Jigoku-jime | Hell Strangle
Jigoku-jime is most commonly known as the "Hell Strangle" or "Crucifix". It owes its name to the form the attacker makes with the opponent's body to execute this choke.
It is a carotid, or blood choke. The gi lapel acts as leverage for the forearm, which presses against the artery. The attacker's legs control the opponent's arm with the same clamp as sankaku-jime. This choke requires and gives back control to the attacker.
If the wrists do not pivot out enough, the attacker should consider breathing deeply and expanding the torso. The added leverage should cause the opponent to tap out. The opponent should signal that the choke is applied with one of his feet, since his hands are trapped.
The attacker locks the opponent's arms before opening the lapel (top left). The attacker feeds the opponent's lapel to the hand that will execute the choke (top right). This close-up shows the forearm pressed like a blade against the opponent's carotid (bottom left). The choke is applied when pressure is put against the artery (bottom right).
Unless executed under proper instruction, please do not attempt this chokehold on your own! For more information on Judo or Jiu Jitsu, Ann Arbor Japanese Martial Arts Center is happy to answer your questions!