BJJ submissions for beginners
There are 9 submissions to learn first. All are legal at white belt under IBJJF rules, and all are safe to drill slowly with a partner.
A good first submission is legal at your belt and safe to drill. It also comes from a position you already know.
Chokes to learn first
Rear Naked ChokeFrom the back. It teaches you why back control is the best position.
Cross Collar ChokeGiFrom mount and closed guard. It teaches deep collar grips. Gi only.
GuillotineFrom the front. You will see it often, so learn it from both sides.
TriangleFrom closed guard. It teaches you to use your legs and hips.
Arm TriangleFrom mount and side control. The answer when they push with a straight arm.
Arm locks to learn first
ArmbarFrom closed guard and mount. Your whole body works against one elbow.
KimuraFrom guard, side control and half guard. The grip controls them before you finish.
AmericanaFrom mount and side control. Slow and easy to control, so it is safe to drill.
One leg lock
Why these nine
| Submission | Position | Why learn it first |
|---|---|---|
| Rear naked choke | Back control | The most common finish |
| Cross collar choke | Mount, guard | Teaches grips (gi only) |
| Guillotine | Standing, guard | You will see it often |
| Triangle | Closed guard | Teaches hips and angle |
| Arm triangle | Mount, side control | Works in gi and no-gi |
| Armbar | Guard, mount | Classic from many positions |
| Kimura | Many positions | Also a sweep and a back take |
| Americana | Mount, side control | Slow and easy to control |
| Straight ankle lock | Open guard, top | The safe leg lock |
Also legal at white belt
Ezekiel ChokeGiA sleeve choke from mount. Learn it after the cross collar choke. Gi only.
OmoplataA shoulder lock with your legs. Legal, but harder to learn and to control.
Not legal at white belt
- Heel hooks and knee reaping.
- Kneebars, toe holds, and bicep or calf slicers.
- Wrist locks. They become legal at blue belt.
- Slams and spinal locks without a choke. Illegal at every belt.
These are IBJJF rules. Your gym may have its own list. See legal at white belt.
Try itPick an answer. No sign-in needed.
Which of these is legal at white belt under IBJJF rules?
Train it on the Path
The Before you roll unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.