Submissions Overview

Submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are techniques designed to force an opponent to "tap out" or verbally submit, signaling that they concede the match or encounter. Submissions exploit mechanical leverage and physiological vulnerabilities, targeting joints, the neck, or the circulatory and respiratory systems. The goal is to gain control and apply pressure in a way that leaves the opponent with no safe option but to submit.

Categories of Submissions

Joint Locks

  • Joint locks involve hyperextending, twisting, or compressing a joint beyond its normal range of motion.
  • Common targets: shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
  • Examples:

    Armbar - Hyperextends the elbow.

    Kimura - Rotates and locks the shoulder.

    Heel Hook - Twists the knee joint.

    Toe Hold - Twists the foot and ankle.

Chokes

  • Chokes restrict blood flow (via the carotid arteries) or airflow (via the trachea), leading to unconsciousness if not released.

Blood Chokes

Air Chokes

  • Compress the trachea, creating discomfort and difficulty breathing. (e.g., Cross Collar Choke, Guillotine).
    • Examples:

      Rear Naked Choke

      • Applies pressure to the carotid arteries from the back.

      Triangle Choke

      • Compresses the neck using the opponent's shoulder and your legs.

      Guillotine

      • Applies pressure to the throat and neck from the front.

Compression Submissions

  • These involve compressing soft tissues or muscles, causing pain or cramping.
  • Examples:

    Bicep Slicer

    • Compresses the biceps with the shin or forearm.

    Calf Slicer

    • Compresses the calf muscle using the opponent's shin.

Spinal Locks

  • These submissions apply pressure to the spine, forcing unnatural bending or twisting.
  • Examples:
    Twister
  • Applies pressure to the neck and upper spine.

Core Principles of Submissions

Control Before Submission

  • Submissions are most effective when you first control the opponent's body, limiting their ability to defend or escape.

Leverage and Angles

  • Submissions rely on mechanical advantage. Proper positioning and angles reduce the need for brute strength.

Safety

  • Submissions are applied gradually in training to allow the opponent time to tap. Over-aggression can cause serious injury.

Chain Attacks

  • Advanced practitioners often transition smoothly between submissions, maintaining constant threats until the opponent taps.
  • Submissions are the ultimate goal in grappling: a clear indication of dominance and skill.
  • They reflect the ability to problem-solve under pressure, using Leverage, Angles, and precise control.
  • Submissions are equally valuable in self-defense, sport, and MMA contexts, showcasing BJJ's effectiveness as a martial art.