Ever wondered about the art of making your opponent tap out in the wrestling ring? It’s a key part of the sport, and it’s more strategic and technical than you might think. From the classic armbar to the intricate ankle lock, submissions are a thrilling element that can change the course of a match in an instant. They add a layer of realism and drama that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
This guide will explore everything you need to know about submissions in wrestling. We’ll break down the different types, the techniques involved, and the strategies behind using them effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned wrestling fan or new to the sport, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and precision required to execute and defend against these match-ending maneuvers. Get ready to learn about the world of wrestling submissions!
What Are Submissions in Wrestling?
In wrestling, a submission is a maneuver designed to force an opponent to give up, typically by applying pressure to a joint or restricting blood flow. The goal is to inflict enough pain or discomfort that the wrestler signals their surrender, usually by tapping the mat or verbally submitting to the referee. This differs from a pinfall, where the objective is to hold the opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a three-count.
Submissions add a layer of complexity and realism to wrestling. They’re not just about brute strength; they require technique, strategy, and an understanding of human anatomy. A well-executed submission can turn the tide of a match in an instant, showcasing the technical prowess of the wrestler.
Types of Submissions
Wrestling submissions come in various forms, each targeting a specific body part or area. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common and effective submission holds:
- Joint Locks: These submissions primarily target joints, forcing them beyond their natural range of motion.
- Chokes and Strangles: These submissions restrict blood flow or air to the head, causing the opponent to lose consciousness or submit.
- Muscle Grabs/Compressions: These submissions apply pressure to muscle groups, causing pain and exhaustion.
Joint Locks: The Technical Art of Pain
Joint locks are the bread and butter of submission wrestling. These techniques focus on hyperextending or twisting joints to cause pain and force a tap-out. Let’s delve into some common examples:
- Armbar: A classic submission where the wrestler traps the opponent’s arm and hyperextends the elbow. This is a very common submission and is often the first submission people learn.
- Kimura: This involves isolating the opponent’s arm and twisting the shoulder joint. The Kimura is a very effective submission because it can be applied from many different positions.
- Ankle Lock: This targets the ankle joint, forcing it to bend unnaturally. The ankle lock is a staple in many wrestling styles.
- Kneebar: The kneebar involves hyperextending the knee joint, causing significant pain.
- Heel Hook: This is a dangerous submission that attacks the ankle and knee, twisting the foot and potentially causing severe damage.
Chokes and Strangles: Cutting Off Circulation
Chokes and strangles are designed to restrict blood flow to the brain, leading to unconsciousness or forcing a quick submission. They are a dramatic and effective way to end a match. Here’s a look at some examples:
- Rear Naked Choke (RNC): The wrestler wraps their arm around the opponent’s neck, squeezing to cut off blood flow. This is a common and effective submission.
- Guillotine Choke: This choke involves trapping the opponent’s head and neck with your arm, applying pressure to the carotid arteries.
- Triangle Choke: The wrestler uses their legs to create a triangle shape around the opponent’s neck, restricting blood flow.
Muscle Grabs/compressions: The Squeeze Play
These submissions focus on applying pressure to specific muscle groups, causing intense pain and fatigue. While not as common as joint locks or chokes, they can be highly effective.
- Abdominal Stretch: This involves stretching the opponent’s abdominal muscles, causing significant discomfort.
- Calf Crush: The wrestler squeezes the calf muscle, causing pain and hindering movement.
- Wrist Lock: A wrist lock is a submission hold that targets the wrist joint, applying pressure to the tendons and ligaments.
How to Execute a Submission
Executing a submission requires a combination of technique, timing, and strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Setting Up the Submission
The first step is to position yourself strategically. This often involves taking control of the match, controlling the center of the ring, and maneuvering your opponent into a vulnerable position. This could involve takedowns, grappling exchanges, or using strikes to create openings.
2. Isolating the Target
Once you’ve gained a favorable position, you need to isolate the body part you want to attack. For example, if you’re going for an armbar, you need to secure the opponent’s arm. This might involve using your legs, arms, and body weight to control the limb and prevent escape.
3. Applying the Hold
With the target isolated, you can now apply the submission hold. This involves using proper technique to apply pressure to the joint, muscle, or area targeted. Ensure that you have a firm grip and that you’re in a position where you can maintain the hold.
4. Increasing the Pressure
Gradually increase the pressure on the targeted area. The goal is to cause enough pain or discomfort to force the opponent to submit. Be aware of your opponent’s reactions and adjust your pressure accordingly.
5. Maintaining the Hold
Once the submission is applied, maintain the hold until your opponent taps out or the referee intervenes. Be mindful of the opponent’s attempts to escape and adjust your position as needed. (See Also: How Do You Score Wrestling )
How to Defend Against Submissions
Defending against submissions is just as crucial as executing them. Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Recognizing the Threat
The first step is to recognize when your opponent is attempting a submission. Pay attention to their body language, grip, and positioning. Being aware of the threat allows you to react quickly.
2. Preventing the Setup
The best defense is often to prevent the submission from being applied in the first place. This involves maintaining good positioning, using your body weight to prevent your opponent from isolating a limb, and controlling the distance.
3. Escaping the Hold
If the submission is applied, you need to escape as quickly as possible. This might involve using a variety of techniques, such as:
- Creating Space: Trying to create space between your body and your opponent’s to relieve pressure.
- Grip Breaks: Breaking your opponent’s grip on your limb.
- Rolling: Rolling to change the angle and escape the hold.
4. Protecting Vulnerable Areas
Protecting vulnerable areas is crucial. Keep your limbs close to your body, avoid extending your joints, and use your body weight to prevent your opponent from gaining leverage.
5. Knowing When to Tap
Sometimes, the best defense is to submit. If you’re caught in a submission hold and cannot escape, it’s better to tap out and avoid injury. Pride has no place in wrestling; protecting your body is paramount.
The Importance of Training
Submissions are not something you can learn overnight. They require dedicated training and practice.
Wrestling Schools and Coaches
The best way to learn submissions is to attend a wrestling school or work with a qualified coach. They can teach you the proper techniques, provide feedback, and help you develop your skills.
Drilling and Sparring
Regular drilling and sparring are essential. Drilling allows you to practice the techniques repeatedly, while sparring helps you apply them in a live setting. This will build muscle memory and improve your reaction time.
Strength and Conditioning
Strength and conditioning are also important. Stronger wrestlers are better able to apply and defend against submissions. Focus on developing overall strength, as well as specific strength for grappling and holding positions.
Studying Matches
Studying matches and analyzing the techniques used by professional wrestlers can also be beneficial. Pay attention to how they set up submissions, execute them, and defend against them.
Strategies for Using Submissions Effectively
Using submissions effectively involves more than just knowing the techniques. It requires strategy, timing, and a good understanding of your opponent.
1. Scouting Your Opponent
Before the match, try to scout your opponent. Learn their strengths and weaknesses, their preferred grappling style, and any tendencies they might have. This information can help you develop a game plan and identify opportunities to use submissions. (See Also: Are You Allowed To Move Your Elbow In Arm Wrestling )
2. Setting Up Submissions
Don’t just jump into a submission. Instead, set it up by using strikes, takedowns, or grappling exchanges to create openings. This will make the submission more likely to succeed.
3. Mixing It Up
Don’t rely on just one type of submission. Mix up your attacks to keep your opponent guessing. This will make it harder for them to defend against your submissions.
4. Using Timing and Deception
Timing is crucial. Apply submissions when your opponent is vulnerable, such as after a takedown or when they’re fatigued. Use deception to trick your opponent into exposing themselves to a submission.
5. Knowing When to Transition
Be prepared to transition from one submission to another if your initial attempt fails. This will keep your opponent on the defensive and create new opportunities.
The Psychology of Submissions
Submissions are as much about psychology as they are about technique. The threat of a submission can influence the entire match.
Creating Pressure
A wrestler who is known for their submissions can create pressure on their opponent. The threat of a submission can force the opponent to be more cautious and less willing to take risks. This can give the submission specialist a significant advantage.
Reading Your Opponent
Understanding your opponent’s reactions is crucial. Watch their body language, facial expressions, and breathing to gauge their level of discomfort. This will help you decide when to increase the pressure or transition to another submission.
Exploiting Weaknesses
Every wrestler has weaknesses. Some might be more vulnerable to joint locks, while others might be susceptible to chokes. Identify your opponent’s weaknesses and exploit them with the right submissions.
The Importance of Selling
Selling a submission is an important part of the performance. A good sell will make the submission look more effective and add to the drama of the match. Learn to convincingly portray pain and discomfort to enhance the impact of your submissions.
Submissions in Different Wrestling Styles
The use of submissions varies across different wrestling styles. Here’s a look at how submissions are used in some popular wrestling styles:
Professional Wrestling
In professional wrestling, submissions are a staple. They are used to add drama, tell a story, and create memorable moments. Professional wrestlers often use a wide variety of submissions, and the emphasis is on making them look convincing.
Amateur Wrestling (folkstyle, Freestyle, Greco-Roman)
Amateur wrestling styles generally place less emphasis on submissions. While some submissions are allowed, the primary focus is on scoring points through takedowns, near falls, and controlling your opponent. Submissions are often used to try to end a match quickly. The rules and regulations vary depending on the specific style.
Mixed Martial Arts (mma)
MMA is a combat sport where submissions play a crucial role. MMA fighters are trained in a variety of submissions, and they use them to win fights. The rules in MMA allow for a wider range of submissions compared to amateur wrestling, including many joint locks, chokes, and other techniques. (See Also: Can I Start Wrestling At 22 )
Catch Wrestling
Catch wrestling is a hybrid style that emphasizes submissions. It combines elements of wrestling, judo, and other grappling arts. Catch wrestlers are known for their technical skills and their ability to apply a variety of submissions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even skilled wrestlers can make mistakes. Here are some common errors to avoid when using submissions:
Poor Positioning
Failing to get into a good position before applying a submission. This makes it easier for your opponent to escape and can leave you vulnerable.
Rushing the Submission
Trying to apply a submission too quickly without properly setting it up. This can make the submission ineffective and give your opponent time to react.
Not Adjusting
Failing to adjust your technique based on your opponent’s reactions. Every opponent is different, and you need to adapt to their movements and defenses.
Ignoring Safety
Not paying attention to your opponent’s safety. Always be aware of the potential for injury, and release the hold if necessary.
Giving Up Too Easily
Giving up on a submission attempt too quickly. Sometimes, it takes time and effort to secure a submission. Don’t give up until you’ve exhausted all options.
The Future of Submissions in Wrestling
Submissions continue to evolve as wrestling styles adapt and new techniques are developed. Here are some trends to watch:
New Techniques
Wrestlers are constantly developing new submissions and refining existing ones. This keeps the sport fresh and exciting.
Increased Emphasis on Technical Skill
There’s a growing appreciation for technical skill in wrestling. Wrestlers are focusing more on mastering the nuances of submission holds and developing their grappling abilities.
Cross-Training
Many wrestlers are cross-training in other grappling arts, such as judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This allows them to expand their knowledge of submissions and improve their overall wrestling skills.
Integration of Mma Techniques
The influence of MMA is evident in wrestling. Wrestlers are incorporating techniques and strategies from MMA into their matches.
Conclusion
Submissions are a fundamental and exciting part of wrestling. They add depth, strategy, and drama to every match. Understanding the different types of submissions, how to execute them, and how to defend against them is essential for any wrestling enthusiast.
From the classic armbar to the intricate rear naked choke, submissions showcase the skill, technique, and athleticism of wrestlers. By studying these techniques and practicing diligently, you can enhance your appreciation for this captivating sport. Whether you’re a competitor or a fan, mastering the art of submissions will undoubtedly enrich your wrestling experience.
