Introduction to Closed Guard Submissions

This instructional focuses exclusively on submission techniques from the closed guard position, rather than sweeps or combinations. The instructor will systematically explore multiple submission options based on the opponent's defensive posture and blocking attempts.

Cross Choke - Under the Arm

When the opponent maintains basic posture, the first submission option is the cross choke executed by inserting one palm-up hand deep into the collar. The second hand passes underneath with a palm-up grip, allowing the instructor to pull the opponent forward, rotate the wrist toward the body, and finish by cutting the wrist into the throat.

Cross Choke - Over the Arm

When the opponent blocks the under-arm path by defending the bicep, the submission transitions to an over-the-arm grip. The instructor either places the thumb inside the collar or grabs the material at the neck, connects both forearms together, and pulls downward to complete the choke.

Armbar from Closed Guard

If the opponent successfully defends both collar entries, the instructor establishes an armbar by controlling the tricep tendon, placing one foot on the opponent's hip, and rotating to create space. The instructor then elevates the knee into the armpit, passes the arm across the body, grabs the wrist with both hands, and squeezes the knees together to finish the lock.

Triangle Choke Transition

If the opponent escapes the armbar by pulling their arm free and re-establishing posture, the instructor closes the legs and transitions to a triangle choke. The technique involves walking the hips to the side, passing the trapped arm to the opposite side of the opponent's body, adjusting the triangle position, and finishing the choke.

Armbar with Neck Hook Defense

When the opponent regains posture and pulls free from the armbar setup, the instructor's leg hooks the back of the opponent's neck. The instructor then shifts their hips to the opposite side of the opponent's leg, secures the arm, and repositions both knees to face the same direction before finishing the armbar.

Omoplata and Figure-Four Transitions

If the opponent turns and pulls their arm completely free, the instructor transitions to an omoplata setup using a figure-four leg position. By scooting the hips out and pulling the shoulder to the floor, the instructor can secure a short armlock or continue transitioning to a shoulder lock by bringing the foot under the opponent's neck.

Omoplata Sweep and Re-attack

When the opponent drives their weight forward during the omoplata setup, the instructor rolls them over and maintains pressure on the submission. If the opponent manages to escape, the instructor can re-roll back into the omoplata position and continue attacking the same submission with sustained pressure.

Sleeve Break and Collar Choke

Against an opponent with strong posture and good structural defense, the instructor grabs the sleeve and shoots the wrist underneath before popping up to break their grip. By breaking the grip to the side and wrapping the arm, the instructor creates angles to access the collar and finish a choke from a new position.

Knee Smash Armlock and Shoulder Lock

From the sleeve break position, if collar access is unavailable, the instructor can attack an elbow and shoulder lock by placing the foot on the opponent's hip and smashing down with the knee. Alternatively, the instructor can bump their hips up while controlling the wrist, pop the opponent's grip free, and finish either a collar choke or shoulder lock depending on position and grip availability.

Jiu-Jitsu Submissions | Lots of Closed Guard Submissions

Knight Jiu-Jitsu

From Closed Guard

3 min read·10 key moments·PT8M7S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Closed Guard Submissions
•Cross Choke - Under the Arm
•Cross Choke - Over the Arm
•Armbar from Closed Guard

So much more at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu Here are quite a lot of submissions from closed guard. These go from pretty basic to a little more complex, but all are pretty useful and high percentage after some practice and drilling. Let me know what you think and please like and subscribe! Thank you for your continued support through watching and subscribing. Turn on those notifications to know as soon as I post! Hundreds more class instruction videos at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu & BJJ Fanatics. Become a member of this channel for exclusive class videos not available for free. Super cheap cost for access to lots of exclusive content. • Exclusive Class Content at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu • BJJ Fanatics Instructionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y4ujekp6 • T-Shirts available here: tinyurl.com/wzu6ufb • Instagram @knight_jiu_jitsu_ • TikTok @knightjiujitsu

Related Techniques

From Clinch

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about from closed guard?

This video covers introduction to closed guard submissions, cross choke - under the arm, cross choke - over the arm. It provides detailed instruction from Knight Jiu-Jitsu.

How long does it take to learn from closed guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.