Crucifix Anchor Choke

The Crucifix Anchor Choke from closed guard is a dynamic submission technique ideal for situations where your opponent resists your attacks by maintaining strong posture and control. Here’s how to perform this choke effectively:

Initial Setup: Start with your opponent, in your closed guard. Typically, you’ll begin by attempting to disrupt his balance with a bump to set up a sweep or another submission.
Responding to Resistance: As you attempt to move or bump your opponent, he might regain his posture and attempt to pin you back down to the ground. This common reaction from strong, wrestle-inclined opponents sets the stage for the Crucifix Anchor Choke.
Securing the Anchor: As your opponent pushes down against your bump, use one arm to wrap around his neck, creating the initial part of the choke. The key here is to secure this grip while he is focused on pinning you down.
Adjusting Your Position: With your arm around his neck, start to scoot your hips out to the side, opposite to the arm you have wrapped. This movement is crucial as it creates the necessary angle and space to deepen the choke.
Completing the Choke: As you adjust your position, use your free hand to go underneath your opponents far arm, further securing him in a crucifix-like position. This hand then goes around and catches your bicep of the arm that’s around his neck, finalizing the choke setup.
Executing the Choke: Tighten the choke by pulling your bicep and the back of his neck closer together while you scoot your hips back even further. This action tightens the loop around his neck, effectively choking him.
Leveraging Opponent’s Movements: If your opponent starts to pull away or postures up in reaction to the choke, use his movement to your advantage. His pulling away will actually help tighten the choke as long as you maintain your grips and adjust your body angle accordingly.
Final Adjustments: Ensure your grips are tight and your body position is optimal to apply maximum pressure. If needed, adjust by scooting your hips out more or deepening your grip around his neck.

This technique not only allows you to control a dominant opponent but also turns their strength and reaction against them by setting up a powerful choke from a position where they might feel initially safe and in control.