Gogoplata

The Gogoplata is a highly technical and unique submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that uses the shin and foot to create a choke by compressing the opponent's neck against your leg. It is a flashy and uncommon submission due to the flexibility and setup required, but it can be incredibly effective when executed correctly. The Gogoplata is primarily executed from Rubber Guard or other positions where your legs are in close proximity to the opponent's neck.

Mechanics of the Gogoplata

Choke Type

  • The Gogoplata is a combination of a blood and air choke. The shin compresses the carotid arteries, and the foot or forearm applies additional pressure on the throat.

Key Tools

  • The shin acts as the primary choking mechanism, while the foot or arm creates leverage to tighten the choke.

Finishing Motion

  • The choke is completed by pulling down on the opponent’s head or neck while driving your shin into their throat.

Steps to Execute the Gogoplata

Setup

  • From Rubber Guard or Closed Guard, bring one leg over the opponent’s shoulder so that your shin is across their throat.

Position the Foot

  • Slide your foot under your opponent’s chin so that your shin and instep are pressing against their throat.

Control the Neck

  • Use your hands to grab behind the opponent’s head or neck to apply downward pressure.

Apply the Choke

  • Drive your shin into their throat by pulling their head down and extending your leg.

Common Positions for the Gogoplata

Rubber Guard

  • This is the most common setup position for the Gogoplata. The flexibility of Rubber Guard allows you to easily bring your leg over the opponent’s shoulder.

Closed Guard

  • If you can control the opponent’s posture and bring your leg high enough, the Gogoplata can be set up from Closed Guard.

Top Positions

  • The Gogoplata can also be applied from top positions like Mount, particularly when transitioning into more advanced leg positions over the opponent's neck.

During Scrambles

  • If the opponent's head and posture are low during a scramble, you can opportunistically bring your shin across their neck to set up the choke.

Key Concepts for the Gogoplata

Flexibility

  • High hip and leg flexibility are essential for bringing your leg over the opponent's shoulder and positioning your shin correctly.

Posture Control

  • Controlling the opponent’s posture is critical. If they can sit upright, it becomes nearly impossible to execute the choke.

Grip and Leverage

  • Use your hands or arms to pull the opponent’s head down while simultaneously driving your shin into their throat.

Defending Against the Gogoplata

Maintain Posture

  • Stay upright and avoid letting the opponent bring their leg over your shoulder.

Escape Early

  • Recognize the setup and back out before the leg crosses your shoulder and the choke is locked in.

Counter Grips

  • Control their leg or push it off your shoulder to break the choke setup.

Strengths of the Gogoplata

  • It’s an unexpected submission, often catching opponents off guard.
  • Works well in both gi and no-gi situations.
  • Combines elements of control and flexibility, making it a versatile tool for advanced practitioners.

The Gogoplata is a challenging but rewarding submission that showcases creativity and technical skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mastering it requires excellent posture control, flexibility, and timing.

Positioning

The Gogoplata is most effective in positions where you can isolate the opponent’s head and control their posture, particularly from Rubber Guard or Closed Guard. It’s a flashy and technical submission that requires flexibility, timing, and control.

Rubber Guard

Setup

  • From Rubber Guard, control the opponent’s posture by holding their head down and bringing your leg over their shoulder.
  • Position your shin across their throat.

Execution

  • Slide your foot under their chin and pull their head down while extending your leg for the choke.

Why It Works

  • Rubber Guard naturally elevates your leg into the necessary position for the choke.

Closed Guard

Setup

  • Control the opponent’s posture from Closed Guard, breaking it down to bring your leg over their shoulder.

Execution

  • Place your shin across their neck and finish by pulling their head downward.

Why It Works

  • The opponent’s posture is compromised, allowing your leg to create choking pressure.

Mount

Setup

  • From Mount, transition your leg over the opponent’s shoulder and position your shin on their throat.

Execution

  • Pull their head up while driving your shin down to apply the choke.

Why It Works

  • The dominant position gives you excellent control over their posture and movement.

Side Control

Setup

  • If the opponent turns into you, exposing their neck, transition into a high mount or loop your leg over their shoulder.

Execution

  • Position your shin across their throat and apply the choke by pulling their head down.

Why It Works

  • It’s a sneaky transition that can surprise the opponent during escapes.

During Scrambles

Setup

  • If the opponent’s head is low or their posture is compromised during a scramble, position your leg over their shoulder and across their neck.

Execution

  • Use the Gogoplata setup to finish the choke as you stabilize the position.

Why It Works

  • The element of surprise during transitions makes it harder for the opponent to defend.

North South

Setup

  • Transition into a high control position over their head, allowing your leg to cross their throat.

Execution

  • Position your shin on their throat, pull their head up, and apply the choke.

Why It Works

  • The pressure from North South limits their mobility, enabling the setup.

Turtle Control

Setup

  • When the opponent is in Turtle Guard and their posture is compromised, you can position your leg over their shoulder and set up the choke.

Execution

  • Drive your shin across their neck and secure the choke by pulling their head.

Why It Works

  • The exposed neck and limited defensive options make it accessible from this position.

Half Guard (Top)

Setup

  • While passing or controlling from Half Guard, elevate their head and shoulder to bring your leg across their neck.

Execution

  • Lock the Gogoplata position and apply the choke as you stabilize.

Why It Works

  • The transition from Half Guard to the choke can catch the opponent off-guard.

Key Positional Elements for Gogoplata

Posture Control

  • Breaking the opponent’s posture is essential to executing the choke effectively.

Leg Positioning

  • The shin must be placed precisely across their throat for maximum effectiveness.

Flexibility

  • High hip and leg flexibility greatly aid in bringing your leg into the correct position.

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