Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Submissions Directory
Master the art of finishing fights with joint locks and chokes. Learn to apply submissions safely and effectively across all positions.
What types of submissions are there?
Master the fundamental categories of BJJ finishing techniques, from blood chokes to joint locks, and learn when and how to apply each type effectively.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Submissions
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submissions are finishing techniques that force an opponent to surrender through joint manipulation, compression, or constriction of airways and blood vessels.
How are the submissions broken down?
What is a tap?
A tap is the universal signal of submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where a practitioner taps their hand against their opponent or the mat to indicate they can no longer safely continue and wish to end the match. This voluntary surrender prevents injury while maintaining the integrity of live training.
What are the most successful submissions?
Rear Naked Choke
The rear naked choke stands as the most reliable submission in all of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Applied from back control, it constricts both carotid arteries simultaneously, cutting blood flow to the brain and causing rapid unconsciousness. Its effectiveness stems from requiring minimal strength while being nearly impossible to defend once properly locked in.
In competition data across all major promotions, the RNC consistently produces the highest submission percentage. Its safety and efficiency make it the gold standard against which all other submissions are measured.
Arm Bar
The arm bar represents the quintessential joint lock, hyperextending the elbow beyond its natural range to target the hinge joint. Its versatility stems from applicability across multiple positions - guard, mount, and side control - making it a fundamental technique that every practitioner must master.
Competition statistics show the arm bar as the most commonly finished joint lock. Its mechanical simplicity combined with devastating effectiveness creates a high-percentage move that works equally well in gi and no-gi environments.
Triangle Choke
The triangle choke demonstrates the power of leg-based constriction, using both legs to form a figure-four around an opponent's neck and arm. This blood choke combines precise hip movement with leg dexterity, creating a mechanical advantage that neutralizes strength differences.
As one of the most beautiful and effective guard techniques, the triangle consistently ranks among the top submissions in competitive BJJ. Its ability to finish from a defensive position makes it particularly valuable for complete practitioners.
Guillotine Choke
The guillotine serves as both a takedown defense and a powerful finishing tool, constricting the neck by trapping an opponent's head between the attacker's arms. Its effectiveness stems from the mechanical disadvantage it creates, where arm strength overcomes neck musculature.
Particularly devastating in no-gi competition, the guillotine ranks among the highest-percentage submissions. Its ability to neutralize takedowns while setting up finishes makes it an essential technique for all practitioners.
Kimura
The kimura represents rotational joint manipulation at its finest, using a figure-four grip to torque the shoulder beyond its natural rotation. This complex lock requires precise control but offers devastating mechanical advantage when applied correctly.
As one of the most reliable shoulder locks, the kimura consistently appears in competition finishes. Its technical nature rewards practitioners who invest time in mastering the proper grips and control required for execution.
Americana
The americana provides a straightforward path to shoulder manipulation, using the attacker's body weight to create rotational force on the opponent's shoulder joint. Its simplicity makes it accessible while remaining highly effective in the right positions.
Frequently seen in competitive matches, the americana offers a reliable finishing option from side control and mount. Its mechanical efficiency makes it a staple in every grappler's arsenal.
Heel Hook
The heel hook has revolutionized modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, attacking the knee joint through rotational force that can cause immediate structural damage. This advanced technique requires specific timing and control but offers unparalleled finishing potential.
In submission-only formats like EBI, the heel hook often surpasses traditional chokes in effectiveness. Its ability to end matches instantly has made it a cornerstone of modern leg lock systems.
Why is positional control important for submissions?
Positional control establishes the necessary leverage and stability required for effective submission application. Without proper positioning, even perfectly executed techniques fail due to lack of mechanical advantage and inability to generate sufficient pressure.
What information we collect about submissions
We're building the most comprehensive submission database available, focusing on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge. Our approach prioritizes real-world effectiveness, combining competition data with expert instruction to provide actionable insights for practitioners at every level.\n\nEvery submission includes detailed mechanics, common setups, defensive counters, and competition statistics. We organize this information to help you understand not just how to do a technique, but when and why it works in different contexts.
Technique Breakdowns
Step-by-step execution guides with common mistakes and corrections
Competition Statistics
Real data on finish rates, success percentages, and tournament performance
Setup Variations
Multiple entries and transitions for each submission
Defensive Options
Escape techniques and prevention strategies for opponents
Gi vs No-Gi Applications
How each submission changes with uniform restrictions
Position Integration
How submissions connect to broader positional strategy
What are the different rulesets?
Explore how different BJJ organizations and formats affect submission strategy, from IBJJF's traditional approach to submission-only competitions.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Ruleset
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions operate under various rulesets that determine allowed techniques, scoring systems, and match formats.
Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting appropriate submissions.
Good submissions for beginners
Start your submission journey with these fundamental techniques that build proper mechanics and understanding. Focus on mastering these core submissions before exploring advanced variations. Each technique teaches essential principles that apply throughout Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Arm Bar
Fundamental elbow hyperextension from guard, mount, or side control
Triangle Choke
Blood choke using both legs to constrict the neck from guard
Rear Naked Choke
Primary blood choke from back control position
Guillotine Choke
Neck constriction that doubles as standing takedown defense
Kimura
Rotational shoulder lock teaching proper grip fighting
Americana
Figure-four shoulder lock from side control or mount
What's the difference in gi and no-gi submissions?
Gi provides lapels, sleeves, and pants for enhanced grips and control. No-gi relies on skin-to-skin contact, requiring stronger hand positioning and body control. Gi chokes like the bow-and-arrow and ezekiel dominate traditional formats, while no-gi emphasizes pure skeletal attacks.
Submissions mechanics
Discover the fundamental principles behind BJJ submissions, from joint hyperextension to vascular constriction, and learn how to apply mechanical advantage effectively.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Submission Mechanics
Understanding submission mechanics reveals how different techniques target the human body.
All submissions exploit biomechanical weaknesses through leverage, pressure, or constriction.
What others wanted to know
Positional control precedes submission execution. Even perfectly applied techniques fail without the mechanical advantage provided by dominant positions and proper isolation of target areas.
Essential submissions for beginners
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Explore the SubmitsuUniverse
Transform your BJJ journey with our interactive technique database. Discover connected moves, track your progress, and master the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through personalized learning pathways designed for serious practitioners.