Soumissions
The Ultimate Goal
Submissions are the greater objective of the fight. They occur most commonly:
- After immobilizations - When the opponent has difficulty using their whole body to defend
- From the guard - Where the bottom player can threaten using their legs
- During transitions - Catching opponents between positions
💡 Key Insight: A submission can occur at any moment, even without clear positional dominance, creating possibilities for both the dominant and dominated player.
Two Categories of Submissions
1. Joint Locks
Attacks on the joints targeting:
- Arms - Armbar, kimura, americana
- Shoulders - Omoplata, shoulder locks
- Knees - Kneebar
- Ankles - Straight ankle lock, toe hold
- Spine - Twister (advanced)
How They Work: Apply pressure beyond the joint's natural range of motion, forcing a tap before injury occurs.
2. Strangulations
Cutting off blood or air supply through:
- Blood Chokes (Vasoconstriction) - Restrict carotid arteries
- Rear naked choke
- Triangle choke
- Guillotine variations
- Air Chokes - Compress the windpipe
- Less common in sport BJJ
- Often painful before effective
How They Work: Blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 3-8 seconds if properly applied. Air chokes take longer and are less reliable.
Fundamental Submissions
Strangles (Blood Chokes)
- Most dominant submission
- From back mount
- Highest finish rate
- Blood choke using forearm and bicep
- Guard player's weapon
- Uses legs for power
- Leads to armbars
- Standing and ground application
- Excellent takedown defense
- Front headlock position
- Quick finish when timed correctly
- From contrôle latéral/mount
- Uses opponent's shoulder as weapon
- Walk to perpendicular angle for finish
- Very tight when properly locked
Joint Locks (Arms & Shoulders)
- Most versatile submission in BJJ
- Works from every position
- Hyperextends elbow joint
- Thumbs-up grip essential
- Figure-4 shoulder lock
- Works from top and bottom
- Excellent for sweeps and transitions
- Control position, not just finish
- From mount and contrôle latéral
- Shoulder rotation toward mat
- Opposite direction of kimura
- First submission learned from mount
Attaques aux Jambes
- Clé de jambe fondamentale
- Légal à tous les niveaux de ceinture
- Hyperextension de la cheville
- Disponible depuis ashi garami
- Hyperextension du genou
- Marron+ (Gi), Bleu+ (No-Gi)
- Mécanique similaire à l'armbar
- Attaque rotationnelle de la cheville
- Marron+ (Gi), Bleu+ (No-Gi)
- Prise en figure quatre essentielle
- Attaque rotationnelle du genou
- INTERDIT en IBJJF (toutes ceintures)
- Légal en ADCC, événements EBI
- Clé par compression
- Marron+ (Gi et No-Gi)
- Commun depuis position truck
- Position boot et échappatoires
- Stratégies de prévention
- Essentiel pour tous les niveaux
Additional Submissions (Coming Soon)
Leg Attacks
- Straight Ankle Lock
- Kneebar
- Heel Hook
- Toe Hold
Advanced Chokes
- Bow and Arrow
- Loop Choke
- Ezekiel Choke
- Baseball Bat Choke
Shoulder Attacks
- Omoplata
- Tarikoplata
- Monoplata
Training Concepts
Submission Mechanics
- Breaking Defensive Grips - Hand fighting strategies
- Isolation Principles - Separating the limb from the body
- Leverage Points - Using your whole body vs their limb
- Finishing Details - Small adjustments that ensure success
Position-Specific Attacks
- From Mount - High percentage submissions
- From Back - Choke dominance
- From Guard - Bottom attacks
- From Contrôle latéral - Pressure submissions
- From Transitions - Catching in between
Submission Defense
- Early Recognition - See attacks coming
- Defensive Postures - Preventive positioning
- Escape Sequences - Getting out of deep attacks
- "Hitchhiker" Escapes - Last resort movements
Advanced Concepts
- Submission Chains - Connecting multiple attacks
- Dilemma Creation - Defend this, expose that
- False Submissions - Using attacks to advance position
- No-Gi Adaptations - Adjustments without the gi
In The Meantime
Available Resources
✅ Immobilizations - Master positions before submissions ✅ Guard System - Many submissions start here ✅ Body Reading - Recognize submission opportunities
Training Priority
While waiting for detailed content:
- Master ONE submission from each position first
- Learn the defense before the offense
- Drill the entry more than the finish
- Practice on both sides for balanced development
Safety First
⚠️ Important: Always tap early in training. Submissions cause real injury if applied fully. Your training partners' safety is your responsibility.
💡 Quick Tips
The Submission Formula
Position + Isolation + Leverage = Submission
- Secure dominant position
- Isolate the target limb/neck
- Apply leverage using your whole body
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Hunting submissions without position - Control first, submit second
- Using strength over technique - If you're muscling it, the technique is wrong
- Giving up position for submissions - Never sacrifice mount for a low-percentage attack
- Not letting go after the tap - Release immediately when partner taps
Want to Contribute?
If you're experienced with submission techniques and want to help complete this section, please contribute on GitHub or contact us.
🔗 Related Resources
- Immobilizations - Master position control first
- Guard System - Bottom attacks and sweeps
- Body Reading - Recognize submission opportunities
- Training Methods - How to practice safely