James Clingerman, jiujitsu blackbelt and also the author of numerous jiujitsu instructional videos, this week shows us how to properly execute the Von Flue choke. The choke made famous by The Ultimate Fighter competitor Jason Von Flue.
(Note: This move can be done in either gi or no gi jiujitsu)
The Technique
Clingerman sets up the choke off of his opponent’s guillotine attempt, combatting the submission attempt by placing a hand on his opponent’s knee and passing to the side opposite of the guillotine. The opening for the Von Flue choke come after you pass and land in side control. At this point many grapplers will abandon the guillotine and move on, but some will continue to hold on and squeeze for dear life.
If the opponent continues to hold on, you’re going to look to lock their choking arm in place by reaching over their body with your arm that’s closer to their legs and effectively placing your opponent’s choking arm under your armpit. Your other arm is going to slide under your opponent’s head, allowing you to gable grip your hands together and start putting shoulder pressure down on their neck.
Apply constant pressure through the shoulder without squeezing your arms tired and your opponent will tap. Defending the position becomes difficult since you’ve effectively prevented your opponent from using the choking arm to fight thew position.
The Von Flue choke is a great counter attacking option for jiujitsu and one that makes it easier to transition from defense to offense.
For more techniques like this check out our technique section and look for more techniques added weekly.