Top 10 Submissions Every Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner Should Master

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is known for its intricate techniques and strategic submissions, making it one of the most effective grappling arts in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, mastering submissions is essential to dominating on the mat. In this post, we’ll cover the Top 10 Submissions Every Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner Should Master to elevate your game and finish fights more efficiently.

1. Rear Naked Choke (RNC)

One of the most iconic submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, the Rear Naked Choke is highly effective when you have your opponent’s back. It works by cutting off the blood flow to the brain, forcing a quick tap. Learning the nuances of sinking your hooks and hand positioning is key to perfecting this submission.

How to execute:

• Secure back control by inserting hooks.
• Slide your arm around your opponent's neck.
• Squeeze by using your opposite hand to lock your arm and apply pressure.

2. Triangle Choke

The Triangle Choke is a favorite among guard players. It uses your legs to choke your opponent by trapping one arm and the neck between your thighs, creating a powerful stranglehold. This is a highly versatile submission that can be applied from various positions, especially the closed guard.

How to execute:

• Trap one of your opponent’s arms.
• Wrap your legs around their neck and adjust the angle.
• Squeeze and pull the head down for the finish.

3. Armbar

The Armbar is a fundamental submission in BJJ and is often the first submission that beginners learn. It can be set up from a variety of positions, including the mount, guard, and side control. Mastering the armbar gives you a solid tool to attack your opponent’s limbs.

How to execute:

• Control your opponent’s arm and isolate it.
• Swing your leg over their head.
• Hyperextend the elbow by pushing your hips upward.

4. Guillotine Choke

The Guillotine Choke is one of the best submissions when your opponent attempts a takedown or leaves their neck exposed. This submission targets the neck, and it can be applied from both standing and ground positions. It’s especially useful in both Gi and No-Gi grappling.

How to execute:

• Wrap your arm around your opponent's neck.
• Lock your hands or arms and apply upward pressure.
• Use your hips to tighten the choke and force the tap.

5. Kimura

The Kimura is a powerful shoulder lock that can be used from both top and bottom positions. By applying force to your opponent’s arm and twisting their shoulder joint, this submission is not only effective but also versatile in its setups.

How to execute:

• Control your opponent’s wrist.
• Thread your arm through theirs and grab your own wrist.
• Apply pressure to rotate their arm and shoulder backward.

6. Americana

Similar to the Kimura but with a different angle, the Americana is another shoulder lock that is typically applied from the mount or side control. This submission is easy to set up once you control your opponent’s upper body, making it a great option for all skill levels.

How to execute:

• Pin your opponent’s arm to the mat.
• Use a figure-four grip to secure their arm.
• Apply pressure on the shoulder joint to finish the submission.

7. Omoplata

The Omoplata is a sneaky shoulder lock that uses your legs to control your opponent’s arm and rotate their shoulder. It’s most often set up from the guard, and while it requires flexibility, it can lead to a submission or sweep if defended properly.

How to execute:

• Trap your opponent's arm with your leg.
• Pivot your hips to secure the shoulder lock.
• Roll or apply pressure to complete the submission.

8. D’Arce Choke

The D’Arce Choke is a deep, blood-choke submission that is highly effective in No-Gi grappling. It’s similar to the Anaconda choke, and it works by compressing your opponent’s carotid arteries. This submission is usually applied from side control or when transitioning.

How to execute:

• Thread your arm under your opponent’s neck and over their far arm.
• Lock your hands and apply pressure.
• Squeeze to force the tap.

9. Bow and Arrow Choke

The Bow and Arrow Choke is a Gi submission that attacks the neck with your opponent’s own lapel. It is usually set up from back control and is one of the most powerful Gi chokes you can learn in BJJ.

How to execute:

• Secure a grip on your opponent’s lapel.
• Pull across their neck while extending your leg to increase pressure.
• Use your body to apply leverage and force the choke.

10. Ezekiel Choke

The Ezekiel Choke is a unique submission that can be applied even when you’re in the mount or inside your opponent’s guard. It uses your sleeve or the opponent’s Gi to choke them, and it’s highly effective in the Gi game.

How to execute:

• Use your sleeve to secure a grip around your opponent’s neck.
• Slide your other arm under their chin and apply the choke.
• Tighten the grip by using your body weight to finish.

Conclusion

Mastering these 10 submissions will drastically improve your effectiveness on the mats and give you the ability to finish fights from multiple positions. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about controlling your opponent and imposing your game, and these submissions are key tools to develop along your journey. Remember, practice is everything, so drill these moves often and focus on refining your technique.