Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while most people are thinking about stuffing turkeys, we at Lashley Training Center are thinking about choking them out (strictly in a Jiu Jitsu sense, of course). 🦃 If you’ve ever wondered how to blend your love for Jiu Jitsu with the holiday season, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down the five best ways to choke out a turkey in true grappler style.
1. Rear Naked Choke (The Gobbler Sleeper)
When it comes to classic submissions, the Rear Naked Choke is king – or should we say, the king of poultry? After gaining back control, sink your hooks in and wrap your arm around the turkey’s neck. Make sure to secure the grip with your free hand and apply steady pressure.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush! Turkeys are known for their flapping, so control the wings first.
2. Guillotine Choke (The Pilgrim’s Noose)
Sometimes a turkey charges in (or gets overzealous at the dinner table). That’s when the Guillotine Choke comes in handy. Wrap your arm around its neck as it “shoots in,” and lift while applying pressure. This choke works especially well if your turkey doesn’t have good head positioning (and let’s be honest, it probably doesn’t).
💡 Pro Tip: If it starts to squawk, you know you’re doing it right.
3. Triangle Choke (Turkey Triangles)
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a perfectly locked triangle. Position yourself on your back, trap the turkey’s neck and one wing inside your legs, and lock it up tight. Adjust the angle to cut off its air supply, ensuring that it “taps” before the big feast.
💡 Pro Tip: Control the head and grab an ankle to tighten your triangle. Bonus points if you can convince your family to help hold the tail feathers.
4. Bow and Arrow Choke (Turkey Trot Tap-Out)
If your turkey gets fancy and starts to scramble, you’ll need a dynamic choke like the Bow and Arrow. From a dominant position, grab its “collar” (or a towel if your turkey isn’t dressed for the mat), and pull back while controlling the opposite wing. This move is as effective as it is festive.
💡 Pro Tip: This choke is best for turkeys that are already in a seated position. Bonus: It looks great for the Thanksgiving family photo.
5. D’arce Choke (The Turkey Dart)
For the more advanced grappler, the D’arce Choke is a sneaky way to neutralize a turkey. When it tries to burrow under your defenses (or hide under the table), thread your arm through its neck and armpit, lock your hands together, and squeeze. This is one submission that’s sure to impress your Jiu Jitsu family.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your base strong – turkeys are known to wiggle out of bad positions!
Bonus: What to Do After the Tap
Once you’ve successfully choked out your turkey, it’s time to turn it into a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Just be sure to wash your gi before heading to the dining table – turkey feathers can be surprisingly clingy.
At Lashley Training Center, we’re all about bringing fun and creativity to your training – even during the holidays. Whether you’re practicing your chokes on the mat or just looking for a good laugh before carving the real turkey, remember that Jiu-Jitsu teaches us resilience, technique, and the ability to handle any challenge – even a wild bird.
From our Lashley family to yours, have a happy and choke-filled Thanksgiving! 🦃🥋