Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that emphasizes grappling and ground fighting techniques, and one of the most important positions to control in BJJ is side control. From this position, a skilled practitioner can launch a variety of attacks and submissions, putting their opponent in a dangerous and uncomfortable position. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most effective submissions from side control: the kimura, americana, arm triangle, ezekiel choke, and armbar. We’ll describe the mechanics of each submission, offer step-by-step instructions, and provide tips for executing them more effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced BJJ practitioner, these side control submissions can enhance your grappling game and help you become a more formidable opponent. Let’s dive in!
Kimura (Keylock) Submission
The kimura, also known as the double wristlock or ude garami in Japanese, is a highly effective submission that attacks the shoulder joint by twisting the arm behind the back. From side control, the kimura can be set up by controlling your opponent’s near-side arm and isolating it from their body. Here’s a step-by-step guide to executing the kimura from side control:
- Begin in side control with your opponent flat on their back and their near-side arm extended away from their body.
- Use your chest and shoulder to pin their upper body down, while placing your near-side hand on their wrist to control their arm.
- Slide your other arm under their arm and grab your own wrist or hand to create a figure-four grip (also known as a double wristlock grip).
- Apply pressure to their wrist and elbow by lifting their arm up and back towards their head, while using your chest to drive their shoulder down and prevent them from rolling away.
- Keep applying pressure until your opponent taps out or verbally submits.
It’s important to note that the kimura is a high percentage submission, but it’s not foolproof. Here are some tips to help you execute it more effectively:
- Make sure to control your opponent’s wrist and isolate their arm from their body before attempting the kimura.
- Use your chest and shoulder to maintain heavy pressure on their upper body and prevent them from escaping.
- Focus on the mechanics of the submission, not just brute force. The key is to create torque and leverage by lifting their arm up and back, not just pulling it sideways.
- If your opponent starts to defend the kimura by grabbing their own pants or belt, you can transition to an americana or switch to a different submission altogether.
With practice and patience, the kimura can become a powerful weapon in your BJJ arsenal. Keep drilling and experimenting with it, and don’t be afraid to ask your training partners or instructor for feedback. In the next section, we’ll explore another popular submission from side control: the americana.
Americana (Figure Four) Submission
The americana, also known as the figure four or V-lock, is another highly effective submission from side control that attacks the shoulder joint. It’s similar to the kimura in that it involves twisting the arm behind the back, but the mechanics are slightly different. Here’s how to execute the americana from side control:
- Begin in side control with your opponent flat on their back and their near-side arm extended away from their body.
- Use your chest and shoulder to pin their upper body down, while placing your near-side hand on their wrist to control their arm.
- Slide your other arm under their arm and grab their elbow, pulling it towards your own hip.
- Use your near-side hand to grab your own wrist, creating a figure four grip.
- Apply pressure to their wrist and elbow by lifting their elbow up and away from their body, while using your chest to drive their shoulder down and prevent them from rolling away.
- Keep applying pressure until your opponent taps out or verbally submits.
Like the kimura, the americana can be a high percentage submission if executed properly. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
- Make sure to control your opponent’s wrist and elbow before attempting the americana. If they’re able to tuck their elbow in close to their body, it’ll be much harder to finish the submission.
- Use your chest and shoulder to maintain heavy pressure on their upper body and prevent them from escaping.
- Focus on the mechanics of the submission, not just brute force. The key is to create torque and leverage by pulling their elbow towards your hip and lifting it up and away from their body.
- If your opponent starts to defend the americana by gripping their own pants or belt, you can transition to a kimura or switch to a different submission altogether.
With practice and patience, the americana can become a valuable tool in your BJJ arsenal. Try to incorporate it into your rolling sessions and experiment with different setups and variations. In the next section, we’ll explore a submission that targets the neck: the arm triangle.
Arm Triangle (Kata Gatame) Submission
The arm triangle, also known as kata gatame in Japanese, is a submission that targets the neck by compressing the carotid arteries on one side of the neck with the attacker’s shoulder and the other side of the neck with the attacker’s arm. It can be a highly effective submission from side control, especially against opponents who tend to turn onto their side to escape. Here’s how to execute the arm triangle from side control:
- Begin in side control with your opponent flat on their back and their near-side arm extended away from their body.
- Use your chest and shoulder to pin their upper body down, while placing your near-side hand on their far-side shoulder to control their posture.
- Slide your other arm under their neck and grab their far-side shoulder, pulling it towards you.
- Use your near-side hand to grab your own bicep or wrist, creating a triangle shape with your arms.
- Drop your weight onto your opponent’s chest, while using your arm and shoulder to apply pressure to their neck.
- Keep applying pressure until your opponent taps out or verbally submits.
The arm triangle can be a high percentage submission if you can catch your opponent in the right position. Here are some tips to help you set it up and finish it more effectively:
- Look for opportunities to slide your arm under your opponent’s neck when they turn onto their side to escape side control. This can create the space you need to get your arm in position for the submission.
- Use your near-side hand to control your opponent’s posture and prevent them from turning into you. This will help you maintain control and apply more pressure.
- Make sure to position your shoulder correctly when applying the submission. Your shoulder should be pressing into one side of your opponent’s neck, while your arm is pressing into the other side.
- If your opponent starts to defend the arm triangle by gripping your trapped arm, you can switch to a kimura or transition to a different submission altogether.
The arm triangle can be a valuable addition to your BJJ game, especially against opponents who like to turn onto their side to escape. Try to experiment with different setups and variations, and don’t be afraid to ask your training partners or instructor for feedback.
Ezekiel Choke Submission
The Ezekiel choke is a sneaky submission that can catch your opponent off guard, especially if they’re focused on defending against other attacks. It’s a choke that involves using your sleeve or your opponent’s gi to apply pressure to their neck while using your forearm to compress their carotid arteries. It can be a particularly effective submission from side control, especially if your opponent is tucking their chin or defending against other submissions. Here’s how to execute the Ezekiel choke from side control:
- Begin in side control with your opponent flat on their back and their near-side arm extended away from their body.
- Use your chest and shoulder to pin their upper body down, while placing your near-side hand on their far-side shoulder to control their posture.
- Slide your other arm under their neck, making sure to keep your forearm tight against their neck.
- Reach across your opponent’s neck with your near-side hand, grabbing your own sleeve or the collar of their gi.
- Pull your arm across their neck, using your forearm to apply pressure to their carotid arteries.
- Use your free hand to assist with the choke by pulling down on their far-side shoulder or the back of their gi.
- Keep applying pressure until your opponent taps out or verbally submits.
The Ezekiel choke can be a high percentage submission if you can catch your opponent in the right position. Here are some tips to help you set it up and finish it more effectively:
- Look for opportunities to set up the Ezekiel choke when your opponent is defending against other submissions, or when they’re tucking their chin to avoid being choked.
- Use your near-side hand to control your opponent’s posture and prevent them from turning into you. This will help you maintain control and apply more pressure.
- Make sure to keep your forearm tight against your opponent’s neck throughout the choke. This will help you apply more pressure and prevent them from escaping.
- If you’re having trouble getting the choke, try adjusting the angle of your body or pulling down on your opponent’s far-side shoulder to create more space for your forearm.
The Ezekiel choke can be a valuable addition to your BJJ game, especially if you’re looking for a sneaky submission that your opponents may not be expecting.
Armbar Submission
The armbar is one of the most iconic and effective submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a joint lock that targets your opponent’s elbow, hyperextending it and causing intense pain. The armbar can be applied from a variety of positions, including side control. Here’s how to execute the armbar from side control:
- Begin in side control with your opponent flat on their back and their near-side arm extended away from their body.
- Use your chest and shoulder to pin their upper body down, while placing your near-side hand on their far-side shoulder to control their posture.
- Slide your other leg over your opponent’s head, placing your foot on the mat on the far side of their head.
- Use your hips to lift your body up and over your opponent’s head, while using your other arm to control their near-side arm.
- Bring your legs together, pinching your knees around your opponent’s arm and trapping it against your body.
- Extend your hips towards your opponent’s head, while pulling down on their arm to hyperextend their elbow.
- Keep applying pressure until your opponent taps out or verbally submits.
The armbar is a versatile submission that can be applied from a variety of positions, including side control. Here are some tips to help you set it up and finish it more effectively:
- Look for opportunities to set up the armbar when your opponent is defending against other submissions or when they’re leaving their arms exposed.
- Use your near-side hand to control your opponent’s posture and prevent them from turning into you. This will help you maintain control and apply more pressure.
- Make sure to pinch your knees together tightly around your opponent’s arm. This will help you control their movement and prevent them from escaping.
- Use your hips to generate power and pressure for the armbar. This will allow you to extend your opponent’s elbow more effectively and increase the chances of getting the submission.
The armbar is a classic submission that every BJJ practitioner should know how to execute effectively. By mastering this submission from side control, you’ll be able to finish fights and tournaments with ease.
Guillotine Choke
The guillotine choke is a submission that targets your opponent’s neck by compressing their windpipe. To set it up from side control, start by controlling your opponent’s far-side arm with your near-side arm, while maintaining chest-to-chest pressure. Next, use your free hand to control their head and bring it towards your chest. As you do this, use your legs to create a figure-four lock around your opponent’s neck and arm. This will help you secure the choke and prevent them from escaping. Now, lock your hands together and use your arms to pull up on your opponent’s head while pushing down with your chest. This will compress their windpipe and cause them to tap out or submit. To finish the choke, maintain steady pressure while keeping your opponent’s arm trapped and controlling their movement with your chest and legs. The guillotine choke is a high percentage submission that can be set up from side control with the right technique and timing. Remember to maintain control and pressure throughout the process to increase your chances of success.
In conclusion, side control is a dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that allows you to control your opponent and set up a variety of submissions. By mastering these submissions, you can become a more well-rounded and effective grappler. Remember, the key to executing these submissions effectively is to maintain control, look for openings, and apply pressure at the right time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, incorporating these submissions into your game can help take your BJJ skills to the next level. So, practice these techniques with your training partners and instructors, and watch your submission game improve.
