Issue 156

July 2017

Stop a mount escape with a quick back take, then sink in a choke

Vinny Magalhaes

The four-time world BJJ champion, 205lb fighter and instructor reveals his best no-gi techniques with Casey Milliken

1 Vinny has full mount, but Casey starts to work on a hip escape to improve his position on the bottom. 

2 Vinny underhooks with his right arm, reaches across Casey and takes a Gable grip, as if he’s setting up a head and arm choke.

3 Vinny may struggle to put Casey’s shoulders on the mat if he’s strong. Instead, he pops him up, staying tight to him, and circles to his back. 

4 Vinny pulls Casey onto him and makes sure to roll onto his left side, where his arm is over Casey’s shoulder. 

5 With his head in tight, Vinny pushes Casey’s shoulder forward and finishes the choke with a Gable grip.

6 He can also finish the traditional way, by putting his right arm behind Casey’s head and squeezing his elbows together. 

TOP TIPS

WHITE BELT

Keep your hands tight and elbows in, and it should be easy to pop your opponent up in step three.

PURPLE BELT

Make sure you roll your opponent to the same side as your overhook in step four, so they can’t fight the choke with both hands.

BLACK BELT

If you’re strong enough to drag your opponent to the mat in step three, you can go for a head and arm choke right there.