What is Submission in BJJ?
Quick Definition
A technique that forces your opponent to tap out due to a choke or joint lock.
Full Explanation
A submission is any technique that forces your opponent to concede (tap) due to pain, potential injury, or unconsciousness. Submissions include chokes (blood chokes cut off blood to the brain, air chokes restrict breathing) and joint locks (hyperextending joints like elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles). A submission victory is the definitive win in BJJ - you proved you could control and finish your opponent.
Examples in Context
"I got the submission with a rear naked choke"
"Submission-only tournaments have no points"
Related Terms
Tap
To submit by tapping your partner, the mat, or verbally saying "tap" to indicate you give up.
Choke
A submission that restricts blood flow or air to force a tap.
Joint Lock
A submission that attacks a joint by hyperextending or rotating it.
Armbar
A joint lock hyperextending the elbow, one of the most fundamental submissions.
Triangle Choke
A choke using your legs in a figure-four around the opponent's head and arm.
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