Submissions represent one of the most technical and definitive victory methods in combat sports, where a competitor forces their opponent to concede defeat through the application of specific techniques. In their essence, submissions demonstrate how technical proficiency can overcome raw strength, allowing smaller practitioners to defeat larger opponents through proper leverage and positioning. These techniques form the backbone of many grappling-focused martial arts and have become increasingly prominent in mixed martial arts competitions worldwide.
Definition and Mechanics of Submissions
A submission, also called a "tap out," is a combat sports term for yielding to an opponent, resulting in an immediate defeat. This concession is typically performed by visibly tapping the floor or opponent with the hand or foot, or by verbally signaling to the opponent or referee. In scenarios where a fighter has cornermen, these support staff can also stop the fight by "throwing in the towel," which may count as a submission.
The fundamental purpose of a submission is to force an opponent to give up due to pain, the threat of injury, or an inability to escape from a compromising position. What makes submissions particularly effective is that they place competitors in positions where continuing to resist could result in serious injury, unconsciousness, or worse. This creates a unique dynamic where fighters must decide between conceding defeat or risking physical harm.
A technical submission or "stoppage" occurs when the referee intervenes to end the match because a fighter has sustained a serious injury, such as a broken limb, or has been rendered unconscious while trapped in a submission hold. In these cases, the fighter is unable to tap out themselves, necessitating external intervention to ensure their safety. In organizations like the UFC, a submission to strikes also counts as a technical knockout (TKO).
Types of Submissions
Submissions generally fall into two main categories: joint locks and chokes/strangles, each with distinct mechanics and applications.
Joint Locks
Joint locks involve manipulating an opponent's joints (such as the elbow, shoulder, knee, or ankle) to their maximum range of motion, causing pain and creating the potential for injury if the opponent doesn't submit. Common joint locks include:
- Armbar: A technique that hyperextends the elbow joint.
- Kimura: A powerful shoulder lock that twists the shoulder joint.
- Americana: Similar to the kimura but with a different grip configuration.
- Kneebar: A submission that hyperextends the knee joint.
- Heel Hook: One of the most dangerous techniques that twists the ankle and knee simultaneously.
Joint locks are particularly effective because they apply pressure to joints in directions they are not designed to move, creating immediate pain and the risk of structural damage if not addressed promptly.
Chokes and Strangles
The second major category includes chokes and strangles, which restrict either blood flow to the brain (blood chokes) or airflow to the lungs (air chokes), potentially leading to unconsciousness if not released. Common choking techniques include:
- Rear-Naked Choke (RNC): Applied from behind the opponent, compressing the carotid arteries. This is considered the most common and highest percentage submission in MMA
- Guillotine Choke: Applied from the front, often while the opponent is bent forward.
- Triangle Choke: Uses the legs to compress the opponent's neck and one arm, demonstrating how leverage can overcome size and strength advantages.
- Arm-Triangle Choke: Uses the opponent's arm and the practitioner's arm to compress the neck.
- D'Arce Choke: A powerful technique applied when the opponent is on the defensive, shooting an arm under theirs and locking it against the neck.
Chokes may be the most devastating submissions because, while joint locks might result in structural damage if not released, chokes can potentially cause brain damage or death if held too long after unconsciousness.
Submissions by Position
This pie chart titled "Submissions by Position" gives a clear visual breakdown of where submissions most commonly occur in grappling-based combat sports, based on data from UFC. This data supports the strategic principle: "Position before submission." Back control reigns supreme not just theoretically, but statistically proving generally accepted positional hierarchy:
Back control > Mount > Side control > Half guard > Guard > Standing (neutral)
According to this UFC chart:
- Back Control dominates with 44.6% of all submissions. This confirms what most grapplers know intuitively—once an opponent's back is taken, especially with hooks or a body triangle, it's incredibly difficult to escape. Rear Naked Chokes (RNCs) are particularly effective from this position, and this stat validates the emphasis on back control in both BJJ and MMA training.
- Ground Miscellaneous (21.5%) ranks second. This catch-all category likely includes transitions, scrambles, or less common positions like turtle or north-south where submissions are secured before full positional control is established.
- Bottom Guard (7.4%) shows that even when on the bottom, fighters can be dangerous—using armbars, triangles, and sweeps into submissions.
- Mount (5.0%) and After Drop to Ground (5.4%) follow, showing that high-control positions and transitional moments are also prime opportunities.
- Half Guard (3.7%) and Standing (2.9%) are relatively less common for finishes, but still offer pathways—like guillotines or kimuras from half guard.
- Low-frequency positions such as Bottom Mount, Clinch, Crucifix, Bottom Half Guard, and Front Headlock all sit at 0.4%–0.8%, suggesting they’re either harder to finish from or less often held long enough to develop submissions.
Technical Aspects of Executing Submissions
Successfully executing submissions requires more than just knowledge of the techniques; it demands mastery of several key elements:
Positioning and Control
Proper positioning is crucial for applying effective submissions. Fighters often work to achieve dominant positions like mount, side control, or back control to set up submissions. These positions provide the leverage and control necessary to execute techniques with maximum efficiency while minimizing the opponent's ability to defend or counter.
Maintaining control over the opponent's body is essential to prevent escapes and apply pressure effectively. Control must be maintained throughout the submission attempt, as losing it even momentarily can allow the opponent to escape or reverse the position.
Technical Precision
Precision and proper technique are critical for submissions to be effective. Applying a submission correctly requires detailed knowledge of leverage, body mechanics, and timing. Even small adjustments in grip, angle, or body positioning can make the difference between a successful submission and a failed attempt.
In competitive settings, submissions are guaranteed to push a fighter's skills to the next level. The techniques considered most effective have been battle-tested in world championship matches for decades, proving their reliability and effectiveness.
Transitions and Adaptability
Fighters must be adept at transitioning between different techniques as opponents defend. The ability to fluidly move from one submission attempt to another or to adjust a technique based on the opponent's reactions is what separates elite grapplers from average ones.
Submissions in Different Combat Sports
While submissions are central to many combat sports, their application and importance vary across disciplines.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submissions are the primary method of victory. BJJ focuses on controlling an opponent using various pins and finishing the match with submission holds. The effectiveness of submissions can depend on the ruleset, as not all techniques (particularly certain leglocks) are allowed in all competitions or at all belt levels.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
In MMA, submissions provide fighters with a method to end matches decisively without having to rely solely on striking. Submissions can be initiated from various positions, including standing, on the ground, or against the cage. The rear-naked choke is considered by many to be the most superior and common submission in MMA competition.
Understanding and executing submissions is essential for MMA fighters, as being well-versed in a variety of submission techniques can be the difference between winning and losing a fight. However, fighters must be careful not to injure their opponents while attempting submissions and must release immediately when their opponent signals submission.
Submission Wrestling
Submission wrestling, also known as submission grappling or simply grappling, is a martial art and combat sport that focuses specifically on ground fighting and submission techniques. It's a hybrid discipline incorporating elements from various wrestling styles, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Some MMA schools and fighters use the term "submission wrestling" to refer to their grappling methods while avoiding association with any one particular martial art. The term "no-gi" usually refers to training without the traditional gi (uniform), focusing on techniques that translate more directly to MMA competition.
Historical Development of Submission Techniques
The art of submission has ancient roots dating back hundreds of years. In ancient Greece, pankration emerged as a popular combat sport around the 7th century BCE, combining striking and grappling techniques including joint locks and chokes.
In Japan, jujutsu became prominent in the 17th century, focusing on using an opponent's energy against them and including techniques like joint locks, throws, and pins. Later, Jigoro Kano developed Judo in the late 19th century, incorporating many grappling techniques from jujutsu.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which heavily emphasizes submissions, developed from Judo when Mitsuyo Maeda taught Carlos Gracie in Brazil in the early 20th century. The Gracie family then adapted and evolved these techniques to focus more on ground fighting and submissions.
Other grappling styles emerged that contributed to the development of submission wrestling, such as freestyle wrestling and sambo in the Soviet Union, which blended elements of Judo and traditional wrestling.
Final Thoughts
Submissions represent one of the most technical and decisive aspects of combat sports, allowing practitioners to force opponents to concede defeat through the application of joint locks, chokes, and other specialized techniques. What makes submissions particularly fascinating is that they're not just displays of physical strength but demonstrations of technical skill, timing, strategy, and the ability to outsmart opponents on the ground.
The effectiveness of submissions across various combat sports has cemented their importance in martial arts training worldwide. Whether in the controlled environment of a BJJ competition or the high-stakes arena of professional MMA, the ability to execute submissions properly remains one of the most valuable skills a combat sports athlete can develop. As martial arts continue to evolve, submissions will undoubtedly remain a fundamental component of the grappling arts, representing the perfect balance of technique, leverage, and strategy.
“When I tap, it means I’ve accepted the technique, learned the lesson and look to apply the experience next time I step on the mat. I never give up.”— Ryron Gracie