Submission: Gogoplata

I havent had chance to do a submission of the month for a while so this months will be the gogoplata. Here is a definition from Wikipedia

"The gogoplata is executed from a guard, commonly from a "rubber guard", where the legs are held very high against the opponent's upper back. The fighter then slips one foot in front of the opponent's head and under his chin, locks his hands behind the opponent's head, and chokes the opponent by pressing his shin or instep against the opponent's trachea. A variation called a Locoplata is when the bottom man uses his free foot to push up on the choking foot and increase pressure."

In my opinion this defintion is some what lacking and credit should go to one of the pioneers of the gogoplata Nino Schrembi. Here Nino demonstrates the Gogoplata:



Here Ryan Hall finishes a No-Gi grappling match with the submission:



The gogoplata has also been used effectively in MMA. Shinya Aoki perfomred his first successful gogoplata in MMA on Joachim Hansen at PRIDE Shockwave 2006 and his first successful mounted gogoplata on Katsuhiko Nagata at DREAM 4. Former UFC Heavyweight fighter Brad Imes calls himself "Mr. Gogoplata", after winning two matches in a row with the maneuver. Nick Diaz defeated Takanori Gomi using the gogoplata at Pride 33, only to have the victory changed to a NC due to positive test for marijuana in the post-fight drug screen. Here is Nick Diaz doing what he does best:

Half Guard

Roberto Correa (Gordo) is credited with developing the position referred to as the half guard. He began using the half guard after a serious knee injury when he was still a purple belt. The half guard has developed over the years from a more defensive position to a more offensive one. However, opinions on the half guard remain divided. If you are from the 'guard smashing' camp you may say that it is half way to passing guard and that the position should be avoided where possible. On the other hand if you are from the 'guard player' camp one may argue that the position is an offensive position that can be used to set up numerous sweeps and submissions. Personally I enjoy playing the half guard but I don't like to hang out there for too long. Mainly, because I feel like that I am susceptible to chokes but, also I tend to struggle to keep on my side especially with heavier opponents when they are trying to flatten me out. So who are the best half guard players today?

Here are my favourites: Celso Vinicius, Marcelo Garcia, Jeff Glover, Cyborg, Lucas Leite, Robson Moura and the UK's very own Oli Geddes. I also think that Demian Maia, Andre Galvao, Minotauro and Wilson Reis have used the position effectively in MMA. Check them out. I have included two videos one of Lucas Leite and the other of Jeff Glover.

Lucas Leite shows some effective half guard skills in the US Open No-Gi final


Below, is a great Jeff Glover highlight put together by Naledge.



Further information on the half guard:

Stephan Kesting summarises the different types of half guard here.

Here are 17 tips for an Active Bottom Half Guard .

Movimento Lento's favourite Half Guard instructionals: Half Guard with Gordo, Jeff Glovers Deep Half Guard, Robson Moura Fusion 2, Rigan Machado Secrets of the Half Guard, Cyborg Guard Series, Vince Quituguas Lost Techniques of the Half Guard. Also, love or hate him Mr Eddie Bravo has an excellent half guard game well worth checking out his DVD. All the DVD's are available from Budovideos.