the best grapplers on the planet having just recently won the IBJJF Euros. She has some great details for both setting up and finishing the choke.
The Technique
Ffion demonstrates the set up of the head and arm (or arm triangle) starting from the mount position. She starts with the mechanics of how the choke actually works, by compressing an opponent’s carotid arteries with your bicep on one side and the opponent’s own arm on the other.
She begins by hooking her arm around the opponent’s head, grabbing the crossface. At the same time, she pushes the opponent’s opposite side shoulder across their body so that it’s now wedged between her and her opponent.
Davies shows a few slick details to make the choke tight. First, she windshield wipes her leg to side mount, putting her knee in the space between her and their hip. Next she palms and pushes the opponent’s shoulder to make sure their bicep is firmly pressed against their neck that there’s enough space to get her arm under their neck.
Before the finish, she first flattens her chest to the ground and sprawls on her other hip to take away all of their space. To get the tap, she clasps her palms together, applies downward pressure, and lifts her elbow to get the tap.
For more videos like this, including more ways to use arm triangles, check out our technique section and look for more techniques added weekly.