How to Build Submission Chains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, catching a submission isn’t always about finding a perfect opening—it’s about creating a series of reactions that eventually lead your opponent into a trap. That’s where submission chains come in.

A submission chain is a series of connected attacks that flow from one to the next based on your opponent’s defense. It’s the difference between relying on one big move versus setting a series of traps. As you climb the ranks in BJJ, chaining submissions becomes not just useful, but essential. A well-built chain makes your game feel seamless, aggressive, and hard to stop.

At RollBliss, we believe in building smart, pressure-based Jiu-Jitsu, and submission chains are the ultimate expression of strategy and timing. This blog will guide you through the process of building these chains, explain why they matter, and provide guidance on how to practice them effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Submission chains increase your success rate by forcing reactions and staying one step ahead.
• Start chaining from familiar positions and build transitions around common defenses.
• Drill your chains slowly, then add resistance and positional sparring.
• The best chains are efficient, adaptable, and built around your style.

What Is a Submission Chain?

A submission chain is a connected sequence of submissions that link together so that if one fails, the next becomes immediately available. Instead of attacking with a single move, you apply a system of attacks that build off each other, forcing your opponent into a constant state of reaction.

For example:

• Armbar → Triangle → Omoplata
• Kimura → Back take → RNC
• Guillotine → Mount → Arm triangle

Each submission attempt sets up the next, whether by causing a reaction or opening up a new angle. You don’t need to land the first attack—you just need to control the flow.

Why Chaining Submissions Works

Submission chains work because they keep your opponent under constant pressure. When one attack fails, you’re already transitioning to another, giving your opponent less time to reset or counter. This:

• Overwhelms their defense
• Creates more openings
• Increases your success rate
• Makes your Jiu-Jitsu feel seamless and aggressive

More importantly, chaining trains your brain to think beyond individual moves. It helps you understand how techniques relate and forces you to build connections instead of isolated attacks.

How to Start Building Your Submission Chains

You don’t need to know every submission in the book to start chaining. It’s better to start with what you already know and begin linking techniques logically.

1. Choose a Position You Already Like

Whether you’re a guard player, mount specialist, or back hunter, start where you’re most comfortable. Submission chains work best when built off your strongest positions.

For example:

• From closed guard: armbar → triangle → omoplata
• From mount: arm triangle → Americana → S-mount armbar
• From back: rear naked choke → bow and arrow → arm trap cross collar choke

2. Study Common Defensive Reactions

To chain effectively, you need to understand how opponents typically respond. This means:

• How do people defend armbars?
• What do they do when you go for a triangle?
• Where do their hands go when you attempt a kimura?

When you know the defense, you can predict it—and use it to transition into your next move.

3. Connect by Mechanics or Movement

Techniques chain well when they:

• Use the same control position (e.g., shoulder or wrist control)
• Target similar areas (e.g., head and arm)
• Flow naturally from movement (e.g., switching between mount and back)

This keeps transitions smooth and efficient.

Examples of High-Percentage Submission Chains

Let’s break down a few effective submission chains you can drill:

1. Closed Guard Series

• Armbar attempt: opponent pulls arm out
• → Triangle choke: opponent postures
• → Omoplata: The opponent turns the shoulder and tries to stack

This sequence is a classic due to its natural flow, and it works at every belt level.

2. Mount Control Chain

• Americana from the mount: opponent straightens arm
• → Straight armbar: opponent defends by turning
• → S-mount armbar or triangle

The mount is rich with submission options, and you can keep opponents guessing by changing sides and isolating limbs.

3. Back Attack Chain

• Rear naked choke: opponent defends the neck
• → Trap arm and go bow and arrow: opponent grabs lapel
• → Transition to mounted triangle or collar choke

These transitions are subtle but devastating once mastered.

Drilling Submission Chains Effectively

To develop fluidity in chaining attacks, focus on positional drilling with intention. Here’s how:

1. Repetition Before Resistance

Start by drilling your chain slowly with a cooperative partner. Focus on:

• Smooth transitions
• Precise control
• Recognizing key reactions

Once the movement feels natural, gradually increase the resistance.

2. Isolated Situational Sparring

Start in your desired position (e.g., back control or guard) and attempt your chain in live rolls. This allows you to refine your timing without the chaos of full sparring.

3. Film and Reflect

Record your rolls during open mat and study where your chains break down. Did your opponent defend the first move but expose something else? Did you pause instead of moving on to the next option?

At RollBliss, we advocate training smart—learning from each roll and drilling with purpose.

How Submission Chains Evolve with Experience

As your game develops, your submission chains become:

• Shorter but sharper: You don’t need five steps—two tight transitions are often better.
• Positionally deeper: Instead of chaining from one position, you learn to chain through positions—e.g., from guard to mount to back.
• Tailored to your style: You’ll begin to build personal flowcharts that feel natural to you.

You’ll stop chasing submissions and start setting traps.

How RollBliss Supports Your Submission Game

Submission chains require flow, agility, and confidence in motion. That’s why our gis and no-gi gear at RollBliss are built for durability without restriction. When you roll in our gear, you’re free to move fast, stay cool under pressure, and chain submissions without distraction.

Whether you’re hitting triangle-armbar-omoplata from guard or transitioning across positions, our apparel is designed to perform with you, not against you.

Conclusion

Submission chains are a true marker of growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They reflect not just your technical skill, but your ability to read, adapt, and control the flow of a match. Building chains trains your brain to think in sequences, stay calm under pressure, and always have a next move ready.

At RollBliss, we’re proud to support grapplers who approach their training with purpose. Whether you’re drilling transitions or flowing from one trap to another in live rolls, we’re here to help you roll smoother, smarter, and sharper. 

Now go chain it all together—and make your Jiu-Jitsu unstoppable.

FAQs

Do I need to know a lot of submissions to start chaining?

No. Start with two or three techniques you already know and find logical ways to connect them. Mastery of a few moves, well-linked, is more valuable than knowing dozens of isolated submissions.

Are submission chains only for advanced practitioners?

Not at all. White and blue belts benefit greatly from learning to think in sequences. It builds fluidity and teaches how to adjust when the first attack fails.

How do I remember chains during sparring?

Start by drilling them until the transitions feel automatic. During sparring, focus on your setups, not on the finish. With time, your brain will recognize the right chain based on your opponent’s defense.