The Best BJJ Submissions - Top Techniques Proven to Win

Best BJJ submissions are at the core of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a discipline that is now more technical, global, and data-driven than ever before. The 2024-2025 competitive landscape offers the clearest insight yet into which submissions reign supreme. With robust analytics from the IBJJF, ADCC, and other top organizations, there’s no better time to let statistics, not just tradition, shape your training and competition mindset. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover which submissions actually deliver on the mat and where to go next in your BJJ journey.

Why Data Matters for Modern Grapplers in best bjj submissions for beginners

Data transforms the way athletes and coaches approach BJJ:

Cuts Through Hype vs. Results: Moves that look flashy on social media may not translate to high-percentage success in real tournaments.
Guides Smart Training: Focus your drill sessions on techniques that matter most, progressing faster up the ranks.
Stays Current with Trends: The meta is always shifting; tracking numbers helps you adapt and thrive.

On the subject of continuous improvement, check out our in-depth guide on how BJJ builds muscle and overall fitness.

Methodology: Where the Numbers Come From

This analysis compiles statistics from over 4,000 professional matches held in 2024 and through mid-2025, including:

IBJJF Worlds and Europeans
ADCC 2024 and regional qualifiers
ONE Championship’s submission grappling division
Data from notable pro circuits like Polaris, Grappling Industries, and WNO

We prioritize submission frequency (how often a technique is used and finished) and success rate (finishes per attempt). This approach highlights moves that are not just popular, but reliably effective. For technical breakdowns, visit Evolve MMA.

The Top BJJ Submissions: By the Numbers

Submission	% of Finishes (2024-2025)	Trends & Notes
Rear-Naked Choke (RNC)	22%	Ubiquitous in Gi, No-Gi, and MMA
Armbar	12%	Threat from guard/mount; timeless classic
Heel Hook	8%	Leg lock meta stabilizing
Collar/Bow & Arrow	5-7%	Gi king, 75-80% finish rate in finals
Triangle Choke	~6%	Especially in lighter divisions
Kimura/Arm Triangle	5-7%	Format-dependent reliability
Straight Ankle Lock	3-5%	On the rise for women and lower belts

Best BJJ Submissions Breakdown: What Makes Them Work

Rear-Naked Choke (RNC)

No move is as universally successful as the RNC. Its prevalence is owed to:

Back Control Mastery: Considered the safest, most dominant position in grappling.
Finish Consistency: Minimal risk of escaping once deep.
Cross-Discipline Dominance: Powerhouse in MMA, self-defense, and all BJJ formats.

Want to build up to this level? Start with our feature on getting started in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. For a detailed dive into world championship stats, IBJJF’s own reports offer invaluable context.

Armbar

A staple from white belt to black belt, the armbar thrives because:

Multiple Setups: From guard, mount, or transition—always a threat.
Efficiency: High finish rate and minimal exposure if failed.
Gender & Weight Class Proof: Success among men and women, light and heavyweights alike.

Before your next roll, be sure you’ve got the essentials nailed down from your first BJJ class.

Heel Hook

Once considered almost exotic, heel hooks have matured within the competitive scene. Key points:

Evolved Defense: Leg lock awareness is now universal at black belt level.
Success in Submission-Only: Rulesets matter—dominant in some, rare in others.
Essential for No-Gi: Even as their once-meteoric rise tapers, heel hooks remain a staple in No-Gi arsenals.

For a clearer view on how BJJ strategies differ by ruleset, explore Gi vs. No-Gi BJJ. For a practical guide on drilling and applying these submissions, check out resources on High Percentage Martial Arts.

Bow & Arrow and Collar Chokes

Especially lethal in the Gi, these submissions dominate because:

Grip Power: Gi grips make defense extremely difficult.
Positional Versatility: Attacks from back, mount, guard, transition.
Finish Rate: At major Gi events, 4 out of 5 bow and arrow attempts finish.

Curious about gear optimized for Gi-focused training? See our recommendations in the essential BJJ sportswear gear guide.

Triangle Choke

A smart attack in open guard play:

Flexibility: Threatens with both a choke and armbar synergy.
Ideal for Lightweights: Remains a favorite among nimble, guard-oriented players.
Sweep-Friendly: Works in tight guard-recovery and scramble situations.

If you’re just building your basics, check the advice in choosing your first BJJ gi for the right equipment.

Kimura & Arm Triangle

Both techniques remain in the top five-to-seven:

Kimura: Leverage and grip-based; great for both Gi and No-Gi. Doubles as a positional control and back-take setup.
Arm Triangle: Prized by wrestlers and pressure passers; translates well into MMA and self-defense.

Thinking about cross-training? Compare arts with our breakdown of BJJ versus wrestling for more on how these submissions transfer.

Straight Ankle Lock

On the ascent, especially in women’s brackets and at lower belts:

Safety: Legal at all IBJJF ranks, promotes technical skill over brute force.
Innovation: Refined finishing mechanics and cross-grips fuel the rise.

2025 Submission Grappling Trends

Ankle Locks Surging: Star grapplers and technical development have made the straight ankle lock a finals-worthy submission—see recent European brackets for proof.
Better Leg Lock Defense: High-level athletes are harder to finish than ever, leading to more setup battles and submission chaining.
Submission-Heavy Finals: IBJJF and regional events in 2025 saw over 50% of finals end via submission—a welcome return to offense-first BJJ.
Chaining is Key: Expect to see RNCs and armbars set up off missed chokes, guard passes, and back takes, especially at the black belt level.

See how modern athletes adjust in our practical guide to starting Jiu-Jitsu. For regular updates on the evolving meta and instructional breakdowns, subscribe to FloGrappling or BJJPASSION.

What Makes a Submission “High Percentage”?

A high-percentage submission shares these traits:

Works Everywhere: Dominates in Gi, No-Gi, and MMA
Set Up from Control: Easier to finish with dominant grips or positions
Repeatable: Can be drilled and reliably executed against resistance
Chains into Others: Survives initial defense and opens opportunities (e.g., RNC <-> armbar)

Submissions to Use with Caution

While innovation is exciting, some techniques simply don’t hold up statistically. Submissions like the buggy choke, inverted armbar, and certain toe holds account for <3% of finishes, with success rates under 15% in elite play. They’re great for occasional surprise attacks or development, but not for building your core game.

Get a deeper understanding of the roots with our Jiu-Jitsu vs. traditional martial arts deep dive.

Internal Links for Further Learning

Upgrade your training apparel with:

Conclusion: Build Your Submission Arsenal Wisely

The verdict from the mat and the numbers is clear: master the rear-naked choke, armbar, triangle, and collar chokes for the greatest chance of victory. Leg locks are essential tools but require robust defense and seamless integration into your game. Rely on data-driven training, keep evolving, and you’ll stay ahead of the curve, whether your goal is local tournament success or international gold.

For more insights, check out our ultimate BJJ guide and make sure your skills and gear match your ambitions on the mat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Best BJJ Submissions

1. Which BJJ submission is statistically the most successful in 2025?

The rear-naked choke (RNC) consistently tops the data, accounting for 22% of finishes across major competitions in both Gi and No-Gi. Its success is attributed to being applied from back control, a position offering maximum control and minimum risk. For foundational training advice, visit our guide to starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.

2. Are leg locks still effective at the elite level?

Leg locks, particularly heel hooks, remain essential but are no longer the “fast track” they once were, due to rapidly improving defensive skills at black belt and elite levels. Their finish rate is now stabilizing, but understanding heel hooks is still vital for a complete No-Gi game. For more on optimizing your equipment and approach, check Gi vs. No-Gi: Which BJJ Style is Better for You?.

3. What is the most effective submission for Gi competitions?

Bow and arrow and other collar choke variations are statistically the most successful in traditional Gi tournaments, boasting finish rates as high as 80% in major finals. These submissions leverage the unique grip options provided by the Gi and are covered in many beginner-focused BJJ guides.

4. Is the armbar still important at higher belts?

Absolutely. The armbar remains one of the top finishes, second only to the RNC in aggregate statistics. Its versatility—being effective from closed guard, mount, and scrambles—means it remains a core technique from white belt through black belt and in all age and weight categories.

5. Should beginners focus on fancy or less common submissions?

It’s much more effective to first master high-percentage classics like the RNC, armbar, triangle choke, and, for Gi players, collar chokes. While creative or lower-percentage submissions (like buggy chokes and flying armbars) can be great for exploration, the data clearly shows they win far fewer matches at every level. See our beginner tips guide for more on building a strong base.

6. How important is chaining submissions together?

Extremely important, especially at intermediate and advanced levels. Today’s top black belts regularly chain attacks, transitioning smoothly from RNC to armbar or collar choke to triangle, increasing the probability of finishing against skilled opposition. Our resource on proven guard passing techniques includes advice on linking attacks.

7. Does the best submission change by weight class or gender?

Certain techniques trend differently: for example, armbars and straight ankle locks are especially prevalent among women’s divisions and lighter weights, while heavier competitors often utilize pressure-based submissions and chokes. Regardless, the top submissions (RNC, armbar, triangle, bow & arrow) remain effective for all categories. Find out more about BJJ weight classes in our comprehensive breakdown.

8. What gear should I use for training submissions safely?

Quality gear like custom rash guards, training shorts, and a properly sized BJJ gi make a difference for both performance and safety. Hygiene is equally crucial; see our hygiene tips.

9. How can I track my own submission success rate?

Adopt the same analytical approach as competitive data studies: log your attempted and finished submissions, calculate your own success rates, and adjust your training accordingly. For goal-setting advice, read 5 goals for blue belts.

10. Where can I find the best BJJ academies to learn these techniques?

Check our list of top BJJ academies in California and our resource for finding BJJ near you.

Use these answers to clarify your next steps, sharpen your training, or point your teammates in the right direction as you level up your submission game in 2025 and beyond. For a deeper dive into any topic, explore the recommended linked resources throughout this article.