In BJJ and grappling, we always go through fades where a particular submission gets hot, and everyone starts using it. One of the hottest submission techniques that’s catching fire within the scene is the Ruotoltine choke.
Check out our detailed guide for how to execute the Ruotolotine submission. Also, read the critical details section before you drill this effective choke.
What is the Ruotolotine Submission?
The “Ruotolotine” is a submission technique named after the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt Kade Ruotolo, who popularized it. It’s a variation of the guillotine choke that emphasizes control and leverage to secure the choke effectively.
While the Ruotolo brothers didn’t event this submission, the Atos athletes popularized it by hitting it in different super fights, both of which took place within ONE Championship.
Tye Ruotolo submitted Izaak Michell, and Kade Ruotolo submitted Francisco Lo at different ONE events.
This is a great submission to add to your arsenal, along with the RNC, arm triangle, and front headlock chokes.
Steps for Executing the Ruotolotine
Not only is the Ruotoline effective, but it is also rather easy to set up and execute. Here are four easy steps for this submission technique.
The Entry Position
The most common entry position for the Ruotolotine submission is controlling your opponent with a front headlock. You’re controlling your partner while they’re in the turtle position.
Stay heavy on your partner to keep them from moving or escaping. From there, move to your partner’s back, get your hooks in. and get into the chair sitting position.
Grip Setup
Now that you have your opponent’s back, you can start setting up your choke. Traditionally, you would go right into the RNC from here, but instead, we’re going for this RNC/arm-triangle variation.
You are going to quickly shoot your other arm under your opponent’s armpit and across their neck. Try to shoot your arm as deep as you can and aim to grab your partner’s far shoulder.
From here, you’re going to take a hand-on bicep grip exactly like an RNC grip, but with your partner’s arm in.
Adjusting The Position
Before you attempt to lock in the choke, you’re going to need to first adjust your position. First, you will sit on your inside hip and take a long hook with your top leg.
Your top leg crosses your partner’s hip and hooks with your other leg. To keep the pressure, you’re going to need to keep your chest tight against your partner’s back/shoulder.
Doing this increases the pressure and pushes your partner’s arm further into their neck. Also, keep your head close to their head with no space given.
Applying The Choke
Now that you’re in position with your grip set, arch your back and squeeze. Squeeze with your whole body to ensure the most force possible on this choke.
Critical Details for the Ruotolotine
When executing this choke, there are vital details that you need to remember when locking it in. Here is the critical information to remember when going for the submission.
Control & Leverage
The primary key to the Ruotolotine is to control the opponent’s posture and leverage by applying the specific grip. The control and grip are a mix of the details of an RNC and arm triangle choke.
You control the back and forcefully shoot your arm under your opponent’s arm and across their neck.
Pressure
Proper pressure on the back of your opponent’s head and shoulder is crucial for this submission. Remembering this detail will prevent your opponent from being able to turn and defend. It also makes it statistically more likely that you will hit this submission.
Drilling the Ruotolotine
Consistent drilling and remembering the details to this submission are essential. Focus on the following when drilling the Ruotolotine.
- Practice The Entry(ies)
- Drilling The Specific Grip
- Shooting Your Arm Under Opponent’s Arm
Best Body Type For Using This Submission
The two best body types for pulling off this submission would be grapplers with long arms, firm, or both. Having long arms makes it easier to shoot your arm across the opponent’s arm and neck.
From trying out the move, grapplers with shorter arms are going to have a harder time with this submission. It’s not possible for shorter grapplers, but it shouldn’t be a go to move for them.
The Wrap Up
The Ruotolotine isn’t just the latest fade submission in grappling. It’s an effective submission that goes great along with the RNC, arm triangle, and front headlock chokes. Go drill the choke and expand your game!
Also be sure to follow the Ruotolo brothers on Instagram to watch them breakdown their favorite techniques.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.