How many submissions are there in BJJ?

If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), you may be wondering just how many submissions there are in this martial art.

Well, the answer is not a straightforward one. The number of submissions in BJJ is constantly evolving as new techniques are developed and old ones are modified.

However, there are certain submissions that are considered to be fundamental and are taught to beginners.

These include joint locks like arm bars, kimuras, and ankle locks, as well as chokes like the rear naked choke and the guillotine choke.

As you progress in your BJJ journey, you’ll learn more advanced submissions and variations of these fundamental techniques.

It’s important to note that while submissions are a crucial aspect of BJJ, they are not the only focus.

BJJ also emphasizes position, control, and defense.

In fact, a skilled BJJ practitioner can often control and dominate their opponent without ever needing to use a submission.

Nonetheless, learning and mastering submissions is an essential part of becoming a well-rounded BJJ practitioner.

Understanding BJJ Submissions

BJJ submissions are the ultimate goal of any Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

These techniques allow you to defeat your opponent by forcing them to submit or tap out. There are many different types of submissions in BJJ, including joint locks, chokes, and compression locks.

Joint locks are techniques that put pressure on your opponent’s joints, such as their elbow or knee, to force them to submit. Some popular joint locks in BJJ include the armbar, the kimura, and the ankle lock.

Chokes are techniques that restrict your opponent’s airflow, making it difficult for them to breathe. Some popular chokes in BJJ include the rear naked choke, the guillotine choke, and the triangle choke.

Compression locks are techniques that put pressure on your opponent’s muscles or organs, such as their diaphragm or ribcage, to force them to submit.

One popular compression lock in BJJ is the bicep slicer.

It’s important to note that BJJ submissions should always be done safely and with control.

It’s crucial to tap out when you feel a submission being applied to avoid injury.

Additionally, it’s important to learn these techniques from a qualified instructor and to practice them with a partner who understands the importance of safety and control.

Types of BJJ Submissions

BJJ is well-known for its vast array of submissions that can be used to defeat opponents.

Submissions are the ultimate goal of BJJ, and they can be divided into three main categories: arm-based, leg-based, and choke-based submissions.

Arm-Based Submissions

Arm-based submissions are the most common type of submission in BJJ.

They involve manipulating the opponent’s arm in a way that causes pain or discomfort, forcing them to submit. Some popular arm-based submissions include the armbar, kimura, and americana.

The armbar is a submission that involves hyperextending the elbow joint, and it can be executed from various positions such as mount, closed guard, side control, and knee on belly.

The kimura involves rotating the opponent’s shoulder joint in a way that causes pain, and it can be executed from positions such as side control and half guard.

The americana involves isolating the opponent’s arm and applying pressure to the shoulder joint, and it can be executed from positions such as mount and side control.

Leg-Based Submissions

Leg-based submissions involve manipulating the opponent’s leg in a way that causes pain or discomfort, forcing them to submit.

Some popular leg-based submissions include the heel hook, kneebar, and ankle lock.

The heel hook involves applying pressure to the opponent’s heel, and it can cause severe damage to the knee joint.

It can be executed from positions such as the saddle and outside ashi garami.

The kneebar involves hyperextending the opponent’s knee joint, and it can be executed from positions such as mount and guard.

The ankle lock involves applying pressure to the ankle joint, and it can be executed from positions such as mount and guard.

Choke-Based Submissions

Choke-based submissions involve restricting the opponent’s air supply or blood flow to the brain, causing them to submit.

Some popular choke-based submissions include the guillotine, triangle, and rear naked choke.

The guillotine involves wrapping the opponent’s neck with the arm and applying pressure to the throat, and it can be executed from positions such as guard and standing. T

he triangle involves wrapping the opponent’s neck and arm with the legs and applying pressure to the throat, and it can be executed from positions such as guard and mount.

The rear naked choke involves wrapping the opponent’s neck with the arm and applying pressure to the carotid arteries, and it can be executed from positions such as back mount.

Other choke-based submissions include the bow and arrow choke, collar choke, and d’arce choke.

It is important to note that some chokes can also be executed with the gi, such as the cross collar choke and baseball bat choke, while others are performed without the gi, such as the bulldog choke and north-south choke.

Key Positions for BJJ Submissions

When it comes to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), submissions are the ultimate goal.

Knowing the key positions for submissions is crucial for success in this martial art. Here are some of the most important positions for BJJ submissions:

Guard

The guard is a position where you are on your back with your legs wrapped around your opponent.

This is a great position for submissions because it allows you to control your opponent’s movements.

Some common submissions from the guard include the triangle choke, armbar, and omoplata.

Mount

The mount is a dominant position where you are on top of your opponent.

From here, you can apply a variety of submissions, including the armbar, americana, and triangle choke.

Back Control

Back control is a position where you are behind your opponent with your legs wrapped around their waist.

This is a very strong position for submissions, as you have control over your opponent’s upper body.

Some common submissions from back control include the rear naked choke, armbar, and collar choke.

Side Control

Side control is a position where you are on top of your opponent, but not in the mount position.

From here, you can apply a variety of submissions, including the armbar, kimura, and Americana.

Half Guard

Half guard is a position where you are on your back with one of your opponent’s legs trapped between your legs.

This is a great position for submissions because it allows you to control your opponent’s leg.

Some common submissions from half guard include the kimura, guillotine choke, and omoplata.

Turtle

Turtle is a position where you are on your hands and knees with your back to your opponent.

This is a defensive position, but it can also be used for submissions.

Some common submissions from turtle include the rear naked choke and the armbar.

Knee on Belly

Knee on belly is a position where you are on top of your opponent with one knee pressing into their stomach.

This is a very dominant position for submissions, as you have control over your opponent’s upper body.

Some common submissions from knee on belly include the armbar, kimura, and americana.

Standing

While most submissions in BJJ happen on the ground, there are also submissions that can be applied while standing.

Some common standing submissions include the guillotine choke, armbar, and heel hook.

Advanced BJJ Submissions

If you are an experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, you may want to explore some of the more advanced submissions that are available.

No-Gi Submissions

No-gi submissions are techniques that do not rely on the use of a gi or kimono.

These submissions are useful in situations where you are not wearing a gi, such as in mixed martial arts (MMA) or grappling tournaments.

Some of the most effective no-gi submissions include the guillotine choke, the rear-naked choke, and the armbar.

Joint Locks

Joint locks are techniques that focus on manipulating your opponent’s joints to force them to submit.

These submissions can be very effective, but they can also be very dangerous if not executed properly.

Some of the most common joint locks in BJJ include the armbar, the kimura, and the ankle lock.

Uncommon Submissions

There are many uncommon submissions in BJJ that can catch your opponent off guard and lead to a quick victory.

One such submission is the Baratoplata, which is a shoulder lock that is executed from the guard position.

Another uncommon submission is the Tarikoplata, which is a shoulder lock that is executed from the side control position.

The Mir lock and the can opener are also uncommon submissions that can be very effective if executed properly.