Advanced jiu jitsu moves take the practice of this martial art to a whole new level. These maneuvers go beyond the basic techniques, requiring greater skill and precision. They are essential for anyone looking to excel in Jiu-Jitsu and gain an edge over their opponents.
By mastering advanced jiu-jitsu moves, practitioners can unleash a potent array of submissions and chokes to make all the difference in competition. Some techniques include the Kimura, omoplata, heel hook, guillotine choke, etc. They offer numerous ways to control your opponent or secure victories with decisive submission holds.
In today’s article, we will explore some of these challenging techniques while providing valuable tips on how to master them effectively. Whether you’re new to JJ or an experienced black belt practitioner looking for further enrichment knowledge, today’s read is worth investing in!
10 Most Difficult and Advanced Jiu Jitsu Moves
Mastering cutting-edge Jiu-Jitsu moves takes dedication and skill. However, the satisfaction of executing these challenging techniques is unparalleled.
From powerful submissions to complex chokes, here are ten awe-inspiring methods you may want to add to your arsenal. Let’s discuss the process for each move and why they are reckoned as challenging.
1. Heel Hook
A heel hook is a leg-based submission that aims to twist the ankle horizontally by strangling the leg and applying pressure on the heel. You must control the knee/hip joints and grasp your rival’s heel to perform this move.
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Process
At first, you need to use transverse force to twist the challenger’s heel inward or outward. This twist will create tension in their ankles and potentially injure various joints and ligaments. The pain from a well-executed heel hook often leads opponents to tap out instantly.
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Difficulty
Mastering this technique can be challenging for newbies and highly trained grapplers. That’s because it requires proper application of leg attacks like Ashi Garami (leg entanglement).
When done correctly, it becomes tough for defenders to escape or counter against the heel hook submission hold.
2. Gogoplata
Video Credit: Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
The Gogoplata is a unique choke in Jiu-Jitsu that targets the windpipe, making it difficult for opponents to breathe.
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Process
To perform this advanced move, you must establish a rubber guard position.
From there, maneuver your foot under your rival’s neck while simultaneously moving your arm as if setting up for a Kimura submission.
Then, bring your left leg over the competitor’s face after flexibly clearing the neck and angling out on your right hip. With one foot grabbing their head and the other underneath their chin firmly, you can apply firm pressure to their neck using both legs.
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Difficulty
The Gogoplata relies on proper technique and control to execute this submission hold successfully. It requires precise timing and positioning to effectively force an opponent into tapping out.
The Gogoplata is one of the most challenging submissions in Jiu-Jitsu. It is difficult because it often involves transitioning from the rubber guard position, which requires considerable flexibility.
Moreover, it would help if you had excellent leg agility and extraordinary flexibility to bring your legs across your contender’s torso and under their chin. Many fighters struggle with this due to limited mobility or lack of training specific to these movements.
3. Rear Naked Choke (Blood Choke)
Video Credit: Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
The Rear Naked Choke, also known as the Blood Choke, is a highly effective submission hold in Jiu-Jitsu. When applied correctly, it leaves opponents with no option but to submit.
This technique has two variations:
- The Standard Rear Choke
- The Palm-to-Palm Rear Naked Choke
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Process
To perform a standard RNC, you must secure your opponent’s back. Then, wrap your attacking arm near their neck while grabbing your tricep muscles. Afterward, grip your shoulder with that hand and apply force by squeezing.
In the palm-to-palm choke variation, instead of grabbing shoulder to hand, you tightly interlock both hands to block all arteries leading to the brain. This interlock cuts blood circulation and forces your opponent to tap or pass out.
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Difficulty
Executing this choke can be challenging as grapplers must first achieve a dominant back mount position for proper application. Once locked in with an RNC from behind – escaping becomes nearly impossible due to its tightness. This tightness makes defense difficult.
4. Omoplata/Shoulder Lock
Video Credit: Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
The Omoplata, a decisive submission move in Jiu-Jitsu, was introduced by Nino Schembri in 1990. This technique can be executed from the closed guard. Moreover, you can even transition into the rubber guard position to control the opponent’s neck.
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Process
To perform an Omoplata, start by hipping out and placing one foot in front of your opponent’s face while spinning 180 degrees. As a result, your leg will cross over your back and wrap around your arm.
To achieve the submission, wrap an arm across the waist of your opponent and apply force to their shoulder.
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Difficulty
Despite its effectiveness when applied correctly, executing an Omoplata is challenging for many JJ practitioners. One reason is that it requires spinning at 180 degrees during grappling, which can be challenging. This broad movement also gives opponents enough time to escape before getting caught in the hold.
Furthermore, maintaining control over larger opponents with just one arm becomes challenging as they try to escape. It’s applicable even after successfully locking in the Omplata grip. Dealing with these factors makes executing an effective Ompla a daunting task indeed.
5. Kimura
Video Credit: Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
The Kimura is a devastating technique that puts tremendous pressure on the opponent’s elbow joint. Also known as chicken wing and double wrist lock, it involves using a figure-four grip to separate the elbow and shoulder joints.
This submission can cause significant damage to the elbow, shoulder joint, and upper arm bone (humerus). What makes this move special is its versatility and strength.
It can be executed from various positions, giving fighters an edge in combat situations. Many well-known grapplers focus on mastering the Kimura because of its potential for sweeps and takedowns.
Kimura can be performed from various positions. One of the ways to execute Kimura is through side control.
- First, establish the side control position with your weight on your opponent’s chest while blocking their hip joint.
- To apply more pressure on their elbow, wrap your arm around their arm tightly.
- Additionally, trap their head using your free leg for extra control.
- With your hips pressing against their shoulder, slip one of your elbows beneath theirs and secure a figure four grip by grabbing your wrist.
- Now, you must immobilize the opponent’s arm by pulling it away from his body using leverage underneath his elbow joint.
- Pull with intensity while turning aside slightly, pushing them away with suitable knee pressures.
6. The Darce Choke
The Darce Choke, named after American grappler D’arce, who popularized it, is a valuable submission move in jiu-jitsu. It’s also known as the No-Gi Brabo or Screw Choke.
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Process
The Darce Choke technique involves wrapping both arms around the opponent’s neck while entangling one of their arms. The aim is to restrict blood flow to the carotid arteries and deprive the brain of oxygen.
Like triangle chokes, pressure is applied on both sides of the neck using your shoulder and arm.
With accurate posture adjustment, you will effectively cut off the blood supply once executed correctly. If you hold onto them too long, this cut-off will temporarily make your opponent unconscious.
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Difficulty
Executing a successful Darce choke requires skill and precision. To perform it, you must adequately position yourself by wrapping your arms around your rival’s head and arm in a figure-four shape.
This submission can be challenging because applying enough pressure at the right spot takes practice. It’s not merely about squeezing with all your strength. You must understand how each part of your body contributes to achieving an effective chokehold.
Practitioners spend considerable time mastering this technique through repetition exercises. They focus on proper positioning and applying precise pressure during training sessions or live sparring matches.
7. Pace Choke
The Pace Choke combines a triangle and a forearm choke to squeeze the rival’s neck. Fighters with flexibility can apply this complex grip effectively.
To execute the Pace Choke, position your opponent so that one leg is placed over their neck. Cross this leg around their neck with your opposing arm, creating a Gable Grip on their throat.
Apply force and squeeze tightly to place significant pressure beneath their neck, ultimately forcing them to tap out.
This submission technique requires accuracy and control to successfully apply during training or competitions in Jiu-Jitsu.
8. The Twister/Spine Lock
The Twister, popularized by Eddie Bravo of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, is a devastating spine lock submission. It rotates the opponent’s head towards one shoulder while twisting their lower body in the opposite direction.
Unlike what many people assume, it targets the cervical column rather than being a neck crank.
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Process
To execute the Twister, begin by locking both your legs around one of your opponent’s legs from back control. Shift your weight to the side where you have control and trap your arm on that same side.
Twist their arm behind your own back to secure an influential position before advancing further into their territory. You can apply force for the Twister submission by crossing your arms over the forehead.
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Difficulty
Although impressive and effective if executed properly, it is commonly regarded as too dangerous for regular practice. That’s due to its potential impact on spinal health and the risk of severe injuries.
Escaping this hold can be extremely difficult. Hence, tapping out becomes paramount to protect yourself from lasting damage.
9. Anaconda Choke
The anaconda choke is a decisive submission move in Jiu-Jitsu that can immobilize and submit an opponent.
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Process
To execute this choke, achieve the top turtle position, allowing greater control over your opponent.
From this position, create space and establish chest-to-head pressure to prevent your opponent from moving forward. Next, slip your right arm under their neck while reaching across with your left arm to grip their right bicep.
Your arms should form a tight figure-four lock around your head and arm.
To properly finish the choke, force your opponent onto their back on the mat. Once in this dominant position, apply relentless pressure using both arms against their neck until they are forced to submit. The submission happens due to a lack of oxygen or intense discomfort.
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Difficulty
This choke can be challenging to execute, especially for beginners. It is often confused with the D’arce choke, but mastering the control of the choking arm is vital. You can become proficient in this technique by practicing and using your arms against your opponent’s head.
Once mastered, even skilled fighters will need help to escape this powerful submission hold.
10. Calf Slicer/Leg Slicer
A calf slicer, a leg slicer, or a thigh crusher is an effective compression lock that targets the calf muscle. This submission involves hooking your shin behind your opponent’s knee and gripping their foot behind the toes. All this is done while applying pressure to the foot with your other foot.
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Process
To perform a calf slicer from the top half guard position, ensure both feet are together. Roll forward over the shoulder closest to your opponent, landing on your back with a triangle leg formation around their hamstring near the knee. This positioning gives you better leverage for executing a successful calf slicer.
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Difficulty
Executing this move can be challenging because it requires significant pressure on your opponent’s calves, causing intense pain. You can exert immense pressure on your opponent by aligning your shinbone below the weaker area of your calf and pulling down on your toes.
The difficulty in executing a calf slicer lies in the precise positioning and timing. It requires control over various aspects, such as
- Maintaining foot placement,
- Accurately hooking the shin behind the knee
- Applying consistent pressure while preventing your opponent from escaping or countering
Proper technique is paramount to avoid injury and effectively apply pressure to your opponent’s leg. Maintaining a solid grip on their foot is essential by holding it securely behind the toes. Using your other foot for leverage also helps create optimal tension during this submission hold.
However, caution must be exercised when practising this move as injury risks exist if applied with excessive force or without proper control.
Tips to Master the Hardest Jiu-Jitsu Technique
Mastering the most brutal jiu-jitsu techniques requires dedication and consistent training. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:
- Drill regularly: Repetition is critical in jiu-jitsu. By drilling techniques repeatedly, muscle memory will develop, making it easier to execute them during sparring.
- Roll regularly: Regular live training sessions with partners of varying skill levels will expose you to different styles and strategies. These sessions will help improve your overall technique.
- Identify weaknesses: Focus on addressing weak areas by seeking specific drills or extra practice time to improve those aspects of your game.
- Master the basics first: Build a strong foundation by mastering fundamental movements before moving on to more advanced techniques. Executing complex moves effectively requires a solid base.
- Train consistently throughout the week: Work three to four times weekly to keep skills sharp. And avoid long breaks, as resuming could be challenging after such breaks.
- Minimize distractions: When practicing, focus intently. Distractions can hinder progress, often leading to injuries.
How Much Time Is Required to Master Jiu-Jitsu Moves Techniques
Mastering jiu-jitsu techniques requires years of dedicated practice and hard work. Generally, it takes about 10 to 15 years of training to become a Black Belt champion and master the most difficult moves in Jiu-Jitsu.
However, there are exceptional cases like BJ Penn, who earned his Black Belt in just three years and four months due to his extraordinary skills and commitment. While everyone’s journey differs, consistent effort is critical to mastering these advanced JJ techniques.
Tips to Remember Jiu-Jitsu Moves Techniques
To remember the most complicated JJ techniques, follow these tips:
- Attend your training sessions regularly for consistent practice.
- Take notes during class to record and review each move you learn.
- Use visualization techniques to rehearse the steps of each method mentally.
- Find ways to build interest and passion in your training, making it easier to remember moves.
- Focus on understanding the core concepts behind each technique rather than just memorizing movements.
- Endeavor towards constant practice with complex JJ techniques.
Conclusion
Mastering advanced Jiu-Jitsu techniques is a thrilling challenge that every practitioner should eagerly embrace. These moves not only enhance our skills but sharpen our mental and physical abilities as well.
Continuous growth and learning are fundamental principles in martial arts. They always push us beyond our limits to become better versions of ourselves on the mat.
At 10th Planet Poway, we foster a supportive community where practitioners can strive together toward their goals. They freely exchange knowledge and inspire each other to reach new heights. Join us at 10th Planet Poway as we embark on this incredible journey of mastering advanced Jiu-Jitsu techniques together!
Contact us today to schedule a trial class for yourself or your child!
10th Planet Poway Jiu Jitsu
14009 Midland Rd. Poway, CA 92064
(858) 848-6444
