BJJ Blueprint Series : Mastering the Choi Bar from Half Butterfly Guard

The Choi Bar, also known as the arm saddle or shoulder crunch armlock, is a dynamic and highly effective submission from the half butterfly guard. In this technique, control and positioning are key.

Start by placing your bottom foot inside your opponent’s leg and your top knee between their clavicles, using your arm to post on their cross shoulder. This creates a strong frame to control their posture. Scoop the opponent’s shin to initiate the attack, which forces a defensive cross-face reaction.

From here, use forward shrimping to lift your opponent's knee off the mat, gaining leverage. Secure a “two-in-one” grip on their thumb and elbow, keeping your elbow high and your knee positioned between their chin and clavicle. This setup allows you to apply a powerful armbar by turning their thumb down and elevating your hips.

The Choi Bar also allows smooth transitions to triangles or back takes if your opponent defends by clasping their hands. Effective knee positioning and internal rotation further increase the submission’s strength.

Adding this armbar to your arsenal provides a versatile submission that leverages strong control from a half butterfly guard with pressure and chain attacks, making it a fierce weapon in both competition and training.

Watch the video to see each step in action and incorporate this submission into your game with focused drilling on leg control, grip fighting, and hip movement.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, consider visiting The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry at 72-C, Jalan SS21/62, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp 011-11510501. Embrace the challenge, improve your skills, and discover how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your martial arts journey!

Be good!

Sources

[1] The Choi Bar: A Beginner's Guide For This Dynamic ... https://jiujitsulegacy.com/videos/techniques/choi-bar-a-beginners-guide/

[2] Mastering the Choi Bar: A Step-by-Step Guide (Lachlan ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPrEhxSwJMU

[3] List of Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brazilian_jiu-jitsu_techniques

[4] Choi Bar & Sweep Counter vs Guard Pass - Coach Zahabi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu71V-NT8Ek

[5] Beginner's Guide To Choi Bar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRNBe7AQ9vU

[6] “Choi Bar From Open Guard” by Lachlan Giles https://submeta.io/@lachlangiles/courses/choi-bar-from-open-guard

[7] Mastering the Choi Bar: A Step-by-Step Guide (Lachlan ... https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/comments/1h0bmzc/mastering_the_choi_bar_a_stepbystep_guide_lachlan/

[8] How the Choi Bar Changed BJJ Forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKKGbrNHQqk

[9] “Choi Bar From Half Butterfly” by Lachlan Giles https://submeta.io/@lachlangiles/courses/choi-bar-from-half-butterfly