Mastering Submissions in Grappling: Expert Insights and Strategies

The Art of Submissions in Grappling

Grappling sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are complex disciplines that require a deep understanding of various techniques, strategies, and submissions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore expert insights on mastering submissions, discussing which techniques are most effective, how to approach them strategically, and what factors contribute to their success.

Leg Locks: The High-Return Submission

One of the most potent submissions in grappling, especially for beginners looking to make a quick impact, is the leg lock. Here's why:

• Psychological Impact: Most people, especially at lower belt levels, have a natural fear response when their legs are attacked. This panic can create openings and opportunities for the attacker.
• Technical Gap: Leg locks are often less familiar to upper belts compared to other submissions, creating a potential advantage for those who specialize in them.
• Quick Return on Investment: For beginners, learning leg locks can provide a sharp return on time invested in training.

However, it's crucial to note that while leg locks can be highly effective, they should not be the sole focus of one's grappling game. Developing a well-balanced skill set is essential for long-term success and overall improvement as a grappler.

The Path to Successful Submissions

While specific techniques are important, the most effective way to submit an opponent often involves a more holistic approach:

1. Fatigue Your Opponent: The best submissions often come when your opponent is tired. Wearing them down physically and mentally can create openings for various submission attempts.
2. Pressure and Control: Maintaining dominant positions and applying constant pressure can force opponents into making mistakes or giving up advantageous positions.
3. Opportunistic Approach: Being ready to capitalize on the openings your opponent presents, rather than forcing a specific submission, can lead to higher success rates.

Top Submissions for Fatigued Opponents

When facing a tired opponent, certain submissions become particularly effective. Here are some top choices:

1. Rear Naked Choke:

   • Often considered the king of submissions in both BJJ and MMA.
   • Becomes available when pressure forces an opponent to turn and give up their back.
   • Highly effective and difficult to defend when properly applied.

2. Arm Triangle:

   • Allows the attacker to maintain top position.
   • Applies smothering pressure, potentially forcing the opponent to make mistakes.
   • Effective in both BJJ and MMA contexts.

3. Mount Pressure Submissions:

   • Not a specific submission, but a strategy of applying so much pressure from the mount that opponents often give up their back or make other defensive errors.
   • Can lead to various submission opportunities, including the rear naked choke or arm triangle.

Risk vs. Reward in Submission Attempts

When choosing which submissions to attempt, it's crucial to consider the risk-reward balance, especially in different grappling contexts:

• MMA Considerations:

  • Fighters often prioritize maintaining top position due to the risk of strikes.
  • Submissions that could result in losing top position (e.g., armbars or triangles from mount) are less frequently attempted.
  • The potential cost of ending up on the bottom is much higher in MMA compared to pure grappling competitions.

• BJJ Considerations:

  • Practitioners may be more willing to risk position for submission attempts.
  • The worst-case scenario of ending up on the bottom is less severe without the threat of strikes.
  • This allows for a wider range of submission attempts in competitive BJJ compared to MMA.

The Evolution of Submission Effectiveness

The effectiveness of different submissions can change over time due to several factors:

1. Introduction of New Techniques: When a new submission or variation is introduced, it often has a high success rate initially because opponents are unprepared to defend against it.

2. Rediscovery of Old Techniques: Sometimes, older techniques are reintroduced or repopularized, catching a new generation of grapplers off guard.

3. Adaptation and Defense: As a particular submission gains popularity, defenders begin to develop effective counters, potentially reducing its overall success rate.

4. Cyclical Nature: The effectiveness of submissions often goes through cycles of popularity and decline as the meta-game evolves.

The Role of Instructionals in Submission Trends

The instructional market plays a significant role in the popularity and effectiveness of certain submissions:

• Timing is Key: Instructionals often focus on techniques or concepts that have current value in the competitive scene.
• Introducing "New" Concepts: Sometimes, instructionals repackage older techniques as new innovations, sparking renewed interest and effectiveness.
• Filling Knowledge Gaps: The most successful instructionals often address areas where there's a general lack of understanding or preparation in the grappling community.

High-Risk, High-Reward Submissions

Some submissions, while potentially effective, come with higher risks or are more situational:

1. Buggy Choke:

   • Can be highly effective when executed correctly.
   • Carries a high risk due to the unusual position required.
   • Success can be particularly frustrating for opponents, adding a psychological element.

2. Flying Submissions:

   • Includes techniques like flying armbars or triangles.
   • Often seen in movies but rarely successful in high-level competition.
   • Carry a significant risk of giving up position or being countered.

3. Complex Leg Entanglements:

   • Advanced leg lock positions can be highly effective but require significant skill to execute safely.
   • Misapplication can result in losing position or exposing oneself to counter-attacks.

The Impact of Heel Hooks in Modern Grappling

Heel hooks have become a central part of the modern submission grappling meta-game:

• Effectiveness: When properly applied, heel hooks can end matches quickly and decisively.
• Psychological Factor: The threat of heel hooks can significantly impact an opponent's strategy and movement.
• Controversy: Due to their potential for causing serious injury, heel hooks are sometimes restricted in certain rulesets, especially at lower levels of competition.

Case Study: The Power of Heel Hooks

To illustrate the potential impact of heel hooks, consider this example from a high-level competition:

• Match: John Danaher (interviewee) vs. Vinny Magalhaes
• Context: Magalhaes was known for his leg lock defense and had claimed heel hooks were ineffective.
• Outcome: Danaher applied a heel hook within 30 seconds, resulting in a severe injury to Magalhaes' leg, including a spiral fracture of the fibula and ankle dislocation.
• Lesson: This case demonstrates both the effectiveness of heel hooks and the importance of respecting the technique, even for high-level practitioners.

Ethical Considerations in Submission Grappling

The incident described above raises important ethical questions about submission grappling:

1. Responsibility of the Attacker: How much responsibility does the person applying the submission have for their opponent's safety?
2. Tapping Etiquette: Is there a point where not tapping to a submission crosses from bravery into recklessness?
3. Rule Design: How can competition rules balance the effectiveness of techniques like heel hooks with competitor safety?
4. Training Culture: How can gyms and instructors promote a culture of safety while still preparing students for the realities of competition?

Developing a Submission Strategy

To develop an effective submission strategy, consider the following points:

1. Know Your Strengths: Focus on submissions that align with your physical attributes and overall game plan.
2. Understand the Context: Different submissions may be more or less appropriate depending on whether you're in a BJJ competition, MMA fight, or self-defense situation.
3. Chain Attacks: Learn to link different submissions together, increasing your chances of success.
4. Position Before Submission: Prioritize achieving and maintaining dominant positions before hunting for submissions.
5. Stay Updated: Keep learning about new techniques and variations to stay ahead of defensive innovations.

Training for Submission Success

To improve your submission game, consider incorporating these training methods:

1. Drilling: Regular repetition of submission techniques helps build muscle memory and refine details.
2. Positional Sparring: Start from specific positions to practice transitioning into submissions under resistance.
3. Submission-Only Training: Dedicate some training sessions to focusing solely on submissions, resetting after each attempt.
4. Study Film: Analyze high-level matches to understand how top competitors set up and execute submissions.
5. Cross-Training: Explore other grappling arts to broaden your submission repertoire and understanding.

Conclusion: The Art of the Finish

Mastering submissions in grappling is a lifelong journey that combines technical skill, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of human biomechanics and psychology. While certain submissions like leg locks and rear naked chokes consistently prove effective, the key to success lies in developing a well-rounded game that can adapt to different opponents and situations.

Remember that the most successful submission artists are those who can wear down their opponents, maintain dominant positions, and capitalize on the openings presented to them. By focusing on these principles and continuously refining your technique, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable submission grappler.

Whether you're a beginner looking to make quick progress or an experienced grappler aiming to refine your game, understanding the nuances of submissions will undoubtedly elevate your performance on the mats. Stay curious, keep training, and always approach submissions with respect for both their power and the safety of your training partners.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/RuEnFDP2GMo?feature=shared