Gogoplata

Key principles

• · The shin must be placed directly across the front of the throat, not the chin or chest, to compress the trachea effectively.
• · Pulling the opponent's head down with both hands behind the crown creates the lever action that drives the throat into the shin.
• · The free leg must hook over the opponent's back or shoulder to maintain structure and prevent them from posturing up.
• · Hip angle and elevation are critical—scoot hips out and angle toward the choking leg side to create space to insert the shin.
• · If the opponent tries to stack or posture, immediately transition to an omoplata or armbar rather than forcing the choke.

Execution

1. 1 From your control position, clear the opponent's arm on the choking side and swim your leg through, placing your shin across their throat.
2. 2 Lock your free leg over the opponent's back or hook their far shoulder to anchor your position and prevent posturing.
3. 3 Grip behind the opponent's head with both hands, cupping the crown—not the neck.
4. 4 Pull the head firmly downward onto your shin while simultaneously extending your hips slightly to tighten the choke.
5. 5 Squeeze and hold pressure until the tap, adjusting shin placement if needed to target the trachea directly.