BJJ

Complete Guide to Perform the BJJ Buggy Choke

Complete Guide to Perform the BJJ Buggy Choke

Submission methods are used in the martial arts of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which are used to submit to the opponent. This grappling art of jiu-jitsu teaches us to put down the bigger and double-size opponent.


The diverse art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is growing continuously, it comes with a lot of variations in the methods and techniques. Chokes are also used to submit the opponent, there are two types of chokes blood choke and air choke. As the word signifies the chokes cut down the supply of the blood or air, which makes the fighter unconscious if it is applied more than the required time.


The chokes are applied on the opponent that targets the neck area; the blood choke can restrict the flow of blood and cut off the supply of oxygen from moving to the brain. As the arteries in the area of the neck are blocked, the brain becomes unconscious if the choke is applied for more than eight seconds.


The other choking method is to stop the flow of the air by exerting pressure on the windpipe. It is also known as the air choke that prevents the passage of air from moving inside or outside. The air chokes are applied by putting direct pressure on the trachea or the windpipe.


Multiple types of choking methods can be used against any kind of opposition. The arts of Brazilian jiu-jitsu provide numerous variations in the strategies of the ‘blood choke’ or ‘air choke’.

It needs to get the right training by spending more time in BJJ training sessions. In this article, we are going to explore a choking method known as Buggy Choke, which will provide a high percentage of execution.


This article is the complete guide to the Buggy choke, in which you can explore the variations of the Buggy choke submission method that moves from the guard position to the bottom side control position. You will learn the techniques to defend the buggy choke and in the end, you will learn the tips for applying the most technical choke. 

1. What is a Buggy Choke?

What is a Buggy Choke?

Buggy choke is a ground recovery procedure applied from various positions. The most effective submission method can be applied to multiple variations. It is the submission method that is applied unknowingly to the opponent and completely traps it. It is the most effective method that can be a deadly weapon in the BJJ arsenal.


This submission method originated from the jiu-jitsu fighter Kade Ruotolo, who has developed other submission methods as well. Buggy choke is an effective method that can be applied from any position. This method can be applied to the opponent approaching from the mount position or side control.


The choking method is also considered the most unpredictable submission technique in jiu-jitsu. It is also taken as a modified technique of the triangle choke, that can be applied from the bottom guard or side control position.


This might be the most unique way to execute the submission method of the triangle from the bottom side. It is an intriguing and technical method at the same time. Its execution is tricky and weird at the same time. The fighter must apply this submission technique by inserting his hand under his knee and targeting the opponent's head.


The next step is to restrict the movement of the head in the rib cage, and as the triangle is applied from the hands in the same way, the buggy choke is made with the legs.

2. How does a Buggy Choke work?

How does a Buggy Choke work?

As the name suggests, the buggy choke technically works like a bug. It requires the proper execution of the methods and maximum flexibility. Unlike the triangle choke, it can be applied from the dominant position, which requires practice.


The buggy choke works if it is applied from the proper position. The two crucial components that make the submission stand are the arm and leg variation. The fighter uses the mechanism of maintaining the leverage and targeting the neck of the opponent. This modified collar choke is also known as the reverse triangle choke.


The arm targets the neck and blocks off the blood, and the choke of the legs can block the restrict the flow on the other side.


Proper ability to move or change the position according to the respective situation. The hooks and joints of the opponent can move in a complete range of motion.

3. Variations of the Buggy Choke

Variations of the Buggy Choke

Buggy choke is a submission method that can be applied from multiple positions, which gives the maximum opportunities to submit the opponent. These variations of the Buggy choke are from the half guard, side control, and bottom in side control.


The martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is like a language, that can be acquired with the proper practice. In order to become more fluent the fighter is required to systematically work on the skill set.


The execution of the chokes can make the BJJ practitioner more dominant and upgrade the jiu-jitsu grappling skills. Which is a valuable component in the BJJ arsenal. 

3.1. Buggy Choke from the Bottom in Side Control

This side control variation of the buggy choke is also known as the Ruotolo Brothers or Ruotolo Bros Buggy choke. This Buggy choke is implemented by the brothers Kade and Tye Ruotolo. In this variation of the bugg choke angles play a crucial role.


As the opponent approaches you from the side control position, the fighter needs to side the angle by switching the position of the hips to the other side and maintaining the pressure on the shoulder of the opponent.


Make sure to split to one side; this will help for the execution of the buggy choke. Curl your body from the side where the face is kept and hold the upper side of the opponent's head. Put one leg over the other make the shape of a triangle and move your hand under your knees to tighten the grip you are required to secure the hook with the help of the other hand.


In this way, the hook gets tighter and the pressure is applied on the torso of the opponent. The intense pressure will restrict the flow of the blood to move in the upper direction. As the blood can not reach the brain, if it is prevented for a longer duration, then the opponent will become unconscious.


This reverse triangle choke is an unpredictable method that has a higher percentage. The fighter needs to take proper control over the opponent with the right practices and correct methodologies. 

3.2. Variation of Buggy Choke by Austin Hardt

It is the technique developed by Austin Hardt, in this method of the buggy choke the fighter does not need to make a triangle with the legs or hooks of the hands. You need to execute this method with the side control position and take the control on the bottom side.


Target the opponent to change the side, in order to get into the perfect angle. You need to push the opponent and meanwhile bring your arm to target the head of the fellow fighter.


The opponent will try to exert more pressure to smash you with the weight. At the same time, you need to move your leg in an upward direction and hold it with one hand. In order to finish the choke you need to put the pressure on the neck area of the opponent by pulling it down. 

3.3. Buggy Choke From Both Sides

In this method of the buggy choke the fighter needs to get away from the opponent by turning the side away from them. This version of changing the sides can provide the maximum opportunities to choke the opponent.


Get control over the arms, by holding it from the inside, most of the steps are similar to the basic buggy choke. When you have targeted the head of the opponent place the elbow on the neck to prevent the movement of the opponent. Pull the arm inside and make the space to change the side with the movement of the hips.


The change of position can make the opponent perplexed, meanwhile create the perfect angle, by bringing the foot inside so that you can hold it with the hand.


The last step is to squeeze the opponent with the triangle made with the legs. In this way, you can execute the buggy chokes from both directions from the half-guard position. 

3.4. Buggy Choke From a Closed Guard

In this variation of the buggy choke the fighter is in the guard position and the opponent approaches him from the top or front. At that point, the fighter needs to grab the opponent with both of the legs. They will try to escape with the arm drag or might move your arms in an upward direction.


The next step is to take the position that controls the opponent from side variation. The fighter needs to target the opponent's head by tightening it with the arm. The fighter will position the head under the armpit, the hook will get stronger with the grip of the hand. Place the hand on the shin, this will help to change the position.


The hand placed outside the shin can prevent the escape of the opponent. As one arm is on the shin it will control the part above the part of the head. Now with the other hand, you need to grab either your foot or the shin area.


As you are holding your leg move it in the upward direction and bend to the other side. Move your hips in the outward direction and this step will help you to apply the choke from a better position.


Create a triangle after attaining the perfect angle and with one arm make the hook by moving it under the knee. Secure the grip by placing one hand over the other. At this point, the fellow fighter can apply the technique for an escape by standing on the foot. This gives you the opportunity to get a firm grip, make sure not to lose the grip. At that time, all you need to do is to maintain the pressure by keeping the leg over the other this will tighten the grip and help you finish the buggy choke. 

3.5. Buggy Choke From Half Guard

Buggy choke is the craziest variation of the choke that has become a popular submission method. It is the popular choke that can be implemented in the various completions of BJJ. it is an innovative choking method that can even put the opponent to sleep if it is applied for a longer duration.


irrespective of the size of the opponent the BJJ practitioner can defeat the heavyweight athlete. For the execution of the buggy choke the opponent is in the half-guard position. As the arm of the opponent goes behind the back, and the other under the neck, at this time the fighter is required to pull and grip the shoulder. With the other arm target the neck of the opponent and create a triangle.


This choke is applied by using one leg and lifting it to the height of the head of the opponent. The next step is to make a hook by passing your hand under the leg and taking it back in the upward direction.


For finishing this choke use the other hand and make a triangle with it by creating a hook in the leverage of the arm and elbow. This step provides the extra grip and chokes the neck of the opponent. 

4. Methods to Defend a Buggy Choke

Methods to Defend a Buggy Choke

Buggy choke is the most effective way to submit the opponent in place, as it implies the pressure on the back of the neck that creates unbearable pressure. Buggy choke can be applied from the various positions but the basic positions are the execution from the half guard and the bottom position. 

4.1. Protect the Head

As you come to realize the fact that your partner is going to execute the buggy choke, the first step is to protect the head from getting trapped inside the hook of the opponent. Move the arms or hands away, meanwhile, move your head away from the downward position.


It has been recommended to keep your head in the upward position so you can defend against the buggy choke. Don't let your head come in contact with the head of the opponent. This move will create more space and restrict the opponent from applying the buggy choke. 

4.2. The Use of Elbow

In order to save yourself from the submission of the buggy choke, you need to stop the movement of the opponent by using your elbow. Keep the opponent in the same position so that there will be no space for them for the execution of the buggy choke.


You need to block the movement of the hips by blocking it with the elbow, this step will ensure that the opponent is not having space to make a triangle with the legs. 

4.3. Target their Neck

As you get the understanding of being choked by the opponent, attack back to grip the neck before they target your head. Use your forearms to encircle their neck area. Meanwhile, pull the opponent towards you and secure the grip of the arms and hand.

Target their Neck

4.4. Push the Neck Away

This is another variation to defend the buggy choke, in which you can you need to put the elbow over the head of the opponent and put the force to move the hand away from yourself.


You need to realign your head by bending their head with your hands, in this way, it will become very tough for them to finish the buggy choke. 

4.5. Executing the Pressure

After that you are required to change the side by moving the hips in the upward direction, this will give you the space to tighten the grip over the opponent.


In this way, you can apply pressure on the torso of the opponent and they will open up the hooked arms or hands. 

4.6. Side Control Escape

Once you get out of the grip of the arms you can have a space for the escape. The fighter can move out of the grip of the opponent by pushing them away. You need to move in the direction to change the position, in this way, you can escape from the opponent. 

5. Key Points For the Application of Buggy Choke

For the correct application of the buggy choke, it has been recommended that the fighter be required to do the workout. The intensity training programs are beneficial and make the opponent more competent in the execution of the submission and grappling methods:


Down below is the set of tips and tricks that will help the novice and the BJJ practitioner execute the methods and techniques more effectively on a mat.


The first step in the execution of the buggy choke is to work on flexibility. The buggy choke can be applied correctly with the daily workouts.


Stretching exercises can improve muscle length, and the BJJ fighter can execute the choking method from every position effectively.

6. FAQs

6.1. What component plays a significant role in the application of Buggy Choke?

It is the submission method that can be applied from the various positions, it has the highest percentage to submit the opponent. As this submission method is applied by using the legs, the fighter needs to make a triangle that chokes the opponent in place.


It requires maximum flexibility , as a buggy choke requires maximum and rapid movements. The grips of the hand and the hooks of the legs can also ensure the proper grip for the execution of the Buggy choke method. 

6.2. Who invented the Buggy Choke?

This submission method is also known as the reverse triangle choke, as it is applied with the triangle of the legs instead of the arms. It is the deadliest choke, as it can block the opponent in place by restricting blood flow.


This buggy choke is invented by the great athlete, Austin Hardt. This submission method is a triangle choke variation that comes from the bottom side. It sounds and seems strange as its application is quite odd, but at the same time, it is the most effective submission method.

7. Final Words

Buggy choke is a submission method that is applied by executing the proper rules of the leverage to submit the opponent. It is the most effective submission method that gives you the highest percentage.


Buggy choke is the submission method that is known as the most unpredictable technique that targets the neck of the opponent with the use of the legs. The fighter makes a triangle of legs instead of arms, which requires ultimate strength and strategy. It is the most powerful toolkit in the BJJ arsenal. 

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