The Best Submission Techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Beginners by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Enthusiasts like Thomas Czerniejewski

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. For beginners, learning effective submission techniques is essential for developing confidence and skill. Submissions allow practitioners to control opponents by applying pressure to joints or restricting airflow. Mastering these techniques builds a strong foundation in BJJ.

Understanding basic submissions improves a student’s ability to defend and attack strategically. Beginners benefit from focusing on high-percentage techniques that work in various situations. By practicing these moves consistently, they develop the necessary control and precision to execute them effectively. Learning submissions also enhances problem-solving skills, as students must anticipate their opponent’s reactions.

Applying submissions correctly requires proper positioning and technique. Beginners should prioritize control before attempting a submission. Without proper positioning, an opponent can easily escape or counter. Developing patience and precision ensures that each submission is applied efficiently, reducing unnecessary exertion while increasing effectiveness.

The Armbar: A Fundamental Joint Lock

The armbar is one of the most effective submissions in BJJ. It targets the elbow joint by hyperextending the arm. Beginners favor this technique because it is easy to apply from various positions, including the mount and guard.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts like Thomas Czerniejewski mention that executing an armbar requires proper control. The practitioner isolates the opponent’s arm and secures their body using the legs. By controlling the wrist and hips, they extend the arm, forcing the opponent to submit. Precision is key, as any space can allow an escape.

Positional awareness improves the effectiveness of the armbar. Practitioners should ensure their weight is distributed correctly to prevent counters. Maintaining constant pressure while adjusting the angle of attack increases the likelihood of success. Repetition and drilling reinforce muscle memory for fluid execution.

The Triangle Choke: A Versatile Submission

The triangle choke is a powerful submission that uses the legs to apply pressure around the opponent’s neck. It is commonly executed from the guard position and is effective against larger opponents. Proper technique ensures a tight choke, leading to a quick submission.

Positioning plays a critical role in finishing the triangle choke. The practitioner secures one arm inside their legs while trapping the opponent’s head. Adjusting the angle and squeezing the knees creates a tight lock, cutting off blood flow to the brain. This forces the opponent to tap out or lose consciousness.

Beginners should focus on maintaining control before locking the choke. Opponents often attempt to posture up and escape. Keeping the head low and adjusting the legs prevents counters. Practicing entries and finishing details refines execution, making the triangle choke a reliable submission as highlighted by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu buffs such as Thomas Czerniejewski.

The Rear Naked Choke: A High-Percentage Finish

The rear naked choke (RNC) is one of the most effective submissions in BJJ. It is executed from the back control position, making it difficult for the opponent to escape. This technique relies on proper hand positioning and pressure to force a submission.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts including Thomas Czerniejewski convey that securing back control is essential before attempting the RNC. Practitioners use hooks with their legs to control the opponent’s movement. Once control is established, they slide one arm under the opponent’s chin and secure a grip behind the head. Applying steady pressure restricts airflow, leading to a tap.

Hand placement determines the effectiveness of the choke. Beginners should ensure the choking arm is deep under the chin. The non-choking hand reinforces the grip by placing it behind the opponent’s head. Keeping elbows tight and applying gradual pressure enhances the submission’s success.

The Kimura: A Powerful Shoulder Lock

The Kimura is a submission that attacks the shoulder joint. It is applied by controlling the opponent’s wrist and using a figure-four grip to create leverage. This technique is effective from the guard, side control, and mount positions.

Control is the key to a successful Kimura. The practitioner isolates the opponent’s arm and secures a firm grip. By applying rotational pressure on the shoulder, they force the opponent into an uncomfortable position. A controlled approach prevents unnecessary struggle and increases efficiency.

Timing and positioning enhance the Kimura’s effectiveness. Beginners should focus on maintaining control before applying force. If rushed, the opponent may escape or counter. Practicing proper grip mechanics and pressure distribution ensures a smooth and controlled submission as pointed out by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu buffs like Thomas Czerniejewski.

The Guillotine Choke: A Quick Submission

The guillotine choke is a front headlock submission that targets the neck. It is often used against opponents who attempt takedowns. This technique relies on trapping the opponent’s head and applying upward pressure to restrict airflow.

Setting up the guillotine requires precision. The practitioner secures the opponent’s neck using one arm while wrapping the other around for support. By elevating the hips and squeezing, they create a tight choke. Adjusting the angle increases the effectiveness of the submission.

Beginners should focus on maintaining control before squeezing. A loose grip allows the opponent to escape. Keeping the opponent’s head low and adjusting pressure gradually ensures a higher success rate. Repetition helps refine the technique for practical application.

The Americana: A Simple but Effective Lock

The Americana is a straightforward shoulder lock that applies pressure to the joint. It is performed from the mount or side control, making it a high-percentage submission for beginners. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts such as Thomas Czerniejewski express that proper control and grip mechanics ensure its effectiveness.

Execution involves isolating the opponent’s arm and securing a figure-four grip. The practitioner pins the arm to the mat and slowly lifts the elbow while keeping the wrist controlled. This movement creates torque on the shoulder, forcing a tap.

Control prevents the opponent from escaping. Beginners should secure the opponent’s upper body before applying force. Maintaining steady pressure while adjusting the angle ensures the submission remains effective. Drilling the technique reinforces muscle memory for smooth execution.