How Many Chokes Are in Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known for its incredible variety of submissions, but none are as iconic, effective, or widely used as chokes. Whether you are training for self-defense, competition, or fitness, choke techniques appear in every level of Jiu-Jitsu. New students often ask the question: “How many chokes are there in BJJ?” Although there is no single fixed number, most practitioners agree that Jiu-Jitsu includes dozens of choke variations, with 20–30 core chokes forming the foundation of the art. At Gracie Lake Norman here in Mooresville, NC, we break these techniques down for beginners and advanced students so they can understand not just how to perform chokes but why they work. As the premier BJJ academy in the Lake Norman area, we specialize in teaching these essential submissions in a safe, structured, and beginner-friendly environment.

Why There Is No Exact Number of Chokes in BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is constantly evolving. Instructors modify old techniques, create new variations, and combine grips to produce fresh strategies. Because of this, it’s impossible to assign a single exact number to how many chokes exist. Instead, chokes in BJJ are organized into categories, each serving a different purpose depending on your position, your opponent’s posture, and whether you are training in gi or no-gi. At Gracie Lake Norman, we teach these categories to help students understand the principles behind each technique rather than memorizing endless variations.

The Main Types of Chokes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Although the total number of chokes is large and always growing, the majority fall into a few main categories. Understanding these categories helps students in Mooresville and Lake Norman learn faster and build stronger technique.

1. Blood Chokes

Blood chokes are the most common and most effective techniques in BJJ. They compress the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck, restricting blood flow and causing a safe tap within seconds. These chokes are highly technical, do not rely on strength, and work exceptionally well in both self-defense and competition. Examples include the Rear Naked Choke, Triangle Choke, Bow and Arrow Choke, and Guillotine Choke.

2. Air Chokes

Air chokes target the windpipe rather than the arteries. Though less common in modern sport BJJ, they are still important to understand, especially for self-defense. Examples include the palm-to-palm Ezekiel Choke and certain collar chokes.

3. Gi Chokes

Gi chokes use the fabric of the opponent’s uniform to apply pressure. These techniques are incredibly strong and give practitioners countless variations. Gi chokes include the Loop Choke, Cross Collar Choke, Baseball Bat Choke, Paper Cutter Choke, and dozens of others. At Gracie Lake Norman, these chokes are taught carefully because beginners quickly discover how powerful they can be with the right grip and leverage.

4. No-Gi Chokes

No-gi chokes do not rely on the uniform. They are great for MMA, self-defense, or no-gi competition. Techniques like the D’Arce Choke, Anaconda Choke, North-South Choke, and various guillotine variations fall into this category. These chokes focus heavily on angles and body positioning rather than grips.

5. Specialty and Advanced Chokes

As students progress, they learn more sophisticated choke sequences. Techniques like the Brabo Choke, Peruvian Necktie, Gogoplata, and Von Flue Choke require timing, experience, and advanced movement. Students in Mooresville who train at Gracie Lake Norman gain access to these techniques as they move through the curriculum and build confidence with the fundamentals.

How Many Chokes Should a Beginner Learn?

Although BJJ contains dozens of chokes, beginners do not need to learn them all at once. At Gracie Lake Norman, we start with five essential techniques that form the foundation of almost every submission sequence: the Rear Naked Choke, Triangle Choke, Guillotine Choke, Cross-Collar Choke, and Ezekiel. These core chokes teach students the mechanics of pressure, leverage, posture breaking, and timing. Once a student in Mooresville or Lake Norman becomes comfortable with these basics, we introduce variations that expand their understanding without overwhelming them.

How We Teach Chokes Safely at Gracie Lake Norman

Safety is the highest priority when teaching choke techniques. Our instructors guide students step by step through the mechanics so they understand how to apply pressure safely and responsibly. Beginners learn how to tap early, communicate clearly, and practice at a controlled pace. Because chokes are powerful, learning them in a professional environment is extremely important. At our academy in Mooresville, NC, we take the time to ensure that every student understands the principles of control, respect, and technique.

Why Chokes Are So Important in Jiu-Jitsu

Chokes are considered the most reliable submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Unlike joint locks, which can be resisted with strength, chokes work regardless of size difference. A smaller practitioner can choke a larger opponent simply by using proper technique. This is why our students—kids, teens, and adults—quickly develop confidence when they learn these techniques. Chokes are also practical for real-world self-defense. Whether you train for fitness, competitions, or personal protection, understanding choke mechanics makes you significantly more capable and prepared.

BJJ Chokes in Self-Defense Situations

People in Mooresville and the Lake Norman area often join Gracie Lake Norman to learn real self-defense. Chokes are particularly useful because they allow you to control a larger aggressor without relying on brute strength. Techniques like the Rear Naked Choke and Guillotine can neutralize threats quickly while giving you the chance to escape safely. This is why our curriculum includes both sport-oriented chokes and real-world applications so students can adapt whichever skills they need most.

Advanced Choke Training for Progressing Students

As students advance, they begin combining choke setups, positional transitions, and grip variations. Advanced students learn how to chain techniques together, attacking one choke to set up another. This is where BJJ becomes incredibly fun. Students at Gracie Lake Norman enjoy learning advanced combinations like Triangle-to-Armbar transitions, Loop Choke setups from guard, and Gi chokes from back control. Each new level adds more strategy, timing, and efficiency.

Conclusion

So how many chokes are in Jiu-Jitsu? The real answer is: dozens—with new variations created all the time. With core categories like blood chokes, air chokes, gi chokes, and no-gi chokes, students always have something new to learn. At Gracie Lake Norman here in Mooresville, NC, we teach these techniques in a safe, structured, and beginner-friendly environment. Whether you want to learn self-defense, compete, or improve your fitness, mastering choke fundamentals is an important step in your Jiu-Jitsu journey. If you’re ready to train in a supportive community and learn these techniques from experienced instructors, we invite you to join us at our Lake Norman academy.