GB Technique: The Big 5 Submissions

This week on GB Technique, we are going to look at the most effective, time-tested submissions from BJJ.
There are undoubtedly over 100’s of submissions and variations in Jiu-Jitsu, from the most basic Americana shoulder lock that you learn in your first GB Fundamentals class to Advanced submissions like the Baratoplata and beyond.
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But a handful of submissions stand the test of time and account for the majority of submission wins that we see in competition. This is the famous 80 / 20 rule in effect. That is to say that 80% of submissions come from under 20% of available techniques.
Let’s take a look at Gracie Barra Blog’s picks for the most successful submissions (with honorable mention to the Guillotine choke) with some of Gracie Barra’s most experienced instructors.
1- The Kimura Shoulder lock
A great place to start our list is with Master Carlos Gracie Jr showing how to enter into the Kimura lock from the closed guard position.
2- Triangle from the Guard
Prof. Vanessa Waltz is a triangle wizard and she shares her favorite setup for the triangle from the guard
3- Arm Triangle / Shoulder Choke
Prof. Philipe Della Monica shows the submission with many different names (kata gatame in the Japanese judo) that we see often in MMA and No-Gi matches.
4- Straight Armbar
Prof. Philipe DellaMonica demonstrates the straight armbar from the mount -but we know this juji-gatame can be attacked from many different ground positions.
5- Back Mount rear choke
Prof. Kendall Reusing teaches the details of the Collar choke from the back. The No-Gi equivalent – the rear-naked choke and this collar choke probably account for the most submissions at the black belt level.
See also on GB Technique: PROF. MARCIO FEITOSA LEG ENTANGLEMENT GUARD
Writer: Mark Mullen, Gracie Barra Black Belt