Introduction to Foundational Submissions
This guide covers the ten highest-percentage submissions suitable for beginning jiu-jitsu practitioners. Each technique requires minimal coordination and can be successfully applied with modest practice. Students should expect to master at least three submissions from this curriculum.
The Armbar from Guard and Mount
The armbar is fundamental to jiu-jitsu submissions. From guard, the practitioner controls the opponent's neck, steps on the hip, and secures the arm between the knees before rotating perpendicular and extending the top leg over the head. Smooth leg placement and maintaining upward thumb position are critical to prevent escape.
The Americana (Keylock)
The Americana is an essential shoulder lock applicable from mount and side control. The practitioner secures an underhook, grabs the opponent's wrist, and rotates the grip toward their hip while keeping their elbow against the mat to close escape routes. This submission pairs effectively with pressure-based passing systems.
The Kamora Lock
The Kamora functions as a versatile arm lock suitable for half guard and full guard positions. After securing the wrist and own wrist with a figure-four grip, the practitioner slides the knee to the armpit and rotates the grip as if moving the opponent's hand around a clock face. Keeping the wrist away from the opponent's body prevents defensive grip breaks.
The Triangle Choke
The triangle choke is effective across all belt levels and executable from multiple positions. From closed guard, the practitioner breaks posture, secures a leg figure-four, and finishes by pulling the head downward or rotating perpendicular to the opponent. Maintaining broken posture and hip placement throughout ensures submission security.
The D'Arce Choke
The D'Arce is a high-percentage front headlock submission requiring the practitioner to slide an arm under the opponent's armpits and clamp the hands in a figure-four position. Driving the shoulder into the opponent's chest while squeezing intensifies the choke, particularly when transitioning to mount position.
The Bow and Arrow Choke
The bow and arrow choke is a fundamental back control submission executed by controlling the opponent's collar with the upper hand and their knee with the lower hand. The practitioner brings the legs over the opponent's shoulder and crosses the ankles while maintaining shoulder positioning behind the neck to prevent rolling escapes.
The First 10 Bjj Submissions You Should Learn
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Foundational Submissions
- •The Armbar from Guard and Mount
- •The Americana (Keylock)
- •The Kamora Lock
In today’s video I’ll be giving you the 10 first bjj submissions that every white belt should learn. These are the submissions which are the easiest to learn and start seeing success with. Add me on the gram; https://www.instagram.com/jedi_himself/ #bjjsubmissions #bjjwhitebelt #armbar
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about chin-down?
This video covers introduction to foundational submissions, the armbar from guard and mount, the americana (keylock). It provides detailed instruction from Jedi Does Jiujitsu.
How long does it take to learn chin-down?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing chin-down?
The D'Arce is a high-percentage front headlock submission requiring the practitioner to slide an arm under the opponent's armpits and clamp the hands in a figure-four position. Driving the shoulder into the opponent's chest while squeezing intensifies the choke, particularly when transitioning to mount position.
