Peruvian Necktie: The Front-Headlock Finish

In collaboration with Espen Mathiesen 

The Peruvian Necktie is a very strong choke, and what makes it different from most is that it isn't just an arm choke. You also bring one of your legs into the finish, adding extra pressure on top of what your arms are already doing. That combination is what makes it so effective, and it's a great option whenever you land in the front headlock. 

In this article, you will learn two ways to set it up: the classic version from the front headlock, and a second grip you can use when a D'Arce doesn't work out. Both follow the same idea, so once you understand the first one, the second comes naturally. 

Setting Up from the Front Headlock 

The most traditional situation for the Peruvian Necktie is the front headlock. It often shows up as a response to a shot: your opponent shoots, you sprawl, and you land on top in the front headlock position. 

From there, connect your hands and lock them tight. The goal is to get your leg behind your opponent's head, but if you try to throw the leg over directly from where you are, it's very hard to reach. Lined up square to your opponent, there simply isn't enough room to get your foot over their head. 

That's why the first step is to create an angle. Take your knee and place it beside your opponent's arm, then rotate your body. This small adjustment puts you in a much better position to bring your foot over the head, and it does a second job too: the leg blocks the arm. You want that arm trapped by the side of your opponent's head, because if it stays open, you'll have to deal with it before you can finish. 

With the angle created and the arm locked in place, turn your foot and sit back to get it over the head. Then drop down and take your leg behind your opponent's back. 

Finishing the Choke 

Once the leg is in position, the finish is simple. Go slightly back, extend your leg, and squeeze with your arms. The leg and arms work together here, which is why it takes little effort when everything is in place. 

To recap the sequence from the front headlock: 

Setting Up from a Failed D'Arce 

You can also use a different hand grip to set up the Peruvian necktie, and it often comes from a D'Arce attempt that doesn't quite work. 

Here's how it usually happens. Your opponent is in turtle position, you shoot your hand through, and you lock your hands, planning to flip them over for the D'Arce. But they have a solid base, so you can't flip them. Another common version is when you can't get your hooks in to take the back, so you grab behind the head, shoot your hand through, and lock your hands, which can lead to a D'Arce. 

A lot of people know the danger of the D'Arce, so flipping them isn't always easy. Instead of using a lot of strength to force it, you can use the same idea as before with a slightly different hand position. Get a good angle, put your foot behind the head, and throw your leg over. Then extend your legs, tighten your hands, and finish. 

The mechanics of the leg are exactly the same as the front headlock version. Only the grip changes, which means you can switch from one choke to the other without starting over. 

Common Mistakes to Watch For 

A few details make the difference between a Peruvian necktie that finishes and one that stalls: 

FAQ 

What makes the Peruvian necktie different from other chokes? 
It isn’t only an arm choke. You also bring one leg into the finish, which adds extra choking pressure on top of what your arms are already doing. 

When can I use the Peruvian necktie? 
The most traditional situation is the front headlock. It often shows up as a response to a shot: your opponent shoots, you sprawl, and you land on top in the front headlock position. 

Why can’t I get my leg over my opponent’s head? 
Most likely you’re trying to throw it while squared up with your opponent, and from that angle it’s very hard to reach. Create an angle first by placing your knee beside their arm and rotating your body. That puts your foot in a much better position to go over the head. 

What should I do with my opponent’s arm? 
Keep it trapped by the side of their head. Your leg helps block it as you create the angle. If the arm is open, you’ll have to deal with it before you can finish. 

What if I can’t finish the D’Arce? 
Switch to the Peruvian necktie. If your opponent has a solid base and you can’t flip them, don’t force it with strength. Use the same idea with a slightly different hand position: get the angle, put your foot behind the head, and throw your leg over. 

How do I finish the choke? 
Once your leg is in position, go slightly back, extend your leg, and squeeze with your arms. When the angle and the leg are set, the finish doesn’t take much effort.