The Art of Choosing Bow and Arrow Choke for MMA

Picture this: You're deep in a grueling BJJ roll during an MMA sparring session at your local gym. Your opponent turtles up defensively from the back mount, exposing the perfect setup for a bow and arrow choke. You slide one arm under their chin, feed the lapel across their neck, and arrow your leg through for leverage—but the gi fabric slips, the grip fails, and the tap slips away. Frustrating, right? As David Thompson, with over 20 years testing combat sports gear from boxing gloves to grappling gis, I've seen this scenario play out countless times. Mastering the MMA bow and arrow choke isn't just technique; it's about selecting the right equipment that enhances grip security, durability, and mobility.

In this guide, we'll dive into the bow and arrow choke for fighters, focusing on the gis that make it reliable in training and competition. Whether you're a beginner drilling at home, an intermediate grappler in class, or a pro prepping for the cage, the right gi turns a finicky submission into a go-to weapon. Drawing from hands-on sessions coaching fighters in MMA, BJJ, and wrestling gyms, I'll break down the top options available at Apollo MMA's BJJ gi collection.

What Makes a Gi Ideal for the Bow and Arrow Choke?

Before we rank the best, understand the demands. The bow and arrow choke relies on deep lapel grips—typically pearl weave or gold weave fabrics that resist stretching under tension. In MMA training, where transitions blend with striking, you need a gi that's lightweight for speed yet reinforced at stress points like collars and cuffs. Durability matters during repeated chokes in sparring; cheap weaves tear, ruining sessions. Sizing is crucial too—too loose, and grips slide; too tight, and you gas out. I've tested dozens, from Hayabusa's pearl weaves shredding slower than budget alternatives to Tatami's athlete cuts suiting stocky wrestlers.

Safety note: Always pair your gi with quality hand wraps underneath to prevent skin tears from friction, especially in no-gi hybrids where rash guards come into play.

1. Hayabusa Performance Gi: The Pro Fighter's Precision Tool

Hayabusa's Performance Gi tops our list for bow and arrow choke for training because it balances grip fidelity with MMA mobility. Crafted from a 350gsm pearl weave, it molds to your grips without fraying after 50+ rolls. The reinforced collar—double-stitched with a subtle taper—locks the lapel feed securely, crucial for that arrow-leg torque without slippage.

In real-world use, I've coached Muay Thai fighters crossing into MMA who swear by it. During a recent camp, a 170lb welterweight drilled bow and arrow chokes for hours; the gi's bamboo-blend lining wicked sweat fast, preventing clammy grips. At $200-$250, it's premium, but the microfiber pants resist rips from knee rides better than cotton. Limitation? Slimmer fit favors lean builds—stockier guys size up one.

• Best for: Advanced MMA fighters and competitors needing tournament-legal IBJJF specs.
• Durability score: 9.5/10 (holds up to 6-12 months heavy use).
• Weight: Lightweight at 3.5lbs shipped, ideal for humid gyms.

Grab it from our Hayabusa collection and feel the difference in your next session.

2. Tatami Elements Gi: Versatile Grip Master for All Levels

For the best bow and arrow choke setups across skill levels, Tatami's Elements Gi shines with its 450gsm gold weave—a denser fabric that bites into lapels like no other. This weave's tighter pearl pattern excels in the bow and arrow's deep collar drag, providing feedback you feel mid-roll. Tatami's athlete tailoring adds extra length in sleeves and pants, perfect for long-limbed fighters arrowing through guards.

From my boxing gym days transitioning teams to grappling, this gi handled hybrid MMA drills flawlessly. Beginners love the forgiving stretch during setup; pros appreciate the X-guard reinforced knees for basing. Priced at $150-$180, it offers pro-level value without breaking the bank. Drawback: Heavier when wet, so dry it properly post-training to avoid musty odors—a common gi pitfall I've mitigated with Apollo's recommended maintenance kits.

• Best for: Intermediate grapplers in BJJ/MMA classes or home workouts.
• Durability score: 9/10 (triple-stitching at hips withstands turtle escapes).
• Weight: Midweight 4lbs, stable for wrestling transitions.

Stock up at Apollo MMA for colors that pop in competition footage.

3. Venum Elite Gi: Budget-Friendly Beast for Intense Sparring

Venum's Elite Gi rounds out the top three as a rugged workhorse for bow and arrow choke for fighters on a budget. Its 430gsm pearl weave with ripstop panels delivers exceptional tear resistance—vital when opponents thrash in the choke. The clean, minimalist collar design facilitates smooth lapel threading, even under fatigue.

Testing it in Kickboxing-MMA crossover sessions, I watched wrestlers cinch chokes tighter lapel after lapel without seam pops. At $120-$160, it's unbeatable value for commercial gym rats logging 10+ hours weekly. For larger frames, the A2-A4 sizing accommodates broad shoulders common in MMA. Honest caveat: Less breathable than Hayabusa, so pair with our rash guards for sweaty home gyms.

• Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious pros in high-volume sparring.
• Durability score: 8.5/10 (ripstop saves it from heavy wear).
• Weight: 4.2lbs, grounded feel for control positions.

Available now in our Venum lineup.

Comparison Overview: Top Gis for Bow and Arrow Choke Head-to-Head

This chart highlights trade-offs: Hayabusa for elite performance, Tatami for versatility, Venum for value. All IBJJF-approved, but check Apollo's sizing charts—I've fit hundreds accurately.

How to Choose the Right Gi for Your Bow and Arrow Choke Game

Selecting hinges on your profile. Beginners: Start with Venum for affordability and forgiveness. Intermediates grinding MMA bow and arrow choke drills? Tatami's density. Pros: Hayabusa's precision. Consider body type—ectomorphs take standard fits; mesomorph wrestlers need A3+. Training environment matters: Home gyms favor lighter weaves; commercial mats demand reinforced durability.

Insider tip: Test grip by yanking lapels post-purchase—premium gis echo dully, not rip. Maintain with cold washes and air drying to extend life 2x. For MMA hybrids, layer with shorts that don't bunch under gis. Budget under $150? Venum. Over? Splurge on Hayabusa. Always prioritize IBJJF compliance for tournaments.

1. Assess your weight class and build.
2. Match weave to intensity (light for speed, heavy for grip).
3. Budget vs. longevity—cheaper tears cost more long-term.
4. Test in-store or via Apollo's easy returns.

Final Thoughts

The bow and arrow choke remains a cornerstone submission in MMA and BJJ arsenals, blending wrestling control with judo-esque chokes. But without the right gi, it's potential unrealized. From my decades coaching and gear-testing—from heavy bags enduring hooks to gis surviving back takes—these picks from Hayabusa, Tatami, and Venum deliver. They address real pain points: slippage in sweat, tears in scrambles, discomfort in long sessions.

Elevate your game today at Apollo MMA, the premier destination for fighters worldwide. Browse our full gi selection, pair with pads or gloves, and lock in those taps. Train smart, choke hard—what's your next setup?

David Thompson, Equipment Specialist & Former Boxing Coach, Apollo MMA