What factors contribute to a BJJ choke being considered "rare"?

Rarity is determined by factors such as setup complexity, specific physical attributes required, the risk-reward ratio of attempting it, and limited positional opportunities.

Which chokes are generally considered the rarest in BJJ?

The Peruvian Necktie and the Gogoplata are consistently cited as the primary contenders for the title of "rarest choke" in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Why is the Peruvian Necktie so infrequently seen in BJJ?

The Peruvian Necktie is rare because it requires a specific, often compromised, opponent posture, precise timing to apply the leg over the head, and can leave the attacker vulnerable if not executed quickly.

What makes the Gogoplata a rare BJJ submission?

The Gogoplata is rare due to the extreme hamstring and hip flexibility it demands, the difficulty in achieving and maintaining the necessary high guard position, and the vulnerability to counters if not executed perfectly.

Is there any benefit to learning rare BJJ submissions?

Studying rare submissions can expand technical understanding, develop positional awareness, improve adaptability, and foster creativity, though mastery of fundamentals remains paramount.

What is the rarest choke in BJJ?

While pinpointing the single "rarest" choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is subjective and depends heavily on context, the Peruvian Necktie and the Gogoplata are consistently cited as among the most infrequently seen and successfully applied chokes in both training and competition, largely due to their intricate setups and specific physical requirements.

Defining "Rarity" in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Submissions

The concept of a "rarest" submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is multifaceted. It's not merely about how many times a technique is taught, but how often it's successfully executed in sparring or competition. Several factors contribute to a choke's rarity:

Complexity of Setup: Some chokes require a highly specific sequence of movements and precise positional control that is difficult to achieve against a resisting opponent.
Specific Physical Attributes: Certain submissions might necessitate extreme flexibility, reach, or strength from the attacker, or a particular body type of the defender.
Risk-Reward Ratio: Highly complex or exposed setups can leave the attacker vulnerable to counters, making practitioners less likely to attempt them.
Limited Positional Opportunities: Many rare chokes are only accessible from very specific, uncommon positions.
Evolution of the Sport: As BJJ evolves, certain techniques rise and fall in popularity based on meta-game shifts, rule sets, and prominent innovators.

The Contenders for "Rarest Choke"

While there's no official registry, certain chokes consistently appear on lists of the least common. The primary contenders for the "rarest choke" title are:

The Peruvian Necktie: A front-headlock variation that leverages gravity and body mechanics.
The Gogoplata: A highly flexible choke from the guard, often associated with high-level competitors like Shinya Aoki.

Other submissions, while rare, might not strictly fit the definition of a "choke" (e.g., the Twister, which is a spinal lock) or are highly specialized variations of common chokes (e.g., some obscure Ezekiel choke entries).

Deep Dive: The Peruvian Necktie

The Peruvian Necktie is a submission that gains its rarity from its unique entry and the precise body mechanics required to finish it.

Anatomy and Biomechanics: This choke primarily targets the carotid arteries, cutting off blood flow to the brain, but also applies significant pressure to the trachea. It's a type of head-and-arm choke where the attacker's arm wraps around the opponent's neck and arm, similar to a guillotine, but the finish involves the attacker's leg being thrown over the opponent's head and the attacker's body falling back to create immense leverage.
Setup and Execution:
- It typically originates from a front headlock position, often when the opponent is attempting a takedown or turtle.
- The attacker secures a deep guillotine-style grip.
- Crucially, the attacker's leg is swung over the opponent's head, positioning the shin or calf across the opponent's neck.
- The attacker then falls backward, using their body weight and the leverage of their leg against the opponent's head to cinch the choke.
Why it's Rare:
- Specific Posture Requirement: The opponent must be in a specific, often compromised, forward-leaning posture.
- Timing: The window to apply the leg over the head is fleeting.
- Vulnerability: Falling backward can expose the attacker to leg locks or sweeps if the choke isn't secured quickly.
- Difficulty in Control: Maintaining the tight headlock while transitioning the leg requires significant core strength and coordination.

Deep Dive: The Gogoplata

The Gogoplata is a visually striking and technically demanding choke, largely popularized in MMA by Shinya Aoki. Its rarity stems from the extreme flexibility and precise timing it demands.

Anatomy and Biomechanics: The Gogoplata is a hybrid choke that applies pressure to the opponent's trachea and potentially the carotid arteries. It involves using the attacker's shin bone to press into the opponent's throat, often combined with a hand-to-shin grip to intensify the pressure.
Setup and Execution:
- It is almost exclusively initiated from a rubber guard or high-guard position, where the attacker's legs are high on the opponent's back and head.
- The attacker's foot is slipped under their own armpit and then positioned so the shin or instep is directly across the opponent's throat.
- The attacker then uses their hand to pull their shin or foot towards the opponent's neck, creating a powerful constricting force. Simultaneously, the other arm often controls the opponent's head.
Why it's Rare:
- Extreme Flexibility: Requires exceptional hamstring and hip flexibility to maintain the rubber guard and position the shin effectively.
- Positional Control: Achieving and maintaining the necessary high guard position against a resisting opponent is challenging.
- Vulnerability: Transitioning to the Gogoplata can expose the attacker to passes or stack pressure if not executed perfectly.
- Defensive Counters: Experienced opponents can often posture up or pull their head free before the choke is fully locked.

The Educational Value of Rare Submissions

While not primary techniques for most practitioners, studying rare chokes offers significant educational benefits for serious students of BJJ:

Expanding Technical Understanding: Analyzing these submissions reveals deeper insights into leverage, body mechanics, and the intricate ways the human body can be controlled and submitted.
Developing Positional Awareness: The specific entries and setups for rare chokes often highlight advanced positional transitions and the exploitation of subtle openings.
Improving Adaptability: Understanding these less common attacks can help a practitioner recognize and defend against them, as well as identify unique opportunities in complex scrambles.
Fostering Creativity: Exploring the boundaries of BJJ techniques encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving on the mats.

Conclusion: Beyond Rarity – Mastery of Fundamentals

While the Peruvian Necktie and Gogoplata stand out as strong contenders for the "rarest choke" due to their complexity and specific requirements, it's crucial for any BJJ practitioner to prioritize mastery of fundamental chokes. Techniques like the Rear Naked Choke, Guillotine, Triangle, Arm Triangle, and Cross Collar Choke are the cornerstones of submission grappling, offering high effectiveness with more accessible setups.

Exploring rare techniques can be a fascinating and enriching aspect of your BJJ journey, deepening your understanding of the art. However, true proficiency and success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are built upon a solid foundation of well-drilled, high-percentage techniques. Integrate the rare, but never neglect the fundamental.

Rarest Chokes in BJJ: Peruvian Necktie, Gogoplata, and Their Unique Challenges