11 Submission Positions You Should Learn First in BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is not just another martial art.
It's a strategic game of human chess where leverage and technique reign supreme. To the uninitiated, the premise is simple: pass your opponent's guard, secure positional dominance, and apply a submission. A submission in BJJ can be likened to a checkmate in chess. It's the climax of a series of moves where one player manages to either choke their opponent or place immense pressure on a joint, compelling them to "tap out" or submit. Typically, a submissive gesture in BJJ is indicated by the tapped-out player tapping their opponent, the ground, or themselves, twice.
When training submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, understanding the protocols and etiquette ensures not only a productive learning experience but also a safe one. Submission practice is a consensual exchange between two practitioners; it's not a fight to the death but rather a learning process. The act of "tapping out" by tapping one's hand on the opponent, oneself, or the mat, is an essential safety protocol indicating the submission's efficacy and a request to release the hold. Respecting the tap is paramount; the instant someone taps, the applied submission or pressure must be released immediately. This mutual respect cultivates trust and helps in creating an environment where practitioners feel safe to explore, experiment, and push their limits without the fear of injury. Communication is key. It's crucial to maintain open lines of communication with your training partner about intensity, discomfort, or any potential injuries. Every time you step onto the mat, the overarching aim should be growth, not victory at the expense of your partner's wellbeing.
Whether you're a novice eager to delve into the world of BJJ or someone looking to refine their submission game, understanding the foundational submissions is crucial.
Here are the 11 essential BJJ submissions every beginner should prioritize:
Rear Naked Choke (RNC): A masterful technique from the back control that effectively restricts airflow or blood flow, forcing an opponent to submit.
Triangle Choke: Executed from the guard position, it utilizes your legs to constrict an opponent's neck and one arm, setting up a choke.
Armbar: A versatile submission that can be initiated from the mount, guard, or side control. This technique puts extreme pressure on an opponent's elbow, risking hyperextension.
Kimura: An effective move from side control or guard, where the opponent's wrist and forearm are locked, and their arm is rotated behind the back.
Americana (Keylock): Often applied from side control or mount, this move twists an opponent's arm in the opposite direction of the Kimura.
Guillotine Choke: A chokehold that can be applied from a standing position or the guard, effectively cutting off the opponent's airflow.
Omoplata: A shoulder lock from the guard using one's legs. Besides submission, it's instrumental for positional sweeps.
Bow and Arrow Choke: A powerful technique from the back control where the opponent is stretched and choked using a combination of the leg and arm.
Ezekiel Choke: From either the mount or inside an opponent's guard, this technique employs one's gi to set up a tight choke.
Kneebar: A submission targeting the knee joint, commonly applied from the top half-guard or a 50/50 guard scenario.
Ankle Lock: A foundational leglock move that isolates and applies pressure to an opponent's ankle.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a vast ocean of techniques and strategies. Yet, by mastering these foundational submissions, you're setting yourself up for success on the mats. Always remember to practice safely under the tutelage of a qualified instructor, and respect your training partners by applying submissions with control.
Embracing the Journey: Lessons from the Mat and Beyond.
One of the foundational tenets of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the perspective on failure and growth. Contrary to common notions of defeat, in BJJ, tapping out isn't a symbol of loss but rather a beacon of growth. As one of the forefathers of Jiu-Jitsu insightfully remarked, "In BJJ, your training partner is your ally, your ego is your enemy." This profound statement encapsulates the essence of the martial art. Tapping offers an invaluable opportunity—a chance to learn, to adapt, and to evolve. When you tap, it's not a concession of defeat but an acknowledgment of a gap in your knowledge or technique. The true loss in Jiu-Jitsu, and perhaps in life, is when one allows their ego to dictate their actions, leading them to permanently quit or give up. Embracing the lessons from each tap molds not just better grapplers but resilient individuals who understand that setbacks, much like submissions, are mere stepping stones in the grand journey of self-improvement.