Gogoplata in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

What It Is

The gogoplata is a submission in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that involves using your shin to choke your opponent. Typically set up from the rubber guard, it's a technique that combines flexibility with precision. The move is executed by bringing your shin across your opponent's throat and applying pressure, effectively cutting off their air supply until they tap out or pass out.

This submission isn't one you see every day in the gym or in competition. It's a flashy move, often associated with the more flexible practitioners of BJJ or seen in mixed martial arts fights. Its rarity in regular practice is due to the level of flexibility and control required to execute it successfully.

Why It Works

The gogoplata works by compressing the opponent's trachea with your shin. This is achieved by trapping their head and arm with your legs, creating a lever with your shin that presses against their throat. The pressure is intensified as you pull on their head or shoulder, closing the gap and forcing the submission.

It's a move that relies heavily on hip flexibility and leg dexterity. Without these, even getting into position can be a challenge, let alone finishing the choke. For those who can manage it, the gogoplata offers a unique and unexpected attack, catching many opponents off guard due to its unconventional nature.

Key Details

Setting up the gogoplata usually begins from the rubber guard, a position that itself requires good flexibility and control. From here, you use one hand to control the opponent's head while the other hand controls their posture, usually by gripping behind their neck or shoulder. Your leg comes up and over, positioning your shin across their throat.

To finish the submission, you’ll need to grab your own foot or ankle, pulling it toward their head while simultaneously pushing your shin into their throat. This dual action creates the necessary pressure to secure the choke. It's crucial to maintain tight control of your opponent's posture throughout, as any slack can provide an opportunity for them to escape.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes when attempting the gogoplata is a lack of flexibility. Without sufficient hip mobility, you won't be able to position your leg correctly, making the submission impossible. Another frequent error is failing to control your opponent's posture. If they can posture up, your shin will slip off their throat, and you'll lose the position.

Also, many practitioners focus too much on the choking motion without securing their opponent's body. Without a solid grip on their head or shoulder, the pressure won't be enough to force a tap. Finally, some people rush the technique, trying to muscle their way through it. This approach rarely works and often results in losing control of the position entirely.

When to Use It

The gogoplata is a low-percentage move for most BJJ practitioners. It's best used as a surprise attack against opponents who are unfamiliar with defending it, or when you're confident in your flexibility and control. It can be particularly effective in situations where your opponent is focused on defending more common submissions, allowing you to catch them off guard.

In MMA, the gogoplata has seen some success due to the gloves making it more difficult for opponents to defend chokes. However, in a pure BJJ context, it's often a last-resort or a trick move rather than a staple submission. For those with the flexibility and the knack for it, though, it can be a valuable addition to their arsenal.

the gogoplata is a testament to the creativity and variety within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. While not for everyone, it offers a unique challenge and a flashy finish for those willing to put in the time to master it.