Impaler Choke From Mount

In today's blog post, you are going to learn how to execute the impaler choke from mount.

The impaler choke is nasty and dirty submission that I learned from Brandon Mccaghren in one of his BJJ dirty submission shorts.

It is one of those submissions that might lose you a couple of friends on the mat or you execute only on either your best training buddies or dudes that just annoy you the most.

While it is considered a "dirty" submission, it's important to note that being dirty doesn't equate to being un-technical.

In fact, there are several technical aspects involved when executing this choke from the mount position.

While Brandon's video demonstrates the choke from a locked-in arm triangle, I will expand upon it by providing a comprehensive breakdown of how I prefer to set it up right from the beginning.

To gain a deeper understanding, watch my instructional video below.

Wide base with a Superman pose on the mount.

Just like with any submission, establishing strong control over your opponent is crucial.

In the context of the mount position, you'll want to transition from the low mount, where you sit on your opponent's hip, to the high mount, where you sit on their chest.

To achieve the high mount, focus on maximizing your weight by applying pressure on your opponent's solar plexus.

Imagine yourself as Superman, striking a flying pose directly over their solar plexus.

Elevate your knees off the ground and touch your feet behind their thighs.

By keeping your knees elevated, the majority of your weight will shift to your torso, making you feel heavier on top.

While some people prefer to cross or hook their feet on their opponent's shin, I personally avoid this as it restricts foot mobility for base switches.

Once your knees are floating, widen your base with both hands to prevent your opponent from hip bumping you to the side.

Refer to the animated image above for a visual representation of the Superman pose.

Pulling opponent's head up.

Next, your goal is to lift your opponent's head off the ground.

Keep in mind that when you pull with both arms, you may sacrifice some of your base on both sides.

However, this is not a major concern since raising your opponent's head off the ground effectively hinders their ability to bridge forcefully.

You can perform this step either after establishing a strong Superman pose or simultaneously if you are already accustomed to this type of mount control.

Remember to keep your knees afloat to stay heavy on your opponent.

See the animated image above for reference.

Using heavy cross face to start grilling your opponent.

Now it is time to start grilling your opponent from the mount.

One of my coaches emphasized the importance of "grilling" or wearing down my opponent until they are exhausted, making the submission easier to achieve.

To initiate the grilling process, establish a strong cross face and choose one side to base with your hand.

Ensure your opponent's head is facing the same direction as your basing hand.

Remember, your opponent can only bridge and bump in the direction they are facing. If they attempt to force the opposite direction, it could result in neck injury.

When grilling, I personally prefer placing the blade of my forearm against the soft area at the back of my opponent's head.

If feasible, I also position the forearm blade on their eye socket region.

This technique inflicts discomfort and pain, prompting your opponent to react by pushing against your hip using their hands.

Refer to the animated image above for a visual demonstration of my mount grilling technique.

Finger walk and open up the space.

As your opponent becomes increasingly uncomfortable, they will likely attempt to push your hip with their hands in desperation.

Seize this opportunity to secure an underhook around your opponent's elbow area.

Then, start finger walking to separate your opponent's elbow from his rib.

This will open up a huge space on the side of your opponent's body and get his arm attached to his head.

For added control over their arm, utilize your cross-facing hand to cup their armpit.

Refer to the animated image above for a clearer visual representation.

Achieving the high mount position.

With the space now wide open, it's time to slide your knee towards your opponent's armpit, transitioning into the high mount position.

While you have the option to execute the same setup on the other side of your opponent's body, for the impaler choke, achieving the high mount on just one side is sufficient.

See the animated image above to see how I do it.

The arm triangle grip.

The impaler choke is basically an arm triangle choke on steroids.

So, once you have achieved the high mount position, your first objective is to secure an arm triangle grip.

To obtain this grip, use your head to trap your opponent's arm and then form a gable grip with your hands.

Refer to the animated image above for a visual reference.

Slide to side control.

Next, your goal is to transition from the mount to side control.

To accomplish this, smoothly slide your far leg along your opponent's hip, preventing them from catching you in a half guard.

Don't be concerned about relinquishing the superior mount position in favor of side control, as you already have a strong submission hold with the triangle choke grip.

Refer to the animated image above for a visual reference, and now you're prepared to complete the impaler choke from the mount.

Finish him!

At this point, whether you have a perfect arm triangle grip or not, it doesn't matter because you are ready to execute the impaler choke variation.

To finish the choke, position your knee that is closest to your opponent's body on their throat while lifting your other knee off the ground.

Simultaneously, pull your opponent's head up, applying pressure and effectively securing the impaler choke submission.

See the animated image above for reference.

In conclusion, the impaler choke serves as a powerful and somewhat "dirty" variation of the arm triangle choke in BJJ.

While the impaler choke may be considered a "dirty" move, it also highlights the technical aspects of BJJ and the importance of maintaining control and leverage throughout the execution of a submission.

Remember, the impaler choke should be practiced responsibly and only within the context of controlled training environments.

With repetitive drills and trying out during live rolls, you can add this nasty arm triangle choke variation to your arsenal, expanding your submission options in BJJ.

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