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BJJ Submissions - Complete Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202517 min read

BJJ Submissions: Complete Finishing Techniques Guide

Submissions are the ultimate objective in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - techniques that force an opponent to “tap out” (submit) due to pain, injury risk, or loss of consciousness. This comprehensive guide organizes all BJJ submissions by attack type, helping you understand submission mechanics, chains, and strategic applications.

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Understanding Submissions

Every submission in BJJ targets one of these mechanisms:

Attack Mechanisms

  1. Blood Chokes (Strangles)

    • Target: Carotid arteries
    • Time to unconsciousness: 5-10 seconds
    • Safety: Relatively safe when applied correctly
    • Examples: Rear naked choke, triangle, guillotine

  2. Air Chokes

    • Target: Trachea/airway
    • Time to tap: 10-30 seconds
    • Safety: Higher risk of injury
    • Examples: Ezekiel, baseball bat choke

  3. Joint Locks

    • Target: Joints (elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle)
    • Mechanism: Hyperextension or rotation beyond normal range
    • Safety: High injury risk if applied too fast
    • Examples: Armbar, kimura, kneebar

  4. Compression Attacks

    • Target: Muscles, ligaments, nerves
    • Mechanism: Crushing pressure or stretching
    • Safety: Painful but lower injury risk
    • Examples: Calf slicer, bicep slicer

Submission Timing

Submissions succeed through:

  • Position Control → Dominant position first
  • Isolation → Control the target limb/neck
  • Pressure → Apply technique gradually
  • Commitment → Follow through completely

Chokes & Strangles

Chokes are the highest-percentage submissions in BJJ, accounting for over 60% of competition finishes.

Blood Chokes (Most Effective)

Rear Naked Choke - The ultimate choke

  • From: Back Control → To: Won by Submission
  • Success Rate: Extremely high from back control
  • Mechanism: Bilateral carotid compression
  • Time to tap: 5-8 seconds
  • Key Detail: One arm under chin, other arm reinforces
  • Why it works: Perfect control + perfect angle

Triangle Choke Front - Legs choke from guard

  • From: Closed Guard/Open Guard → To: Triangle Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: High with proper technique
  • Mechanism: Carotid compression using legs and shoulder
  • Variations: Front, side, back triangles
  • Key Detail: Pull head down, angle off, squeeze knees

Triangle Choke Side - Side triangle variation

  • From: Various positions → To: Triangle Control
  • Mechanism: Similar to front triangle
  • Key Detail: Different angle, same principle

Triangle Choke Back - Triangle from back

  • From: Back Control → To: Triangle Control
  • Mechanism: Legs around one arm and neck
  • Advanced technique with high finish rate

Guillotine Control - Front choke

  • From: Standing/Guard → To: Guillotine Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: Medium to high
  • Mechanism: Choke with forearm across throat
  • Variations: Arm-in, high elbow, marce
  • Key Detail: Hip pressure + hand grip strength

Arm Triangle - Shoulder choke from top

  • From: Side Control/Mount → To: Arm Triangle Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: Very high from proper position
  • Mechanism: Use opponent’s shoulder + your shoulder to compress carotids
  • Key Detail: Head and arm trapped, circle to finish
  • Also called: Kata gatame, head and arm choke

D’arce Control - Arm-in choke

  • From: Front headlock → To: D’arce Control → Submission
  • Mechanism: Figure-four grip with arm-in
  • Key Detail: Lock hands, drive shoulder, squeeze
  • No-gi specialty but works in gi

Anaconda Control - Reverse d’arce

  • From: Front headlock → To: Anaconda Control → Submission
  • Mechanism: Similar to d’arce, different entry
  • Key Detail: Roll to finish, lock figure-four tight
  • High-level no-gi technique

Dead Orchard Control - Modified darce variation

  • Advanced darce variation
  • Less common but highly effective

Gi-Specific Chokes

Cross Collar Choke - Classic gi choke

  • From: Mount/Guard → To: Won by Submission
  • Success Rate: High in gi
  • Mechanism: Use collar grips to compress carotids
  • Variations: Single/double handed, high/low mount
  • Key Detail: Deep grips, opposite collar, pull apart

Loop Choke - Gi choke from guard

  • From: Closed Guard → To: Won by Submission
  • Mechanism: Loop collar around neck
  • Key Detail: Deep grip, rotate to finish
  • Sneaky technique, often catches people

Baseball Bat Choke - Top gi choke

  • From: Top position → To: Won by Submission
  • Mechanism: Baseball grip on collar, drive down
  • Key Detail: Hands positioned like baseball bat
  • High pressure, quick finish

Ezekiel Choke - Sleeve choke from top

  • From: Mount/Side Control → To: Won by Submission
  • Success Rate: Medium
  • Mechanism: Use your own sleeve + forearm
  • Key Detail: Blade of wrist across throat
  • Works no-gi with gable grip

North-South Choke - Top position choke

  • From: North-South → To: Won by Submission
  • Mechanism: Collar grips + shoulder pressure
  • Key Detail: Walk hands around head
  • Tricky setup, powerful finish

Specialty Chokes

Gogoplata Control - Shin choke

  • From: Rubber guard/Mount → To: Gogoplata Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: Low (highly technical)
  • Mechanism: Shin across throat + pull head
  • Key Detail: Flexibility required
  • Eddie Bravo specialty

New York Control - Modified choke

  • Less common choke variation
  • Specific application scenarios

Arm Locks

Arm locks target the elbow joint through hyperextension.

Armbar (Juji Gatame)

Armbar Control - Classic armbar position

  • From: Mount/Guard/Side Control → To: Armbar Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: Very high
  • Mechanism: Hyperextend elbow joint
  • Key Detail: Hips high, knees squeeze, thumb up, break perpendicular
  • Most versatile submission - works from everywhere

Armbar Finish - Completing the armbar

  • Final stage of armbar
  • Mechanism: Full elbow extension
  • Key Detail: Control wrist, lift hips

Mount to Armbar - Armbar from mount

  • From: Mount → To: Armbar Control
  • Success Rate: High
  • Key Detail: Trap arm, leg over head, fall back

Far Side Armbar - Armbar from side control

  • From: Side Control → To: Armbar Control
  • Key Detail: Step over head, far arm attack
  • Technical entry, high finish rate

Shoulder Locks

Kimura - Figure-four shoulder lock

  • From: Multiple positions → To: Kimura Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: High
  • Mechanism: Rotate shoulder beyond normal range
  • Key Detail: Figure-four grip, elbow stays tight to body
  • Most versatile shoulder lock - sweep, pass, submit

Americana - Reverse kimura

  • From: Mount/Side Control → To: Americana Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: Very high from mount
  • Mechanism: Rotate shoulder opposite direction of kimura
  • Key Detail: Pin wrist to mat, lift elbow, paint the floor
  • Also called: Key lock, ude garami

Omoplata - Leg-based shoulder lock

  • From: Guard → To: Omoplata Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: Medium (often used for sweep)
  • Mechanism: Legs control arm, rotate shoulder
  • Key Detail: Leg over shoulder, sit up, lean forward
  • Multi-purpose: submission/sweep/back take

Omoplata Control - Omoplata position

  • Transitional control for omoplata finish
  • High-level technique with multiple options

Williams Shoulder Lock - Eddie Bravo specialty

  • From: Rubber guard system
  • Mechanism: Shoulder rotation from guard
  • Key Detail: Specific rubber guard position
  • 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu technique

Leg Locks

Modern leg locks have revolutionized BJJ, especially in no-gi competition.

Straight Leg Attacks

Straight Ankle Lock - Fundamental leg lock

  • From: Various leg entanglements → To: Submission
  • Success Rate: Medium (relatively easy to defend)
  • Mechanism: Hyperextend ankle joint
  • Key Detail: Pinch knees, fall back, arch
  • First leg lock to learn - legal at all belt levels (IBJJF gi)

Kneebar Finish - Kneebar completion

  • From: Kneebar Control → To: Won by Submission
  • Success Rate: High when position is secured
  • Mechanism: Hyperextend knee joint
  • Key Detail: Hips on knee, control foot, arch
  • Dangerous - apply slowly

Kneebar Control - Kneebar position

  • Setup position for kneebar
  • Requires strong positional control

Heel Hooks (Most Dangerous)

Inside Heel Hook - The “king” of leg locks

  • From: Inside Sankaku/Saddle → To: Won by Submission
  • Success Rate: Extremely high in no-gi
  • Mechanism: Rotate heel, tear knee ligaments
  • Key Detail: Control hip, rotate heel externally
  • Most dangerous submission - causes severe injury
  • Banned in gi at lower belts

Heel Hook Positions:

Toe Holds

Toe Hold - Foot lock submission

  • From: Leg entanglements → To: Toe Hold Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: Medium
  • Mechanism: Twist foot, pressure on ankle
  • Key Detail: Figure-four on foot, rotate and extend
  • Often underestimated but effective

Toe Hold Control - Toe hold position

  • Setup for toe hold finish

Compression Attacks

Calf Slicer - Calf compression

  • From: Back/Truck position → To: Won by Submission
  • Success Rate: Medium (very painful)
  • Mechanism: Compress calf muscle against shin
  • Key Detail: Shin into calf, squeeze knees
  • Legal in gi at brown/black belt

Specialty Leg Attacks

Electric Chair Submission - Lockdown leg attack

  • From: Electric Chair position (lockdown) → To: Won by Submission
  • Mechanism: Groin stretch + calf compression
  • Key Detail: Lockdown opponent’s leg, stretch and compress
  • Eddie Bravo 10th Planet technique

Banana Split - Groin stretcher

  • From: Turtle/Back → To: Won by Submission
  • Mechanism: Split legs apart, stretch groin
  • Key Detail: Control both legs, spread apart
  • Extremely painful, often causes tap

Compression & Specialty Submissions

Muscle/Nerve Compression

Bicep Slicer - Arm compression

  • From: Various positions → To: Won by Submission
  • Mechanism: Compress bicep against bone
  • Key Detail: Forearm across bicep, squeeze
  • Legal at brown/black belt in gi

Arm Crush - Arm compression variation

  • Crushing pressure on arm
  • Similar mechanism to bicep slicer

Spinal Attacks

Twister Finish - Spinal twist submission

  • From: Truck Position → To: Twister Control → Submission
  • Success Rate: Low (requires specific position)
  • Mechanism: Twist spine + stretch
  • Key Detail: Control legs, rotate upper body opposite
  • Signature Eddie Bravo submission
  • Dangerous - requires experience

Twister Setup - Setting up the twister

  • From: Various → To: Truck Position
  • Entry sequence for twister

Twister Control - Twister position

  • Controlling position before finish

Spine Lock - Spinal pressure submission

  • Mechanism: Compress or twist spine
  • Various applications

Crucifix Submissions

Crucifix Position - Dominant back control variation

  • From: Back Control → To: Crucifix
  • Position allows: Chokes, arm locks
  • Key Detail: Both arms trapped
  • Extremely dominant position

Back Control to Crucifix - Transition to crucifix

  • From: Back Control → To: Crucifix Position
  • Advanced back attack

Specialized Techniques

Russian Cowboy - Pressure submission

  • Specific control position
  • Pressure-based finish

Truck Position - Back attack position

  • From: Various → To: Truck Position → Submissions
  • Gateway to twister and calf slicer
  • Eddie Bravo system position

Truck Entry - Entering truck position

  • Setup for truck submissions

Can Opener - Neck crank

  • From: Closed guard (defense)
  • Mechanism: Crank neck forward
  • Note: Illegal in most competitions, considered unsportsmanlike

Boston Crab - Back bend submission

  • Wrestling-style submission
  • Rarely seen in BJJ competition

Mir Lock - Shoulder/elbow hybrid

  • Named after Frank Mir
  • Specific application

Submission Systems & Frameworks

Advanced practitioners don’t just learn individual submissions - they learn submission systems that create inescapable dilemmas.

Submission Chains

Arm Triangle Progression

  • System for finishing arm triangles
  • Multiple entry points and adjustments
  • Position → Isolation → Finish pathway

D’arce-Anaconda Connection

  • Front headlock submission system
  • Switching between d’arce and anaconda
  • Reading opponent’s defense to choose finish

Guillotine Sequence

  • Complete guillotine system
  • Multiple grips and finishes
  • High elbow, arm-in, marce variations

Rear Naked Choke Pathway

  • System for finishing from back control
  • Hand fighting and grip sequences
  • Defensive counters to common escapes

Strategic Frameworks

Front Headlock Submission System

  • Complete front headlock game
  • Submissions, back takes, and control
  • D’arce, anaconda, guillotine options

Modern Leg Lock Meta

  • Contemporary leg lock strategy
  • Position-based leg attacking
  • Danaher Death Squad methodology

Heel Hook Dilemma

  • Creating no-win scenarios in leg entanglements
  • Inside vs outside heel hook threats
  • Forcing opponent into submission or position loss

Submission-Focused Strategy

  • Overall game plan centered on submissions
  • Position as submission setup
  • Constant attack mentality

Defensive Systems

Leg Lock Defense Framework

  • Complete leg lock defense system
  • Preventing entries and escaping
  • Counter-attacking from defensive positions

Submission Defense Principles

  • Universal submission defense concepts
  • Early recognition and prevention
  • Escape timing and techniques

Learning Path by Skill Level

White Belt Fundamentals

Focus on highest-percentage submissions from dominant positions:

  1. Rear Naked Choke - From back control

    • Most successful submission in BJJ
    • Simple mechanics, high success rate
    • Practice: Get to back, finish choke

  2. Armbar Control - From mount or guard

    • Fundamental arm lock
    • Works from multiple positions
    • Practice: Mount to armbar, guard to armbar

  3. Americana - From mount or side control

    • Effective from top pins
    • Good for learning control before submission
    • Practice: Isolate arm from mount

  4. Triangle Choke Front - From closed guard

    • Essential guard submission
    • Teaches leg control and angles
    • Practice: Break posture, isolate arm, triangle

  5. Straight Ankle Lock - Basic leg lock

    • Introduction to leg attacks
    • Legal at all levels (gi)
    • Practice: Proper position, controlled application

Blue Belt Development

Add more technical submissions and start chaining:

  1. Kimura - Multi-purpose shoulder lock

    • Use for sweeps, passes, and submissions
    • Works from top and bottom
    • Practice: From closed guard, side control, half guard

  2. Arm Triangle - Top control choke

    • Finish from side control or mount
    • High success rate
    • Practice: Trap arm, circle to finish

  3. Cross Collar Choke - Gi choke (gi only)

    • Essential gi technique
    • Multiple grips and entries
    • Practice: From mount and guard

  4. Guillotine Control - Front choke

    • Standing and ground applications
    • Multiple finish variations
    • Practice: High elbow guillotine, arm-in guillotine

  5. Omoplata - Leg-based shoulder lock

    • Multi-purpose (sweep/submit/back take)
    • Technical excellence required
    • Practice: From guard, finish or sweep

Purple Belt Advanced Techniques

Master technical submissions and systems:

  1. D’arce Control & Anaconda Control

    • Front headlock system
    • No-gi specialties
    • Practice: From sprawl, turtle, passing

  2. Kneebar Finish - Advanced leg lock

    • Dangerous but effective
    • Requires positional mastery
    • Practice: From leg entanglements

  3. Twister Finish - Spinal submission

    • Eddie Bravo specialty
    • Requires truck position mastery
    • Practice: Truck entries, control, finish

  4. Submission Chains

    • Triangle → Armbar → Omoplata
    • Kimura → Guillotine → Armbar
    • Practice: Flow between submissions

  5. Heel Hook System (no-gi)

    • Inside Heel Hook from proper positions
    • Leg entanglement mastery
    • Practice: Saddle, inside sankaku, entries

Brown/Black Belt Mastery

Complete submission systems and strategic frameworks:

  1. Modern Leg Lock Meta

    • Complete leg lock game
    • Position-based attacking
    • Counter-systems and defense

  2. Front Headlock Submission System

    • Complete system integration
    • Submissions, back takes, pins
    • Reading and reacting

  3. Advanced Submission Chains

    • Creating submission dilemmas
    • No-win scenarios
    • Constant threat maintenance

  4. Competition Strategy

    • Position → Submission pathways
    • Time management
    • Risk assessment

Submission by Starting Position

Understanding which submissions are available from each position:

From Mount

From Back Control

From Closed Guard Bottom

From Side Control

From Leg Entanglements

From Front Headlock

From Turtle Top

Competition Statistics

Understanding which submissions work in competition:

Highest Success Submissions (IBJJF Data)

  1. Rear Naked Choke - ~40% of all submission wins
  2. Armbar - ~20% of all submission wins
  3. Triangle Choke - ~12% of all submission wins
  4. Guillotine - ~8% of all submission wins
  5. Kimura - ~5% of all submission wins

No-Gi vs Gi

Gi-Dominant Submissions:

  • Cross collar chokes (65% more effective)
  • Loop chokes (gi-only)
  • Baseball bat choke (gi-only)
  • Ezekiel choke (easier in gi)

No-Gi-Dominant Submissions:

  • Guillotine (45% more effective)
  • D’arce (70% more effective)
  • Anaconda (no-gi specialty)
  • Heel hooks (no-gi primary)

By Skill Level

White Belt Competition Finishes:

  1. Rear naked choke (50%)
  2. Armbar (25%)
  3. Triangle (15%)
  4. Other (10%)

Black Belt Competition Finishes:

  1. Rear naked choke (30%)
  2. Heel hooks (20% in no-gi)
  3. Armbar (15%)
  4. Triangle (10%)
  5. Various technical submissions (25%)

Safety & Training Principles

Tap Early, Tap Often

  • Joint locks can cause permanent damage
  • Chokes can cause unconsciousness in seconds
  • Ego has no place in training
  • Protect yourself and training partners

Submission Application Rules

  1. Control First - Secure position before finishing
  2. Apply Gradually - Slow, steady pressure
  3. Respect the Tap - Release immediately when partner taps
  4. Verbal Tap Counts - “Tap” said verbally is a tap
  5. Going Limp = Tap - If partner goes limp in choke, release immediately

High-Risk Submissions (Train Carefully)

  • Heel hooks - Can tear multiple ligaments instantly
  • Kneebars - Hyperextension damage to knee
  • Neck cranks - Spinal injury risk
  • Twister - Requires very controlled application
  • Calf slicers - Painful but lower injury risk

Defensive Priorities

When caught in submissions, defend in this order:

  1. Prevent the finish - Stop the immediate threat
  2. Escape the control - Get out of the submission position
  3. Recover position - Return to safe position
  4. Counter-attack - Turn defense into offense

Common Defense Principles

  • Stack - Use weight to relieve pressure (chokes, armbars)
  • Hitchhiker - Rotate thumb up and pull out (arm locks)
  • Posture - Break control before they finish (triangles, guillotines)
  • Straighten - Extend leg to relieve pressure (leg locks)
  • Hand fighting - Prevent grips from completing (all submissions)

Using This Resource

Each submission page includes:

  • Starting Position - Where the submission begins
  • Mechanism - How it forces the tap
  • Key Details - Critical technical points
  • Success Rates - Statistical effectiveness
  • Common Defenses - How opponents escape
  • Variations - Different applications of the same concept

Explore each submission to understand:

  1. When to attempt it
  2. How to set it up
  3. Proper finishing mechanics
  4. What defenses to expect
  5. How to chain with other submissions

The Submission Mindset

“Position before submission” is the foundational principle, but advanced practitioners develop a submission-focused game where:

  • Every position threatens multiple submissions
  • Opponent’s defensive reaction creates the next attack
  • Position advancement and submission attempts are simultaneous
  • Constant pressure forces mistakes

The goal is not to force a single submission, but to create an environment where the opponent has no good defensive options - every defense opens another attack.

This hub page organizes 49+ BJJ submissions into a coherent strategic framework. Click any submission name to access detailed guides with mechanics, success rates, and expert insights.

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