The Rear Naked Choke: The King of All Submissions

Many consider the Rear Naked Choke (RNC) to be the most dangerous submission in all of jiu-jitsu. It is a blood choke, which restricts blood flow to the brain by compressing the carotid arteries. This leads to a quick loss of consciousness if not defended properly.

Why It’s So Dangerous

The RNC is a high-percentage submission. It is almost impossible to defend once fully applied. It is executed from the back control position. The opponent has very limited options to escape or counter-attack. The choke works effectively on opponents of any size. It requires minimal strength to apply. This makes it a perfect example of jiu-jitsu’s efficiency. At our academy in Irving, we emphasize back control. We teach how to properly apply the RNC without causing harm. It is one of the first submissions a student should learn to recognize and defend.

The Triangle Choke: The Ultimate Leverage Submission

The Triangle Choke is an iconic jiu-jitsu submission. It uses the legs and the opponent’s arm and shoulder to create a powerful blood choke. The name comes from the triangle shape formed by the practitioner’s legs around the opponent’s neck and arm.

What Makes It Effective

The Triangle Choke is an excellent example of leverage overpowering strength. A smaller person can use the power of their legs to subdue a much larger person. It is a versatile submission. It can be applied from various positions, including guard and mount. The setup is very deceptive. Many opponents don’t realize they are in danger until it is too late. The choke restricts blood flow. It also places immense pressure on the opponent’s shoulder and neck. Mastering this position is a key goal for students at MA BJJ Academy in Dallas, TX. We focus on the details that make this choke so potent.

The Armbar: A Classic Joint Lock

The Armbar is one of the first submissions students learn. It is a fundamental technique in both gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu. It works by hyper-extending the opponent’s elbow joint. The practitioner uses their legs and hips as levers to apply pressure.

The Power of a Lever

The danger of the armbar comes from its ability to use leverage against the opponent’s joint. It is a very effective submission. It can cause serious injury if the opponent does not tap. The armbar can be attacked from numerous positions, including closed guard, mount, and side control. This versatility makes it a constant threat. In training at MA BJJ Academy, we always teach to “tap early, tap often” to prevent joint damage. This is a crucial safety rule.

The Kimura: A Dominant Shoulder Lock

The Kimura is a shoulder lock that uses a unique grip to control and rotate the opponent’s arm. It is a painful submission. It can also be used as a dominant control position. From the Kimura grip, a practitioner can sweep, pass the guard, or transition to other attacks.

From Control to Submission

The Kimura is not only a finishing move. It is a powerful tool for positional control. It allows the practitioner to isolate the opponent’s arm. They can then transition to a more dominant position. Its versatility makes it a favorite among experienced fighters. It is a dangerous move when applied with force. This is another reason why it is so important to train in a safe and controlled environment like ours in Irving.

Why Understanding These Positions is Crucial

Knowing these dangerous positions is a sign of a mature fighter. It shows that you respect the art. You also respect your training partners.

Enhanced Defense and Awareness

By understanding the mechanics of these powerful submissions, you learn to recognize them early. This allows you to defend them before they are fully locked in. Your awareness of your own body and your opponent’s posture will improve. This is essential for safety.