6 Week Beginner BJJ Course Material - Submissions

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), submission techniques are used to force an opponent to surrender by applying pressure to vulnerable joints or causing a chokehold that cuts off blood flow to the brain. There are three types of submissions in BJJ: extension, rotation, and compression.

Extension Submissions:
Extension submissions involve hyperextending a joint beyond its natural range of motion. These submissions are typically performed by isolating a limb and applying pressure in the opposite direction of the joint's natural movement. For example, an arm bar involves hyperextending the elbow joint by trapping the arm and applying pressure in the opposite direction of the elbow's natural movement.
Other examples of extension submissions include knee bars, where the attacker hyperextends the knee joint, and straight ankle locks, where the attacker hyperextends the ankle joint. It's important to note that these submissions can cause serious injury if not applied with care, which is why they are typically not allowed in competitions until the higher belt levels.
Rotation Submissions:
Rotation submissions involve twisting a joint beyond its normal range of motion. These submissions are typically performed by isolating a limb and applying a rotational force to the joint. For example, a shoulder lock involves rotating the shoulder joint to apply pressure to the joint's ligaments and tendons.
Other examples of rotation submissions include heel hooks, where the attacker rotates the ankle joint, and wrist locks, where the attacker rotates the wrist joint. Like extension submissions, rotation submissions can cause serious injury if not applied with care, which is why they are also restricted in competition.
Compression Submissions:
Compression submissions involve applying pressure to a vulnerable area of the body to cut off blood flow or limit breathing. These submissions are typically performed by isolating a vulnerable area and applying pressure to it. For example, a rear naked choke involves compressing the neck to cut off blood flow to the brain and force a submission.
Other examples of compression submissions include arm triangles, where the attacker compresses the opponent's neck and shoulder to cut off blood flow to the brain, and knee-on-belly submissions, where the attacker compresses the opponent's diaphragm to limit breathing. It's important to note that compression submissions can also be dangerous if not applied correctly, so proper technique and control are essential.
In summary, each type of submission in BJJ requires a specific technique and application, and practitioners must have a thorough understanding of each one to use them effectively and safely. By learning and practicing these techniques, BJJ practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics, and leverage, as well as develop a greater sense of discipline, focus, and control.

Rear Naked Choke: This is a chokehold that is applied from the back control position. The attacker wraps their arm around the defender's neck, with one arm across the defender's throat and the other arm securing the first arm's bicep.

Armbar: This submission involves hyperextending the elbow joint by placing pressure on the opponent's arm. The attacker secures the opponent's arm between their legs and applies pressure by pushing up their hips into their opponent's elbow.

Triangle Choke: This chokehold is applied by wrapping your legs around your opponent's neck and an arm. behind the opponent's knee. Bringing the knees together and the heel out.

Kimura: This submission involves applying pressure to the opponent's shoulder joint by securing the opponent's wrist and twisting their arm behind their back. The attacker then applies pressure to the shoulder joint by controlling the opponents elbow and lifting the opponent's wrist.

Guillotine Choke: This chokehold can be applied from a variety of positions, but typically involves wrapping one arm around the opponent's neck and securing the opponent's head. The attacker then applies pressure to the opponent's neck by minimizing the space around their neck.

Rear Naked Choke: The best way to escape a rear naked choke is to prevent your opponent from securing the choke in the first place by defending the back mount position. However, if your opponent does manage to secure the choke, there are a few techniques you can try to escape. One option is to protect your neck with your hands, making it more difficult for your opponent to get their arm across your throat. You can also try to twist your body to the non choking side, making it harder for your opponent to get a good grip. Another option is to use your hands to pry apart your opponent's arms, or to use your own arm to create a barrier between your opponent's choking arm and your neck.

Armbar: If your opponent has secured an armbar, the key is to prevent them from fully extending your arm. One way to do this is to try to stack your body on top of your opponent, which can create enough pressure to force them to release the submission. Another option is to grab your opponent's leg with your free hand, and use your other arm to push against their leg, creating leverage to escape the armbar.

Triangle Choke: If your opponent has locked in a triangle choke, the key is to create space between your neck and their legs. One way to do this is to posture up, lifting your head and shoulders off the mat. You can also try to twist your body to one side, which can make it harder for your opponent to maintain the choke. Another option is to use your arms to create a barrier between your neck and your opponent's legs, preventing them from fully locking in the choke.

Kimura: If your opponent has secured a Kimura, the key is to prevent them from fully twisting your arm behind your back. One way to do this is to grip your opponent's wrist with your free hand, which can make it harder for them to apply the necessary leverage. You can also try to move your body in a way that makes it harder for your opponent to maintain their grip, such as twisting your body towards the opposite side of the arm they are attacking.

Guillotine Choke: If your opponent has secured a guillotine choke, the key is to prevent them from fully applying pressure to your neck. One way to do this is to use your own arms to create a barrier between your neck and your opponent's choking arm. You can also try to twist your body to one side, which can make it harder for your opponent to maintain the choke. Another option is to push their hips away and roll out with your ear next to your opponents belly.