Submission Clinic System is a advanced difficulty Attack System system. Integrates 6 components.
System ID: System Type: Attack System Difficulty Level: Advanced
What is Submission Clinic System?
The Submission Clinic System represents a comprehensive framework for systematically attacking submissions from dominant positions. Rather than hunting for isolated finishes, this system emphasizes positional dominance first, then creates multiple submission threats that force the opponent into defensive dilemmas. Each defensive reaction opens new attacking pathways, creating an endless cycle of threats.
This system integrates seamlessly across mount, back control, side control, and guard positions, teaching practitioners to maintain control while presenting constant submission danger. The key is never committing fully to one submission, but rather using each attempt to improve position or transition to the next threat. By mastering this system, practitioners develop the ability to finish opponents who are desperately defending, using their defensive reactions as the roadmap to victory.
The Submission Clinic System is particularly effective in competition and high-level training because it removes the opponent’s ability to rest or recover. Every moment in a dominant position becomes an opportunity for attack, and every defensive movement creates new vulnerabilities. This constant pressure breaks down even experienced grapplers, leading to either submission or complete positional dominance.
Core Principles
- Position before submission - establish dominant control before hunting finishes
- Create submission chains - every defense opens a new attack
- Maintain connection points - never sacrifice control for a low-percentage finish
- Force dilemmas - present multiple simultaneous threats that cannot all be defended
- Use time pressure - constant attacks drain opponent’s mental and physical resources
- Attack the opposite side - when one side is defended, immediately threaten the other
- Progressive isolation - systematically remove defensive tools before finishing
- Transition seamlessly - move between positions without releasing control
Key Components
Mount Attack Series (Establish primary attacking position with maximum control and submission options) From high mount and S-mount positions, create armbar, triangle, and collar choke threats. The mount provides the most stable platform for submission attacks due to the weight distribution and control points available. Key is maintaining hip pressure while attacking upper body submissions, using the threat of one submission to open others.
Back Attack Framework (Access highest-percentage finishing position with multiple submission pathways) From back control with seat belt grip, systematically attack rear naked choke, armbar from back, and transition to mounted triangle. The back position offers the highest percentage submissions in BJJ, but requires precise hand fighting and body triangle control to prevent escapes. Each submission attempt should improve the position even if unsuccessful.
Triangle Control System (Create inescapable control position with built-in submission chain) Establish triangle control from various positions (closed guard, mount, back), then systematically attack triangle choke, armbar, and omoplata. The triangle position creates a structural trap that limits opponent’s movement while providing three distinct submission options. Mastery requires understanding angle adjustment and hip movement to tighten the position.
Side Control Submission Matrix (Maintain dominant pin while creating upper body submission opportunities) From side control top, establish near-side control then attack kimura, americana, straight armbar, and north-south transitions. Side control requires constant pressure and weight distribution to prevent escapes while setting up submissions. The key is using head position and crossface to control posture while isolating limbs for attack.
Guard Submission System (Attack effectively from bottom position using leverage and angle creation) From closed guard bottom, use collar and sleeve grips to set up triangle, armbar, omoplata, and guillotine attacks. The guard position requires active hip movement and grip fighting to create angles for submissions. Each attack should threaten a finish while improving position or breaking opponent’s posture further.
Crucifix and Gift Wrap Attacks (Achieve maximum control with minimal defensive options for opponent) From crucifix position or gift wrap control, isolate both arms to attack rear naked choke, straight armbar, or transition to mounted position. These positions represent the ultimate control states where opponent has minimal defensive options. The focus is maintaining arm isolation while applying finishing pressure.
Implementation Sequence
- Position Establishment: Begin by achieving a dominant position (mount, back control, or side control) with proper connection points and weight distribution. Do not rush to submissions before establishing stable control. Key points:
- Secure at least three points of contact with opponent
- Distribute weight to prevent bridging or shrimping
- Establish controlling grips (collar, wrist, underhook) before attacking
- Neutralize opponent’s frames and defensive structures
- Verify opponent cannot easily escape before proceeding
- Initial Threat Presentation: Present the first submission threat based on position (armbar from mount, RNC from back, kimura from side). This initial attack serves to gauge opponent’s defensive reactions and identify their priorities. Key points:
- Commit only 60-70% to initial attack to maintain position
- Observe which arm/side opponent defends most urgently
- Note whether opponent prioritizes escape or submission defense
- Maintain all control points during initial attack
- Use opponent’s reaction to plan next attack
- Reaction Exploitation: When opponent defends the first submission, immediately transition to the complementary attack on the opposite side or different submission type. For example, if they defend the armbar by gripping their hands together, transition to triangle or omoplata. Key points:
- Recognize defensive patterns instantly
- Transition without releasing primary control points
- Attack the space created by their defense
- Increase pressure during transitions to prevent escape
- Chain at least three submissions before resetting
- Progressive Isolation: As opponent continues defending, systematically remove their defensive tools. Break grips, isolate limbs, eliminate frames, and restrict head movement. Each successful defense should cost them a defensive resource. Key points:
- Prioritize removing most dangerous defensive tools first
- Use submission threats to force opponent to release grips
- Control head position to limit visibility and breathing
- Isolate one limb completely before attempting finish
- Never give back previously gained advantages
- Position Improvement: If submissions are not immediately available, use the submission threats to transition to even more dominant positions. For example, failed armbar from mount can transition to S-mount or technical mount with increased control. Key points:
- Every submission attempt should improve position if unsuccessful
- Transition to mount variations (S-mount, high mount, technical mount)
- Move from side control to north-south to mount progression
- Establish back control with body triangle when available
- Create gift wrap or crucifix control for maximum dominance
- Dilemma Creation: Present simultaneous threats that cannot both be defended. For example, from S-mount, threaten both armbar on one side and collar choke on the other. Opponent must choose which to defend, opening the other for finish. Key points:
- Set up both threats before forcing the choice
- Make threats equally dangerous to create true dilemma
- Maintain control regardless of which defense they choose
- Use their defensive movement to improve the other attack
- Be prepared to finish whichever submission they give you
- Finish Execution: Once opponent is exhausted, isolated, or makes a critical defensive error, commit fully to the highest-percentage finish available. Apply technique with control and awareness of safety, ensuring proper tap recognition. Key points:
- Commit 100% once decision to finish is made
- Maintain all control points during finish
- Apply pressure progressively, not explosively
- Watch for tap signals (verbal, physical, visual)
- Release immediately upon tap or referee stoppage
How to Measure Your Progress
Submission Chain Completion Rate: Percentage of dominant positions that result in at least 3 submission attempts before reset or finish Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: 30% - Attempts 1-2 submissions before losing position
- Intermediate: 60% - Consistently chains 3+ submissions with occasional position loss
- Advanced: 85%+ - Maintains position throughout chains and forces opponent into progressive exhaustion
- Expert: 95%+ - Seamlessly chains submissions while improving position, leading to inevitable finish or complete dominance
Position Maintenance During Attacks: Ability to maintain dominant position (mount, back, side) while executing submission attempts Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: Frequently loses position when attempting submissions
- Intermediate: Maintains position during single submission attempts but struggles during chains
- Advanced: Consistently maintains or improves position during submission chains
- Expert: Position automatically improves with each submission attempt regardless of opponent’s defense
Dilemma Creation Effectiveness: Success rate of presenting simultaneous threats that force opponent into no-win scenarios Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: Presents one threat at a time, giving opponent clear defensive path
- Intermediate: Creates basic dilemmas (armbar or triangle) but with obvious escape windows
- Advanced: Consistently creates true dilemmas where both options lead to submission or position improvement
- Expert: Every movement creates multiple threats simultaneously, overwhelming opponent’s defensive capacity
Submission Finish Rate from Dominant Positions: Percentage of time in dominant positions that results in submission finish Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: 10-20% finish rate, most positions end in escapes or resets
- Intermediate: 30-40% finish rate, can submit less experienced opponents consistently
- Advanced: 50-60% finish rate against similar skill level, 80%+ against lower ranks
- Expert: 70%+ finish rate against all skill levels, rare position losses without submission
Adaptive Response Speed: Time required to recognize defensive reactions and transition to appropriate counter-attack Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: 3-5 seconds delay, often misses defensive reactions entirely
- Intermediate: 1-2 seconds to recognize and respond, occasional missed opportunities
- Advanced: Instant recognition and response, rarely misses defensive windows
- Expert: Anticipates defenses before they occur, sets up future attacks based on opponent’s tendencies
Expert Insights
- John Danaher: The Submission Clinic System represents the highest expression of systematic attack methodology in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is not enough to know individual submissions - you must understand how each technique connects to every other technique through the opponent’s defensive reactions. The true brilliance of this system lies in its self-reinforcing nature: every defensive movement your opponent makes provides you with information and opportunity. When they defend the armbar, they create the triangle. When they defend the triangle, they expose the omoplata. When they defend the omoplata, they give you the sweep or back take. This is not random chaos - it is a carefully structured decision tree where every branch leads to your victory. The key is patience and systematic pressure. Do not rush. Let the position mature, let their defensive resources deplete, and let the submission present itself naturally through their exhaustion and errors.
- Gordon Ryan: In competition, the Submission Clinic System is what separates guys who get submissions from guys who hunt submissions but never finish. I’ve tapped world champions using exactly this approach - establish dominant position, start the submission chain, and just keep the pressure coming until they make a mistake. The mental warfare aspect is huge. When your opponent realizes that every defense just opens another attack, they start to break mentally before they break physically. I specifically focus on the mount and back attack series because these positions offer the highest finish rates under ADCC and IBJJF rules. From mount, I’m threatening armbar, triangle, and collar chokes simultaneously. They can’t defend all three, so I just wait for them to pick their poison. From the back, I’m constantly switching between RNC, armbar from back, and the mounted triangle transition. Even elite-level guys start making desperate moves after two minutes of this pressure, and that’s when I finish them.
- Eddie Bravo: The Submission Clinic System is fundamentally about creative problem-solving in real time. While the traditional approach focuses on predetermined chains, I teach my students to feel the position and adapt. From rubber guard, I’m setting up omoplata, triangle, and gogoplata all at the same time - it’s a submission clinic from the bottom. The beauty of this system is it works with any position you’re comfortable in. If you love lockdown half guard, you can create your own clinic with electric chair, sweep, and back take threats. The key innovation is making submission attempts improve your position rather than risk it. Every failed omoplata should give you the sweep. Every defended triangle should give you the armbar or back. This is next-level stuff because you’re literally using their defense as your offense. It’s like playing chess where every move they make is exactly what you wanted them to do. Keep them guessing, keep them defending, and eventually their whole game falls apart.