Top 5 Submissions That Work at Every Belt Level

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an art constantly evolving, with techniques becoming more refined as you progress through the ranks. However, some submissions remain effective at every belt level, from white to black. Whether you're a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an advanced practitioner sharpening your finishing skills, these five submissions have stood the test of time.

In this guide, we'll break down the top five submissions that work at every belt level, explain why they're effective, and offer tips for improving your success rate with them. We'll highlight how RollBliss can help you refine your submission game with high-quality training gear that keeps you comfortable and competition-ready.

Key Takeaways

• These Submissions Work at All Levels – The rear naked choke, triangle choke, armbar, guillotine, and kimura remain effective from white to black belts.
• Proper Technique is Essential – Focus on positioning, leverage, and control to maximize your success rate.
• Adaptability Makes a Difference – These submissions can be applied from multiple positions, making them versatile gi and no-gi grappling tools.
• Train with Quality Gear—RollBliss provides high-performance gloves, rash guards, and shorts that help you train harder and more effectively.

1. Rear Naked Choke (RNC) – The King of Submissions

The rear naked choke (RNC) is one of BJJ's most dominant and reliable submissions. Used at all levels, from beginner tournaments to the highest levels of MMA and professional grappling, this submission is highly effective because it directly targets the carotid arteries, cutting off blood flow to the brain and forcing a quick tap.

Why It Works at Every Belt Level

• Effective from a dominant position (back control).
• Works with or without a GI.
• It is difficult for opponents to escape once properly locked in.

Tips for Success

• Maintain strong back control with hooks or a body triangle.
• Keep your choking arm's elbow tight to the opponent's chest to prevent hand fighting.
• Hide your choking hand behind your opponent's head to make it harder to peel off.

2. Triangle Choke – A Classic That Never Fails

The triangle choke is another high-percentage submission that works at all levels, from white belts learning guard basics to black belts competing in elite tournaments. It is particularly useful in closed, open, and even during transitions.

Why It Works at Every Belt Level

• Uses legs, which are stronger than arms, to apply the choke.
• It can be set up from multiple positions, including guard, mount, and side control.
• Effective in both gi and no-gi grappling.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your leg crosses behind the knee of your other leg to create a tight lock.
• Control your opponent's posture to prevent them from escaping.
• Angle your body slightly to the side, making the choke even tighter.

3. Armbar – A Fundamental and Devastating Lock

The armbar is a submission that has been around for centuries and remains one of the most effective in BJJ. It can be executed from multiple positions, including mount, guard, and side control, making it a versatile weapon for any grappler.

Why It Works at Every Belt Level

• It can be applied in various positions, increasing versatility.
• It targets the elbow joint, forcing a quick tap if applied correctly.
• Works well in both gi and no-gi.

Tips for Success

• Pinch your knees together to keep control of the arm.
• Control the wrist tightly to prevent your opponent from escaping.
• Keep your hips close to the opponent's shoulder for maximum leverage.

4. Guillotine Choke – A Fast and Powerful Submission

The guillotine choke is one of the most effective front-headlock submissions, used in both gi and no-gi competitions. It is excellent against aggressive opponents who shoot for takedowns or leave their necks exposed in scrambles.

Why It Works at Every Belt Level

• It can be set up quickly from standing or guard.
• It works well against opponents who shoot for takedowns.
• It can be modified into variations (arm-in guillotine, high-elbow guillotine).

Tips for Success

• Position your wrist deep under your opponent's chin.
• Use your legs to control your body and prevent escapes.
• Adjust the angle by lifting your elbow high to increase pressure.

5. Kimura – A Submission That Controls and Finishes

The kimura is a powerful shoulder lock effective in various positions, including guard, side control, and even standing. It is a go-to submission for controlling and attacking opponents of all skill levels.

Why It Works at Every Belt Level

• Works as both a control position and a submission.
• It can be set up from multiple positions, increasing its versatility.
• Effective in both gi and no-gi.

Tips for Success

• Secure a tight grip on your opponent's wrist before applying pressure.
• Keep their elbow bent at a 90-degree angle to maximize leverage.
• Use your whole body, not just your arms, to apply the submission.

How RollBliss Can Help Improve Your Submission Game

To execute these submissions effectively, you need high-quality training gear that allows you to move freely while staying durable under intense rolling sessions. RollBliss offers premium gis, rash guards, and grappling shorts to enhance performance and comfort. Whether drilling armbars, locking in a rear naked choke, or working on kimura setups, our gear ensures you can train at your best.

Conclusion

Mastering high-percentage submissions is essential for every BJJ practitioner, regardless of rank. The armbar, triangle choke, rear naked choke, guillotine, and kimura are five submissions that remain effective at all levels, from white belt to black belt. These techniques work because they are fundamental, adaptable, and applicable in gi and no-gi settings.

As you progress in your BJJ journey, refining your setup, timing, and transitions for these submissions will increase your success rate. Drilling these moves, understanding counters, and applying them in live sparring will help you build a well-rounded submission game.

At RollBliss, we provide top-tier BJJ gear to help you train comfortably and perform at your best. Whether you're sharpening your submissions or competing at the highest level, our premium gis, rash guards, and training apparel support your journey. Keep training, keep evolving, and keep submitting!

FAQs

1. Which submission should I focus on as a beginner?

As a beginner, start with fundamental submissions like the armbar, rear naked choke, and triangle choke. These techniques form a strong foundation, are easy to understand, and are highly effective in both gi and no-gi.

2. How do I improve my finishing rate with these submissions?

Focus on proper technique, positioning, and control. Train with partners of different sizes to understand the adjustments needed for each submission. Drilling regularly and getting feedback from experienced coaches will also help refine your finishing ability.

3. Can these submissions be used in self-defense?

Yes! The rear naked choke, guillotine, and kimura are especially effective in self-defense scenarios. However, always practice control and understand when to apply them responsibly outside of competition.