The Kraken Choke is a leg-based strangulation that looks and feels unusual compared with classical chokes. It’s most commonly seen from bottom positions such as turtle, side control bottom, or even from creative guard entries. The technique uses an unusual leg/arm wrap and body angle to compress the opponent’s neck and/or trap an arm while creating a choking surface with the legs and upper body. It’s visual, compact, and often described as a “surprise” finish because it appears out of non-traditional positions.


HOW IT WORKS

Create space & bait — From bottom side control or turtle, create a small angle and bait the top player to commit weight forward or flatten out.

Thread & lock — Thread a leg or arm in an unconventional wrap (often the bottom player brings a leg high and threads an arm/leg behind it), creating a wrap/triangle-like trap around the opponent’s neck/shoulder.

Adjust the frame — Use your hips and shoulders to rotate the choking surface into place while securing grips (gables, shin grips, or sleeve/pants grips depending on the setup).

Crunch & finish — Compress using a combination of leg squeeze, hip movement, and chest/lat engagement to close off carotid flow or apply pressure that forces a tap. Flexibility and precise timing increase success.


INTERESTING FACTS

The Kraken/Octopus choke is often taught as a flexibility-friendly submission — it rewards creative body positioning more than brute strength.

It’s a “highlight” submission: rare enough to surprise training partners and crowds, and it shows up in compilation clips and competition highlight reels.

Because it sits outside many classical textbooks, the choke is a great piece of content for a submissions directory: visually striking, teaches uncommon movement, and keeps viewers clicking through related video lessons.