The Step over choke is an attack primarily used from the top side control position, however it can also be used from top half guard and even from bottom closed guard. The choke has a background in Judo where it’s called the Ashi Jime which is its Japanese name. However, it is often referred to as the Canto choke. This was because the Judoka Flavio Canto would often use this method for submitting opponents during competition. Although an effective move, it isn’t that common in either Judo or BJJ.
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How to enter the Canto choke
The mechanics of the Step Over choke are the same from the top or bottom positions. This is because they are effectively the same move but one is done from the top and the other the bottom. The Canto choke is a Gi move as it requires a collar to cut off the opponent’s blood supply.
From side control, you must first get a grip in the near part of your opponent’s collar. This is a thumb-in grip which means the blade of your forearm acts as pressure against the opponent’s throat. The next step is to control the opponent’s far arm. This is because they can use this arm to defend and push away from you to alleviate any pressure. With this set up you can step the leg near their head over their head. This means your foot should be near the choking fist.
How to submit with the Canto Choke
From here you now straighten the choking arm and then kick the leg back which puts even more pressure into the throat. As a result, the choke can finish quickly as this generates immense pressure on their carotid artery. If done badly the choke can even work as a neck crank, especially if you extend your leg under their head. Although neck cranking may be frowned upon and is not as effective as choking, it can still be used to generate a finish.
Similarly, the Step Over choke can be done against an opponent in Turtle. The setup is the same with a deep collar grip and stepping over the head. However, the other hand can be used to block their near hip to stop them from turning into you are releasing pressure from the choke. This setup looks similar to a Peruvian necktie from the Turtle which also relies on kicking the leg over the head and using the Gi material to choke.
Another entry is from top half guard. This has the same finishing mechanics as before as it’s a top position. However, unlike side control your bottom leg is trapped. This means to finish the choke your bottom leg remains trapped in the opponent’s leg entanglement. However, this is not a problem and with the correct base you will not be swept either.
Because of the leg trapped, you will need the flexibility to bring your top leg over their head so note this whilst attempting the choke. As mentioned the opponent may try and sweep you in this position but even if this happens you can still finish the choke from the bottom, provided the grip remains and the leg is kept over the head.
From the bottom, the Step Over choke can also be finished by the same mechanics. However, unlike the top position the entry is different. The idea is again to get a straight arm grip in your opponent’s collar, almost like setting up a Cross Collar choke. However, the set up then changes to a position similar to attacking an Armbar from closed guard. From here you should swing round and create a side angle. The next step is to kick your leg over the opponent’s head and push down to generate the pressure and finish the choke.
One issue with the attack from the bottom is if the opponent catches your leg in mid air. If this happens they can start to pass so it can be considered a risky move from the bottom. Because of this, it’s more common to see the Step Over choke attempted from the top. However, if drilled enough then the move is fine to attempt from closed guard. Similarly, the same critique could be said for trying Armbars or Triangles from the guard. This is because like the Canto they also require opening the guard and kicking over the opponent’s head to finish.
Another, more detailed entry from the closed guard is from the Gubber guard entry. This involves a lapel wrap where the guard player gets a Rubber guard like control with their foot wrapped in the opponent’s lapel. From here you can then apply the same grip and kick over the head to finish. It should be added that this method is more secure than the original closed guard entry. However, setting up the Gubber guard can be difficult to establish especially if the passer denies lapel grips.
Summary of the Canto Choke
The Step Over choke is a useful tool to have from both top and bottom positions. From the top, it can end the match instantly and is a fairly low risk move. From the bottom, it is more of a sneak attack on unsuspecting opponents. With this in mind the Canto choke is a good move to learn and is has versatility from many positions. Remember, as long as you have your fist in the collar, it is always an option. With this concept, it could potentially change the way you start to look at submissions.
Want to learn more from the man himself? Flavio Canto’s ‘Canto Choke Mastery’ can be found here.
