From the Clinch
0
Standard·Bernard Rizon
BJJ techniques, Watch out for more...
Translation: standard
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Overview
Standard clinch lock techniques are the foundational standing submission methods applied from basic clinch positions — underhooks, overhooks, collar ties, and body locks. [1] These include standing guillotines executed from a front headlock clinch, standing kimuras from overhook or wrist control, standing arm triangles from a head-and-arm clinch, and standing wrist locks from grip fighting exchanges. Standard clinch locks differ from their ground counterparts primarily in the challenge of maintaining balance and control while applying submission pressure — the opponent can use footwork, level changes, and explosive movement to escape in ways not available on the ground. [2] In MMA, the cage wall provides a stabilizing surface that makes standing submissions more viable; in pure grappling, standing submissions are typically attempted as transitions that flow into takedowns if the submission is not achieved.
History & Origin
Standing submission techniques are among the oldest in martial arts, predating the development of sophisticated ground fighting systems. [1] Classical jujutsu schools trained extensively in tachi-waza (standing techniques) that combined strikes, throws, and standing joint locks as integrated combat sequences. In catch wrestling, standing wristlocks and standing headlocks were standard competitive techniques used in professional matches. [2] The modern revival of standing submissions in MMA has led to increased study of clinch lock mechanics as part of cage-fighting strategy.
Country of origin· shown in random order
- BrazilMMA, BJJ
- USAMMA, Wrestling
- JapanBJJ, Judo
- GreeceWrestling
Effectiveness
Standard submission technique represents the baseline execution of a submission hold, emphasising correct body mechanics, grip placement, and finishing pressure. [1]
Lineage
Standard submissions were codified through judo's katame-waza curriculum and refined in BJJ competition over decades. [1]
Competition Record
Standard submission techniques form the foundation of competitive grappling at all levels from white belt to black belt competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Forced rotation of the glenohumeral joint beyond its natural range of motion
Joints Involved — Shoulder (internal or external rotation), elbow (bent at 90° to create lever arm)
Force Vector — Rotational torque applied through the bent elbow — figure-four grip amplifies rotational force
Leverage Principle — The forearm acts as a lever arm — bending the elbow at 90° maximises rotational torque on the shoulder
Position & Entry
From closed guard — Sit up, control opponent's wrist with both hands, fall to the side and apply figure-four grip, rotate the shoulder
From side control (top) — Isolate the near arm, secure the figure-four grip (wrist and forearm), peel the arm off the mat and rotate
From north-south — Control the near arm, thread the figure-four, walk hips back to increase rotational pressure
Variants
Standard kimura — figure-four grip rotating the shoulder from guard, side control, or north-south
Kimura trap — using the kimura grip as a controlling position to chain multiple attacks
Standing kimura — applied during a clinch or takedown exchange
Reverse kimura — attacking from the opposite rotation angle (Americana direction from kimura grip)
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Standard clinch locks apply joint pressure from standing; risk of sudden takedown amplifies danger
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal — standing submissions follow same rules as...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal — standing joint locks and chokes permitted w...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — standing submissions permitted
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — standing joint locks permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The standard clinch lock applies a standing guillotine or headlock submission from the over-under clinch position — the most common clinch lock scenario in grappling and MMA (Couture, Wrestling for Fighting, 2007)
✓From the clinch, the fighter secures the opponent's head under the arm and applies a choking mechanism using the forearm across the throat
✓The standard clinch lock works best when the opponent shoots a takedown with their head on the outside — the natural clinch response creates the submission opportunity
✓Proper execution pulls the opponent's head down while the hips drive forward — creating the compression angle that closes the choke
✓The free hand secures either a gable grip or reaches over the opponent's back for control — preventing the opponent from posturing out
✓The standard clinch lock can finish standing or transition to guard — pulling guard while maintaining the choke adds body weight to the submission
✓Timing is critical: the lock must be secured during the transition moment when the opponent commits to the takedown — too early or too late allows escape
Common Mistakes
!Squeezing with the arms only — the choke requires hip engagement and posture manipulation, not just arm strength
!Not controlling the opponent's posture — if they can lift their head, the choke releases; keep their head pulled down
!Failing to secure the grip before the opponent postures — the grip must be locked before the opponent realises the threat
!Standing too upright — the hips must drive forward to create the choking angle
!Not pulling guard when the standing finish isn't working — transitioning to guard adds control and leverage
!Attempting from the wrong side — the standard clinch lock requires the head under the correct arm; wrong-side attempts fail
!Holding the position without finishing — if the choke isn't working, transition to a takedown or different submission
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Control Position — maintain dominant position with weight on the opponent
2Isolate the Arm — secure the wrist and thread the arm through for the figure-four
3Lock the Figure-Four — grip own wrist behind the opponent's arm for leverage
4Apply Rotation — rotate the arm to attack the shoulder joint
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip strength, rotational power, shoulder/core stability
Favours
strong forearms and thick wrists
Key muscles
forearm flexors, rotator cuff, core rotators, deltoids
Notes
Clinch locks use standing joint manipulations from the clinch — primarily wrist locks, shoulder locks, and arm cranks. Fundamental to Aikido (kote-gaeshi, ikkyo), Hapkido, and self-defense systems. In MMA, standing submissions from the clinch are rare but spectacular. (Aikido and Hapkido texts in corpus)
Frequently Asked Questions
When controlling an opponent's chin from the clinch, what's a common mistake that gives them an escape?
Leaving your elbow out gives your opponent space to bring their head out and escape. Bernard Rizon emphasizes that you must keep your elbow tight to prevent this.
How do I maintain control when pushing my opponent down and controlling their chin?
Keep your elbow tight against your body. This closes off the space your opponent needs to create an escape by turning their head out.
How does the Standard work?
Standard clinch lock techniques are the foundational standing submission methods applied from basic clinch positions — underhooks, overhooks, collar ties, and body locks. These include standing guillotines executed from a front headlock clinch, standing kimuras from overhook or wrist control, standing arm triangles from a head-and-arm clinch, and standing wrist locks from grip fighting exchanges.
Where does the Standard come from?
Standing submission techniques are among the oldest in martial arts, predating the development of sophisticated ground fighting systems. Classical jujutsu schools trained extensively in tachi-waza (standing techniques) that combined strikes, throws, and standing joint locks as integrated combat sequences.
Is the Standard legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal — standing submissions follow same rules as ground submissions; IJF: legal — Legal — standing joint locks and chokes permitted within standard judo rules; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — standing submissions permitted; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — standing joint locks permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Standard?
Danger rating 5/10. Standard clinch locks apply joint pressure from standing; risk of sudden takedown amplifies danger
How do I set up the Standard?
The standard setup chain: Control Position → Isolate the Arm → Lock the Figure-Four → Apply Rotation.
How do I defend against the Standard?
Standard counters include: Straighten the Arm — extend the arm to break the figure-four grip angle / Roll Toward — roll in the direction of the lock to relieve rotational pressure / Grip the Belt/Shorts — anchor the hand to prevent the arm from being isolated.
What are the variants of the Standard?
Common variants: Standard kimura (figure-four grip rotating the shoulder from guard, side c…); Kimura trap (using the kimura grip as a controlling position to chain …); Standing kimura (applied during a clinch or takedown exchange); Reverse kimura (attacking from the opposite rotation angle (Americana dir…).
How effective is the Standard in competition?
Standard submission techniques form the foundation of competitive grappling at all levels from white belt to black belt competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard?
Top errors to watch for: Squeezing with the arms only — the choke requires hip engagement and posture manipulation, not just arm strength / Not controlling the opponent's posture — if they can lift their head, the choke releases; keep their head pulled down / Failing to secure the grip before the opponent postures — the grip must be locked before the opponent realises the th… / Standing too upright — the hips must drive forward to create the choking angle.
What are other names for the Standard?
The Standard is also known as Sutandādo, Standard Clinch Lock, Standing Clinch Submission.