Developing a Submission-Heavy Game Plan in BJJ

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a clean submission. Whether it’s a slick triangle, a powerful kimura, or a perfectly timed rear-naked choke, submissions are the heart of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

But becoming truly submission-oriented takes more than just knowing a few finishes. It’s a mindset. A system. A style. At ROLLBLISS, we empower grapplers to create exciting, effective, and finish-driven jiu-jitsu. In this blog, we’re diving deep into how to develop a submission-heavy game, no matter your belt rank.

Key Takeaways

• A submission-heavy game starts with strong fundamentals and positional awareness.
• Choose your submission archetype and focus on entries, chains, and transitions.
• Drill with resistance and intent to build muscle memory and finishing confidence.
• Watch elite submission artists and reverse-engineer their setups and traps.
• ROLLBLISS gear supports your aggressive grappling style with comfort and durability.

Why Play a Submission-Heavy Game?

While control and positional dominance are important, submission grappling gives you the edge in competition and self-defense.

Benefits include:

• Shortening matches with high-percentage finishes
• Gaining respect and fear in the gym and tournaments
• Building confidence and assertiveness in your game
• Elevating your understanding of BJJ mechanics

Playing to finish teaches you to hunt opportunities rather than survive.

Step 1: Build Strong Foundations First

It may seem counterintuitive, but to become a submission artist, you first need:

• Solid positional awareness
• Clean escapes
• Strong base and balance
• Understanding of transitions

If you can’t maintain position or escape danger, you won’t get many chances to submit anyone. Think of it as building the launchpad before the missile.

Start by mastering:

• Closed guard control
• Side control pressure
• Mount stabilization
• Back control maintenance

Once you can control, you can conquer.

Step 2: Choose Your “Submission Archetype”

There are many ways to build a submission game. Some grapplers hunt the neck. Others go for limbs. Choose 1–2 submission families to focus on deeply.

Common Archetypes:

The Choke Hunter
 Rear-naked chokes
 Guillotines
 Triangle chokes
 Loop chokes

The Limb Collector
 Armbars (standard, belly-down, flying)
 Kimura traps
 Omoplata chains

The Leg Locker
 Heel hooks (No-Gi)
 Straight ankle locks
 Kneebars
 Toe holds

Pick the style that suits your body type, mindset, and goals, then examine its entries, finishes, and counters in depth.

Step 3: Learn Submission Chains, Not Isolated Moves

If you’re only hunting single submissions, you’ll miss countless opportunities. The best submission grapplers think in sequences.

For example:

Armbar → Triangle → Omoplata
Guillotine → Anaconda → D’arce
Heel hook → Kneebar → Back take

The moment your opponent defends one attack, you flow into the next.

Train your mind to ask: “What’s next if this doesn’t work?” That’s how you go from being a threat to being relentless.

Step 4: Start Your Attacks from Every Position

Submissions aren’t only for dominant positions. Build a mindset of constant offense, even from “bad” spots.

Try initiating subs from:

• Closed guard (armbar, triangle)
• Half guard (kimura, knee bar setups)
• Turtle (clock choke, crucifix)
• Bottom side control (buggy choke, escapes to arm traps)

The more threats you present, the less comfortable your opponent becomes—and the more mistakes they make.

Step 5: Drill Submissions Under Pressure

Reps are important—but they need to be live, realistic, and resistant. Add pressure to your drills in phases:

1. Isolation rounds

• • Only attack armbars from mount
  • Only defend triangle setups from guard
  • Positional sparring
• Start from back control and try to finish
• Start from closed guard and chain to submission

1. Timed submission rounds

• Submit as many times as you can in 2 minutes
• Opponent gives 50% resistance, then 70%, then 100%

These focused rounds sharpen your instincts and make submission attempts second nature.

Step 6: Study Submission-Focused Grapplers

Learn from athletes who have built careers on submissions. Watch how they set traps, manage pressure, and chain attacks.

Top Submission Artists to Study:

• Marcelo Garcia (guillotines, back takes)
• Gordon Ryan (leg locks, back attacks, pressure passing)
• Mikey Musumeci (leg entanglements, straight ankle locks)
• Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles (aggressive guard, choke chains)
• Craig Jones (submission entries from unorthodox positions)

Break down what makes their submission success rate high: timing, control, grip fighting, patience, setups.

Step 7: Create Traps and Bait Reactions

High-level submissions don’t come from brute force—they come from trickery. Learn to:

• Bait the pass to lock up a triangle
• Give space so your opponent posts—then attack the arm
• Let them turtle so you trap the back

Every reaction can be turned into an opportunity.

Remember: the best submission artists don’t force the submission. They set the trap and wait.

Step 8: Develop Finishing Confidence

Many newer grapplers hesitate during a submission attempt. They fear losing position or failing the finish.

You have to train your mindset to believe:

“If I get there, I will finish.”

Tips to build submission confidence:

• Finish drills every class (even if sloppy at first)
• Roll with intent to finish—not just “do well”
• Track your sub attempts and success rate
• Focus on technique, not brute strength

Confidence grows from repetition, analysis, and belief in your skill.

Step 9: Sharpen Submission Defense (Yes, Defense!)

To become more offensive, you also need to understand how people escape or counter your submissions. Knowing their defense makes your offense smarter and more refined.

• Study armbar escapes to learn how to tighten your finishing angles
• Watch triangle counters to understand posture control
• Learn how to escape leg locks to better trap your opponent in them

Offense and defense are two sides of the same coin.

ROLLBLISS: Apparel for the Submission-Seeker

If your jiu-jitsu style is aggressive, calculated, and finish-oriented, you need gear that keeps up. At ROLLBLISS, we craft:

• Rash guards and shorts that won’t restrict movement during sub setups
• Lightweight, breathable fabrics to regulate heat and sweat during intense rolls
• Compression that supports your muscles for tight control and precision

Whether you’re drilling armbars or diving for leg locks, ROLLBLISS helps you move with freedom, fight with fire, and train with purpose.

Check out our latest submission-inspired designs at rollbliss.com

Conclusion

Developing a submission-heavy game is about more than collecting techniques—it’s about shaping your mindset, creating systems, and becoming someone your training partners and opponents fear on the mats.

Stay relentless. Stay calculated. Stay committed to the finish.

And when you do it in ROLLBLISS gear, you don’t just roll—you roll with purpose.

FAQs

1. What’s the best submission to start with for beginners?

Start with the armbar or triangle from closed guard. They teach core concepts like angle, control, and timing—and work at all belt levels.

2. How many submissions should I focus on at once?

Stick to 2–3 core submissions and their related chains. Mastery beats variety. Once you’re confident with them, expand your arsenal.

3. How do I stop hesitating during submissions?

Drill to the finish every time. Focus on clean technique, not strength. The more reps you hit under pressure, the more your confidence grows.