BJJ Graph

Gogoplata Control

Dec 09, 20259 min read

Gogoplata Control represents one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s most technically demanding and strategically unique control positions. This position establishes a shin-across-throat configuration that creates both a controlling position and an immediate submission threat simultaneously. Unlike traditional control positions that prioritize stability before submission attacks, Gogoplata Control merges these concepts into a single unified state where the controlling mechanics are inseparable from the finishing mechanics.

The position derives its effectiveness from the anatomical reality that the shin bone, when properly positioned across the trachea, creates compression that opponents cannot effectively defend against using conventional hand fighting or posture. The bottom player’s ability to pull their own foot behind the opponent’s head while maintaining shin pressure creates a self-reinforcing control system where attempts to escape increase the submission pressure.

Strategically, Gogoplata Control occupies a unique space in the positional hierarchy. It typically emerges from high guard positions, rubber guard variations, or mounted attacks where the practitioner has achieved exceptional flexibility and control. The position demands significant hip flexibility, hamstring mobility, and core strength to maintain effectively. This high entry barrier makes it a lower-percentage position for less flexible practitioners but a devastating weapon for those with the requisite physical attributes.

The control mechanisms center on three primary principles: shin-across-throat pressure that restricts breathing and blood flow, foot-behind-head positioning that prevents escape, and hip elevation that maintains optimal angle of attack. The bottom player must continuously adjust hip position to maintain perpendicular shin alignment relative to the trachea while preventing the opponent from creating space or changing angles.

Defensively, opponents face severe limitations in their response options. Traditional posture-based defenses prove ineffective because the shin is already across the throat. Attempts to pull the leg away typically fail because the practitioner’s own foot is hooked behind the opponent’s head, creating a closed system. This forces opponents into desperate bridging or rolling movements that often expose them to alternative submissions or positional advances.

Tactically, practitioners must recognize that Gogoplata Control functions as both a transitional state and a submission position. The control can be maintained while working toward the finish, or it can serve as a launching point for transitions to triangle, omoplata, or back attacks if the opponent manages to defend the primary submission threat. This positional flexibility makes it strategically valuable beyond its pure finishing percentage.

The position also demonstrates important principles about submission-based control systems. Unlike pin-based positions that rely on weight distribution and pressure points, Gogoplata Control uses limb configuration and anatomical compression to achieve dominance. This makes it particularly effective in no-gi contexts where traditional grip-based controls are unavailable, though it remains viable in gi competition for practitioners with appropriate physical attributes.

Key Principles

  • Shin-across-throat positioning creates simultaneous control and submission threat

  • Foot-behind-head configuration prevents conventional escape mechanics

  • Hip elevation and angle adjustment maintain optimal compression geometry

  • Flexibility requirements make this position specialist-dependent rather than universally applicable

  • Control mechanics are inseparable from finishing mechanics unlike traditional positions

  • Position functions as both control state and submission attempt simultaneously

  • Defensive options are severely limited by anatomical compression and limb configuration

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeOffensive/ControllingDefensive
Risk LevelMedium to HighHigh
Energy CostHighMedium
TimeShort to MediumShort

Key Difference: Shin pressure creates immediate submission threat

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Shin must be perpendicular to trachea with tibia creating direct compression on airway

  • Foot-behind-head configuration creates closed system preventing conventional escapes

  • Hip elevation is mandatory for maintaining proper shin angle and pressure

  • Own hands must control own foot, pulling it deeper while managing opponent’s head position

  • Flexibility is non-negotiable prerequisite making this specialist position rather than universal tool

  • Position functions as submission attempt and control state simultaneously without separation

  • Transitions to triangle, omoplata, or back are available if primary finish is defended

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Attempting gogoplata without sufficient hip flexibility or hamstring mobility

    • Consequence: Unable to get foot behind head or maintain shin pressure, resulting in failed setup and opponent escapes to better position
    • ✅ Correction: Develop flexibility through dedicated stretching program before attempting position in live training; use rubber guard progressions to assess readiness

  • ❌ Allowing hips to drop to mat level instead of maintaining elevation

    • Consequence: Shin angle becomes parallel to throat instead of perpendicular, eliminating compression and allowing easy escape
    • ✅ Correction: Engage core continuously to keep hips elevated; think of driving pelvis toward ceiling while maintaining shin contact with throat

  • ❌ Positioning shin across face or chin instead of directly on trachea

    • Consequence: No submission threat and opponent can easily turn head to remove pressure and escape position
    • ✅ Correction: Focus on tibia placement across front of throat with perpendicular alignment; adjust hip angle to ensure shin crosses windpipe not mandible

  • ❌ Failing to secure own foot behind opponent’s head with hand control

    • Consequence: Opponent can simply pull the leg away and extract their head, escaping the submission and control
    • ✅ Correction: Use both hands initially to pull own foot deep behind opponent’s head; maintain one hand on foot throughout to prevent removal

  • ❌ Abandoning position too quickly when opponent shows initial defense

    • Consequence: Missing submission opportunities and failing to use position as control platform for other attacks
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain gogoplata control while opponent defends; use their defensive movements to trigger transitions to triangle, omoplata, or back attacks

  • ❌ Attempting gogoplata from positions without proper control prerequisites

    • Consequence: Opponent easily defends by posturing or passing before the shin can be established across throat
    • ✅ Correction: Build through proper progression: closed guard → rubber guard → mission control → gogoplata; ensure each control is solid before advancing

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Remain calm and avoid panic-driven movements that tighten the choke or expose additional threats

  • Prioritize creating breathing space before attempting full escape from position

  • Understand that pulling straight back is ineffective due to foot-behind-head configuration

  • Focus on changing angles and removing leg systematically rather than using strength alone

  • Recognize that explosive movements often worsen position by exposing back or tightening submission

  • Address multiple attack threats simultaneously including gogoplata, triangle, omoplata, and back exposure

  • Build escape through incremental improvements rather than single explosive movement

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Pulling head straight backward away from bottom player to escape shin pressure

    • Consequence: Foot-behind-head configuration prevents backward movement and pulling motion tightens the choke by increasing shin pressure against throat
    • ✅ Correction: Focus on lateral head movement and changing angles rather than pulling away; work to remove foot from behind head first before attempting head extraction

  • ❌ Driving weight forward into bottom player attempting to smash through position

    • Consequence: Forward pressure increases shin compression on throat and may expose back for back take if opponent uses forward momentum against defender
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain neutral weight distribution while working on technical escape mechanics; use hand fighting and angle changes rather than weight pressure

  • ❌ Panicking and making explosive, uncontrolled movements when feeling choke pressure

    • Consequence: Random movements often expose neck further, tighten existing submission, or create opportunities for triangle and omoplata transitions
    • ✅ Correction: Stay calm and work systematically through escape sequence; recognize that controlled technical movements are more effective than explosive struggling

  • ❌ Focusing exclusively on removing shin from throat without addressing foot-behind-head position

    • Consequence: Shin can be replaced immediately after removal because structural configuration remains intact with foot still behind head
    • ✅ Correction: Prioritize removing or loosening foot from behind head which eliminates the structural foundation allowing shin to be replaced across throat

  • ❌ Attempting to use hands to pull the leg away from throat without proper leverage

    • Consequence: Bottom player’s leg is stronger than top player’s arms making direct pulling ineffective while hand positioning opens armbar opportunities
    • ✅ Correction: Use hands to control bottom player’s hips and create base rather than grabbing at the choking leg; focus on positional improvements that make leg removal possible

  • ❌ Turning shoulder toward the choking leg to escape pressure

    • Consequence: Turning into the shin creates omoplata position giving bottom player alternative submission while maintaining control
    • ✅ Correction: If turning, turn away from choking leg while maintaining awareness of back exposure; better to work on systematic head extraction than turning into additional threats

  • Rubber Guard - Common entry position providing necessary control and angle

  • Mission Control - Rubber guard variation that facilitates gogoplata setup

  • High Mount - Alternative position from which gogoplata can be attacked

  • Triangle Control - Related leg-based control with similar defensive limitations

  • Omoplata Control - Transition option if opponent defends gogoplata mechanics

  • Mounted Triangle - Alternative finish sharing similar positional dominance

  • Closed Guard - Base position from which rubber guard and gogoplata chains develop

  • Armbar Control - Alternative submission control when gogoplata is defended

  • Back Control - Transition target if opponent rolls to escape shin pressure

  • Won by Submission - Terminal state when gogoplata submission is completed successfully