Von Flue Choke

SAFETY: Von Flue Choke targets the Carotid arteries. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness. Release immediately upon tap.

Position Variants

From Position	Success Rate	Top Injury Risk	Key Difference
Side Control	58%	Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness

The Von Flue Choke is a devastating counter-submission that punishes opponents who maintain an overly committed guillotine grip from bottom position. Named after Jason Von Flue who famously used it in the UFC, this technique transforms a defensive scenario into an immediate offensive threat. The choke works by using shoulder pressure combined with body weight to compress one carotid artery while the opponent’s own arm compresses the other, creating a blood choke that renders the guillotine grip not only ineffective but actively dangerous for the person holding it. This submission is particularly effective in no-gi grappling where guillotine attempts are common, and it serves as a crucial defensive concept that every practitioner must understand. The psychological impact of the Von Flue choke cannot be overstated—once an opponent has been caught with it, they become hesitant to hold guillotine grips from bottom position, fundamentally changing the dynamics of guard passing exchanges. The technique demonstrates a core principle in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: every offensive position contains the seeds of its own defeat if held too long or too rigidly.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries Success Rate: 58% (average across variants)

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness	CRITICAL	Immediate recovery if released promptly, potential brain damage if held past unconsciousness
Neck strain from resisting the choke	Medium	3-7 days with rest
Shoulder impingement from pressure application	Low	1-3 days

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum to allow partner to recognize the danger and release their guillotine grip

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (most important as arms may be trapped)
• Physical hand tap on your body or mat
• Physical foot tap on mat
• Releasing the guillotine grip immediately
• Any distress signal including body going limp

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately remove shoulder pressure from neck
2. Lift your head and upper body away from opponent’s neck
3. Create space by posting your hands and moving your torso back
4. Check partner’s consciousness and breathing
5. If partner is unconscious, elevate legs and monitor recovery

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply full pressure in training—use gradual pressure to allow tap
• Never hold the choke after partner releases their guillotine grip
• Always allow partner’s arms to be free enough to tap
• Never use competition speed or sudden pressure in drilling
• Stop immediately if partner’s grip loosens (indicates impending unconsciousness)
• Require verbal confirmation that partner understands the danger before practicing

Variation Details

Von Flue from Half Guard: When passing half guard against an opponent holding a guillotine, you can apply the Von Flue choke before fully passing to side control. The setup is identical, but you must be careful to prevent them from using their half guard to sweep you as you apply pressure. (When to use: When opponent maintains guillotine grip from bottom half guard during your passing attempt, allowing you to finish the pass with a submission threat)

Standing Von Flue: If opponent attempts a standing guillotine and you successfully sprawl, you can apply Von Flue pressure from the standing position by driving your shoulder into their neck while they hold the guillotine. This is less common but highly effective in no-gi scrambles. (When to use: Against standing guillotine attempts where opponent refuses to release grip after you’ve sprawled and established superior position)

Von Flue to Mount Transition: As you apply the Von Flue choke, if the opponent attempts to bridge or create space, you can swing your leg over into mount while maintaining shoulder pressure. This creates an even more dominant finishing position with the same choke mechanism. (When to use: When opponent creates upward movement or bridging that makes the mount transition available while you’re applying the choke from side control)

From Which Positions?

• Side Control
• Half Guard
• North-South
• Knee on Belly
• Side Control
• Mount
• Standing Position

Related Submissions

• Guillotine Choke - Primary submission being countered by Von Flue technique
• Arm in Guillotine - Guillotine variation that creates Von Flue opportunity when held too long
• Chin Strap Guillotine - Specific guillotine variation commonly countered by Von Flue
• North-South Choke - Related shoulder pressure choke sharing similar finishing mechanics
• Arm Triangle - Head and arm choke with similar pressure-based finishing principles
• Darce Choke - Head and arm choke family with related control concepts from top
• Anaconda Choke - Front headlock choke family sharing head and arm control principles
• Ezekiel Choke - Alternative choke available from similar top control positions

Additional Related Content

• Side Control - Primary position for applying Von Flue choke
• Guillotine Control - Position being countered by Von Flue technique
• Half Guard - Common position where Von Flue can be applied during passing
• North-South - Alternative position where similar shoulder pressure can be applied
• Kesa Gatame - Related side control variation with similar pressure principles
• Front Headlock - Related upper body control position used in guillotine sequences
• Side Control - Position to consolidate after successful Von Flue forces grip release
• Mount - Alternative finish position when opponent bridges during Von Flue attempt

Match Outcome

Successful execution of Von Flue Choke leads to → Game Over

All submissions in BJJ ultimately converge to the same terminal state: the match ends when your opponent taps.