Won by Submission represents the terminal state in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where a practitioner has successfully forced their opponent to submit through a joint lock or choke. This state marks the end of a match or training round through technical victory, achieved when the opponent verbally submits, physically taps (on the opponent, mat, or themselves), or when the referee stops the match due to a submission being fully locked in. This terminal state is the ultimate objective in submission-focused BJJ, representing the successful application of technique, timing, and control to force capitulation. Understanding this state involves recognizing proper submission mechanics, tap protocols, safety considerations, and the technical pathways that lead to successful finishes. Unlike positional victories or points-based wins, submission victory demonstrates complete technical dominance through forcing the opponent to acknowledge defeat, making it the most definitive form of victory in grappling arts. The path to this state requires systematic progression through control positions, elimination of defensive options, and precise application of submission mechanics with respect for partner safety.
Position Definition
- Submission technique is fully locked in with proper mechanical advantage established through optimal joint angle or vascular/airway compression, leaving opponent with no viable defensive options remaining and creating immediate threat of injury or unconsciousness
- Opponent has clearly indicated submission through recognized tap signal (hand tap on opponent/mat, verbal submission, or foot tap if hands immobilized), or referee has stopped match due to submission being complete with opponent unable to defend safely
- Technical control is maintained throughout finish with proper body positioning, grip configuration, and pressure application that prevents escape while ensuring submission effectiveness and safety protocols are followed with gradual pressure buildup allowing adequate time for tap recognition
Prerequisites
- Successful establishment of submission control position with proper mechanics and leverage
- Opponent’s defensive options have been systematically eliminated or bypassed through superior positioning
- Proper technique execution with adequate control to prevent escape during submission application
- Opponent recognizes inability to escape and chooses to submit to prevent injury
- Clear communication of submission through recognized tap protocols with immediate recognition
Key Principles
- Technical precision in submission mechanics with proper joint alignment or choke application ensures finish while maintaining safety
- Control position must be maintained throughout submission attempt to prevent escape and ensure effectiveness
- Gradual pressure application allows opponent time to recognize submission and tap safely without explosive force
- Recognition of tap signals is immediate and mandatory - release submission instantly upon any tap indication
- Safety protocols are paramount - never apply submissions explosively or refuse to release after tap
- Understanding of proper finish mechanics for each submission type ensures effectiveness and safety
- Respect for training partner’s safety supersedes desire to finish submission in training environments
Available Techniques and Transitions
Match Victory Acknowledgement → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 100%
- Intermediate: 100%
- Advanced: 100%
Position Reset for Training → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 100%
- Intermediate: 100%
- Advanced: 100%
Technical Discussion → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 100%
- Intermediate: 100%
- Advanced: 100%
Continue Rolling from Reset → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 95%
- Intermediate: 98%
- Advanced: 100%
Review Submission Mechanics → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 90%
- Intermediate: 95%
- Advanced: 98%
Partner Safety Check → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 100%
- Intermediate: 100%
- Advanced: 100%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent taps clearly (hand, foot, or verbal):
- Execute Immediate Submission Release → Standing Position (Probability: 100%)
If referee stops match due to submission completion:
- Execute Release Submission Immediately → Standing Position (Probability: 100%)
If opponent appears unconscious or unresponsive during choke:
- Execute Emergency Release Protocol → Standing Position (Probability: 100%)
If training partner requests review of submission mechanics:
- Execute Technical Discussion and Demonstration → Standing Position (Probability: 95%)
Optimal Paths from This Position
Back Control to RNC Path
Back Control → Seat Belt Control Back → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Mount to Armbar Path
Mount → High Mount → Armbar Control → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
Closed Guard to Triangle Path
Closed Guard → Triangle Control → Triangle from Closed Guard → Won by Submission
Side Control to Kimura Path
Side Control → Kimura Control → Kimura from Side Control → Won by Submission
Turtle to Darce Path
Turtle → D'arce Control → Darce Choke → Won by Submission
Ashi Garami to Heel Hook Path
Ashi Garami → Saddle → Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Guard to Omoplata Path
Closed Guard → Omoplata Control → Omoplata from Guard → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 100% | 0% | 100% |
| Intermediate | 100% | 0% | 100% |
| Advanced | 100% | 0% | 100% |
Average Time in Position: Instantaneous - terminal state
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The moment of submission represents the culmination of systematic technical application and the opponent’s recognition of mechanical inevitability. A properly applied submission creates a situation where the opponent faces two choices: submit or sustain injury. This dilemma is not created through strength or aggression, but through precise understanding of leverage mechanics, joint anatomy, and control hierarchies. The key to achieving submissions consistently lies not in the final finishing motion, but in the systematic progression through control positions that eliminate defensive options sequentially. Each control position should reduce the opponent’s movement capacity while increasing your offensive capabilities. When you reach the submission phase, the opponent should already be operating within such constrained parameters that escape becomes biomechanically impossible. The tap itself is merely acknowledgment of this reality. In training, the ethical application of submissions requires understanding that the purpose is education, not domination - you must give your partner adequate time to recognize the submission and respond appropriately, applying pressure gradually over several seconds rather than explosively.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, getting the tap is what separates winning from almost winning - there’s no partial credit for having a submission almost locked in. I focus on submission finishes that have proven track records under the highest levels of competition pressure, where opponents will defend desperately and refuse to tap until the absolute last moment. The key is developing submissions with such perfect mechanics that the opponent faces catastrophic consequences for not tapping - this psychological pressure combined with technical precision forces the tap. I prioritize submissions from my strongest positions: back control for rear naked chokes, top saddle for heel hooks, and mount for armbars. Each of these positions allows me to maintain dominant control while finishing, meaning even if the first submission attempt fails, I’m not giving up position. My philosophy is position before submission, but when you have the position secured, you must be absolutely ruthless in your finishing mechanics. In training, I drill submission finishes thousands of times to ensure my mechanics are flawless when fatigue sets in during competition. The difference between good and great grapplers is finish rate from dominant positions - I aim for 80%+ finish rate from back control because my mechanics and control are systematically developed to that standard.
Eddie Bravo
The submission finish is where all the creative setup work pays off - you’ve broken their posture, created the angles, isolated the limb or neck, and now you’re cashing in on that investment. What I love about submissions is that they’re the great equalizer - a smaller person with superior technique can force a larger, stronger opponent to tap through precise application of leverage and anatomy. In the 10th Planet system, we emphasize submission chains and creating situations where the opponent is constantly dealing with multiple threats, so when they defend one submission, they’re walking into another. The key is making your opponent choose between bad options - defend the choke and give up the arm, defend the arm and give up the back. We also focus heavily on submissions from unconventional positions because that’s where you can catch even experienced opponents by surprise - rubber guard to gogoplata, truck to twister, lockdown to electric chair. These aren’t low-percentage moves when you’ve systematically developed the positions and understand the mechanics deeply. In training, I teach students to embrace the tap - tapping is learning, not losing. The more comfortable you are tapping to new positions and techniques, the faster you’ll develop defensive awareness and eventually learn to finish those same techniques on others.