Best Jiu-Jitsu Submissions | Gracie Barra Tampa
Submissions are the heart of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). They allow you to finish a fight using control, leverage, and technique—not brute strength. At Gracie Barra Tampa, we teach the most effective and practical submissions from your very first class.
Whether you’re here for fitness, self-defence, or competition, learning to submit with precision will elevate your Jiu-Jitsu.
Why Submissions Matter
Submissions are what set BJJ apart. They let you:
End a confrontation without striking
Control stronger or larger opponents
Defuse dangerous situations with calm
Develop mental focus and discipline
They also help build confidence and sharpen your problem-solving on the mats.
When Should You Start Learning Submissions?
Right away.
Even beginner students at Gracie Barra Tampa learn simple, safe submissions early on. We teach:
Proper mechanics
When to apply and release
How to tap and protect yourself
The importance of control over force
Progress is gradual and guided. Everyone learns at their own pace.
Who Can Learn to Submit?
Everyone.
You don’t need to be strong, fast, or flexible to apply a clean submission. That’s the beauty of Jiu-Jitsu.
Submissions are ideal for:
Adults of all ages
Children learning discipline and focus
Women seeking practical self-defence
Beginners building confidence
Competitors sharpening their game
At Gracie Barra Tampa, we adapt techniques to suit every student’s needs and goals.
Most Common and Effective Jiu-Jitsu Submissions
These are the most used and trusted submissions you’ll learn at our academy.
1. Rear Naked Choke
A blood choke applied from the back that cuts off circulation to the brain. No use of the gi is needed.
Why it’s effective:
Safe and clean
Very difficult to escape
Useful for self-defence and competition
It’s one of the most respected finishes in Jiu-Jitsu.
2. Armbar
Targets the elbow joint. Can be applied from the mount, back, or guard.
Benefits:
Great for beginners
Relies on hip movement, not strength
Teaches control and timing
It’s a must-know for all belt levels.
3. Triangle Choke
Uses the legs to trap the neck and one arm. Applied mainly from the guard position.
Why it works:
Excellent for smaller athletes
High-percentage submission in competition
Easy to transition into from sweeps
Triangle chokes reward patience and good angles.
4. Guillotine Choke
A front choke applied when the opponent drops their head. Works well in both gi and no-gi.
Strengths:
Quick and effective
Perfect for takedown defence
Great in real-life self-defence scenarios
It’s one of the fastest submissions you can learn.
5. Kimura Lock
A shoulder lock using a figure-four grip on the opponent’s arm.
Why it’s popular:
Works from top and bottom
Leads to sweeps and transitions
Offers strong control without risk
We teach it early and refine it through all levels.
6. Americana Lock
Another shoulder lock, applied from mount or side control.
Perfect for:
Beginners learning top control
Understanding leverage
Early confidence building
It’s one of the first submissions many students master.
7. Bow and Arrow Choke (Gi Only)
A powerful collar choke from the back using the lapel and body rotation.
Why competitors love it:
Strong and fast finish
Hard to escape once set
Clean technique with high success rate
It’s one of the most used gi chokes at advanced levels.
Where to Train Submissions Safely in Tampa
At Gracie Barra Tampa, our instructors teach every submission step by step. We focus on:
Safety and respect
Controlled application
Clean, technical execution
Proper drilling and live training
Whether you’re new to martial arts or have trained before, you’ll find world-class instruction here.
What to Expect in Submission Classes
A typical class includes:
Warm-up and movement drills
Detailed technique breakdown
Drilling with a partner
Positional sparring
Live training (optional by level)
We make sure everyone feels supported and challenged—without pressure or ego.
Are Submissions Useful in Self-Defence?
Absolutely.
Submissions let you:
Control a threat without causing harm
Escape dangerous holds
Defuse situations without needing to strike
Stay calm and make smart decisions
That’s why Jiu-Jitsu is trusted by law enforcement, military, and everyday people.

Start Your Submission Journey Today
Want to feel more confident, focused, and capable? Learning submissions at Gracie Barra Tampa will help you build real skills—on and off the mats.
Book Your Free Trial Class
📍 Visit Gracie Barra Tampa
🥋 All levels and ages welcome
💥 Learn the art of control. Build your Jiu-Jitsu from day one.