Gogoplata

⚠️ SAFETY: Gogoplata targets the Trachea and carotid arteries. Risk: Tracheal damage or crushing. Release immediately upon tap.

The Gogoplata is an advanced submission technique that utilizes the shin bone to create a choke by pressing against the opponent’s trachea while simultaneously pulling their head forward. This highly technical submission is most commonly associated with Eddie Bravo’s 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system and requires exceptional flexibility, precise positioning, and excellent timing. The Gogoplata is executed primarily from rubber guard positions, though variations exist from mount and other control positions.

What makes the Gogoplata particularly effective is its unexpected nature and the difficulty opponents face in defending once the position is established. Unlike traditional chokes that rely on arm or collar grips, the Gogoplata uses the shin bone as the primary choking mechanism, making it extremely difficult to grip-fight or hand-fight out of the submission. The technique’s success heavily depends on the practitioner’s ability to maintain high guard control, break the opponent’s posture, and possess the hip flexibility necessary to bring the shin across the throat.

While the Gogoplata has a reputation as a low-percentage submission due to its technical complexity and flexibility requirements, when executed by practitioners with the proper physical attributes and technical understanding, it becomes a powerful addition to the submission arsenal. The technique has been successfully used in high-level competition, most notably by practitioners like Nick Diaz, Shinya Aoki, and other flexibility-focused grapplers. The Gogoplata represents the evolution of submission grappling beyond traditional techniques, showcasing how creativity and physical attributes can be leveraged to create finishing opportunities from seemingly neutral positions.

Category: Choke Type: Shin Choke Target Area: Trachea and carotid arteries Starting Position: Rubber Guard Success Rates: Beginner 15%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 50%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Tracheal damage or crushing	CRITICAL	4-12 weeks or permanent damage
Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness	CRITICAL	Immediate (but risk of brain damage if held too long)
Neck hyperextension or cervical spine injury	High	2-8 weeks
Jaw or facial bone stress fractures	Medium	4-6 weeks

Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW - 5-7 seconds minimum from initial shin placement to full pressure. This is one of the most dangerous chokes due to tracheal vulnerability.

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (any sound indicating distress)
• Physical hand tap (rapid tapping on partner’s body or mat)
• Physical foot tap (stomping or tapping with feet)
• Any distress signal or change in breathing pattern
• Loss of resistance or body going limp (IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

Release Protocol:

1. IMMEDIATELY remove shin from across throat at first sign of tap
2. Release head control and allow head to return to neutral position
3. Remove top leg from over opponent’s head completely
4. Lower hips and release all pressure
5. Check on training partner’s condition before continuing
6. Allow adequate recovery time (minimum 2-3 minutes) before resuming training

Training Restrictions:

• NEVER apply rapid or explosive pressure to the throat
• NEVER practice at competition speed during training
• NEVER use excessive pulling force on the head
• Always allow training partner immediate tap access
• Beginners should drill position only without applying pressure for first 6-12 months
• Only practice with trusted partners who understand the dangers
• Never practice when fatigued or with impaired judgment

Key Principles

• High guard control must be established before attempting the shin placement across the throat
• Hip flexibility is essential - the ability to bring your shin across their throat while maintaining control
• Breaking posture is critical - opponent’s head must be pulled down and forward for the choke to work
• Shin bone placement must be precise - across the trachea with the blade of the shin, not the calf
• Control of the opponent’s head with both hands creates the necessary compression for the choke
• The non-choking leg maintains position control by hooking over the opponent’s back or shoulder
• Gradual pressure application allows for safe training and partner awareness of danger

Prerequisites

• Establish closed guard or high guard control with opponent in your guard
• Break opponent’s posture completely - their head must be pulled down low
• Secure rubber guard position with one foot across opponent’s back and behind their head
• Create sufficient space to thread the choking leg across opponent’s throat
• Control opponent’s head with both hands to prevent them from posturing up
• Ensure opponent’s arms are controlled or neutralized to prevent them from creating base
• Have the hip flexibility to bring your shin across their throat while maintaining connection
• Secure your foot position behind opponent’s head or shoulder for maximum leverage

Execution Steps

1. Establish high guard control: From closed guard or open guard, establish a high guard position by climbing your legs up your opponent’s back. Secure one foot across their back in rubber guard position, with your shin behind their head. Your other leg should maintain control around their body or be prepared to become the choking mechanism. (Timing: 0-2 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
2. Break opponent’s posture completely: Using your rubber guard control and both hands gripping behind opponent’s head or controlling their arms, pull their head down aggressively until their face is close to your chest. Their posture must be completely broken - if they can maintain any upright posture, the submission will not work. (Timing: 2-4 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
3. Thread the choking leg across the throat: From your high guard position, begin to thread your free leg (the one not in rubber guard) across the front of opponent’s throat. Your shin bone should come across their trachea while your foot moves toward the opposite side of their neck. This requires significant hip flexibility and must be done while maintaining broken posture. (Timing: 4-7 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
4. Secure the shin position across the throat: Position the blade of your shin bone directly across opponent’s trachea and throat area. Your foot should be positioned behind their head or over their opposite shoulder. The shin placement is critical - it must be centered on the throat with the hard bone creating the compression point, not the soft calf muscle. (Timing: 7-10 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
5. Control the head with both hands: With your shin in position, secure a strong grip on the back of opponent’s head with both hands. Your grip might be palm-to-palm, fingers interlaced, or gripping their hair or gi collar (in gi). This grip will allow you to pull their head forward into your shin, creating the choking pressure. (Timing: 10-12 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
6. Create choking pressure by pulling head forward: While maintaining your shin position across their throat, pull opponent’s head forward with your hands. Simultaneously extend your hips slightly upward to increase pressure. The combination of pulling their head into your shin while the shin remains stationary creates the choke. Apply pressure SLOWLY over 3-5 seconds. (Timing: 12-17 seconds) [Pressure: Firm]
7. Maintain position and adjust pressure: As opponent feels the pressure, they will attempt to escape. Maintain your shin position, keep their posture broken, and adjust your pulling angle to maximize the choke. Your non-choking leg should hook over their back or shoulder to prevent them from posturing up. Continue gradual pressure increase until tap is achieved. (Timing: 17-22 seconds to completion) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Posture up aggressively to create space and prevent shin placement (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Anticipate the posture attempt and use your rubber guard leg to pull their head back down immediately. Secure head control with both hands before they can create significant space. If they succeed in posturing, abandon the submission and transition to triangle or omoplata.
• Turn head to the side to prevent shin from settling across throat (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Follow the direction of their head turn and adjust your shin angle accordingly. Use your hand grips to force their head back to center position. If they persist in turning, you can attack the exposed neck with an arm triangle or switch to a different submission.
• Push against your hips to create distance and remove choking pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Squeeze your knees together to trap their arms and prevent effective pushing. Your non-choking leg should hook deeper over their back to maintain proximity. Pull their head more aggressively to counteract any distance they create.
• Grab the choking leg and attempt to push it away from throat (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: If they commit both hands to gripping your choking leg, their head becomes vulnerable. Increase head control and pulling pressure. The act of them reaching for your leg often drives their head deeper into the choke. Maintain shin pressure and continue the submission.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Attempting the gogoplata without sufficient hip flexibility [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Inability to bring shin across throat properly, leading to failed submission attempt and potential injury to your own hip or knee from forcing the position
  • Correction: Develop hip flexibility through dedicated stretching and yoga before attempting this technique. Practice the positioning slowly with a cooperative partner. If you cannot comfortably bring your shin across while maintaining guard, this submission may not be suitable for your body type.
• Mistake: Failing to break opponent’s posture before attempting shin placement [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent easily postures up and escapes, or they stack you and pass your guard while you’re attempting the submission
  • Correction: Ensure opponent’s posture is completely broken with their head pulled down low before initiating the shin thread. Use your rubber guard position and head control to maintain broken posture throughout the entire technique. Posture control is the foundation of this submission.
• Mistake: Placing the calf muscle across the throat instead of the shin bone [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Ineffective choking pressure due to soft tissue compression rather than hard bone pressure. Opponent can often resist or escape easily
  • Correction: Focus on positioning the blade of your shin bone (the hard front edge) directly across the trachea. Your foot should be positioned behind their head, not alongside it. The shin bone creates much more effective compression than the calf muscle.
• Mistake: Applying pressure too quickly without allowing time for tap [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: CRITICAL DANGER - rapid pressure on the trachea can cause serious injury including tracheal collapse, loss of consciousness, or permanent damage
  • Correction: ALWAYS apply pressure slowly and progressively over 5-7 seconds minimum. Watch for tap signals constantly. This is one of the most dangerous submissions due to direct tracheal pressure. In training, use minimal pressure - just enough for partner to feel the position. Never spike or jerk the submission.
• Mistake: Losing control of opponent’s head during the submission [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent can posture up or turn their head to escape the choke. Without head control, the submission becomes ineffective
  • Correction: Maintain strong two-hand control on the back of opponent’s head throughout the entire submission. Your hands should be pulling their head forward into your shin constantly. Never release head control until the tap occurs or you abandon the submission.
• Mistake: Neglecting to control opponent’s body with the non-choking leg [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent can create distance, posture up, or escape the position entirely. Loss of overall positional control
  • Correction: Your non-choking leg (the rubber guard leg) should maintain active control by hooking over opponent’s back or shoulder. This leg prevents them from creating space and maintains your high guard position. Both legs work together - one chokes, one controls.
• Mistake: Attempting the submission when fatigued or with poor flexibility [High DANGER]
  • Consequence: Increased risk of injury to yourself (hip, knee, or ankle) and inability to maintain proper control for safe execution
  • Correction: Only attempt gogoplata when you are fresh and your flexibility is optimal. This is not a submission to attempt when tired. If your flexibility is compromised due to fatigue, choose different submission options. Know your physical limitations and respect them.

Variations

Gogoplata from High Mount: When you have secured high mount position, opponent’s defensive posture often creates an opening for the gogoplata. Thread your shin across their throat from the top position, using your body weight to drive the pressure down rather than pulling their head up. This variation requires even more flexibility but can be highly effective against defensive opponents who tuck their elbows in mount. (When to use: When you have high mount and opponent is defending with elbows tight to their body, creating space near their neck. Particularly effective when opponent turns to their side attempting to escape mount.)

Gogoplata from Mission Control: From Eddie Bravo’s mission control position (a specific rubber guard configuration), the gogoplata becomes more accessible. With opponent’s arm trapped and their posture already compromised, thread your shin across while maintaining the mission control structure. This setup provides better control and makes the shin placement easier due to the arm trap. (When to use: When you have successfully entered mission control in the 10th Planet system and opponent’s posture is broken. This is often the highest-percentage gogoplata setup for practitioners of the rubber guard system.)

Gogoplata from Failed Triangle Attempt: If your triangle choke attempt is defended (opponent pulls their arm out), you can transition directly to gogoplata by adjusting your leg position. The transition is smooth because opponent’s head is already controlled and their posture is broken from the triangle attempt. Simply adjust the choking leg’s position to bring the shin across instead of the traditional triangle leg configuration. (When to use: When opponent defends your triangle by pulling their trapped arm free. The defensive motion often leaves their head in perfect position for gogoplata. This creates a powerful triangle-to-gogoplata combination attack.)

Inverted Gogoplata from Inverted Guard: From inverted guard positions, you can attack the gogoplata with your shin coming across from the opposite direction. This variation is even more flexibility-dependent but can catch opponents completely by surprise. Your shin crosses their throat from underneath rather than from above, creating a different angle of attack. (When to use: When you are comfortable in inverted guard positions and opponent drives forward into your space. Advanced variation primarily used by extremely flexible grapplers or those with extensive 10th Planet training.)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: Why is the gogoplata considered one of the most dangerous submissions to practice in training? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The gogoplata directly compresses the trachea (windpipe) with the hard shin bone, which can cause serious injury much more quickly than blood chokes that target the carotid arteries. The trachea is a delicate structure, and rapid or excessive pressure can cause tracheal collapse, crushing, or permanent damage. Unlike blood chokes that cause unconsciousness gradually, tracheal damage happens quickly and can be irreversible. This is why extremely slow application (5-7 seconds minimum) and immediate release upon tap are absolutely critical. Training partners must have complete trust and experience before practicing this technique.

Q2: What is the primary physical requirement that determines whether a practitioner should attempt the gogoplata? A: Hip flexibility is the primary physical requirement for the gogoplata. The practitioner must be able to bring their shin across the opponent’s throat while simultaneously maintaining high guard control and keeping the opponent’s posture broken. This requires the ability to achieve extreme hip flexion and external rotation. Without sufficient flexibility, attempting to force the position can result in injury to the practitioner’s hip, knee, or ankle. Practitioners should develop this flexibility through dedicated stretching, yoga, or similar training before attempting the submission in live situations. If your hips cannot comfortably achieve the required position, the gogoplata is not suitable for your current body capabilities.

Q3: How does the gogoplata choke mechanism differ from a traditional guillotine or rear naked choke? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The gogoplata uses the shin bone to compress the trachea (air choke), whereas guillotine and rear naked chokes primarily compress the carotid arteries (blood chokes). Blood chokes cause unconsciousness by restricting blood flow to the brain and are generally considered safer because they don’t damage the airway structure. Air chokes like the gogoplata directly compress the windpipe and can cause structural damage to the trachea if applied incorrectly or too forcefully. The hard bone of the shin creates intense pressure on the relatively fragile tracheal cartilage, making the gogoplata both extremely effective and potentially more dangerous than traditional chokes. This fundamental difference is why the application speed and pressure control are so critical.

Q4: What positional control must be maintained throughout the gogoplata execution to prevent escape? A: Three critical controls must be maintained: First, high guard control with at least one leg (typically the rubber guard leg) hooking over the opponent’s back or shoulder to prevent them from creating distance. Second, broken posture control - the opponent’s head must remain pulled down low throughout the entire technique, typically maintained with a two-handed grip on the back of their head. Third, shin position control across the throat - the blade of the shin must remain centered on the trachea with the foot secured behind the head or over the shoulder. If any of these three controls are lost, the submission becomes ineffective and the opponent can escape. The integration of these controls working together is what makes the gogoplata functional against a resisting opponent.

Q5: What should you do immediately if your opponent goes limp or stops resisting during a gogoplata attempt? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: IMMEDIATELY release all pressure by removing your shin from their throat and releasing head control. Allow their head to return to a neutral position and remove your top leg from over their head completely. Lower your hips and release all pressure. Check on your training partner’s condition immediately - they may have lost consciousness or suffered an injury. Do not continue training until you have confirmed they are okay and they have had adequate recovery time (minimum 2-3 minutes). If they lost consciousness, they should not continue training that day and should seek medical evaluation. Loss of resistance during a tracheal choke can indicate serious airway compromise or loss of consciousness, both of which require immediate cessation of the technique and medical assessment.

Q6: Why is the gogoplata particularly associated with Eddie Bravo’s 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system? A: Eddie Bravo popularized the gogoplata through his 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, which emphasizes rubber guard positions and high-level flexibility. The rubber guard positions (like mission control) create ideal setups for the gogoplata by maintaining broken posture, controlling the opponent’s arm, and positioning the hips high on the opponent’s back. Bravo’s system specifically develops the flexibility and positional awareness needed for gogoplata success through dedicated rubber guard training. The technique fits perfectly into the 10th Planet philosophy of using flexibility and unconventional positions to create submission opportunities. While the gogoplata existed before Bravo (notably used in catch wrestling and by fighters like Shinya Aoki), his systematic approach to setting it up from rubber guard made it more accessible and repeatable for practitioners willing to develop the necessary flexibility.

Training Progressions

Flexibility Development (Weeks 1-8 (prerequisite phase))

• Focus: Develop the hip flexibility required for gogoplata through dedicated stretching, yoga, and mobility work. Focus on hip flexion, external rotation, and hamstring flexibility. Practice bringing your shin toward your opposite shoulder while maintaining guard position.
• Resistance: None
• Safety: Never force flexibility. Work gradually over weeks and months. If you experience pain or cannot achieve the positions comfortably, the gogoplata may not be suitable for your body type. Respect your physical limitations to prevent injury.

Position Familiarization (Weeks 9-12)

• Focus: Practice establishing rubber guard control and threading your shin across a cooperative partner’s throat WITHOUT applying any pressure. Focus solely on the positioning - getting your shin across, maintaining head control, and understanding the body mechanics. Partner provides zero resistance and helps guide your leg into position.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: NO PRESSURE applied to throat during this phase. Focus is entirely on position and movement. Partner should communicate any discomfort immediately. Practice getting in and out of the position smoothly and safely.

Slow Pressure Introduction (Weeks 13-20)

• Focus: Begin applying minimal pressure with cooperative partners who understand the technique. Apply pressure EXTREMELY slowly over 10-15 seconds. Partner should tap early to feel the submission’s mechanics. Practice recognizing and respecting taps immediately. Drill the complete release protocol repeatedly.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Pressure should be minimal - just enough for partner to understand the submission mechanism. Application time is DOUBLE the normal speed (10-15 seconds vs 5-7 seconds). Both partners must have complete trust. Practice with same trusted partners only.

Mild Resistance Integration (Weeks 21-32)

• Focus: Partner begins providing mild resistance - gentle attempts to maintain posture, slight hand fighting, basic defensive movements. Practice maintaining position control while opponent provides realistic but controlled defensive pressure. Continue slow pressure application (7-10 seconds). Work on adjustment and control rather than finishing.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Maintain slow application speed even with resistance. If you cannot maintain control with mild resistance, do not progress to higher resistance levels. Partner should still tap early to prevent any injury risk. Communication is essential throughout every repetition.

Realistic Training Integration (Months 9-12)

• Focus: Begin attempting gogoplata during flow rolling and positional sparring with trusted partners. Opponent provides realistic resistance but both partners understand this is a dangerous technique. Apply standard training pressure (5-7 seconds) but always prioritize safety over completion. Begin recognizing situations where gogoplata is available versus situations where other submissions are safer.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Never use competition speed in training. Always allow partner access to tap. If you feel any hesitation about control, abandon the submission and choose something safer. This submission requires perfect conditions - if position is not ideal, use a different attack.

Advanced Application and Competition Consideration (Month 13+ (ongoing mastery))

• Focus: Refine the gogoplata as part of your overall submission system. Integrate it with triangle, omoplata, and other guard submissions. Understand when to use it versus safer alternatives. If competing, decide whether the risk-reward ratio makes sense for your competition strategy. Continue practicing with safety as the absolute priority.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Even at the highest levels, safety protocols must be maintained in training. Many high-level competitors choose never to use gogoplata in competition due to injury risk to opponent. In training, it remains a technique that demands respect, perfect control, and complete trust between partners. Never become complacent with safety protocols regardless of experience level.

From Which Positions?

• Rubber Guard
• Mission Control
• Closed Guard
• High Mount
• Open Guard
• Inverted Guard

Related Submissions

• Triangle Choke
• Omoplata
• Baratoplata
• Triangle from Closed Guard
• Triangle from Guard
• Omoplata from Guard
• Armbar from Guard
• Guillotine Choke
• Triangle from Mount
• Armbar from Mount
• Inverted Triangle
• Monoplata
• Monoplata from Guard

Additional Related Content

• Rubber Guard - Primary position for gogoplata setup - provides the high guard control and broken posture necessary for successful execution
• Mission Control - Optimal rubber guard configuration for gogoplata - arm trap and posture control create ideal conditions for shin placement
• Triangle Choke - Complementary submission - failed triangle can transition to gogoplata, and vice versa. Both require broken posture and high guard control
• Omoplata - Part of the rubber guard submission system - can chain together with gogoplata as opponent defends one attack
• Baratoplata - Another shin-based submission from rubber guard - similar setup requirements and flexibility demands
• 10th Planet Rubber Guard System - Strategic framework that encompasses gogoplata as a primary finishing option from rubber guard positions
• Closed Guard - Starting position before establishing rubber guard - must transition through closed guard to access gogoplata setups
• Mounted Triangle - Alternative finishing position - can transition from mount to gogoplata when flexibility allows
• Inverted Guard - Advanced position allowing inverted gogoplata variations for extremely flexible practitioners
• Flexibility Training - Essential prerequisite concept - hip flexibility development determines gogoplata viability for individual practitioners
• Submission Chains - Conceptual framework for linking gogoplata with triangle, omoplata, and armbar in seamless attack sequences
• Armbar from Guard - Alternative submission from similar positions - if gogoplata is defended, armbar often becomes available

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The gogoplata represents an interesting case study in submission mechanics - it is one of the few submissions where the physical attributes of the practitioner (specifically flexibility) play a nearly deterministic role in whether the technique is even viable for them. From a systematic perspective, the gogoplata should be viewed not as a standalone technique but as the terminal point of a comprehensive rubber guard system. The mechanics are straightforward: you are using your shin bone as a lever against the trachea while pulling the opponent’s head forward to create compression. However, the setup requires such specific positional prerequisites - broken posture, high guard control, and the hip flexibility to achieve the shin placement - that it becomes a low-percentage technique for most practitioners. The safety considerations cannot be overstated: this is a tracheal compression technique, not a blood choke, which means the injury potential is significantly higher. In training, I recommend treating the gogoplata with the same respect you would give to heel hooks - perfect technical execution, slow application, and immediate respect for the tap. For competition, the risk-reward calculation heavily depends on your flexibility and your opponent’s defensive awareness. If you possess exceptional flexibility and have developed the necessary control through systematic rubber guard training, the gogoplata can be a legitimate finishing option. However, for most practitioners, the effort invested in developing gogoplata proficiency would likely yield better returns if invested in perfecting triangle chokes or omoplatas, which have similar setups but broader applicability and lower injury risk.
• Gordon Ryan: I’ll be completely honest - the gogoplata is not a high-percentage submission in modern no-gi grappling at the highest levels, and I rarely use it myself. The flexibility requirement immediately eliminates it as an option for a significant portion of grapplers, and even if you have the flexibility, the setup time and positional requirements make it less efficient than other submissions from the same positions. That said, I’ve seen it work at the highest levels when certain conditions align: your opponent is tired, their posture is completely broken, and they’re not experienced with defending rubber guard attacks. In competition, I view the gogoplata more as a threat that opens up other submissions rather than as a primary finishing mechanism. When I establish rubber guard control and threaten gogoplata, opponents often react in ways that expose their arms for kimuras or their neck for triangles - submissions I consider much higher percentage. The gogoplata has shock value, especially against opponents who haven’t trained extensively in 10th Planet-style systems, and that psychological element can be valuable. However, from a pure efficiency standpoint, I prefer submissions where I can rely primarily on technique and pressure rather than requiring exceptional flexibility. If you have the flexibility and enjoy the rubber guard game, developing a gogoplata can definitely add another dimension to your attack. Just understand that in training, you need to be extremely careful with the application - this is one of the few submissions where I’ve seen serious injuries occur from practitioners not respecting the tap or applying too much pressure too quickly. In competition, use it when the opportunity is perfect, but don’t force it when better options exist.
• Eddie Bravo: The gogoplata is the crown jewel of the rubber guard system, man. When people think 10th Planet, they think rubber guard, and when they think rubber guard at its highest level, gogoplata is right there. Now, here’s the real talk - not everyone is built for the gogoplata. You need serious hip flexibility, and that’s something you develop over months and years of dedicated work. But if you put in that time, if you develop the flexibility and really understand the rubber guard system, the gogoplata becomes this beautiful finishing option that most people just don’t see coming. The key is mission control - when you’ve got someone in mission control, their arm is trapped, their posture is destroyed, and you’re in the perfect position to thread that shin across. What makes the gogoplata special in the 10th Planet system is that it’s part of a chain. You’re attacking with triangles, omoplatas, invisible collar, and gogoplata all from similar positions, and your opponent doesn’t know which one is coming. The gogoplata also has this mental warfare aspect - when someone knows you’re hunting for it, they start defending in ways that open up everything else. But listen, safety is paramount with this one. This isn’t like a rear naked choke where you can kind of go hard in training. The gogoplata attacks the trachea directly, and you can seriously hurt your training partner if you’re not careful. In our gym, we drill this technique a lot, but we drill it with respect. Slow application, immediate tap respect, and we make sure people have the flexibility before they even attempt it in live rolling. The gogoplata is advanced - it’s not for white belts, it’s not for people who don’t have the flexibility, and it’s definitely not for people who don’t understand the safety implications. But for those who put in the work and develop the skill, it’s one of the most unique and effective submissions in jiu-jitsu. It represents the evolution of the art - using flexibility and unconventional positions to create finishes that the old-school guys never even imagined.