How to Defend Against the Most Common BJJ Submissions

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is built around submissions, but knowing how to defend against them is just as important as executing them. At RollBliss, we believe that a well-rounded grappler must be proficient in both attack and defense. Understanding common submission defenses will help you stay safe on the mats and develop confidence in your escapes.

Key Takeaways

• Staying calm and maintaining good posture is essential for defending submissions.
• Grip fighting and proper positioning can neutralize attacks before they become threats.
• Understanding specific defenses for common submissions will improve your chances of survival on the mats.
• RollBliss offers premium training gear to enhance your ability to train and develop your skills.

Fundamental Principles of Submission Defense

Stay Calm and Assess the Threat

Panicking in a submission often makes the situation worse. Instead, stay composed and focus on identifying the escape route before the submission is fully locked in.

Maintain Good Posture

Many submissions, like armbars and triangles, rely on breaking your posture. Keeping your spine aligned and your arms inside your opponent’s frame will reduce vulnerability.

Hand Fighting and Grip Breaking

Breaking your opponent’s grip is often the key to escaping submissions before they become too tight. Effective hand fighting can neutralize an attack before it fully develops.

Defending Against Common Submissions

Armbar Defense

• Keep your arms tight to your body and avoid extending them recklessly.

• Stack your opponent by driving their legs toward their head to relieve pressure.

• Rotate your thumb and turn into your opponent to escape.

Triangle Choke Defense

• Maintain posture by keeping your head up and back straight.

• Create space by wedging your knee into the opponent’s hip.

• Weave your arm through and shift to a dominant position.

Rear Naked Choke Defense

• Protect your neck by keeping your chin tucked and hands fighting the choking arm.

• Turn into your opponent rather than away to escape.

• Use your legs to create leverage and reposition.

Guillotine Defense

• Hand fight immediately to prevent full lock-in.

• Shift your body to the non-choking side to relieve pressure.

• Roll over your opponent’s shoulder if needed to escape.

How RollBliss Supports Your Defense Training

At RollBliss, we provide high-quality gear that allows you to train harder and smarter. Our durable gis and rash guards offer maximum flexibility, giving you the confidence to practice both submissions and escapes without distraction.

Conclusion

Effective submission defense is a fundamental aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Focusing on proper posture, grip fighting, and escape techniques can significantly improve your ability to stay safe and turn the tables on your opponent. RollBliss supports your journey with high-quality gear designed for serious practitioners. Keep training smart, and never stop learning!

FAQs

What should I do if a submission is locked in deep?

If a submission is too tight, tap early to prevent injury and learn from the situation. Understanding the mechanics will help you develop better defenses.

How can I improve my submission defense?

Regular drilling and positional sparring will improve your reaction time and understanding of escapes. Work with higher belts to refine your techniques.

Is submission defense more important than offense?

Both are crucial, but a strong defense allows you to stay in the fight longer and develop counterattacks.