The Von Flue Choke stands out as one of the rarest submissions encountered in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, particularly given its potential utility.
Understanding Rare Submissions in Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) encompasses a vast array of techniques, but not all are equally common. Some submissions are observed far less frequently than others, making them notably rare. This rarity often stems from factors such as the technique's complexity, its requirement for highly specific situational setups, or simply its less frequent instruction and practice.
The Elusive Von Flue Choke
The Von Flue Choke is considered exceptionally rare, especially when its context is taken into account. It is a powerful counter to a widely attempted submission: the guillotine choke. Despite the numerous guillotine attempts seen across various grappling contexts, including MMA, it is remarkably uncommon to witness a successful Von Flue Choke application. This stark contrast between the frequency of its setup and its actual appearance solidifies its status as one of the most uncommon submissions in the grappling world.
Reasons for its rarity include:
- Situational Specificity: The Von Flue Choke typically requires an opponent to commit deeply to a poorly executed or defended guillotine choke, putting themselves in a vulnerable position.
- Underutilization: Many practitioners may not be fully familiar with its mechanics or may simply miss the narrow window of opportunity to apply it effectively during a roll or match.
- Technical Nuances: Successful execution of the Von Flue Choke demands precise head and arm positioning, as well as significant pressure, often requiring more nuanced control than many other submissions.
Other Notable Rare Submissions
Beyond the Von Flue Choke, other techniques are also recognized for their uncommon application. The Achilles Lock, for instance, is another submission listed among the less frequently observed techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While the specific reasons for its rarity might vary, it shares the characteristic of not being a commonly attempted or encountered submission.
Here's a comparison of how commonly these techniques are observed:
| Submission | Commonness (as per observation) | Key Characteristic of Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Von Flue Choke | Very Rare | Infrequently seen despite common guillotine setup |
| Achilles Lock | Rare | Listed among rare submissions, less frequently observed |
| Omoplata | Not Rare | Frequently attempted by higher belts during rolls |
It's important to note that the Omoplata, despite its intricate nature, is not considered rare in higher-level Jiu-Jitsu; it is often observed among experienced practitioners during sparring.
The Evolving Landscape of Rarity
The perceived "rarity" of a Jiu Jitsu technique can shift over time. Techniques that were once obscure may gain popularity as new instructional content emerges, innovative applications are discovered, or high-profile athletes successfully employ them in competition. Conversely, techniques that demand highly specific physical attributes or unique situational conditions may continue to remain rare. The persistent rarity of certain submissions highlights their unique position within the vast and evolving arsenal of Jiu Jitsu.
Exploring and understanding these less common techniques can broaden a practitioner's knowledge base and potentially provide unexpected advantages against opponents who are less familiar with these unique submissions.
