Wrestling submissions are a critical part of the sport, offering a path to victory beyond just pins. They’re about strategy, control, and forcing your opponent to tap out. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, understanding and executing submissions effectively is key to success on the mat. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals, covering various submission holds, the mechanics behind them, and how to safely practice and apply them. We’ll explore the ‘why’ behind each technique, not just the ‘how,’ so you can truly understand and use these moves.
This isn’t just a list of moves; it’s a deep dive into the art of wrestling submissions. You’ll learn about positioning, leverage, and the mental aspect of applying pressure. We’ll cover everything from the basic armbar to more complex holds. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation for building your submission game.
Understanding the Basics: What Are Wrestling Submissions?
Wrestling submissions are techniques designed to force an opponent to concede the match by tapping out, signaling their inability to continue. These moves focus on applying pressure to joints, limbs, or the neck, causing pain and discomfort that makes the opponent submit to avoid serious injury. Submissions are a testament to the fact that wrestling is a sport of skill, not just strength. They require a deep understanding of leverage, anatomy, and control.
Why Learn Submissions?
- Victory Beyond Pins: Submissions offer an alternative route to winning, especially when pins are difficult to secure.
- Control and Dominance: Successfully applying a submission demonstrates superior control and tactical understanding.
- Versatility: A well-rounded wrestler is dangerous from all positions, and submissions add another layer to your game.
- Injury Prevention: Knowing how to apply submissions, and how to defend against them, helps prevent injuries for both you and your training partners.
Key Principles of Submission Wrestling
- Leverage: Using your body weight and positioning to create mechanical advantage.
- Angles: Positioning your body to create the most effective pressure on the joint or limb.
- Control: Maintaining a secure grip and body positioning to prevent your opponent from escaping.
- Timing: Knowing when to apply the submission and when to transition to a different hold.
- Pressure: Applying constant, increasing pressure to encourage the opponent to tap.
Common Submission Holds: A Detailed Look
Let’s break down some of the most common and effective submission holds in wrestling. Each of these techniques has its own nuances, advantages, and disadvantages. The key is to practice them regularly and understand how to transition between them.
Armbar
The armbar is a classic submission that hyperextends the opponent’s elbow. It’s a fundamental move that’s easy to understand but challenging to execute effectively. It can be applied from various positions, including guard, mount, and side control.
- Execution:
- Grip: Secure a grip on the opponent’s wrist with one hand and control their elbow with the other.
- Positioning: Position your body so that you are perpendicular to the opponent’s arm, with their arm extended across your body.
- Leg Placement: Trap their arm between your legs, ensuring their elbow is in the crook of your legs.
- Pressure: Extend your legs and hips, applying pressure to the opponent’s elbow to force a tap.
Why it works: The armbar directly targets the elbow joint, making it a very effective submission. The leverage created by your body weight and leg positioning amplifies the pressure.
Defense: The opponent can defend by keeping their elbow tight to their body, escaping your grip on their wrist, or by rolling to escape the position. They may also attempt to stack you.
Guillotine Choke
The guillotine choke is a neck-based submission that’s often applied from a standing position, though it can also be used on the ground. It involves trapping the opponent’s head and one of their arms, then applying pressure to their neck. This choke is a common finishing move in many wrestling styles.
- Execution:
- Grip: Wrap your arm around the opponent’s neck, securing a grip on your own bicep or wrist.
- Positioning: Control their head by pulling it into your chest.
- Pressure: Squeeze your arms together, applying pressure to their neck to restrict blood flow.
- Body Posture: Lean back slightly to maximize the pressure.
Why it works: The guillotine choke cuts off blood flow to the brain, causing the opponent to lose consciousness if they don’t tap. It’s an effective way to control a standing opponent or to quickly finish a match.
Defense: The opponent can defend by tucking their chin, creating space, or driving their head down to break the grip. They might also attempt to turn into you to escape.
Rear Naked Choke (rnc)
The Rear Naked Choke is a powerful submission applied from behind the opponent. It targets the neck and is often considered one of the most effective chokes in wrestling. The RNC is a very common finishing move in wrestling and MMA.
- Execution:
- Positioning: Get behind your opponent, ideally with your chest against their back.
- Grip: Wrap one arm around their neck, reaching under their chin. Use your other arm to secure a grip on your bicep or wrist.
- Pressure: Squeeze your arms together, applying pressure to their neck.
- Control: Maintain control of their body with your legs, keeping them close.
Why it works: This choke restricts blood flow to the brain and can quickly cause an opponent to lose consciousness. The advantage is that you can often apply this choke when your opponent is not expecting it.
Defense: The opponent can defend by tucking their chin, turning to create space, or by grabbing your arm to break the grip. (See Also: Don Bosco Wrestling Camp )
Kimura
The Kimura is a shoulder lock that involves controlling the opponent’s arm and applying pressure to their shoulder joint. It’s named after the famous judoka Masahiko Kimura. This submission is very commonly used in wrestling, Judo, and MMA.
- Execution:
- Grip: Secure a grip on the opponent’s wrist with one hand and grab your own wrist with the other (or vice versa, depending on the angle).
- Positioning: Angle your body to create leverage on the opponent’s shoulder.
- Pressure: Twist the opponent’s arm towards their own back, applying pressure to the shoulder joint.
Why it works: The Kimura attacks the shoulder joint, which is a vulnerable area. It can be applied from various positions, including top position, guard, and side control.
Defense: The opponent can defend by tucking their elbow, preventing you from getting a good grip, or by rolling to escape the hold.
Ankle Lock
The ankle lock targets the ankle joint and can be a very effective submission, particularly in leg-focused wrestling. It requires precision in execution and often involves controlling the opponent’s leg.
- Execution:
- Grip: Secure a grip on the opponent’s ankle, usually grabbing the heel.
- Positioning: Position your body so you can apply pressure to the ankle.
- Pressure: Apply pressure by bending the ankle.
Why it works: The ankle lock targets a vulnerable joint. It’s often used to finish opponents quickly.
Defense: The opponent can defend by moving their foot, or by keeping the ankle tight and straight. They might also try to roll to escape.
Kneebar
The kneebar is a straight leg lock that targets the knee joint. It is a powerful submission that can cause significant damage if applied incorrectly. The kneebar is a very common submission in wrestling. The key to the kneebar is to control the leg properly.
- Execution:
- Grip: Secure a grip on the opponent’s leg.
- Positioning: Position your body so you can apply pressure to the knee.
- Pressure: Apply pressure by bending the knee.
Why it works: The kneebar attacks the knee joint, which is a vulnerable area. It can be applied from various positions.
Defense: The opponent can defend by bending the knee, or by keeping the leg tight and straight. They might also try to roll to escape the hold.
Heel Hook
The heel hook is a leg lock that attacks the ankle and knee. It’s a dangerous submission and is often restricted in some wrestling rules. This submission can inflict significant damage. The key to the heel hook is to control the leg properly.
- Execution:
- Grip: Secure a grip on the opponent’s heel.
- Positioning: Position your body so you can apply pressure to the ankle and knee.
- Pressure: Apply pressure by twisting the foot.
Why it works: The heel hook attacks the ankle and knee joint. It can be applied from various positions.
Defense: The opponent can defend by moving their foot, or by keeping the ankle tight and straight. They might also try to roll to escape. (See Also: How Dirty Are Wrestling Shoes )
Drills and Training: Building Your Submission Skill Set
Simply knowing the techniques isn’t enough; you need to practice them. Drills are a key part of developing muscle memory and understanding the nuances of each submission. Here are some drills you can incorporate into your training routine.
Basic Submission Drills
- Armbar Drill: Start in a controlled position, like side control. Practice transitioning to the armbar, focusing on grip, body positioning, and leg placement. Repeat this drill with a partner.
- Guillotine Drill: Practice the guillotine choke from the standing position, focusing on grip, head control, and applying pressure.
- Rear Naked Choke Drill: Have your partner in a kneeling position. Practice getting behind them, securing the grip, and applying the choke.
- Kimura Drill: Start in side control. Practice transitioning to the Kimura, focusing on grip, body positioning, and applying pressure.
Positional Sparring
Positional sparring is a crucial part of training. It involves starting in a specific position and working to apply submissions or escape the position. This helps you build your ability to transition between positions and capitalize on openings.
- Side Control Sparring: Start in side control and focus on applying submissions like the armbar or Kimura, or escaping to a better position.
- Guard Sparring: Start in guard and work on applying submissions from the bottom, or passing the guard to establish a dominant position.
- Mount Sparring: Start in the mount position and practice applying submissions or escaping the mount.
Live Sparring
Live sparring is the ultimate test of your skills. It’s where you put everything you’ve learned to use. Focus on applying the techniques you’ve drilled, but also be aware of defending against submissions and transitioning between positions. When sparring, be sure to communicate with your partner and tap early if you feel a submission is locked in.
Safety and Etiquette: Wrestling Submission Best Practices
Wrestling submissions can be dangerous, so it’s essential to prioritize safety and follow proper etiquette to protect yourself and your training partners.
Tap Early and Often
Never let your ego get in the way of tapping. If you feel a submission is locked in, tap immediately to avoid injury. It’s better to tap early and train another day than to risk a serious injury. A tap signals that you are giving up the position, and it is a sign of respect for your training partner.
Communicate with Your Training Partner
Communicate with your partner throughout the training session. Let them know if you’re not comfortable with a certain technique or if you need to adjust the pressure. This will ensure that both of you are comfortable and safe.
Control the Pressure
Apply pressure gradually. Don’t crank on a submission immediately. Give your partner a chance to tap. If they don’t tap, increase the pressure slowly and deliberately. This allows your partner to tap before they are injured.
Know Your Limits
Don’t try submissions you are not familiar with. Focus on mastering a few basic submissions before attempting more advanced techniques. This reduces the risk of injury and helps you develop a solid foundation.
Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Always warm up before training. This prepares your body for the physical demands of wrestling. A proper warm-up will help reduce the risk of injury. A proper cool-down is also important to help your body recover.
Respect Your Training Partner
Be respectful of your training partner. Treat them with respect and avoid any unnecessary roughhousing. Wrestling is a contact sport, but it’s important to show respect for your partner and the sport. Communicate and be aware of their limits.
Training Environment
Ensure the training environment is safe. Make sure the mats are clean and in good condition. Remove any potential hazards from the training area.
Advanced Techniques and Strategies
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring more advanced techniques and strategies. This will help you become a more well-rounded wrestler and increase your chances of success. Here are some advanced strategies you can use. (See Also: How To Watch Impact Wrestling Rebellion )
Submission Chains
Submission chains involve transitioning from one submission to another. This can be a very effective way to catch your opponent off guard and secure a submission. For example, you might attempt an armbar, and when your opponent defends, you transition to a Kimura. This will keep your opponent guessing and give you a greater chance of success.
Positional Control
Positional control is the ability to maintain a dominant position and prevent your opponent from escaping. This is crucial for applying submissions. If you can control your opponent’s position, you can dictate the pace of the match and increase your chances of securing a submission.
Takedown to Submission
Takedown to submission involves taking your opponent down and immediately transitioning to a submission. This is a very effective strategy, as it allows you to control the match from the beginning and put your opponent in a vulnerable position. This is the goal of many wrestlers.
Submission Defense
Submission defense is just as important as knowing how to apply submissions. You need to know how to defend against various submissions to avoid getting caught. This includes knowing when to tap, how to escape a submission, and how to prevent your opponent from applying a submission in the first place.
Analyzing Your Opponent
Analyzing your opponent is crucial for success. Pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses and adjust your strategy accordingly. This will help you identify the best opportunities to apply submissions and avoid getting caught in their submissions.
Strength and Conditioning
Strength and conditioning are essential for wrestling. Strength training helps you develop the power and endurance you need to apply submissions, while conditioning improves your stamina and allows you to maintain a high level of performance throughout the match.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced wrestlers make mistakes. Avoiding these common errors can significantly improve your submission game.
Rushing the Submission
Don’t rush the submission. Take your time and make sure you have a good grip and body positioning before applying pressure. This will increase your chances of success and reduce the risk of injury.
Poor Grip
Ensure you have a good grip. A weak grip can make it difficult to control your opponent and apply submissions effectively. Practice your grip strength and focus on securing a strong grip on your opponent’s limb or neck.
Ignoring Position
Don’t ignore position. Position is critical for applying submissions. Make sure you are in a dominant position before attempting a submission. This will give you a better angle and more leverage.
Lack of Communication
Communicate with your partner. Let them know if you’re going to apply a submission, and be aware of their comfort level. This will help prevent injuries and ensure a safe training environment.
Poor Body Positioning
Make sure your body positioning is correct. Poor body positioning can make it difficult to apply submissions and increase the risk of injury. Practice the correct body positioning for each submission.
Conclusion
Wrestling submissions are an art and a science, demanding both technical skill and strategic thinking. Mastery comes through consistent practice, a deep understanding of the mechanics, and a commitment to safety. Remember to always prioritize your safety and your training partner’s safety. Communicate, tap early, and focus on building a strong foundation. By incorporating these techniques and strategies into your training, you’ll not only improve your submission game but also enhance your overall wrestling abilities.
Embrace the journey. Keep learning, keep practicing, and keep pushing your boundaries. The world of wrestling submissions is vast and rewarding. The more you train, the more you will understand the intricacies of each hold and learn how to transition between them fluidly. By becoming proficient in submissions, you’ll become a more versatile and dangerous wrestler.
