Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is not just about memorizing techniques—it’s about making decisions under pressure. The right move at the right moment can decide whether you escape, control, or finish an opponent. That’s why knowing the most effective Jiu-Jitsu moves is essential for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.
This guide breaks down five popular Jiu-Jitsu techniques, explains when and why to use them, and answers common questions to help you make smarter choices on the mat.
Why Focus on These 5 Jiu-Jitsu Moves?
Before diving into the techniques, let’s answer a decision-making question:
Should you learn a wide variety of flashy submissions, or master a small group of high-percentage moves?
- If you spread too thin, you’ll struggle to apply techniques under stress.
- If you master fundamentals, you’ll build confidence, defense, and offense.
That’s why we focus on five proven moves every practitioner should know. They’re simple, effective, and form the foundation of your BJJ journey—helping you get 1% Better Everyday on and off the mats.
1. Triangle Choke
What if the opponent defends the armbar?
Switch to the triangle choke—a logical next move.
- Choke + arm control: Attacks neck and arm simultaneously.
- Momentum shift: Turns defense into immediate offense.
- Effective in MMA: Useful when strikes are allowed, since it keeps opponents trapped.
2. Armbar (Juji-Gatame): The Classic Submission
Should you attack or defend from bottom guard?
If the opponent leaves an arm exposed, the armbar is your best offensive option.
- Leverages control: Uses hips and legs for power.
- Punishes mistakes: Exploits common errors like posting or overreaching.
- Transition-friendly: Links easily into triangles, sweeps, or omoplatas.
Tip: Don’t just chase the armbar—decide whether to attack or switch to a sweep based on the opponent’s reaction.
3. Kimura Lock: The Shoulder Destroyer
 When is the Kimura the right decision?
Use the Kimura when you want both submission and control.
- Dual purpose: Submission finish OR a setup for sweeps and guard passes.
- Works in multiple positions: Guard, side control, mount, or even standing.
- Shoulder isolation: Targets a joint often left unprotected.
Key choice: If you can’t finish the submission, use the Kimura grip to advance position—a tactical decision that wins matches.
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 4. Rear Naked Choke (RNC)
Why is the Rear Naked Choke one of the most respected moves in Jiu-Jitsu?
If you secure the opponent’s back, the RNC is almost always the smartest choice.
- High success rate: Works at all levels, from white belt to UFC championship fights.
- Minimal strength needed: Relies on leverage and position, not size.
- Universal finish: Effective in both gi and no-gi, sport and self-defense.
Many beginners struggle with “what to do from the back.” The RNC answers that with a clear, decisive option.
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5. Guillotine Choke
What’s the fastest counter to a sloppy takedown attempt?
The guillotine choke.
- Immediate punishment: Punishes opponents who shoot without proper setup.
- Simple mechanics: Easy to learn, hard to escape if locked properly.
- Versatility: Works from standing, closed guard, or half guard.
Many new grapplers struggle with wrestlers who pressure forward. The guillotine gives you a direct answer.
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How to Decide Which Jiu-Jitsu Move to Use
Making the right move is about reading the situation. Ask yourself:
- Am I on top or bottom?
- Do I have position control or am I defending?
- Is my opponent pressuring forward or trying to retreat?
- Do I want a submission, a sweep, or positional advancement?
Decision-Making Flow
Here’s a simplified decision guide:
- Back control → Rear Naked Choke
- Opponent posts arm in guard → Armbar
- Opponent defends armbar → Triangle Choke
- Need control and submission threat → Kimura
- Opponent shoots/sloppy takedown → Guillotine
Final Decision: Master the Fundamentals
You don’t need to know every move. What you need is clarity under pressure. These five techniques give you a complete toolkit:
- Chokes for finishes (RNC, triangle, guillotine)
- Joint locks for control and submissions (armbar, kimura)
- Decision-making framework that keeps you calm and strategic.
The smartest choice? Focus on these five moves until they become automatic. They’re proven, practical, and effective for both self-defense and competition.
And remember—the journey in Jiu-Jitsu is about consistent progress, not shortcuts. At XMartial, we call this the 1% Better Everyday philosophy: small, daily improvements that add up to mastery.
