The cross collar choke is a submission hold in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that targets the airway, cutting off the flow of oxygen to the brain. The hold can be applied from a variety of positions, but it is typically set up from the guard, side control, or mount. The steps to performing a cross collar choke are as follows:

1. Start in a guard position, with your opponent lying on top of you and between your legs.
2. Use your legs to control your opponent’s upper body and arms.
3. Reach over your opponent’s shoulder with one hand and grab the collar of their gi with your thumb on top of the collar and your fingers underneath.
4. Bring your other hand over and grab the collar on the opposite side, also with your thumb on top and your fingers underneath.
5. Pull your opponent’s collar towards your hip and use your hands to compress their throat, cutting off the flow of oxygen to their brain.
6. Keep your hands gripping the collars tightly and maintain pressure on their throat until they tap out or submit.

It is important to note that in order to perform this technique properly, you must have control over your opponent’s posture, otherwise they can easily defend it by using their arms, or posturing. Also, it’s important to maintain proper positioning and leverage throughout the execution of the hold.

One of the keys to the cross collar choke is to use your hips to push your opponent’s head down and to keep your elbows tight to your body, which will help to compress their throat. It’s also important to grip the collars tightly, using your fingers to dig into the opponent’s collarbone and push their head down.

Another important aspect of the cross collar choke is timing. It’s important to apply the choke at the right moment, while your opponent is still off balance or when you can catch them in a transition. It’s also important to be aware of your opponent’s reactions and to adjust your grip and pressure accordingly.

It’s also worth noting that the cross collar choke can be set up from a variety of positions, such as side control, mount, and back control. This is one of the reasons why it’s such a versatile and well-known submission hold in BJJ.

It’s also important to be aware of the risks involved when applying a choke, it’s important to use proper technique and control, and to always be aware of your opponent’s safety. If done improperly, a choke can cause serious injury. It’s also important to be aware of the rules of the event before attempting this submission.

In conclusion, the cross collar choke is a powerful submission hold that is widely used in BJJ. It requires proper technique, control, and timing, as well as an understanding of the risks involved. With practice, the cross collar choke can be a valuable addition to any BJJ practitioner’s arsenal of submissions.