Introduction to the Instructor
Brandon McCaghren is the first 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu black belt in the southeastern United States and operates the region's first 10th Planet affiliate. Known for his mastery of the rubber guard system pioneered by Eddie Bravo, McCaghren demonstrates advanced techniques built on years of dedicated study.
Establishing the Rubber Guard Foundation
The gogoplata from the rubber guard requires a broken posture as a prerequisite. Proper positioning and body mechanics are essential—practitioners should bring the knee forward rather than simply throwing the foot upward, as incorrect mechanics allow the opponent to escape through superior posture.
The Zombie Move and New York Position
From the rubber guard, if the opponent's elbow blocks the path, the defender isolates it using the 'zombie' move by driving upward through the correct angle. This transitions the practitioner into the 'New York position,' a critical setup for the gogoplata finish.
Head Clearance and Frame Placement
To progress from the New York position, the defender must clear the opponent's head while maintaining hip placement to avoid knee stress. The frame is placed on the inside of the opponent's arm with the elbow (not the wrist) to create structural resistance against their escape attempts.
Foot Placement and Grip Mechanics
As the foot passes through to the chin area, the defender grabs the toes from above rather than below to avoid lifting the opponent unnecessarily. The arm is straightened to control posture while the foot presses downward like engaging a gas pedal, compressing the gogoplata.
Depth and Positioning Fundamentals
Successful gogoplata execution requires staying deeply positioned and close to the opponent's body, hugging the knee tightly. Practitioners must maintain a slightly sideways angle to maximize mechanical advantage rather than executing from a flat or extended position.
Defensive Response to Chin Defense
When the opponent drops their chin to defend against the gogoplata, the defender secures the grip and elevates to their elbow to maintain control. If the opponent presses back into this position, the defender transitions to the 'two things' control by turning the opponent and dominating both the foot and wrist.
Two Things Position and Dominant Control
In the two things position, the defender must control both the opponent's wrist and their own foot placement to prevent escape. Keeping the opponent's wrist on the near side of their body prevents them from turning back toward the defender, while foot control dominates the position regardless of upper body positioning.
Gogoplata From Rubber Guard by Eddie Bravo's Black Belt Brandon Mccaghren
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Instructor
- •Establishing the Rubber Guard Foundation
- •The Zombie Move and New York Position
- •Head Clearance and Frame Placement
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about gogoplata from closed guard?
This video covers introduction to the instructor, establishing the rubber guard foundation, the zombie move and new york position. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.
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.
What are the key details for finishing gogoplata from closed guard?
When the opponent drops their chin to defend against the gogoplata, the defender secures the grip and elevates to their elbow to maintain control. If the opponent presses back into this position, the defender transitions to the 'two things' control by turning the opponent and dominating both the foot and wrist.




