Tired of getting caught in the clock choke and having to tap three times?
Check out the following video lesson for a full explanation of how to defend this attack in a simple and effective way.
After the defense, I show two ways to follow up: one finishing with the “mão de vaca” wristlock for blue belts and up, and another rolling straight into side control (the “100kg”).
Let’s go?
Clock choke defense
Mirrored positioning
To go for the clock choke, your opponent needs to position themselves at your side, and only then go for the grips they need.
Once you feel your opponent has set their grips and lifted their leg, you need to position yourself as a mirror image: if your opponent lifts their right leg, you lift your left leg, and vice versa.
Using the video lesson as a reference, my opponent sets up on my right and lifts his right leg. At the same moment, I lift my left leg, always keeping the same posture as my opponent. Notice that my legs match my opponent’s legs, but mirrored.
Kick at the same time as your opponent
Now you need to pay a little attention, because the movement has to happen exactly when your opponent moves. When he kicks his left leg forward, you need to kick your right leg too. Remember, it’s as if you were in front of a mirror, so you have to follow your opponent’s movement exactly.
Finishing with the mão de vaca
If you’re a blue belt or above, you can already apply the wristlock known as “mão de vaca”. In this case, position your shoulder so your opponent can’t pull their hand out before the attack.
Once you’re sure the movement is secure, put both hands on your opponent’s elbow and rotate inward, pulling their elbow and finishing on the wrist.
Rolling inward
For athletes who still can’t apply the mão de vaca, the movement should be done by rolling inward and stabilizing in side control, without locking your opponent’s wrist.
Questions
I’ll admit that when I first learned this movement, I couldn’t believe how easy it is to do. Of course, like any other position it has its risks, and your opponent can anticipate it and shut down the defense, but it’s a solution for a large share of clock choke attacks. After all, it’s better to try to escape than to already be sure you’re going to tap.
I hope you drill the position and share it with your training partners. See you in the next video lesson!
OSSSS
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