The Most Effective Submissions in No-Gi BJJ: Stats and Breakdown
When it comes to no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), some submissions consistently prove to be more effective due to their versatility, speed of execution, and difficulty in defending. Based on competition data, these submissions have a higher success rate and are often the deciding factor in matches at all levels. Let's break down the highest-percentage submissions in no-gi BJJ, backed by stats.
1. Rear-Naked Choke (RNC)
Percentage of Submission Wins: Approximately 50% of submission finishes in professional no-gi competitions are rear-naked chokes (RNC).
This submission remains the most dominant submission across no-gi BJJ tournaments and even in MMA. A successful rear-naked choke involves securing your opponent’s back, wrapping your arm around their neck, and applying pressure to cut off blood flow to the brain.
The dominance of the RNC is often attributed to:
Control: Taking the back is one of the most advantageous positions in no-gi, where the absence of gi grips makes it difficult for the opponent to escape.
High finish rate: According to an analysis of ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) data, the rear-naked choke accounts for about 40-50% of all submission finishes at the highest level of no-gi competition.
2. Guillotine Choke
Percentage of Submission Wins: In various no-gi competitions, guillotines account for around 18-22% of submission victories.
The guillotine choke is a versatile submission that can be applied from standing, during scrambles, or from the guard. What makes it so effective in no-gi is its adaptability, especially against opponents who shoot for takedowns.
Key factors for the guillotine’s success:
Versatility: Can be applied from various positions, including guard, standing, and scrambles. It’s especially useful against wrestlers and opponents who aggressively seek takedowns.
High usage in transitions: Studies of professional matches show that guillotines are often the second most common submission in high-level no-gi tournaments, behind the rear-naked choke.
3. Armbar
Percentage of Submission Wins: Armbars contribute to about 15-20% of submission finishes in no-gi matches.
Despite the lack of traditional grips in no-gi BJJ, the armbar remains a powerful submission that can be executed from various positions, such as mount or guard.
Reasons the armbar remains effective:
Positional flexibility: Can be attacked from multiple positions (mount, side control, guard, etc.). It’s often used in combination with other submission attempts, making it harder to defend.
Speed and leverage: In no-gi, submissions that rely on quick, explosive movements tend to work well, and the armbar’s mechanics fit this perfectly. Data from IBJJF and ADCC tournaments show that armbars are one of the top three submissions used to secure a finish.
4. Triangle Choke
Percentage of Submission Wins: Triangle chokes account for about 12-15% of all no-gi submission wins.
The triangle choke is a signature move for many guard players in BJJ. By trapping your opponent's arm and head between your legs and applying pressure, you can force a submission by cutting off circulation or applying a neck crank.
What makes the triangle so effective in no-gi:
Powerful from guard: No-gi competitions show that triangle chokes often come from guard, making it a favorite among bottom players who lack the grip advantages of a gi.
Chains well with armbars: This submission can transition seamlessly into armbars or omoplata, giving it added versatility in competitive matches. Statistics show that the triangle choke is a go-to move in both the UFC and high-level grappling tournaments, with a solid success rate across weight classes.
5. Kimura Lock
Percentage of Submission Wins: Kimura locks contribute to around 8-12% of submission wins in no-gi competition.
The Kimura lock is a powerful shoulder lock that targets the rotator cuff. Its effectiveness comes from its ability to be used in various positions, such as side control, guard, or even standing.
Why the Kimura lock works so well:
Control and power: By controlling the arm and leveraging your body weight, the Kimura puts tremendous strain on the shoulder. Even against larger opponents, it’s difficult to escape once fully applied.
References:
FightMetric Data from UFC Submission Analysis: FightMetric Submissions Data
International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Submission Statistics: IBJJF.org
"Submission Success Rates in No-Gi Grappling" — Bloody Elbow Analysis: BloodyElbow.com
Open Mat MMA Submission Studies: OpenMat.com
ADCC Submission Breakdown Reports: ADCombat.com
BJJ Heroes Submission Statistics (ADCC, IBJJF, etc.): BJJHeroes.com
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