🥋 Track Your BJJ Progress
Log sessions, set goals, and measure improvement with BJJ App
Try for Free →Submission chains are the hallmark of high-level BJJ. Rather than attacking a single submission, elite grapplers flow between multiple attacks, using each defense as an entry to the next threat.
Every submission attempt creates a reaction. A good chain attack anticipates that reaction and has a follow-up ready. The triangle–armbar–omoplata chain from closed guard is the most studied example: when the opponent postures to defend the triangle, the arm becomes available for the armbar; when they stack to defend the armbar, the omoplata opens.
The kimura is perhaps the most versatile submission for chaining. From side control, a kimura grip can lead to the kimura itself, a straight armbar, a guillotine, or a back take depending on how the opponent reacts. Players like Marcelo Garcia built entire games around this single grip.
Modern leg locking involves constant position exchanges. An outside heel hook attempt may transition to a kneebar, then to an inside heel hook, then to a straight ankle lock. Mastery of the ashi garami family allows seamless transitions between these attacks.
Train chain attacks in dedicated drilling sessions. Drill A→B 50 times, then B→A, then A→B→C. The goal is to make transitions automatic so they happen in live sparring without conscious thought.
🥋 Track Your BJJ Progress
Log sessions, set goals, and measure improvement with BJJ App
Try for Free →The core principles of chaining phase focuses on developing precise technique, building muscle memory through repetition, and understanding the underlying mechanics that make this approach effective in live rolling.
The kimura trap system phase focuses on developing precise technique, building muscle memory through repetition, and understanding the underlying mechanics that make this approach effective in live rolling.
The leg lock chains phase focuses on developing precise technique, building muscle memory through repetition, and understanding the underlying mechanics that make this approach effective in live rolling.
The upper body chains phase focuses on developing precise technique, building muscle memory through repetition, and understanding the underlying mechanics that make this approach effective in live rolling.