Von Flue Choke: BJJ is frequently referred to as “human chess” since it uses both the body and the mind simultaneously. As you get more proficient, take on more challenging opponents, and see more of the “chess” side of BJJ, this principle becomes increasingly important. It takes quick reflexes and quick thinking in jiu-jitsu to keep one step ahead of your opponent. According to John Danaher, the challenges of Jiu-Jitsu are dynamic. As soon as you start working through this problem, the opponent presents another one.
This is particularly valid when a grappler attempts to take down an opponent. A grappler who attempts a careless takedown frequently ends up sprawled or trapped in a guillotine. Being guillotined is not only a horrible situation, but it might also rapidly terminate the contest. We are now able to counter the opponent’s guillotine with a choke thanks to Jason Von Flue. Let’s discuss this tactic, the Von Flue choke.
What Is The Von Flue Choke?
It’s true that BJJ’s takedowns are one of its weaknesses. Jiu-Jitsu practitioners usually research takedowns from other heavy grappling stand-up sports, such as Judo and wrestling, and apply them to their technique. The single and double-leg takedowns are among the most popular takedowns, albeit they need practice to master. One of the risks of a takedown attempt in Jiu-Jitsu is getting trapped in a guillotine, but it does happen frequently. Not to worry, though, since the Von Flue choke is a great move against opponents who prefer to use the guillotine.
The submission known as the Von Flue choke is named after Jason Von Flue, a former UFC fighter. You may use this countermove to choke your opponent if they attempt a guillotine choke and end up on their back. You lock hands, apply pressure with your shoulder to your opponent’s neck, and perform a guillotine manoeuvre. The tension this places on their neck might cause the opponent to pass out from extreme agony.
When you apply a firm Von Flue choke and lay down on the mat, your opponent can usually only tap with their foot or mouth. This is happening because you have to push your opponent to put one arm around your neck and the other between your bodies. Instructors will occasionally instruct their fighters to release the guillotine if they believe a top opponent is likely to move to side control or is already engaged in one.
You might also be interested in reading this: Comprehending BJJ Sit-Up Escapes
How the Von Flue Choke Is Done?
Given their propensity for longer necks, lankier opponents may find it easier to counter the Von Flue. Using your closed guard, if your opponent sits up and tries to wrap a guillotine around your neck with their left arm, use your left arm to grasp over their back. This prevents the opponent from employing the high elbow guillotine, which might place you in danger. Stay light on your feet, cartwheel over the opponent’s right leg, and land on side control as soon as they drop their guard.
It will tighten the choke considerably if you leap on the same side. Once you’re in side control, take a gable grip with your hands, placing your left palm down and your right palm up. In order to prevent your opponent from getting their hand down and unwrapping the guillotine, you must squeeze your right shoulder, or far shoulder, to your ear.
Place all of your weight into your left shoulder, which is the shoulder closest to your body, and squeeze to apply pressure on your neck. Applying firm pressure with your shoulder should be sufficient to exert pressure on your opponent’s neck and jaw region.
It could be a bit difficult for you to choke out your opponent if you are a larger grappler with broad shoulders since larger shoulders might not be able to put enough pressure on the soft area of the neck. In this instance, we advise you to move on to other submissions. Move your near arm (your shoulder-choking arm) over the opponent’s head as soon as they sense that you are setting up the Von Flue and are about to release the guillotine.
Push forward, releasing their guillotine arm with your far arm on the mat. With your far hand, you may apply submissions such as the Americana, kimura, or straight armlock. Given that these arm locks are known as “big man moves,” this may work well for you if you’re a bigger grappler. Remember that if you are unable to submit your opponent with the Von Flue, you have the option to convert to alternate submissions or maintain side control if they release the guillotine or mount up.
An Important Fact About The Von Flue Choke
If your opponent catches you in open guard with a guillotine and you attempt to side step to get side control without evenly spreading your weight, they can easily topple you. If they are caught off guard and can be swept by a guillotine, their opponent can mount right away. To avoid this, spread out, facing the hip of your opponent, and plant your near hip on the mat. This puts your weight evenly across the mat and away from your opponent, allowing you to convert to side control with ease. Pressing down hard on the mat to apply pressure on the carotid artery is a crucial consideration while doing the choke.
In summary
The saying “prevention is better than cure” can significantly increase your chances of survival in jiu-jitsu. It is vital to preserve proper posture in any situation. Opportunistic submissions like as the guillotine choke usually target practitioners who have poor posture. Although maintaining good posture is usually the best course of action, there are also methods that can help prevent guillotine chokes, such as the Von Flue choke.
This is all about Von’s flue choke. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
