The Art of BJJ: A Complete Guide for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often referred to as the human chess game—and for good reason. It’s not just about strength or aggression; it’s about technique, strategy, and timing. At the heart of every BJJ encounter lies the submission—the moment where one fighter executes a technique so clean, so effective, that the opponent has no choice but to tap out. In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into the world of BJJ submission techniques, exploring how they work, why they’re effective, and how to use them to level up your game on the mats.

If you’re searching for terms like “best BJJ submissions,” “submission techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” or “how to tap out opponents in BJJ,” you’ve landed in the right spot. Let’s break down the most essential submissions every grappler should master.

What Is a Submission in BJJ?

A submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu refers to a technique that forces your opponent to surrender, either due to pain or the threat of unconsciousness. Submissions can target joints (joint locks) or the neck (chokes and strangles). The beauty of submissions lies in their precision—tiny adjustments in angle, pressure, and leverage can determine success or failure.

Top BJJ Submission Techniques You Need to Know

1. Rear Naked Choke (RNC)

The rear naked choke is one of the most iconic BJJ submissions, used frequently in MMA and self-defense scenarios. When executed correctly, it cuts off the blood supply to the brain by compressing the carotid arteries.

Position: Back control
Key Tip: Focus on hiding your choking arm behind your opponent’s head to prevent grip breaks.
Why it works: It’s incredibly hard to escape once the back is taken and the choke is locked in.

2. Armbar (Juji-Gatame)

If you’re into flashy yet functional submissions, the armbar is for you. It attacks the elbow joint by isolating the arm and hyperextending it using the hips.

Position: Guard, mount, or side control
Key Tip: Keep your knees tight and control the thumb direction—it should point up.
Why it works: The arm’s natural range of motion is limited. Once extended beyond that point, the opponent taps to avoid a break.

3. Triangle Choke

This submission is a favorite among flexible guard players. The triangle choke uses your legs to trap the opponent’s neck and arm, creating a triangle-shaped frame that restricts blood flow.

Position: Guard
Key Tip: Angle your body off to the side, and pull the opponent’s head down to maximize pressure.
Why it works: It combines the use of your powerful legs with strategic limb isolation.

4. Kimura Lock

The Kimura is a powerful shoulder lock named after judoka Masahiko Kimura. It’s both a submission and a control technique used to sweep or pass guard.

Position: Guard, side control, or north-south
Key Tip: Focus on wrist control and tight elbow-to-elbow positioning.
Why it works: It puts tremendous torque on the shoulder joint, making it extremely difficult to resist.

5. Guillotine Choke

When your opponent shoots for a takedown and leaves their neck out, the guillotine choke is your best friend. It can be done in gi, no-gi, and MMA.

Position: Standing or guard
Key Tip: Use your chest to compress their head while arching your back slightly.
Why it works: It quickly compresses the trachea or carotids, forcing a fast tap.

6. Ezekiel Choke

This sneaky submission is often underestimated. The Ezekiel choke can be done from the top or even the bottom (yes, really—from inside mount).

Position: Mount or bottom
Key Tip: Slide your sleeve behind your opponent’s head and press your forearm across the neck.
Why it works: It’s unexpected and applies painful and immediate pressure.

7. Omoplata

A stylish and underrated move, the omoplata attacks the shoulder using your legs, much like a Kimura but with more flair.

Position: Guard
Key Tip: Control posture and roll your hips to generate torque.
Why it works: Once locked in, it’s difficult to escape without risking shoulder damage.

BJJ Submission Concepts Every Grappler Should Understand

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned purple belt, understanding these concepts can dramatically improve your submission game:

Control Before Submission: Don’t rush the tap. Establish position and balance before going for the kill.
Pressure and Angle: Sometimes the difference between success and failure is a 2-degree angle shift.
Use of Hips: Your hips are the engine behind most submissions—activate them!
Don’t Burn Out: If your choke isn’t working, adjust or reset. Avoid wasting energy squeezing incorrectly.

Why Submissions Matter in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Submissions are the defining feature of BJJ. While control and position are crucial, submissions are what make the sport distinct. They teach patience, timing, and technique. Plus, landing a clean submission in live rolling is just about the most satisfying feeling in all of martial arts.

For self-defense, knowing how to apply a submission gives you an edge in real-world scenarios where you might need to neutralize an attacker without throwing a punch. For sport BJJ, submissions are often the difference between winning and losing in tournaments.

Final Thoughts: Keep Submitting, Keep Evolving

Learning BJJ submission techniques isn’t just about ending fights—it’s about understanding leverage, body mechanics, and timing. As you advance, you’ll realize that submissions aren’t just moves—they’re stories. A perfectly timed armbar says, “I saw that opening and seized it.” A sneaky triangle choke whispers, “You got too comfortable in my guard.”

So whether you’re drilling armbars in your garage dojo or hitting triangle chokes at a tournament, remember: every tap is a lesson, and every submission is a step on the path to mastery.

And hey, if someone taps you out? Smile, bump fists, and keep rolling. Because in BJJ, the real victory is evolution.