What are some of the rarest submissions or techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
While many techniques exist in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), some submissions are encountered far less frequently than others in live rolling or competition. Among these, the Von Flue Choke stands out as a particularly rare and often overlooked submission.
Understanding Rare Jiu-Jitsu Submissions
The rarity of a BJJ technique can stem from several factors, including its complexity, the specific setup required, or the limited opportunities that arise during a roll for its execution. Unlike highly common submissions like armbars or rear-naked chokes, rarer techniques often require precise timing and an opponent's specific reaction or position to become viable.
The Von Flue Choke: A Seldom-Seen Counter
The Von Flue Choke is a distinctive submission that serves as a counter, primarily to a guillotine choke attempt. Despite the frequent attempts at guillotine chokes seen in various grappling contexts, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), the Von Flue Choke is surprisingly uncommon as a counter.
Practical Insights into its Rarity:
- Specific Setup: It typically requires an opponent to commit deeply to a guillotine choke, allowing the defender to turn into them, pin their head, and apply pressure with their shoulder and chest.
- Less Intuitive: Unlike direct chokes or joint locks, the Von Flue Choke relies on pressure applied to the neck and jaw from an unusual angle, making it less intuitive for many practitioners to recognize and execute.
- Situational Opportunity: The window of opportunity to successfully apply a Von Flue Choke is often brief and dependent on the opponent's strong commitment to their attack, which can be easily defended against by merely letting go of the guillotine.
Other Submissions and Their Prevalence
While the Von Flue Choke is notably rare, it's important to clarify the prevalence of other techniques often discussed in the context of BJJ.
- Omoplata: Contrary to what some might assume about its perceived complexity, the omoplata is a fairly common submission, especially among higher-level practitioners. It's rare to observe a rolling session between experienced practitioners without seeing multiple attempts at this shoulder lock, highlighting its integration into advanced BJJ arsenals.
- Achilles Lock: This ankle lock submission is another technique that exists within the BJJ framework. While it may not be as universally applied as some other leg attacks, its specific rarity compared to others isn't as explicitly noted as the Von Flue Choke's unique infrequency.
Overview of Submission Rarity
The table below provides a summary of the discussed submissions and their general prevalence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based on observation and common understanding:
| Submission/Technique | Indicated Rarity/Prevalence (Based on Observation) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Von Flue Choke | Very rare as a successful counter | Counter to guillotine; pressure-based neck/jaw choke |
| Omoplata | Common, especially among higher belts | Shoulder lock from a guard position; involves leg control |
| Achilles Lock | Present, but specific rarity varies | Ankle lock targeting the Achilles tendon and foot |
In summary, while Jiu-Jitsu encompasses a vast array of techniques, the Von Flue Choke stands out for its surprising rarity despite the common setups that could lead to it, making it one of the less frequently observed submissions in practice.
