10 Most Effective Submissions For Old Grapplers

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a self-defense combat sport based on the fundamental principles of a predefined philosophy. It incorporates intelligence and leverage and works on the combination of takedowns, throws, and submissions.

BJJ practitioners apply submission techniques with agility and explosiveness at the proper time. The art of BJJ works on efficiency, and fighters can even submit an opponent who is double in size.

The old/senior grapplers are higher in experience, but their physical attributes, including agility and flexibility, may not remain the same. The sport of Brazilian jiu-jitsu provides every grappler an advantage with the maximum opportunities. In this article, we will delve into where the old grapplers can thrive with efficiency. 

BJJ fighters use various tactics to gain a dominant position over their opponents. Submission is one of the most significant elements that distinguishes the contenders from each other. As the word signifies itself, it is used to submit the opponent in place after taking the proper control over them.

Submissions are myriad techniques dependent on taking control over the opponent with the proper timing, execution, and maximum control over the opponent. In jiu-jitsu, submission plays a pivotal role; it is the position where fellow fighters are left with only two options: one is to suffer from the dire pain or submit through a tap.

Instead of being swift and explosive, the old grapplers can use leverage with an accurate strategy. This strategy of BJJ allows a weak or young fighter to submit a huge and double-size fighter. That is why Brazilian jiu-jitsu is considered to be the most versatile art. 

As the athletes age, they face the hurdles of less energy and an increase in dilatoriness. The essence of every submission is taking control of the opponent.

Over time, the senior or old Grapplers cannot participate in their respective martial arts. There are innumerable submissions that are categorized into:

• Arm Locks
• Leg Locks
• Chokes
• Spinal Locks

The diverse art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) opens avenues for the old grapplers, who can still dominate over the young grapplers. In this article, we will find out the best ten submission methods for senior grapplers to execute their effective submission with the incorporation of the selective method. 

Ezekiel choke comes with the advantage of multiple side applications. It is the most common submission method that is used by the grapplers. It is often considered the most deceptive move that can submit the opponent instantly. Ezekiel choke originated in judo, and later, it became part of the various martial arts. It is famous for the multiple names, including:

• Sode Guruma Jime
• Estrangulamento de Ezequiel

Ezekiel choke comes in multiple variations that give the highest percentage in Gi and No Gi tournaments. The best part is that it can be applied with comparatively less effort. It is used by senior or old grapplers. 

The BJJ fighter targets the arm and creates leverage; the choke is applied with the grip of the sleeve and wrist. The pressure is applied to the torso, which chokes the flow of air or blood flow, depending on the angle of the choke application. This is because the hand is against the throat, which blocks the passage of the carotid arteries, stopping the blood flow toward the brain and blocking the airflow. 

• The first step is to take the position of the side control or mount.
• The second step is to trap the opponent by holding the lapel or neck of the opponent.
• To get the dominant position, use the hand on the outer side, palm facing upward.
• The other hand goes under the neck, which helps to create the pressure.
• The pressure is applied on the neck with both of the hands.
• It creates a diagonal choke across the opponent’s neck.
• Finish the choke by applying pressure from both of the sides.

Unlike many chokes or submissions, this ankle lock is way more effective, and it requires less physical effort. It is the submission method that originated in Judo; it is famous for the multiple names that are:

• Ashi-Hishigi
• Straight ankle lock,
• Achilles lock
• Botinha
• Straight Footlock

This method was polished and evolved over time. It is applied with a single leg that is often placed in the cross direction. This leg entanglement targets the ankle and restricts the opponent's movement. The ankle lock requires comparatively less effort, so it is the most suitable submission method for senior or old BJJ fighters. 

A straight ankle lock, or ankle lock as the name suggests, is applied to the ankle. It is established after targeting the main points that are:

• Foot
• Ankle
• Knee
• Hip

Once you have established control over the mentioned areas, the fighter must maintain the leverage by creating pressure on the ankle joint. That causes dire pain and results in the submission. If the ankle lock is applied for more than the required duration, it might lead to a severe injury. 

• The most potent submission of ankle lock is applied with the position of the single leg X position.
• Take control over the hips and restrict their movement with the leg.
• The next step is to control the knee with the under part of the knee.
• The foot is placed in the armpit with the other foot. This helps to secure the position.
• This submission works on the leverage that is very easy for the expert old BJJ fighters.
• Apply the pressure to the ankle with the leverage. It creates the force on the hyperextend foot.

Straight armbar is a variation of the armbar used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo. It is one of the most versatile submissions with multiple entries and is considered the most effective method. In addition, it requires less effort, which makes it more suitable for old grapplers.

It works on the simplest principles and can be used in offensive and defensive positions. A straight armbar can be executed from the bottom half guard or even from the mount position. 

A straight armbar works on joint dislocation by gripping the opponent's elbow. The control is taken from the side position. The opponent's upper body is pinned with pressure. The submission is applied to the straight arm by targeting the opponent's wrist.

The placement of the legs restricts the movement of the head. The legs are strategically positioned to control the opponent's entire body. The final step is to hyper-extend their elbow joint. 

• It can be applied from the side control, mount, or guard position.
• The first step is to have a firm grip on the arm of the opponent.
• The fighter keeps the torso over the opponent's chest.
• The next step is putting all the pressure on his upper body.
• Secure the grip by holding the wrist tight.
• The pressure is applied to the opponent's elbow.
• Move the direction of the thumb in the upward direction.

An arm triangle choke is the submission method that requires less physical effort. It is also the most effective method for the old grapplers. It gives the advantage of multiple executions; the arm triangle can be applied from various angles, including:

• Side Control
• Mount Position
• Half Guard

The arm triangle choke is a blood choke; the opponent has two options. The first one is that he either became unconscious after bearing intense pain or went to submit himself. 

This arm triangle submission method applies pressure to the arm and shoulder. As a result, the shoulder arteries get choked, stopping the blood flow of the carotid arteries and the jugular veins, and the opponent bears severe pain.

It cuts off the blood supply to the brain due to the leverage against the shoulder and neck. 

• Arms triangles can be executed from various positions that also include the mount or side control.
• Target the opponent’s head and arm with one hand only.
• The other arm targets the neck area and approaches the armpit.
• Do the transition and move the chest toward the feet of the opponent.
• To restrict the escape, the pressure of the torso is applied to the back of the fighter.
• Put the pressure of the bicep on their neck to apply the choke.
• With the other hand grab the shoulder of the opponent to restrict their movement.
• Apply the pressure so the carotid arteries will get blocked, forcing the opponent to tap.

Loop choke is the most effective submission for old grapplers. It is a dynamic move that is very easy for expert grapplers. It is a versatile move applied from the side control position.

This blood choke works on the dynamics, the leverage or mechanics, rather than the force and strength. This makes it suitable for senior grapplers. 

It works on perfect angles as compared to physical effort. This choke is applied in a comparatively unusual method. The arms grab the neck from over and under position. The angle is adjusted with the proper placement of the shoulder.

The grip of the arms exerts pressure over the neck that blocks the passage of the carotid arteries.

• Take the position of the side control.
• Move one hand under the neck of the opponent.
• The other hand is placed over the bicep to restrict the movement.
• Move the underhand upward and secure BJJ Gi's lapel or collar.
• Move the opponent to the side, increasing the neck pressure.
• Keeping both hands side by side blocks the passage of the carotid arteries, and by working on the mechanics, the old grapplers can easily submit the opponent.

The Kimura submission method is another shoulder lock that targets the opponent's shoulder. The best part is that it can be applied even in a standing position. This joint lock does not work on the fighter's swift movement; it can be applied after proper positioning and from multiple ranges. That is why a Kimura lock is the most suitable method for old or senior grapplers.

On a kimura lock, the position of the forearm is directed straight in the bottom direction. 

Kimura lock is a shoulder lock that works by creating a grip over the shoulder joint. It can be applied from the side mount and guard position. The powerful submission isolates the elbow and shoulders, which work on rotational power. 

• Take the position of the side mount or guard position.
• The next step is to target the shoulder, placing one hand over the shoulder and the other under it.
• Secure the grip by keeping both hands close to each other.
• Put pressure on the torso, which helps to restrict the movement of the fighter.
• The important part is to secure the grip over the wrist with the four fingers.
• Create the base with the legs and finish the kimura lock with the grip.

Americana lock, also known as the keylock, works on the fighter's strength. It is also used in various martial arts, including judo and catch wrestling. It is commonly used with ude garami, top wristlock and figure four armlock.

The fighter grabs the arm that targets the elbow and shoulder joints. The fighter takes the position of the side control, and the Americana lock can be applied from other positions as well. As the fighter grabs the target, the forearm targets in a straight upward direction. 

The fighter targets the elbow and shoulder with leverage and creates a ninety-degree angle. Control over the arm is taken with the figure four grip, which isolates the arm with hyper-external rotation. 

• In the first step, the fighter must take the side control position.
• Target one of the arms and isolate it, hold it with both hands, and bring it down to the mat.
• Keep the hands tight to the torso so there will be less space for the escape.
• Apply the force with both hands and keep the arms in a straight direction. It helps to exert more force over the opponent.
• Keep the wrist of the fighter at the level of the head.
• Secure the wrist with the four-figure grip known as the finger four-arm lock.
• The other hand is dragged under the tricep, and the hand holds its own wrist.
• Americana lock is finished by lifting the opponent's tricep, which creates utter pain, causing the opponent to tap out.

Old grapplers can use their experience with the collar choke, a technique used in Gi tournaments. It works on the principle of taking the proper angle and executing the right pressure.

A collar choke is the essential weapon in the BJJ arsenal. It works by adjusting the proper time along with the perfect angle. 

The dynamic collar choke technique works on the key principle of controlling the lapel or collar with the same hand or on the other side. For instance, if the fighter uses the right hand, he has to grip the left side lapel.

This versatile move creates pressure over the neck and chokes the BJJ practitioner with his own Gi. It comes with multiple variations. 

• It can be applied with the guard and mount position.
• When you are in the guard position, hold the opponent's lapel or collar.
• As you apply the pressure on the lapel, the fighter will place the hands on the mat to have a grip.
• At that time, take one hand and bring it under the arm, and the other arm will hold the side of the lapel.
• The hand under the arm will grip the collar of the opposite side.
• The right hand will grip the collar or lapel of the left side.
• Put the legs over the back of the opponent and secure the grip with the hook of the feet.
• Finish the choke by exerting the force over the neck to submit the opponent.

The rear naked choke is a blood choke that blocks the flow of the blood that is going to the brain. One of the deadliest chokes can put the opponent to sleep in less than nine seconds.

This submission is applied even in the standing position, which can make the person unconscious. This most effective method is used by the military forces; this strangulation is part of their training. 

The fighter targets the opponent from the back and encircles the hand around the neck. The pressure is increased by keeping the arm over the hand. The force of the bicep is added to the neck to restrain the blood flow and choke the opponent. 

• The first step is to attack the opponent's backside; that is certainly the most difficult position to take.
• The next step is to keep one of the arms in front of the neck. The elbow is directed to the downward position.
• On the arm, it is placed over the hand in a way that the pressure is exerted.
• Keep the hand over the torso to restrict the forward movement.
• Finish the choke by exerting the pressure to submit the opponent.

Note that the pressure should not be applied for more than eight seconds. It can create drastic results.

Bow and arrow choke requires less physical effort and can be easily applied by old or senior grapplers. The fighters use their arms, legs, and hands to apply the submission method.

It provides maximum opportunities as it can be applied from the mount, back mount, or side mount position. It is accessible through the lapel or collar. The strangle works on the leverage angle and proper grips. 

Bow and arrow choke is a highly effective choke that chokes the neck. It is considered a variation of the rear naked choke that works on the grips of the hands, power of the arm, and control over the whole body.

The fighter applies the pressure using only one arm instead of two. this choke has the highest percentage for the junior and senior grapplers. 

• Get at the back of the opponent and place the chest against the back of the opponent.
• Hold the lapel with only one hand that is approaching from the back.
• Place one leg over the shoulder of the opponent. Create the hook by adjusting it with the elbow joint.
• The other leg is placed at the torso, and this restricts the movement of the opponent.
• The other hand is used to hold the opponent's leg; this unusual angle disrupts the opponent's balance and helps with the execution of the choke.
• Finish the choke with the pressure on the neck that cuts off the supply of the blood.

The art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not about gaining power and overall control over the opponent; it is about using less energy in the most effective and accurate way. Senior or old grapplers can use superior strategies that show wisdom.

Jiu-jitsu is a combat sport that allows every practitioner to employ their expertise against the oversized practitioner. BJJ is not about speed and mobility. It is about using the perfect angle and leverage at the correct time.