Three of the Most Common Submissions in BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is renowned for its extensive array of submission techniques, and while there are numerous submissions, three of the most common and fundamental ones are:

1. Rear-Naked Choke (RNC):
   • The rear-naked choke is considered one of the most reliable and effective submissions in BJJ. It is primarily applied from the back control position (back mount). Here’s how it works:
     • The practitioner secures back control by positioning themselves on their opponent’s back, with hooks in (legs wrapped around the opponent’s hips).
     • The attacker then secures a seatbelt grip, with one arm over the opponent’s shoulder and the other under their opposite arm.
     • By sliding the choking arm’s forearm under the opponent’s chin and placing the hand behind the opponent’s head, the practitioner creates a choking “V” shape.
     • The practitioner then squeezes their arms together to compress the opponent’s carotid arteries, causing a blood choke. The opponent typically taps out or loses consciousness if they don’t submit.
2. Triangle Choke:
   • The triangle choke is a versatile submission that can be executed from various positions, most commonly from the guard. It’s known for its effectiveness in both gi and no-gi BJJ. Here’s how it works:
     • The practitioner is often in the guard position, controlling the opponent with their legs wrapped around the opponent’s upper body.
     • To set up the triangle, the practitioner manipulates the opponent’s posture and arm placement to create an opening.
     • The practitioner then locks their legs around the opponent’s neck and secures the submission by pulling down on the opponent’s head while squeezing their thighs together, constricting the opponent’s carotid arteries and airway.
3. Armbar (Juji Gatame):
   • The armbar is a fundamental submission in BJJ and can be executed from various positions, including the guard, mount, and back control. It involves hyperextending the opponent’s elbow joint. Here’s how it works:
     • The practitioner isolates one of the opponent’s arms, typically by controlling the wrist and moving it across their body.
     • While maintaining control of the arm, the practitioner secures their legs around the opponent’s upper body or head.
     • The practitioner then extends their hips while keeping the opponent’s arm locked, hyperextending the elbow joint and applying immense pressure to it.
     • The armbar is effective due to the leverage created and the potential for severe injury to the opponent’s arm if they do not submit.

These three submissions are not only common in BJJ but also foundational techniques that every BJJ practitioner learns and refines. They highlight the effectiveness of leverage and technique over brute strength, making BJJ a martial art that allows practitioners to overcome larger and stronger opponents through skill and precision.