Choosing the right choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is crucial, especially from the 5th position. This guard offers several advantages, but the effectiveness of your submission attempts directly impacts your success. This guide explores some of the best chokes from the 50/50 guard, focusing on their effectiveness, setup, and variations.
Understanding the 50/50 Guard
The 50/50 guard, also known as the De La Riva Guard, is a versatile position emphasizing control and sweeps. It's characterized by one leg hooked around the opponent's waist or hip, and the other leg controlling their leg or free leg. This provides a dynamic base for attacks, especially chokes. The open nature of the guard allows for quick transitions and surprise attacks.
Top Choke Options from 50/50
Several chokes are particularly effective from this dynamic guard. Here are some of the best:
1. The Guillotine Choke
The guillotine choke is a classic and highly effective submission. From 50/50, you can seamlessly transition into it by:
- Underhooking: Secure a strong underhook, controlling your opponent's far arm.
- Neck Control: Pull your opponent's head down and towards you, securing a firm grip on their neck.
- Body Control: Use your legs to maintain control of their hips and prevent them from escaping.
- Finish: Tighten the choke by pulling down on their head while simultaneously pushing upwards with your legs. This creates the crushing pressure needed for the submission.
Variations: The guillotine from 50/50 can be performed from various angles and with different grips, adapting to your opponent's defense. Exploring these variations is crucial for maximizing your chances of success.
2. The Kimura Choke from 50/50
The Kimura choke is a powerful technique that leverages the opponent's own arm to create the choke.
- Kimura Grip: Establish a Kimura grip on your opponent's arm.
- Control: Maintain control of their arm and body using your legs and underhook.
- Choke Setup: As you transition, keep the grip tight and your body close.
- Finish: Elevate your opponent's arm, applying pressure to their neck with your grip. The control and leverage from the 50/50 create a highly effective choke.
Variations: The Kimura choke has many variations, depending on your grip and the opponent's reaction. Practice different setups to develop a diverse arsenal.
3. The Bow and Arrow Choke
The Bow and Arrow choke is a deceptively simple yet powerful submission, often overlooked. From 50/50, its effectiveness stems from its quick setup and the ability to surprise your opponent.
- Arm Control: Secure your opponent's arm, often across their body.
- Neck Placement: Use your other arm to secure a grip on their neck.
- Choke Application: This involves wrapping the arm around their neck and using the body position created by the 50/50 for leverage and pressure.
Variations: Experiment with different grips and body positioning to find the most effective variations for your style.
Choosing the Right Choke
The "best" choke depends on several factors, including your opponent's reaction, your own body type, and your experience level. Mastering the basics of each choke is paramount before attempting advanced variations. Consistent practice and drilling these techniques will significantly improve your ability to secure a submission from the 50/50 guard.
Beyond the Chokes: The Importance of Control
While chokes are powerful submissions, control in the 50/50 is crucial. Sweeps and positional dominance must be a primary focus, as transitioning to advantageous positions often provides better opportunities for chokes. Understanding how to maintain control and create openings is just as important as learning the chokes themselves.
This guide provides a foundation for understanding some of the most effective chokes from the 50/50 guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Remember, consistent training and practice are key to mastering these techniques. Consult with experienced BJJ instructors for personalized guidance and feedback.
