The Buggy Choke from top position represents one of the most versatile and high-percentage turtle attack systems in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Unlike many turtle attacks that offer binary outcomes (submission or return to neutral), the buggy choke creates a branching decision tree where every defensive response opens different offensive opportunities. This positional versatility makes it exceptionally valuable in competition where opponents are well-versed in defending single-path attacks but struggle against multi-threat systems.
The position’s effectiveness stems from its ability to simultaneously threaten submission while establishing the control structures needed for positional advancement. When the initial grips are secured, the bottom player faces an immediate dilemma: remain static and accept progressive choking pressure, or move and create pathways to back control, crucifix, truck, or other dominant positions. This dilemma creation is the hallmark of sophisticated attack systems and explains why the buggy choke has become a fundamental component of modern turtle offense.
From a technical perspective, the buggy choke teaches important principles about using grip control to multiply attack opportunities rather than committing fully to single submissions. Top players learn to read defensive reactions in real-time and flow between finishing the choke, taking the back, attacking the crucifix, or rolling to truck variations without releasing control or returning to neutral positions. This reactive attack methodology represents advanced jiu-jitsu strategy where the opponent’s defensive choices determine the specific path to dominance, but all paths lead to advantageous outcomes for the top player. Mastering this position develops the tactical awareness and technical fluidity required for high-level competition across gi and no-gi formats.
Position Definition
- Top player’s arm is threaded deep under opponent’s near armpit with hand reaching across to far-side collar or neck area in palm-up orientation, establishing primary choking mechanism and postural control
- Top player’s opposite hand secures opponent’s far-side collar in gi or connects to choking arm in no-gi, completing the grip structure that enables both choking pressure and positional dominance
- Top player’s chest applies downward pressure onto opponent’s back and shoulder complex while hips remain heavy on opponent’s near hip, creating perpendicular pressure that restricts defensive movement
- Top player’s head position maintains close contact with opponent’s far shoulder, serving as additional control point that prevents opponent from turning into position or creating rotational escape angles
- Opponent remains in compromised turtle structure unable to effectively posture up, create distance, or implement standard turtle escapes due to grip control and pressure application
Prerequisites
- Opponent is in defensive turtle position with sufficient postural breakdown to allow arm threading
- Top player has established dominant turtle top control with ability to attack neck and collar areas
- Top player has prevented or nullified opponent’s immediate turtle escape attempts to create attack window
- Sufficient collar material is available (gi) or proper neck access has been established (no-gi)
- Top player has achieved positional angle that allows threading arm to reach across opponent’s back effectively
Key Offensive Principles
- Thread choking arm deep under armpit with palm-up orientation before opponent can establish effective defensive frames
- Secure second grip immediately after threading to eliminate defensive window and complete control structure
- Apply body pressure through chest and hips to flatten opponent and restrict movement before attempting choking pressure
- Read opponent’s defensive reactions to determine optimal path between finishing choke and transitioning to superior positions
- Maintain head position tight to opponent’s far shoulder as active control point preventing rotation and space creation
- Use progressive pressure application rather than explosive movements to maximize control duration and technical efficiency
- Treat position as transitional attack hub connecting multiple high-percentage outcomes based on opponent’s defensive choices
Available Attacks
Finish Buggy Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Transition to Back Control → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 75%
Hook Leg and Take Back → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 72%
Transition to Crucifix → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Roll to Truck → Truck
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Switch to Darce Configuration → D’arce Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Switch to Anaconda Configuration → Anaconda Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Transition to Side Control → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 55%
- Intermediate: 70%
- Advanced: 80%
Rolling Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Transition to Front Headlock → Front Headlock
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent remains static and defensive without movement:
- Execute Tighten grips and finish buggy choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Apply progressive choking pressure → Buggy Choke Top (Probability: 30%)
If opponent attempts to sit to guard or roll to side:
- Execute Hook near leg and transition to back control → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Roll with opponent to truck position → Truck (Probability: 40%)
If opponent turns into the choke to defend neck:
- Execute Switch to darce configuration → D’arce Control (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Switch to anaconda configuration → Anaconda Control (Probability: 35%)
- Execute Transition to front headlock control → Front Headlock (Probability: 15%)
If opponent extends far arm to base and prevent choke:
- Execute Attack extended arm for crucifix → Crucifix (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Maintain pressure and re-attack choke → Buggy Choke Top (Probability: 35%)
If opponent successfully strips grips or creates significant space:
- Execute Transition to side control → Side Control (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Reset to standard turtle top control → Turtle (Probability: 30%)
- Execute Attack with alternative submissions → Guillotine Control (Probability: 20%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct submission path
Turtle → Buggy Choke Top → Won by Submission
Back control path
Turtle → Buggy Choke Top → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Crucifix path
Turtle → Buggy Choke Top → Crucifix → Choke from Crucifix
Truck system path
Turtle → Buggy Choke Top → Truck → Twister Control → Twister
Darce conversion path
Turtle → Buggy Choke Top → D'arce Control → Darce Choke
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 50% | 55% | 45% |
| Intermediate | 65% | 70% | 65% |
| Advanced | 75% | 80% | 80% |
Average Time in Position: 20-45 seconds
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The buggy choke position exemplifies sophisticated attack system design where a single control configuration creates multiple high-percentage offensive pathways. From a systematic perspective, this represents optimal jiu-jitsu strategy: establishing control structures that make all defensive options lead to disadvantageous outcomes for the opponent. The biomechanical effectiveness derives from the perpendicular pressure principle—when we apply chest weight downward while the choking arm applies rotational torque, we create a structural problem where the opponent’s turtle posture facilitates rather than prevents the submission. The critical technical element that most practitioners overlook is the palm-up orientation of the threading arm, which transforms body weight into choking pressure through lever mechanics rather than requiring arm strength. From a teaching perspective, I emphasize that the buggy choke should be trained as a position rather than a submission—students must develop the ability to read defensive reactions and flow between finishing the choke, taking the back, attacking the crucifix, or rolling to truck without releasing control. This reactive methodology represents advanced strategy where opponent choices determine specific outcomes, but all outcomes favor the top player.
Gordon Ryan
In high-level competition, the buggy choke position is one of my most reliable turtle attacks because it eliminates the stalling strategy that many defensive players rely on. When I secure these grips, my opponent can’t just stay in turtle and wait for the referee to stand us up or wait for me to make a mistake—they must move, and every movement creates opportunities for me. The competitive application is understanding when to finish the choke versus when to use it as entry control for back takes or crucifix attacks. Against opponents with excellent buggy choke defense, I often use the initial grip establishment as a forcing mechanism—they defend the choke by sitting to guard, which gives me the exact back take I was actually setting up. This represents high-level strategy where the visible primary attack (the choke) serves as setup for the actual objective (the back take). The key insight for competitors is recognizing that maintaining this position for 20-30 seconds while reading defensive reactions provides more valuable information than rushing immediately to submission attempts. Patience in this control position allows you to identify the specific defensive pattern your opponent uses, then exploit that pattern with the appropriate counter-transition. In the gi, this position is even more dominant because the collar grips are extremely difficult to strip once properly established.
Eddie Bravo
The buggy choke fits perfectly into the 10th Planet turtle attack philosophy—we’re not trying to just take the back and play it safe, we’re hunting for submissions and dominant positions simultaneously. What makes this position so effective is that it’s completely compatible with our twister system and truck game. From buggy choke control, I can finish the choke, take the back, or roll them to the truck for twister attacks, and all those options flow naturally without me having to release control and start over. The no-gi adaptation is important to understand because you’re not relying on collar grips—you’re connecting hands around the neck and shoulder to create similar structural control with different mechanics. This actually makes the position slightly more dynamic in no-gi because transitions between buggy choke, darce, and anaconda happen more fluidly when you’re not committed to specific collar grips. In training, we emphasize treating turtle top as submission hunting position rather than just positional control, and the buggy choke is a perfect example of that mindset. You’re threatening damage immediately while simultaneously setting up transitions to even more dangerous positions. This aggressive approach forces opponents to make rushed defensive decisions, which usually means they’re making mistakes you can capitalize on.