Mastering Jiu Jitsu Submissions: Techniques, Strategy, and Training Insights

When you start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), the idea of submitting someone twice your size can seem intimidating. But the truth is, Jiu Jitsu submissions are about more than brute strength; they rely on technique, leverage, and strategy. 

Whether you’re brand new to Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned practitioner, mastering submissions is essential. 

I’ve spent countless hours on the mats learning these techniques, and I can tell you that with patience and practice, submissions become second nature.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the foundational concepts of Jiu Jitsu submissions, explore must-know techniques, and share some personal insights on how to train effectively to improve your submission game.

The Art of Jiu Jitsu Submissions

At its core, Jiu Jitsu is about control. Submissions are the ultimate way to assert that control by forcing your opponent to tap out or concede. But here’s the thing—you don’t need to be the biggest or the strongest to make them work. 

Submissions are designed to level the playing field, which is why you often see smaller practitioners dominating larger opponents. The trick is to understand both how and when to apply them.

You’ll often hear people say that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is like a game of chess, and submissions are your checkmate. But to get there, you need to understand the positions and setups that make submissions effective.

Key Concepts Behind Successful Submissions

Before diving into specific submissions, let’s talk about what makes them work in the first place. 

Submissions are not just about grabbing and pulling—they rely on the principles of leverage, timing, and positioning. Understanding these concepts will help you turn technique into mastery.

Leverage and Positioning

Leverage is the bread and butter of Jiu Jitsu. You don’t need to overpower your opponent. Instead, you use your body weight and positioning to create pressure on a specific joint or neck. Take the armbar, for example. 

Rather than pulling with all your strength, you use your hips and legs to isolate and control their arm. It’s not about force; it’s about leverage.

Positioning is equally important. You’ve probably heard the phrase “position before submission” a hundred times if you’ve been training for a while. 

This simply means that you should establish control over your opponent before going for the finish. 

When you’re in a dominant position—like mount or back control—you limit their ability to defend. Without this control, you’re giving your opponent more options to escape.

Timing and Patience

Now, here’s where patience comes in. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people rush into submissions, only to lose control or let their opponent slip out. 

Timing is everything. The best submissions come when your opponent least expects them. 

Whether it’s setting up a sneaky triangle from guard or going for a choke after passing their guard, the key is to feel your opponent’s movements and time your attack perfectly.

Top 5 Must-Know Jiu Jitsu Submissions for All Levels

When you’re training, it’s essential to have a go-to arsenal of submissions that work at all levels. These are five submissions that every practitioner, from white belt to black belt, should know and perfect.

Rear Naked Choke (RNC)

This one is a favorite for good reason. The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is incredibly effective and can be applied from the back, one of the most dominant positions in Jiu Jitsu. 

To execute it, you snake one arm under your opponent’s chin and apply pressure, cutting off blood flow to their brain. It’s a powerful submission that ends fights quickly.

Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a versatile submission, often done from guard. You use your legs to trap your opponent’s head and one arm, cutting off circulation. 

The beauty of this move is that it can catch your opponent off-guard and works well even against bigger opponents.

Armbar

Ah, the classic armbar. I like to think of this as one of the most fundamental submissions in Jiu Jitsu. 

You isolate your opponent’s arm, extend it, and use your hips to hyperextend the elbow joint. You can hit an armbar from various positions, but it’s most commonly seen from guard or mount.

Kimura

The Kimura is a shoulder lock that applies torque to your opponent’s arm by controlling both their wrist and elbow. What makes the Kimura so effective is that it works from a variety of positions, and if you’re in control, it’s hard for your opponent to escape.

Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke can be executed from standing or while on the ground. It’s particularly useful when your opponent shoots for a takedown. You wrap your arm around their neck and squeeze. Done right, it’s a quick and reliable way to end a match.

Offensive vs. Defensive Submission Strategies

Understanding submissions isn’t just about finishing an opponent. Sometimes, the strategy behind applying or defending against submissions can make all the difference.

Creating Openings

One of the biggest mistakes I see in new practitioners is waiting too long for the “perfect” submission opportunity. The reality is, you need to create your own openings.

A common strategy is to bait your opponent by giving them a false sense of security. For instance, you might pretend to open your guard, prompting them to advance, only for you to sweep them into a more advantageous position.

Escaping and Countering Submissions

On the flip side, you need to learn how to defend and escape submissions. It’s not about waiting until your opponent has fully locked in a choke or armbar—by then, it’s often too late. 

Recognize the danger signs early, like when an opponent secures an underhook or starts isolating a limb. This awareness gives you the chance to escape before things get too tight.

Training to Perfect Your Submissions

It’s one thing to know these submissions, but perfecting them is an entirely different story. It’s all about the right training methods and mindset.

Drilling Techniques

There’s no shortcut here. You need to drill these submissions over and over again until they become second nature. Repetition is key. 

Start slow, focusing on technique, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Remember, drilling isn’t just for beginners—black belts drill, too!

Sparring and Live Rolling

One of the best ways to improve your submissions is through live rolling. Sparring gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a dynamic, unpredictable setting. 

This is where timing, control, and patience come together. You won’t always get the submission, but every attempt will improve your skills.

Partner Feedback and Self-Review

Don’t be afraid to ask your training partners for feedback. Sometimes, they’ll notice things you don’t, like how you could tighten up a choke or adjust your positioning for an armbar. 

Additionally, I recommend recording your rolling sessions when possible. Watching yourself can be a game-changer for improving your submission game.

Common Mistakes When Applying Submissions

Even the most experienced practitioners fall into these common traps when trying to secure submissions. Here’s how to avoid them.

Rushing the Finish

It’s tempting to go for the kill as soon as you see an opportunity, but rushing a submission can lead to sloppy technique. Take your time to control the position and secure the submission fully before applying pressure.

Ignoring Position Before Submission

We’ve talked about this already, but it’s worth emphasizing. Don’t rush into a submission before you’ve secured control. If you skip the positioning step, your opponent is likely to escape or counter.

Evolving Your Submission Game: Advanced Tips

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up your submission game.

Chain Submissions

One of the most effective strategies I’ve learned is to chain submissions together. Instead of relying on one submission, be ready to transition into another. 

For instance, if your triangle attempt fails, switch to an armbar. This keeps your opponent constantly defending, and eventually, they’ll make a mistake.

Using Submissions as a Setup

Submissions aren’t always about finishing. Sometimes, they’re a great way to open up opportunities. For example, you might go for a guillotine to force your opponent to react, creating an opening to pass their guard or sweep them.

Take Your Jiu Jitsu Game to the Next Level at Eye2Eye Combat

Mastering Jiu Jitsu submissions isn’t about being the biggest or strongest on the mats—it’s about technique, control, and timing. 

Whether you’re just starting out or already an experienced practitioner, these core submission principles will sharpen your game and boost your confidence. 

At Eye2Eye Combat, we’re all about practical, real-world martial arts training that empowers you from day one. 

If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, explore our classes and see how we can help you build both mental and physical strength. Come train with us, and unlock a whole new level of confidence.

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