What the Strangle Bart Is and Why It Comes Up in BJJ
The strangle bart is a colloquial name used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for a specific type of strangle setup in which the practitioner uses their legs to encircle and control the opponent’s neck and arms. It is essentially a form of body triangle applied to the cervical spine and carotid arteries, with the arms positioned to prevent escape and the hips driving compression. Because the posture resembles a bartendering motion with the arms, the informal label "strangle bart" has spread in gyms and online. This guide explains the mechanics, intent, risks, safer alternatives, and training considerations for this technique in a factual, evergreen way.
How the Strangle Bart Technique Works
In execution, the strangle bart typically begins from a back mount or a similar controlling position. One practitioner threads an arm behind the opponent’s neck and uses the legs to squeeze the neck and arms together, creating occlusion of the blood flow to the brain. The "bart" descriptor refers to the arms wrapping and pressing similar to how a bartender might towel-off and compress a bottle. Key technical points include:
- Establishing a stable base by controlling the opponent’s hips and posture.
- Using the legs to form a body triangle on the torso while the arms work on the neck.
- Maintaining shoulder pressure to reduce mobility and limit escape paths.
The goal is to secure a reliable angle and pressure so that the strangle can be applied safely and effectively, with an emphasis on control before finishing. Because the position demands tight body contact and coordinated limb movement, many practitioners drill the component parts separately before attempting the full sequence.
Risk Profile and Safety Considerations
Chokes that involve neck cranking or direct carotid compression carry inherent risks, and the strangle bart is no exception. When performed carelessly or without proper control, there is potential for cervical spine strain, airway obstruction, or accidental injury if the angle or leverage is extreme. Factors that increase risk include:
- Lack of positional control before applying the choke.
- Insufficient base or unbalanced weight distribution.
- Using the technique in live rolling without realistic resistance management.
Responsible application requires patience, technical precision, and immediate release upon tapping. Training under qualified instruction and prioritizing control over speed can mitigate many of these dangers.
Key Variations and Common Entries
From Back Mount
The most common entry to a strangle bart setup is back mount. Here, the practitioner secures hooks, controls the opponent’s shoulders, and then threads the arm to create the neck and arm squeeze. Body weight is funneled through the hips to maximize pressure while keeping the base stable.
From Closed Guard or Sitting Guard
Some versions originate from closed guard, where the practitioner locks an arm behind the neck and uses the legs to drive the head and neck inward. From sitting guard, controlling the posture and preventing shrimping is essential before progressing to the strangle component.
Comparison to Similar Chokes
| Technique | Primary Leverage | Common Entry | Key Safety Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Naked Choke | Carotid arteries with body triangle | Back mount with hooks | Control posture, avoid neck crank |
| Omoplata Choke (Ezekiel) | Windpipe and shoulder pressure | Guard pass to mounted position | Protect the trachea, limit arm escape |
| Strangle Bart (colloquial) | Carotid occlusion with leg body triangle | Back mount or seated guard | Stable hips, controlled angle, tap awareness |
Strategic Purpose and Typical Scenarios
The strangle bart is generally pursued when an opponent’s neck and arms are exposed and the practitioner has established back control or a dominant seated position. It is effective in situations where faster chokes are not available or when the practitioner wants to maintain prolonged pressure while gradually tightening the strangle. Because the setup often requires several intermediate controls—hooks, cross-crushes, and arm threading—it rewards patience and technical precision. In competition and training, it is commonly drilled as a finishing sequence after successful back takes.
Practical Alternatives and When to Use Them
Depending on context and risk tolerance, several alternatives may be more suitable than the strangle bart, especially for newer practitioners or in scenarios where speed and safety are priorities:
- Rear Naked Choke: A standard, well-tested finish from back mount with clear control pathways.
- Omoplata Choke (Ezekiel): A strong option from mount that uses the shoulder and arm to compress the neck safely.
- Straight Armbar or Kimura: High-percentage attacks when an opponent’s arm is isolated and control is solid.
- Crush Pass and Mount: Securing a stable mount before transitioning to any choke can reduce risk and improve leverage.
Choosing an alternative often comes down to available grips, the opponent’s defensive posture, and the practitioner’s own comfort and experience level.
Training Progressions and Drilling Tips
To develop safe, consistent performance of the strangle bart, consider these training checkpoints:
- Back mount control: Practice securing hooks and shoulder pressure without rushing the choke.
- Arm threading drills: From back mount, rehearse the arm path behind the neck while maintaining base.
- Body triangle integration: Use leg entanglement to form a tight body triangle that supports the choke.
- Controlled squeezes: Gradually increase pressure with a partner tapping early to reinforce timing and empathy.
- Positional sparring: Drill entries from common scenarios, such as defending a cartwheel escape or counterattack.
Consistent, mindful repetition with feedback from coaches helps build the muscle memory required for safe application while minimizing the chance of injury.
Rules, Etiquette, and Competitive Considerations
In most competitive and academy settings, properly executed chokes are permitted and encouraged as part of technical grappling. However, rules organizations may have specific regulations regarding neck cranking, blood chokes, and referee instructions. Etiquette guidelines include:
- Tap immediately when caught, and tap early if discomfort escalates.
- Release the choke the moment a tap is felt or heard.
- Communicate with training partners about pace, pressure, and comfort levels.
- Respect coach-specific guidelines on drilling potentially risky techniques.
Understanding and adhering to these norms supports a safe training environment and fosters trust within the team.
Summing Up the Strangle Bart in Practice
The strangle bart is a nuanced tool that fits within the broader family of strangle finishes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It emphasizes control, body positioning, and patience, and it is most effective when the practitioner has solid back control and a clear understanding of safe angles. While useful in certain contexts, it is not the only path to finishing a fight, and alternatives like the rear naked choke or omoplata choke often provide a more straightforward and safer route. By training with care, respecting rules and etiquette, and prioritizing technique over speed, grapplers can integrate the strangle bart into their game responsibly and effectively.