After training techniques for hours on end, getting all the techniques right, and still losing, you may start to wonder: Am I executing the optimal submissions? Oftentimes, you find that you use an unoptimal submission method late in a match. In this article, we will cover which submissions were most common in No-Gi BJJ.

Rear-Naked Choke(20.5%)

The rear-naked choke is a classic submission technique used by almost all No-Gi competitors. It's extremely powerful in No-Gi because it doesn't rely on grips from the Gi. It works by compressing the carotid arteries, which can lead directly to a rapid submission if not defended correctly. This finish is a Porrada favourite because it's effective from white belt to black, and it will work from day one through to your absolute prime.

What Makes The Rear-Naked Choke So Effective?

These key aspects of the RNC make it extremely effective and dangerous at all levels of BJJ.

• Position of Control: Being on the back of an opponent is the strongest and safest position to be in during a match. Applying an RNC from the back leaves the opponent in a difficult position where they are forced to fight both your hands and arms simultaneously. The RNC is extremely difficult to escape, especially when sunk in deep.
• Works in Gi and No-Gi: The RNC works in both Gi and No-Gi, making it a highly versatile submission. It can also be applied standing, grounded, or in transition, which further adds to its versatility.
• High Success Rate: The real reason the RNC has such a high success rate is the inability to overcome its physiological effects. You cannot tough it out — you are either going unconscious or breaking free.

Armbar(14.9%)

The armbar is one of the most recognisable techniques in BJJ. The image of an opponent's arm being stretched to the very edge of tapping is visceral and iconic. Unlike the RNC, the armbar relies on forcing a tap through pain or the risk of serious damage. The armbar works by placing extreme pressure on the elbow joint by extending the arm beyond its normal range of motion. You essentially use your entire body as leverage against one joint, which can cause significant damage if the opponent does not tap.

What Makes The Armbar So Effective?

The armbar is relatively simple yet extremely powerful. These key aspects are why the armbar ranks 2nd.

• Positional Versatility: Not only can the armbar be executed from many different positions, but it also flows naturally from other attacks such as triangles and sweeps.
• High Leverage: The hips in an armbar generate far more force than the elbow joint can withstand. Even larger, stronger opponents can be forced to tap if they fail to escape in time.
• Risk of Serious Damage: During an armbar, hyperextension of the arm can damage the elbow joint directly. The technique inflicts extreme pain and can result in a dislocated elbow or torn ligaments.

Heel Hook(11%) & Inside Heel Hook(8.2%)

The heel hook is the leg attack equivalent of the armbar. There are two primary variations: the outside heel hook and the inside heel hook. The inside heel hook targets the MCL and ACL, while the outside heel hook primarily targets the LCL and the posterolateral corner. The heel hook can oftentimes be more dangerous than the armbar, due to pain not being immediately present when pressure is applied. The pressure comes primarily from the rotation of the torso while controlling the heel, but the hips and legs also play a part in securing the position.

What Makes Heel Hooks So Effective?

The heel hook can be just as, if not more, effective than the armbar. These are the primary reasons that drive the heel hook's success.

1. Multiple Damage Points: Both types of heel hooks can damage multiple structures of the knee and leg, including the ACL, MCL, LCL, meniscus, and the joint capsule itself.
2. Late Pain Warning: The structures that a heel hook targets have very few pain receptors. Oftentimes, by the time pain is felt, the damage is already done, and it may be too late to tap safely.
3. Position Control: Leg entanglements are extremely difficult to escape when properly established. When the attacker controls both legs, defensive options are limited drastically. The position is very stable on the ground and hard to exit.

Triangle Choke(5.5%)

Triangle chokes submit opponents the same way as rear-naked chokes, by compressing the carotid arteries and causing unconsciousness. The triangle choke does this by using your legs and the opponent's arm to create a lock around the opponent's neck and apply pressure. It shares the same advantage as the RNC in that no amount of willpower will restore blood flow to your brain.

What Makes The Triangle Choke So Effective?

The triangle choke has many features that make it dominant and a top pick for practitioners of BJJ at all levels.

• Lower Strength Requirement: The triangle choke is driven by the squeezing of the legs combined with the opponent's trapped arm to achieve a submission or loss of consciousness. Since the legs are significantly stronger than the arms, it is much easier to apply substantial pressure.
• Extremely Difficult To Escape: When a triangle choke is fully locked in, it becomes extremely difficult to escape. This is because your legs are completely locked around the neck while maintaining arm control at the same time.
• Multiple Improvement Methods: The triangle choke can be adjusted at multiple points if you are not fully compressing the carotid arteries from your initial positioning. Pulling the head down, angling the hips, and pulling the controlled arm across are all ways to increase pressure.

Rest of Submission Types(39.9%)

Although the top 5 take up 60% of the submissions, there are still so many different ways to submit an opponent. Here's a list of 10 more popular ones that didn't end up making the top 5:

• Guillotine Choke(5%)
• Choke(4.9%)
• Kneebar(4.7%)
• Straight Ankle Lock(3.8%)
• Kimura(2.9%)
• Arm Triangle Choke(2.8)
• Toe Hold(2.6%)
• Outside Heel Hook(2.3%)
• Darce Choke(2.2%)
• Triangle Armbar(1.4%)

Conclusion

While we've covered the most common submission types, it's important to remember that proper training plays a huge part in executing each one of these effectively. Another thing to consider is that everyone's BJJ game is different, and a particular submission might simply not fit your game. Always remember to stay focused, trust the process, and keep a positive attitude about both training and competing.