Submissions

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submissions are the ultimate goal of grappling, where you force your opponent to submit by controlling their body or applying pressure to joints until they tap out. This guide will walk you through the diverse world of BJJ submissions, offering insights for everyone from white belts to black belts.

What is the primary goal of a submission?

The primary goal of a submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or any grappling martial art) is to force an opponent to surrender or “tap out” by applying a technique that either:

• Threatens injury (e.g., joint locks like armbars or leg locks which could potentially damage joints if not released)
• Impairs breathing or blood flow (e.g., chokes that cut off air or blood to the brain, leading to unconsciousness if not released)

This surrender signals that the opponent acknowledges defeat, thereby ending the match or training session safely.

In essence, submissions are about control, strategy, and the safe application of technique to demonstrate superiority in skill without causing unnecessary injury.

Why are Submissions Important in BJJ?

Submissions are the essence of BJJ:

Control and Submission

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the primary objective is often to control and submit your opponent. Submissions are the most direct path to winning a match or safely concluding a training session. By mastering submissions, you learn how to use leverage, positioning, and technique to overcome opponents, often regardless of size or strength differences. This control aspect is not just about ending fights but also about managing the dynamics of a match or real-life self-defense scenario where you need to subdue an aggressor without escalating violence.

Strategic Depth

Submissions add layers of complexity and strategy to your BJJ game.

They are not just about finishing moves but about understanding the entire sequence of a fight. Learning submissions means you also learn:

• Chaining Techniques: How to flow from one submission attempt to another when the first one fails, creating a continuous attack that keeps your opponent on the defensive.
• Transitions: How to move smoothly between positions, using each move as a setup for the next, enhancing your overall grappling flow.
• Escape Techniques: Understanding how submissions work equips you with the knowledge to escape from similar holds when applied against you, making you a more well-rounded grappler.

This strategic understanding can make your Jiu-Jitsu more unpredictable and effective, as you’re not just looking for one path to victory but can adapt to the evolving nature of a grappling match.

Defense

The knowledge of how submissions are executed is equally important for defensive purposes:

• Recognizing Threats: By knowing how each submission works, you can better anticipate and recognize when an opponent is setting one up against you.
• Defensive Techniques: You learn specific counters and escapes to various submissions, which is critical for survival in both sport and self-defense contexts. For instance, knowing how an armbar works will teach you how to avoid or escape from one.
• Improving Your Jiu-Jitsu: Understanding defense against submissions often leads to a better offense because you learn from the perspective of your opponent. This dual focus on offense and defense is what makes BJJ so effective and respected as a martial art.

Exploring the World of BJJ Submissions

Here’s a breakdown of the major submission categories in BJJ, each with its unique charm and technique.

Chokes (Air and Blood Chokes)

Chokes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are submissions designed to make an opponent surrender by either cutting off their air supply or blood flow to the brain. Air chokes compress the trachea, making breathing difficult, while blood chokes constrict the carotid arteries, leading to unconsciousness if not released. Techniques like the Rear Naked Choke and Guillotine exemplify this diverse and effective category, requiring precise positioning and control for execution.

• Rear Naked Choke (RNC): The go-to choke from the back, simple yet devastating.
• Triangle Choke: A versatile choke from guard that can catch even seasoned fighters off guard.
• Guillotine Choke: Perfect for countering takedown attempts or when an opponent is moving forward.
• Ezekiel Choke: A sneaky choke from various positions often hidden under the guise of a sleeve grip.
• Cross Collar Choke: A fundamental gi choke that can be executed from multiple angles.
• Bow and Arrow Choke: An elegant choke that uses the opponent’s gi to control and submit.
• Loop Choke: A deceptive choke where the opponent’s head goes through a loop of their own gi.
• Baseball Bat Choke: Utilizing the gi collars for a tight squeeze from side control.
• Darce Choke: An arm-threading choke that works in both gi and no-gi scenarios.
• Anaconda Choke: Similar to the Darce but with a roll, trapping the opponent in a constricting hold.
• North-South Choke: A positional choke from the north-south position, compressing the opponent’s neck.

Arm Locks

Arm locks are submissions that focus on manipulating the joints in an opponent’s arm to cause pain or potential injury, typically targeting the elbow or shoulder. Common techniques include the Armbar, which hyperextends the elbow, the Kimura, which torques the shoulder, and the Americana, bending the arm backward. These locks require a combination of leverage and correct body positioning to effectively immobilize or force a submission.

• Armbar: One of the first submissions learned, using your hips to extend the opponent’s elbow.
• Kimura: A figure-four grip on the arm, targeting the shoulder for control or submission.
• Americana: Another shoulder lock, executed from side control or mount.
• Straight Arm Lock: A direct approach to hyperextending the elbow.
• Omoplata: A leg-based shoulder lock that can transition into various other submissions.
• Reverse Armbar: An unconventional armbar where the arm bends backward.

Leg Locks

Leg locks target the joints and muscles of the legs, aiming to cause pain or damage, predominantly at the ankle, knee, or foot. Submissions like the Straight Ankle Lock, Heel Hook, and Kneebar exploit the leg’s structure to hyperextend or twist joints. These moves have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in both sport and self-defense contexts, requiring practitioners to understand leg mechanics deeply.

• Straight Ankle Lock: A straightforward attack on the ankle.
• Heel Hook: A dangerous lock that twists the knee and ankle, often banned in some competitions.
• Kneebar: Directly targets the knee, hyperextending it.
• Toe Hold: A sneaky submission that focuses on the toes and foot.
• Calf Slicer: Compresses the calf muscle, leading to intense pain.

Gi-Specific Submissions

Gi-specific submissions in BJJ utilize the opponent’s uniform (gi) to create leverage or control. Moves like the Lapel Choke, where the gi’s lapel is used to strangle, or the Brabo Choke, which involves a deep grip on the collar, exemplify this category. These techniques are particularly effective in gi competitions, offering a myriad of options for control and submission due to the extra grips and friction provided by the gi.

• Lapel Choke: Using the gi lapel for a versatile choke.
• Brabo Choke: A collar choke with deep control.
• Tarikoplata: A gi variation of the omoplata, adding a unique twist to shoulder locking.

No-Gi Submissions

No-Gi submissions are adapted for grappling without the gi, focusing on techniques that don’t rely on gi grips. This includes submissions like the Banana Split, which compresses the legs and groin, or Neck Cranks that apply pressure to the neck. No-Gi BJJ emphasizes body control, positioning, and raw technique, making these submissions versatile for MMA or street scenarios where grabbing clothing isn’t an option.

• Banana Split: A painful compression of the legs and groin area.
• Neck Crank: Applies pressure on the neck, differing from traditional chokes.
• Wrist Lock: A quick move that can surprise opponents, focusing on the wrist’s vulnerability.

10 Tips To Be Effective At Submissions

By integrating these tips into your practice, you can enhance your submission game while upholding the integrity and spirit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Remember, the goal is not just to win but to grow as both a martial artist and a person.

Summary and Further Exploration

BJJ submissions are not just about ending fights; they’re about understanding leverage, control, and the human body’s mechanics. Whether you’re looking to learn new techniques, refine your current knowledge, or simply understand the art better, this guide serves as your gateway into the captivating world of BJJ submissions.

Dive deeper into each submission by exploring our dedicated pages on RNC, Triangle Choke, and more. Share your favourite techniques or ask questions in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our related articles throughout BJJ Nature.

Remember, in BJJ, the journey never ends; there’s always more to learn, practice, and master. Keep training, keep submitting, and keep enjoying the beautiful art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.