βοΈ BJJ Submission Chaining Guide
How to chain BJJ submissions: link armbars to triangles to omoplatas, build submission sequences, and never run out of attacks.
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Why Chaining Beats Single Attacks
Attempting a single submission in isolation is easy to defend. When you chain submissions, your opponent's defense to attack #1 creates the opening for attack #2. Elite grapplers don't try submissions β they flow through submission systems.
Core Submission Chains
πΊ The Triangle Family (Closed Guard)
| Attack #1 | Defense | Attack #2 |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle choke | They stack / posture up | Omoplata (swing leg back) |
| Triangle choke | They grab their own collar | Armbar (extend hip, push arm) |
| Armbar (guard) | They pull arm out | Triangle (re-enter with leg) |
| Omoplata | They roll through | Triangle / guillotine entry |
𦡠The Armbar Family (Mount / Guard)
| Attack #1 | Defense | Attack #2 |
|---|---|---|
| Armbar (mount) | They stack / grip hands | Triangle (swing leg over) |
| Armbar (mount) | They posture hard | Kimura (overhook wrist, figure-4) |
| Kimura | They straighten arm | Armbar (keep grip, extend) |
| Kimura | They roll forward | Back take / RNC |
π The Kimura System (Half Guard / Top)
| Sequence | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kimura grip β Kimura | If they resist rotation, use for back take |
| Kimura grip β Back take | Use kimura grip to rotate to back |
| Kimura grip β Guillotine entry | Release and shoot guillotine as they defend |
π¦Ά Leg Lock Chains (No-Gi / Ashi Garami)
| Attack #1 | Defense | Attack #2 |
|---|---|---|
| Inside heel hook | They straighten knee | Toe hold / kneebar |
| Outside heel hook | They shell (hide heel) | Knee reap / calf slicer |
| Straight foot lock | They pull knee in | Heel hook entry (reposition to ashi) |
Building Your Own Chains
Choose a "primary" submission β the one you drill most and feel most confident in. Then answer: what is the most common defense? That defense is the entry to your "secondary" submission. Drill primary β defense β secondary as a single flow drill.
Common Mistake: One-and-Done Mentality
Many white and blue belts attempt a submission, it gets defended, and they reset to neutral. This wastes every defense your opponent makes. Instead: treat every failed submission as a movement that created a new opportunity β stay active, chain immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get Free Access βMore Questions
What is BJJ submission chaining?
Submission chaining is the art of linking multiple submission techniques together in a fluid sequence. The goal is to transition from one submission to another if the first one is defended, maximizing your chances of finishing the opponent.
Why is submission chaining important for purple belts?
At the purple belt level, practitioners are expected to have a solid understanding of individual submissions and begin to develop strategic thinking. Chaining helps bridge the gap between knowing techniques and applying them effectively in dynamic situations.
How do I practice submission chaining effectively?
Start by choosing 2-3 submissions that naturally flow into each other from a common position, like armbar to triangle choke from mount. Practice these transitions slowly and deliberately with a willing partner, focusing on maintaining control and pressure throughout the chain.