The First 3 Submissions Every Grappler Should Know [BJJ BASICS]
Brandon Mccaghren・2 minutes read
The text outlines essential submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for beginners, highlighting techniques such as the rear naked choke, straight arm bar, triangle choke, and Americana, along with common mistakes to avoid and tips for effective execution. Key strategies include maintaining proper grip and positioning, using leverage effectively, and ensuring control over the opponent’s movements to secure successful submissions.
Insights
- The rear naked choke is a fundamental technique for beginners in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of proper positioning with a "seat belt" grip; maintaining your ear close to the opponent's head enhances leverage, while specific movements like shifting your hips back and pulling the opponent's shoulders down are crucial for effective execution.
- The straight arm bar and triangle choke are also essential submissions, each requiring precise body positioning and control; for the arm bar, it's vital to keep your knees pinched and your thumb up for optimal leverage, while the triangle choke demands hip movement and arm control to secure the position, ensuring that you maintain an advantageous angle to counter the opponent's attempts to lift you.
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Recent questions
What is a rear naked choke?
The rear naked choke is a fundamental submission technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, particularly important for beginners. It involves wrapping one arm around the opponent's neck while securing the other arm to create a chokehold. The key to executing this move effectively lies in maintaining a proper grip, often referred to as a "seat belt" grip, which consists of one overhook and one underhook. This positioning allows for better leverage and control. A common mistake is having the chest too low on the opponent's back, which can compromise the effectiveness of the choke. Instead, keeping the ear close to the opponent's head enhances leverage and stability during the maneuver.
How do you perform a straight arm bar?
Performing a straight arm bar requires a strategic approach, starting from a low mount position. When the opponent pushes against your chest, you should shift your weight to the side of your shoulder, allowing your hand to transition to the opposite side. This movement is crucial for creating the necessary angle to execute the arm bar. As you lean to free your leg, it’s important to curl your heels towards your butt while maintaining control of the opponent's wrist with your elbow. Keeping your knees pinched together elevates the opponent's elbow, which is essential for maximizing leverage. Throughout the process, ensure that your feet remain uncrossed and that your thumb is oriented towards the ceiling to apply optimal pressure during the submission.
What is a triangle choke?
The triangle choke is a versatile submission technique that can be initiated from the butterfly guard position. To effectively execute this move, you must first open your hip to the side to prevent the opponent from pushing you back. As the opponent applies pressure, controlling their arm is crucial to stop them from advancing. To complete the triangle choke, you need to place your bottom leg against the opponent's hip to maintain distance, then pull your knee through while keeping your head away. Once your leg is around their neck, adjusting your angle is vital to secure the triangle position effectively. If the opponent attempts to lift you while in this position, maintaining the correct angle is essential to misalign their spine, making it difficult for them to exert power against you.
What is an Americana submission?
The Americana is a fundamental submission often taught to beginners in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It involves controlling the opponent's position and isolating their arm, making it ineffective to execute during a scramble. To perform the Americana, you must first trap the opponent's arm with your bottom hand. The next step is to use your elbow to scrape across their face and drop it into the pocket beside their neck. This movement is crucial for maintaining control over the opponent's arm. To finish the Americana, pull their elbow down towards their hip without lifting it, ensuring a tight grip throughout the process. This technique not only demonstrates control but also showcases the importance of leverage and positioning in effective submissions.
Why is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu important?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is important for several reasons, primarily its focus on technique and leverage over brute strength. It empowers individuals to defend themselves effectively against larger opponents by utilizing skillful maneuvers and submissions. BJJ promotes physical fitness, flexibility, and mental discipline, making it a comprehensive martial art. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among practitioners, as training often involves working closely with partners to improve techniques. The art of BJJ also emphasizes problem-solving and strategic thinking, as practitioners must adapt their approaches based on their opponent's movements. Overall, BJJ is not just a form of self-defense; it is a holistic practice that enhances both physical and mental well-being.
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Summary
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Essential Submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques
- The first submission to learn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the rear naked choke, which is crucial for beginners. A common mistake is positioning the chest too low on the opponent's back; instead, maintain a "seat belt" grip with one overhook and one underhook, ensuring your ear is close to theirs for effective leverage.
- To execute the rear naked choke, shift your hips back about three inches, pulling the opponent's shoulders down into your pocket. Your first movement should be to bring your elbow down, followed by squeezing your elbows together while pushing your chest in, reinforcing the choke with your head.
- The second essential submission is the straight arm bar. Start from a low mount position, and when the opponent pushes against your chest, shift your weight to your shoulder side, allowing your left hand to transfer to the opposite side. Lean to free your leg, curling your heels towards your butt while controlling the opponent's wrist with your elbow.
- For the arm bar, keep your knees pinched to elevate the opponent's elbow, creating a higher fulcrum for leverage. Maintain a firm grip without crossing your feet while learning the mechanics, and ensure your thumb is facing the ceiling for optimal pressure during the submission.
- The third key submission is the triangle choke, initiated from the butterfly guard. Open your hip to the side to avoid being pushed back, and as the opponent applies pressure, use your grip to control their arm and prevent them from advancing.
- To complete the triangle choke, place your bottom leg into the opponent's hip to maintain distance, then pull your knee through while keeping your head away. Once your leg is around their neck, adjust your angle to secure the triangle position effectively.
- If the opponent attempts to lift you while in a triangle, maintain an angle to prevent being picked up, as this misaligns their spine and makes it difficult for them to exert power against you.
- A bonus submission is the Americana, which is often the first move learned by beginners. It requires controlling the opponent's position and isolating their arm, as it cannot be effectively executed in a scramble.
- To finish the Americana, trap the opponent's arm with your bottom hand, then use your elbow to scrape across their face and drop it into the pocket beside their neck. Pull their elbow down to their hip without lifting, ensuring a tight grip for a successful submission.
