Setup From Closed Guard

The gogoplata begins from closed guard with posture control. The instructor establishes control by gripping both of the opponent's elbows and creating tension through a crunching motion, making it difficult for the opponent to retract their arms. By pulling the elbows inward while bringing the knees to the chest, the instructor collapses the opponent's posture and forces a hand to the mat.

Transition to Rubber Guard

Once the opponent's hand contacts the mat, the instructor immediately transitions to rubber guard position. A head and arm control is established with one foot placed on the opponent's hip to create the necessary angle. The second leg is positioned wrist-to-ankle, setting up what is known as a New York position.

Establishing New York Position

The over-hook hand hugs the instructor's own knee while the bottom leg maintains wrist-to-ankle control. This configuration creates significant pressure on the opponent's neck while the leg over the neck prevents them from posting up or escaping. The tight leg and hand control make it extremely difficult for the opponent to generate upward posture.

Tightening the Leg Vise

The instructor curls their heel toward the mat while pinching the knee inward toward the chest, creating maximum compression. The hand is removed from the ankle and repositioned on the opponent's neck on the opposite side. This adjustment maintains control while freeing the leg for the next phase of the technique.

Foot Placement Under the Chin

The instructor uses a 'kung fu move' to place their foot under the opponent's chin without creating escape space. The elbow drives over the toes while the foot is pushed downward and underneath the opponent's chin in one fluid motion. This positioning prevents the opponent from turning away or transitioning to an omoplata.

Head Control and Hand Positioning

Both hands immediately wrap around the opponent's head to secure control and prevent rotation. The instructor sits up on their elbow while maintaining pressure with the pinched elbow against the ribcage. Once the grip is established, the instructor's hands clasp around the head while preparing to grip the inside of their own foot.

Finishing the Gogoplata

The instructor grabs the inside of their foot rather than over the toes, ensuring a complete wrap around the opponent's head. By pulling the elbow downward while pressing the toes toward the floor, the instructor applies the finishing pressure that causes unconsciousness. The combination of neck compression from the foot and pulling elbow pressure creates the tapout or submission.

Key Technical Details

Flexibility helps with the gogoplata, but proper angles are more critical to successful execution. Getting the foot positioned correctly underneath the chin and maintaining tight elbow and leg pressure are the essential elements. Once these fundamentals are mastered, the technique becomes a reliable submission from closed guard and rubber guard positions.

Technique Gogoplata

Superhero Jiu Jitsu Academy

Gogoplata From Closed Guard

3 min read·8 key moments·PT5M24S video

Key Takeaways

•Setup From Closed Guard
•Transition to Rubber Guard
•Establishing New York Position
•Tightening the Leg Vise

Superhero Jiu Jitsu Academy 10th Planet Springfield First degree blackbelt Mike Dewitt Jr shows you the gogoplata through a basic rubber guard path. Rubber guard is a staple to the 10th Planet jiu jitsu system and Mike Dewitt is one of the best in the world at teaching and applying these techniques in competition. Come in to Lane Countys premier nogi jiu jitsu school, Superhero Jiu Jitsu Academy, to learn more about the gogoplata and rubber guard. Visit www.springfieldbjj.com 824 Q st Springfield, OR (612)888-4376 Come Find the Hero Within!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about gogoplata from closed guard?

This video covers setup from closed guard, transition to rubber guard, establishing new york position. It provides detailed instruction from Superhero Jiu Jitsu Academy .

How long does it take to learn gogoplata from closed guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.