Listen up, fellow grapplers. After spending two decades on the mats, often training in my trusty rash guard and earning my brown belt the hard way, I've seen countless matches won and lost due to submission mistakes that could've been easily avoided. Today, I'm breaking down the crucial errors I've witnessed – and yes, made myself – when it comes to BJJ submissions.
The Truth About Submissions in the Gentle Art
Let's keep it real – mastering bjj submissions isn't just about knowing a hundred different ways to make someone tap. As someone who's both competed at the highest levels and coached countless students, I can tell you that the difference between securing that tap and watching your opponent escape often comes down to the smallest details.
The Five Deadly Sins of Submission Fighting
1. The "Submission Blindness" Trap
Man, I can't tell you how many times I've watched talented grapplers miss golden opportunities because they're too fixated on their game plan. Just last week, I was rolling with one of my purple belts who was so determined to hit a triangle that he completely missed an armbar that was gift-wrapped for him. Remember, some of the best bjj side control submissions come when you're fluid enough to recognize and capitalize on what your opponent gives you.
2. The Technical Deficit
Here's the thing about bjj submissions from mount or any position – technique trumps strength every single time. I learned this lesson the hard way at my first major competition when I tried to muscle through an armbar instead of maintaining proper positioning. The result? My opponent escaped and passed my guard faster than I could say "açaí."
3. The One-Trick Pony Problem
Looking at any comprehensive bjj submissions list, you'll see there are countless options available. But I keep seeing grapplers falling into the trap of relying on their "go-to" move without adapting. Your opponent's defending your kimura from side control? Great – use that defense to transition to an americana or straight armbar. The best bjj submissions are the ones that flow from one to another.
4. The Mental Game Mishap
Listen, we've all been there – you're in the middle of a tough match, your adrenaline's pumping, and suddenly your mind goes blank. I remember coaching a student who had an incredibly deep rear-naked choke, but he panicked and lost position because he couldn't stay mentally composed. The submission game is as much mental as it is physical.
5. The "YouTube Black Belt" Syndrome
Sure, there are tons of resources showing all bjj submissions you could learn, but nothing replaces mat time. I've seen folks try to pull off advanced leg locks they've only watched online, putting themselves and their training partners at risk. Each submission requires countless repetitions to master.
The Path to Submission Success
Let me share what's actually worked for me and my students over the years:
- Drill, Drill, and Drill Some More Start with the fundamentals. Before you try that fancy berimbolo to toe hold, make sure you can hit a basic armbar from guard with your eyes closed. The key is to drill submissions until they become second nature.
- Position Before Submission Remember what my old coach used to say: "You can't finish what you can't control." Focus on maintaining dominant position before hunting for submissions. Some of the most effective bjj submissions come from rock-solid control.
- Build Your Submission Chains Don't just learn individual techniques – understand how they connect. If your opponent defends your triangle, you should already be transitioning to an omoplata or armbar. This kind of flowing submission game will dramatically increase your success rate.
- Embrace the Competition Scene Nothing will sharpen your submission game like competition experience. The pressure, the adrenaline, the resistant opponents – it's all valuable feedback for your training.
Essential Submissions Every Grappler Should Master
Let's break down some high-percentage submissions that should be in everyone's arsenal:
From Guard:
- Triangle choke (with proper angle and posture control)
- Armbar (with emphasis on hip movement)
- Omoplata (understanding the shoulder lock mechanics)
From Mount:
- Cross collar choke (Gi)
- Armbar (maintaining base during the transition)
- Americana (controlling the far side effectively)
From Back:
- Rear naked choke (with proper hooks)
- Bow and arrow choke (Gi)
- Armbar (maintaining back control during transition)
Final Thoughts from the Mat
Remember, developing a solid submission game is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on quality over quantity, and always prioritize technical precision over force. Whether you're a white belt just starting to explore bjj submissions or a seasoned competitor looking to refine your game, these principles will serve you well.
Keep training, stay humble, and never stop learning(1% Better Everyday). See you on the mats!
