In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), where technique reigns supreme, mastering a wide array of submissions is paramount. These potent techniques are the key to victory in countless sparring sessions and grappling matches.

In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the top BJJ submissions that have left their mark on the world of martial arts. We’ll mark the top 10 most successful and effective submissions on the list using this symbol ♦.

The Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Submissions: An Excellent Beginning

A Fight Ender ♦

The Rear Naked Choke, known as RNC, Mata Leão, Lion Killer, or Sleeper Hold, stands as the pinnacle of BJJ submissions. When you secure the rear mount, this submission becomes your ultimate threat. Whether you practice with the gi, in no-gi submission grappling, MMA, or self-defense, the Rear Naked Choke spells the end of the fight.

The Versatile Straight Armbar ♦

The Straight Armbar ranks among the most versatile and powerful submissions in BJJ. Its applicability spans across positions, from the mount to the guard, making it a formidable choice for any practitioner. The art of executing the armbar from the guard is an essential skill worth honing.

The Artful Triangle Choke ♦

The Triangle Choke, a signature BJJ move, has concluded countless matches and sparring sessions. Although frequently employed by the guard, it can be set up in various positions. Variations also exist, allowing for application from the back, side, and different angles. Achieving mastery of this technique may require time and patience but can be particularly advantageous for those with long, flexible legs.

The Mighty Bow and Arrow Choke ♦

The Bow and Arrow Choke, possibly the most potent GI choke in BJJ, requires a solid grip on your opponent’s lapel. Employing your other arm to rotate your body against your opponent’s tightens the choke significantly. Although often applied from the rear mount, alternative entries exist, including rolling attacks against the turtle position.

A Fundamental Submission ♦

The Guillotine, a fundamental submission, is often applied from the closed guard or in a standing position. Numerous variations, including the 10 Finger Guillotine, Marcelotine, and Arm-in Guillotine, exist to add depth to this classic technique.

A Grappling Icon ♦

The Kimura Armlock, named after the renowned judoka Masahiko Kimura, forces your opponent’s arm behind their back, targeting the shoulder and elbow joint. Frequently applied from guard and side mount, the Kimura remains a cornerstone of BJJ submissions.

The Classic Cross Collar Choke ♦

The Cross Collar Choke, a classic BJJ submission, can be executed when facing your opponent, typically from the mount or guard position. Variations include both palms facing you, both palms facing away, and one palm facing you while the other turns away.

A Sidemount Specialty ♦

The D’Arce Choke, named after Joe D’Arce, is often used from a side mount or half-guard top. By triangularly positioning your arms around your opponent’s neck and underhooking arm, you can apply pressure to secure the choke and finish the match.

A High-Risk, High-Reward Submission ♦

The Heel Hook, while effective, is illegal in most tournaments due to its rapid application and potential for severe damage. Practitioners should familiarize themselves with this submission for self-defense purposes and to recognize its application when faced with it.

The Fundamental Americana Armlock

The Americana Armlock, typically one of the first submissions learned in BJJ, targets the shoulder joint with a twisting motion. While it’s commonly applied from side-mount, it can also be executed from mount, kesa gatame, or even guard, a variation known as the ‘Frank Mir lock.’

The Versatile Sleeve Choke

The Sleeve Choke presents a versatile attack that can be launched from various positions, even those typically lacking submission opportunities. Wrapping your arm around your opponent’s head and connecting your arms inside your own sleeve completes this effective choke.

The Fundamental Straight Ankle Lock

The Straight Ankle Lock, a fundamental leglock, offers control over your opponent’s leg using your own legs while applying pressure to their foot and ankle with your arms. This technique serves as a foundation for various other leglocks, making it essential for controlling your opponent’s leg movement.

The Quick Short Choke

The Short Choke is a rapid and effective alternative to the full Rear Naked Choke. By positioning your forearm across your opponent’s throat, you can swiftly apply pressure to secure a submission.

The Art of the Baseball Choke

The Baseball Choke utilizes two lapel grips, typically from knee-mount, to execute a highly effective choke. This technique complements the X Choke, with the difference lying in the arm positioning. Both variations yield potent chokes, compelling opponents to tap out.

The Versatile Kneebar

The Kneebar empowers you to use your entire body’s power against a single joint of your opponent. Control your opponent’s leg, restrict their body’s rotation, and extend your hips to apply the submission. The Kneebar’s versatility allows for application from top, bottom, or even a standing position.

The Unpredictable Biceps Slicer

The Biceps Slicer, an unpredictable and often illegal submission in most tournaments, poses a risk to your opponent’s forearm. Caution is advised when applying this attack, as it can cause significant harm if not respected.

A Versatile Attack

The Omoplata boasts a myriad of setups, finishes, and variations. Typically applied from the guard, this BJJ submission manipulates your opponent’s arm into a Kimura-like position using your legs. Apart from securing submissions, the omoplata can facilitate sweeps, transitions, and other submission attacks based on your opponent’s reactions.

A Classic Attack

The Clock Choke, a classic attack against the turtle position, involves gripping the far collar and applying pressure on your opponent’s throat. This technique effectively pins your opponent, generating neck pressure to secure the submission.

An Underestimated Submission

The Calf Crusher, akin to the Bicep Slicer, targets your opponent’s leg rather than their arm. Its transition to the rear mount is a valuable asset when finishing the submission proves challenging.

A Versatile Leglock

The Figure 4 Toehold, a versatile leglock, can be applied whenever you have access to your opponent’s foot. As a primary attack or a follow-up to other leglocks, this technique, reminiscent of the heel hook, is legal in a wider array of tournaments.

A Delicate Joint Attack

The Wristlock, an unexpected yet effective attack, can be applied from numerous positions. Four main ways to lock the wrist include compression, extension, and inward and outward rotation. Caution should be exercised, as the wrist is a delicate joint that requires careful application to avoid injury.

A Classic Hold

The Head and Arm Choke, derived from Judo’s Kata Gatame, is typically applied from side mount or full mount. Sometimes, it can also be executed from the closed guard, making it a versatile and effective BJJ submission.

A Slow Yet Effective Technique

The North-South Choke employs your arm and body weight to apply pressure to your opponent’s neck when in the North-South position. Although it may take time to secure the choke, it has proven highly effective among world-class grapplers.

Twice the Risk

The Reverse Heel Hook, even more dangerous than the regular Heel Hook, poses a greater risk to your opponent’s leg. Extreme caution and responsible training are essential when practicing this submission.

A Trap and Attack Position

The Crucifix is a position that places you behind your opponent, trapping one arm with your legs and leaving your arms free to target their neck. Transitioning to a short choke or armbar combination from this position, with or without the gi, can yield tremendous results.

A Unique Attack

The Thrust Choke utilizes your opponent’s lapels to administer a choking hold. Often initiated from the mount position, it can also be executed from inside your opponent’s guard.

A Rolling Attack

The Anaconda Choke, a rolling attack, is effective against the turtle position. By trapping both your opponent’s head and underhooking arm, you apply pressure to secure the choke and win the match.

A Risky Move

The Neck Crank, illegal in most jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling tournaments, proves invaluable in MMA and self-defense. Employing various methods, force your opponent’s chin down or rotate their neck while immobilizing their body.

A Rotational Neck Lock

The Twister, a rotational neck and spine lock popularized by Eddie Bravo, offers a unique challenge. While illegal in most IBJJ tournaments, practicing it carefully can provide valuable experience.

A Guillotine Variation

The Peruvian Necktie, a Guillotine Choke variation popularized by Tony de Souza, involves throwing your legs over your opponent’s shoulders and upper back. This amplifies the choke’s power, making it possible to finish even with relatively weak arms.

The Sneaky Loop Choke

The Loop Choke is a deceptive attack from the guard that leaves opponents regretful. By gripping the collar, maneuvering your opponent’s head under your armpit as they pressure forward, and using various grips and leg positions, you can secure the submission.

A Groin Attack

The Banana Split Hiplock, targeting the hips and groin, sets up multiple moves and submissions, including calf slicers, foot locks, and taking the back. The Electric Chair variation controls one leg with a figure 4 lockdown leg position while stretching out the other.

A Tricky Move

The Inverse Armbar traps your opponent’s wrist between your head and shoulder, applying downward pressure to their elbow. This submission is often initiated from a guard or knee mount and can complement a triangle choke.

A Gi-Based Classic

The Papercutter Choke is a classic gi-based submission from side mount. Removing slack from your opponent’s collar with one hand, you cut down across their throat in a ‘paper cutter’ motion with the other hand.

A Flexible Variation

The Gogoplata, a variation of the Omoplata for flexible individuals, involves weaving your foot between your opponent’s arm and throat. This enables you to apply a choke effectively.

An Omoplata Offshoot

The Marceloplata, named after BJJ phenomenon Marcelo Garcia, is essentially an Omoplata with your legs positioned in front of your opponent’s face and body. Executed from mount or as a follow-up to a regular Omoplata, it can secure the submission or lead to other attacks.

A Kimura-Like Arm Attack

The Baratoplata, named after the BJJ black belt Rafael Barato, leverages your legs and hips to apply a Kimura-like attack on your opponent’s arm. Applicable from various positions, it is often taught as a follow-up to a Triangle Choke.

This comprehensive guide encompasses the top submissions in BJJ, each with its unique intricacies and applications. If you believe we’ve missed any of your favorites or think another submission deserves inclusion, share your thoughts in the comments below. Together, we can continue to explore the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submissions.

Explore the world of elite submissions, marked with the illustrious black diamond. These submissions have endured the test of time on the grand stage of world championships for decades. If you’re eager to expand your repertoire of techniques, consider the tried and true maneuvers favored by the world’s finest athletes.

To integrate these advanced submissions into your skill set, begin by practicing them with a willing training partner who won’t offer resistance. Focus your efforts on mastering the fundamental entries, defenses, and diverse variations for each technique. Gradually, as your proficiency grows, increase the level of resistance.

Train both sides equally, as symmetry plays a vital role in refining your abilities. As you embark on this journey, let the joy of learning be your constant companion. With dedication and consistent training, you’ll unlock the secrets of these exceptional submissions, propelling yourself toward victory.