Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers many ways to strangle an opponent—rear-naked choke, triangle choke, guillotine, Ezekiel. But what about the buggy choke? This once “gimmicky” submission is now appearing at high levels of competition. The real question is: when should you use the buggy choke instead of sticking to traditional strangles?
This guide breaks it down into decisions you can make on the mats.
Do You Have the Right Body Type and Flexibility?
- Buggy Choke Needs Flexibility – If you have strong hip mobility, long legs, and comfort with inverted positions, the buggy choke becomes a real option.
- Traditional Chokes Are Universal – Rear-naked, guillotines, and triangles require less extreme flexibility. Almost every body type can apply them effectively.
If you lack hip flexibility or find it hard to shoot your leg over your opponent’s shoulder, stick to traditional chokes. If you’re naturally flexible and love unorthodox setups, add the buggy choke to your arsenal.
What Position Are You In?
- Buggy Choke = Bottom Side Control – This is the rare strength of the buggy choke. Normally, being stuck under side control is defensive. With the buggy choke, you can turn a bad position into a finishing threat.
- Traditional Strangles = Dominant Positions – RNCs come from the back, triangles from guard, guillotines from front headlock. These require positional control first.
If your opponent dominates you with side control, the buggy choke is a surprise counter-attack. If you’ve already achieved a dominant position, traditional strangles remain the higher-percentage choice.
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What’s Your Competition Strategy?
- Buggy Choke = High Risk, High Reward – Opponents may tap out in shock, but experienced grapplers may defend and pass further.
- Traditional Strangles = Proven Finishes – RNCs, triangles, and guillotines are staples at every belt level, from local tournaments to ADCC.
If your strategy relies on surprise and psychological pressure, the buggy choke works. If you want a reliable finishing system, traditional strangles should be your base.
What Does Your Opponent Expect?
- Buggy Choke = Element of Surprise – Few expect a choke when they are in top side control. This makes the buggy a confidence-breaker.
- Traditional Strangles = Expected but Powerful – Everyone trains to defend RNCs and triangles, but they still succeed because they are biomechanically strong.
Against unprepared opponents, use the buggy choke. Against seasoned grapplers, build your game around traditional submissions and sprinkle in buggy choke attempts as a shock tactic.
Buggy Choke vs Traditional Chokes: Quick Comparison
When to Choose the Buggy
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Choose Buggy Choke when you’re trapped in side control, need a surprise weapon, and have the flexibility to lock it.
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Choose Traditional Strangles when you want high-percentage finishes that work across all body types and levels of competition.
👉 In short: build your game around traditional chokes. Use the buggy choke as your secret weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Is the buggy choke reliable at all levels?
A: It works best at intermediate to advanced levels. At white/blue belt, flexibility and awareness are often limiting factors.
Q: Why is the buggy choke considered “embarrassing” to tap to?
A: Because it comes from bottom side control, where most people feel “safe.” Getting tapped there feels like a reversal of BJJ logic.
Q: Should I prioritize learning the buggy choke early in my training?
A: No. Master traditional chokes first. The buggy choke should be a specialty move added later.
Q: Who made the buggy choke popular?
A: Grapplers like Jay Rodriguez (Jay Rod) and the Ruotolo brothers brought it into the spotlight at high-level competitions.
