The Ultimate Guide to Jiu-Jitsu Submissions: Inspired by "Every Jiu Jitsu Submission Explained in 8 Minutes

At The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry, we believe that mastering submissions is at the heart of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grappler, understanding the wide array of submissions can elevate your game and deepen your appreciation for the art. Inspired by JoshRichBJJ’s video, “Every Jiu Jitsu Submission Explained in 8 minutes,” we’ve compiled an overview of the most important no-gi submissions every practitioner should know[1].

What Are Submissions in Jiu-Jitsu?

Submissions are techniques designed to force your opponent to tap out by applying pressure to joints or restricting blood or airflow. They are the essence of BJJ’s self-defense and competitive effectiveness.

Classic Chokes and Strangles

- Triangle Choke: Trap your opponent’s arm and neck between your legs in a triangle shape, cutting off blood flow to the brain. Variations include the rear, side, and reverse triangle[1].

- Arm Triangle: Use your bicep and their own arm to compress both sides of their neck, often finished from top position[1].

- Rear Naked Choke: Performed from the back without the gi, this is one of the strongest submissions, closing off both carotid arteries[1].

- Guillotine Choke: Trap your opponent’s head in your armpit and squeeze, often used to counter takedowns. The high-elbow guillotine is especially powerful[1].

- Darce and Anaconda Chokes: Both use your arms to create a triangle around the opponent’s head and arm, with subtle differences in grip and finishing motion[1].

- North-South Choke: Executed from the north-south position, popularized by Marcelo Garcia[1].

Joint Locks: Attacking Arms and Legs

- Arm Bar: Immobilise the shoulder and hyperextend the elbow using your hips as a fulcrum[1].

- Knee Bar: Hyperextend the knee by controlling the hip and pulling on the ankle[1].

- Kimura and Americana: Both are shoulder locks using a figure-four grip, but twist the arm in opposite directions[1].

- Omoplata: A shoulder lock applied with the legs, though it can be escaped by rolling[1].

- Toe Hold and Straight Ankle Lock: Attack the foot and ankle by twisting or hyperextending the joint[1].

- Heel Hook: One of the most dangerous submissions, twisting the knee by controlling the foot[1].

Unorthodox and Advanced Submissions

- Buggy Choke: A rare choke from bottom side control, trapping the opponent’s head and arm with your limbs[1].

- Twister: A spinal lock popularized by Eddie Bravo, twisting the opponent’s spine from the back[1].

- Calf Slicer and Bicep Slicer: Use your limbs to compress the opponent’s muscles against their bones, causing intense pain and potential injury[1].

- Wrist Lock: Bend the wrist beyond its natural range, attacking the small joints[1].

- Gogoplata: Use your shin and foot to choke the opponent while controlling their posture[1].

Rare and Spectacular Submissions

- Boston Crab: A spine-bending submission reminiscent of pro wrestling, rarely seen in real competition due to the difficulty in securing it against a resisting opponent[1].

- Electric Chair: Forces the opponent into a painful split, targeting the groin area[1].

- Smother Choke and Chest Compression: Use your body weight to prevent the opponent from breathing, favored by larger grapplers[1].

Why Learn So Many Submissions?

Each submission offers unique opportunities and threats, depending on your position, your opponent’s defense, and your own body type. By broadening your submission knowledge, you become a more unpredictable and effective grappler.

Join The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry

At The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry, we teach all these submissions and more, focusing on both the fundamentals and the latest innovations in grappling. Whether you want to sharpen your basics or experiment with advanced techniques, our instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to take your Jiu-Jitsu to the next level? Contact us or drop by for a free trial class!

Sources

[1] watch?v=3QeNPc3Z7Wg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QeNPc3Z7Wg