Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art focusing on grappling, chokes, and submission holds. BJJ practitioners learn to use leverage and proper technique to subdue their opponents rather than relying on strength or size.
There are countless submissions in BJJ, but some are more essential than others. In this article, we’ll go over the top 7 BJJ submissions that every practitioner should know.
The rear naked choke is a classic submission hold in BJJ and mixed martial arts (MMA). It’s called a “naked choke” because it doesn’t require using a Gi (the traditional BJJ uniform).
To execute the rear naked choke, the practitioner begins by getting behind the opponent and securing their body with their legs. From there, they wrap one arm around the opponent’s neck and grab their bicep with their other hand.
The practitioner then squeezes the bicep against the neck, cutting off the opponent’s air supply and forcing them to tap out or lose consciousness.
The rear naked choke is an effective submission hold because it can be applied quickly and from various positions. It’s also difficult for the opponent to defend against, as it simultaneously attacks the carotid arteries and the windpipe.
Key Points
- A submission hold in BJJ and MMA that doesn’t require the use of a Gi.
- The practitioner gets behind the opponent, secures their body with legs, wraps an arm around the opponent’s neck, and grabs their bicep with the other hand, cutting off the opponent’s air supply and forcing them to tap out or lose consciousness.
- It is practical because it can be applied quickly and from various positions, simultaneously attacking the carotid arteries and the windpipe.
Jiu-Jitsu Submission #2: Triangle Choke
MMA. It’s called a “triangle” because the practitioner’s legs form a triangle shape around the opponent’s neck and one arm.
To perform the triangle choke, the practitioner begins by catching the opponent’s arm and head with their legs. They adjust their body position to apply pressure to the neck and squeeze the triangle tighter. The opponent can tap out or lose consciousness if they can’t escape the hold.
The triangle choke is an effective submission hold because it can be applied from various positions and is difficult for the opponent to defend against.
It’s especially effective when the practitioner can catch the opponent in the transition between positions, such as when they’re trying to pass the guard or stand up.
Key Points
- Another classic submission is held in jiu-jitsu and MMA.
- The practitioner catches the opponent’s arm and head with their legs to form a triangle around the opponent’s neck and one arm, squeezing the triangle tighter to apply pressure to the neck and force the opponent to tap out or lose consciousness.
- It is practical because it can be applied from various positions, especially when the opponent is transitioning between positions.
Jiu-Jitsu Submission #3: The Arm Bar
The arm bar is a popular submission in jiu-jitsu, judo, and MMA. It’s a joint lock that targets the elbow joint and can be applied from various positions on the ground.
To execute the arm bar, the practitioner begins by trapping the opponent’s arm and securing it between their legs. They apply pressure to the elbow joint by pushing down on the wrist and pulling up on the elbow.
The opponent can tap out or have their elbow joint hyperextended if they can’t escape the hold.
The arm bar is an effective submission hold because it’s relatively easy to set up and can cause significant damage to the elbow joint if applied correctly.
It’s also a good option for practitioners who are smaller or weaker than their opponents, as it allows them to use leverage and technique to their advantage.
Key Points
- A famous submission in jiu-jitsu, judo, and MMA targets the elbow joint. It can be applied from various positions on the ground.
- The practitioner traps the opponent’s arm and secures it between their legs, applies pressure to the elbow joint by pushing down on the wrist and pulling up on the elbow, causing the opponent to tap out or have their elbow joint hyperextended if they can’t escape the hold.
- Practical because it’s relatively easy to set up, and it can cause significant damage to the elbow joint if applied correctly, allowing smaller or weaker practitioners to use leverage and technique to their advantage.
Jiu-Jitsu Submission #4: The Guillotine Choke
The guillotine choke is a submission hold that targets the neck and can be applied from various positions. It’s named after the guillotine, a device used for execution by beheading.
To execute the guillotine choke, the practitioner begins by trapping the opponent’s head and neck with their arms and legs. From there, they squeeze their arms together to apply pressure to the neck and cut off the opponent’s air supply.
The opponent can tap out or lose consciousness if they can’t escape the hold.
The guillotine choke is an effective submission hold because it can be applied quickly and from various positions. It’s also difficult for the opponent to defend against, especially if the practitioner catches them in the transition between positions.
Key Points
- A submission hold targets the neck and can be applied from various positions.
- The practitioner traps the opponent’s head and neck with their arms and legs and squeezes them together to apply pressure to the neck and cut off the opponent’s air supply, forcing them to tap out or lose consciousness if they can’t escape the hold.
- It is practical because it can be applied quickly and from various positions, especially when the opponent is transitioning between positions.
Jiu-Jitsu Submission #5: The Kimura Lock
The Kimura lock, also known as the double wrist lock or the chicken wing, is a submission hold that targets the shoulder joint. It’s named after Masahiko Kimura, a Japanese judoka who popularized the hold in the 1950s.
To execute the Kimura lock, the practitioner begins by trapping the opponent’s arm and securing it between their legs. From there, they grip the wrist with one hand and the elbow with the other and apply pressure to the shoulder joint by pulling down on the wrist and pushing up on the elbow.
The opponent can tap out or dislocate their shoulder joint if they can’t escape the hold.
The Kimura lock is an effective submission hold because it can be applied from various positions and is difficult for the opponent to defend against.
It’s especially effective when the practitioner can catch the opponent in the transition between positions, such as when they’re trying to pass the guard or stand up.
Key Points
- Named after Masahiko Kimura, a Japanese judoka popularized the hold in the 1950s.
- The practitioner traps the opponent’s arm and secures it between their legs, applies pressure to the shoulder joint by pulling down on the wrist and pushing up on the elbow, causing the opponent to tap out or have their shoulder joint dislocated if they can’t escape the hold.
- It is practical because it can be applied from various positions, especially when the opponent is transitioning between positions.
Jiu-Jitsu Submission #6: The Anaconda Choke
The anaconda choke is a submission hold that targets the neck and can be applied from the guard position. It’s named after the anaconda, a snake that constricts its prey.
To execute the anaconda choke, the practitioner begins by trapping the opponent’s head and neck with their arms and legs. They squeeze their arms and legs together to apply pressure to the neck and cut off the opponent’s air supply.
The opponent can tap out or lose consciousness if they can’t escape the hold.
The anaconda choke is an effective submission hold because it can be applied quickly and is difficult for the opponent to defend against.
It’s especially effective when the practitioner can catch the opponent in the transition between positions, such as when they’re trying to pass the guard or stand up.
Key Points
- A submission holds that targets the neck can be applied from the guard position, named after the anaconda snake that constricts its prey.
- The practitioner traps the opponent’s head and neck with their arms and legs and squeezes them together to apply pressure to the neck and cut off the opponent’s air supply, forcing them to tap out or lose consciousness if they can’t escape the hold.
- Practical because it can be applied quickly, and it’s difficult for the opponent to defend against, especially when the opponent is transitioning between positions.
Jiu-Jitsu Submission #7: The Americana Lock
The Americana lock, also known as the keylock, is a submission hold that targets the shoulder joint. It’s named after the American flag, whose hand positions resemble the red, white, and blue stripes.
To execute the Americana lock, the practitioner begins by trapping the opponent’s arm and securing it between their legs. From there, they grip the wrist with one hand and the elbow with the other and apply pressure to the shoulder joint by pulling down on the wrist and pushing up on the elbow.
The opponent can tap out or dislocate their shoulder joint if they can’t escape the hold.
The Americana lock is an effective submission hold because it can be applied from various positions and is difficult for the opponent to defend against.
It’s especially effective when the practitioner can catch the opponent in the transition between positions, such as when they’re trying to pass the guard or stand up.
Key Points
- A submission hold that targets the shoulder joint, also known as the keylock, named after the American flag.
- The practitioner traps the opponent’s arm and secures it between their legs, applies pressure to the shoulder joint by pulling down on the wrist and pushing up on the elbow, causing the opponent to tap out or have their shoulder joint dislocated if they can’t escape the hold.
- Practical because it can be applied from various positions, especially when the opponent is in a defensive position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can these submissions be applied in a real self-defense situation?
A: It’s important to note that BJJ and other martial arts techniques should only be used as a last resort in self-defense. While submission holds can be effective in a controlled training environment, relying on them is not advisable in a real-life self-defense situation.
Q: Can I be in excellent physical shape to execute these submissions?
A: While being in good physical shape can undoubtedly help with your BJJ training, it’s not a requirement to be able to execute these submissions. Proper technique and leverage are more important than strength or endurance. That being said, BJJ is a physically demanding martial art, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will undoubtedly benefit your training.
Q: Can these submissions be applied to opponents much more substantial than me?
A: Yes, these submissions can be applied to opponents who are larger or stronger than you. BJJ is a martial art that uses proper technique and leverage to overcome size and strength differences. With appropriate training and practice, these submissions can be effective against opponents of any size.
Q: How long does it take to master these submissions?
A: The time it takes to master these submissions will vary depending on your aptitude, dedication to training, and the amount of time you put in. Some practitioners may pick up specific submissions faster than others, and some submissions may be more challenging to particular individuals.
It’s important to remember that mastery in BJJ and any martial art is a journey, not a destination. Focusing on consistent progress and improvement is more important than trying to rush to the top.
Q: Is knowing all of these submissions necessary to be a proficient BJJ practitioner?
A: It’s unnecessary to know all these submissions to be a proficient BJJ practitioner. It’s likely impossible to master every single submission in BJJ. It’s more important to focus on a few critical submissions and become proficient in them rather than trying to spread yourself too thin by trying to learn everything.
It’s also important to remember that BJJ is a martial art that emphasizes self-defense and control rather than just trying to win matches or fights through submissions alone.