Submission Fundamentals: Understanding Common Submissions and Safe Practice
A submission is a technique. Control is a responsibility. Knowing when to stop is non-negotiable.
Submissions are among the most recognizable elements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
They also demand some of the greatest care.
Unlike ordinary positional movements, submission techniques can place significant stress on joints or interfere with blood flow and breathing.
Used incorrectly, they can cause serious injuries.
That's why learning submissions isn't simply about understanding how they work.
It's about understanding the risks, respecting your training partners, and developing the control necessary to practice responsibly.
What Is a Submission?
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a submission is a technique intended to make an opponent concede, usually by tapping.
Submissions are commonly divided into two broad categories:
Joint locks: Techniques that place controlled pressure on a joint or related structures.
Chokes and strangles: Techniques involving pressure around the neck that may restrict blood flow or breathing.
Different organizations use different terminology and competition rules.
For beginners, the most important principle is that submissions must be learned under qualified supervision.
Written descriptions and online videos are not substitutes for hands-on instruction.
Common Submission Techniques
Armbar
An armbar is a joint-lock technique involving the elbow.
It can be performed from several positions, including mount, guard, and certain transitions.
Beginners should focus on understanding the positional context, safety requirements, and the importance of gradual, controlled practice.
Elbow injuries can occur quickly when a technique is applied carelessly.
Kimura
The kimura is a shoulder-lock technique commonly encountered in BJJ.
It is associated with rotational pressure on the shoulder and can place stress on surrounding structures.
Because shoulder mobility varies between individuals, practitioners must exercise considerable caution.
Americana
The Americana is another shoulder-lock technique.
Although it may appear straightforward during demonstrations, improper application can injure the shoulder.
It should be practiced slowly and with clear communication.
Triangle Choke
The triangle is a submission involving the legs and upper-body positioning.
It is frequently associated with guard-based attacks, although variations exist.
Because the technique can restrict blood flow, it requires particular care and immediate release when a partner taps.
Rear-Naked Choke
The rear-naked choke is commonly associated with back control.
It is a neck-compression technique that can cause loss of consciousness and serious harm if mishandled.
Beginners should learn its risks, recognition, and defensive awareness from qualified instructors before participating in controlled practice.
Guillotine Choke
The guillotine is another neck-based submission commonly encountered during standing and ground exchanges.
Different variations create different pressures and risks.
It should never be applied recklessly, especially during fast-moving scrambles.
Not Every Submission Is Appropriate for Every Student
Some techniques are restricted by age, rank, or competition rules.
Leg locks, spinal locks, and other higher-risk techniques may have specific limitations depending on the governing organization and ruleset.
A technique being legal in one competition division doesn't mean it's appropriate for a beginner's training session.
Follow your instructor's guidance and the academy's safety policies.
The Most Important Rule: Respect the Tap
Tapping is a communication system.
When someone taps, the action stops.
Immediately.
A tap can be physical or verbal.
If you cannot reach your partner or the mat, clearly say "tap."
You should also stop when someone expresses distress, appears unable to respond appropriately, or otherwise seems unsafe—even if they haven't tapped.
Never assume silence means consent to continue.
Why You Should Tap Early
There is no benefit to waiting until a joint is injured or you're close to losing consciousness.
Joint locks can damage ligaments, tendons, and other tissues.
Neck compression can cause unconsciousness and potentially severe complications.
If you're unsure whether you can safely defend, tap.
If something hurts, tap.
If you're uncomfortable continuing, tap.
You don't owe anyone an explanation for protecting yourself.
How to Practice Submissions Responsibly
Good submission training involves several habits.
Use appropriate supervision. Learn techniques from qualified instructors who can explain both mechanics and safety.
Communicate with your partner. Agree on training intensity and disclose relevant limitations.
Avoid sudden application. Never surprise a partner with uncontrolled force.
Respect differences in experience. A beginner may not recognize danger as quickly as an experienced practitioner.
Release immediately. Never continue applying pressure after a tap or stop signal.
Follow gym and competition restrictions. Rules exist for a reason.
The Difference Between Training and Fighting
A training partner is not an enemy.
They're someone helping you develop a skill.
The objective of practice isn't to injure them or prove that you could.
It's to improve technique in a controlled environment where both people can return to train again.
This distinction is central to responsible martial arts practice.
The Forward Assist Perspective
Being capable of applying a submission doesn't give you permission to be careless.
Technical skill without restraint is a liability.
The better you become, the more responsibility you carry to protect the people who trust you during training.
Real control means knowing what you can do—and having the discipline not to do more than necessary.
Be an asset. Not a liability.