Ask most practitioners at any Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym, and you’ll hear the usual: triangle, armbar, rear naked choke. Proven over time, because effectiveness never goes out of style.
But here’s the thing: most experienced grapplers expect those attacks. They’ve drilled the defenses. Their hands know where to go before their brain even catches up.
That’s why, sometimes, it’s the less-hyped submissions, the ones you don’t see on t-shirts, that sneak in and seal the deal. And when you know how to set them up properly? They finish at really high percentages.
That being said, here are five underrated BJJ submissions that are quietly wrecking people on the mats, from white belt to black.
1) The Ezekiel Choke (From Bottom Mount, Yes Seriously)
Wait… what? Yup. The Ezekiel choke from inside your opponent’s mount is a real thing. It sounds like a white belt trick, but it’s been finished in many high-level fights, even in MMA. It works when your opponent thinks they’re safe, especially if they’re posturing up or resting.
If you’ve got long arms and a decent grip, it can come on fast and tight. All it takes is a distraction, like threatening a bridge or baiting a punch, then shoot your arm across and lock it in.
Why It Works?
No one expects it. Most people are focused on passing or punching, not getting choked from the top position.
2) The Paper Cutter Choke
It might sound like something you’d find in a school supply store, but it’s far more dangerous than most people realize.
From the top side control, you use a deep cross-collar grip and bring your other arm across like you’re slicing paper. The name fits perfectly, it’s sharp, brutal, and most importantly, sneaky.
Why It’s Underrated?
Most folks treat side control like a “rest” position. The paper cutter turns it into a trap, especially if your opponent is framing too hard or trying to shrimp recklessly.
Bonus: It works even if you are not super athletic. You do not need speed, just tight, clean technique.
3) The Cross Collar Choke
This one’s old school. Like Gracie, VHS tape old school.
People think it’s basic. Predictable. But when you know how to set the grip deep, especially from a high guard or when your opponent is trying to posture, it becomes nasty.
Black belts finish this all the time in competition. Why? Because it works. Especially when you combine it with threats like armbar and pendulum sweep, the collar opens right up.
Just think, even BJJ legends like Roger Gracie himself rely on this simple yet incredibly effective technique. It serves as a reminder that at the highest levels, it is often the fundamentals done right that make all the difference.
Why People Overlook It:
It’s not flashy. But if your grips are right, the tap comes fast, often before they realize it’s even tight.
4) The Arm Triangle From Bottom Half Guard
Yeah, you read that right. From the bottom half guard. It’s a weird angle, but if your opponent overcommits with a crossface or reaches under your head too deeply, you can wrap their arm in and slide into a legit arm triangle. From there, roll to your knees or trap the arm, and you’re suddenly finishing from a position where you were “losing”. Pull this off successfully and you’ll not only turn heads, but also score big with the judges.
Why This Works:
It flips the script. Half guard is usually a place to survive or sweep, but this turns it into a trap for overeager top players.
Great for smaller grapplers who face aggressive pressure.
5) The Wrist Lock (a.k.a. The Sub That No One Taps To… Until They Do)
Wrist locks have a bad reputation. Some call them cheap and downright dirty. Others say they’re too hard to pull off. But here’s the deal: if you understand the mechanics and timing, they’re brutal, and they work way more than people admit.
Whether you are on top, bottom, in closed guard, or even in turtle, wrist lock opportunities are everywhere, especially when your opponent grips too hard, posts too high, or neglects hand positioning.
Why They’re Underused:
They feel “dirty.” But even high-level competitors use them quietly. And they get the tap, especially in gi, where grip fighting opens the door.
Flashy Doesn’t Always Finish
In a world of flying triangles and buggy chokes, these underrated submissions still do the job. They’re not sexy. You won’t see them on every highlight reel. But if you sharpen the setups and look for the windows, they work, plain and simple.
And isn’t that what Jiu-Jitsu’s all about? Doing what works. Quietly. Smoothly. Without needing to explain why. Now that you’ve learned more about them, it’s time to get back to drilling and start working them into your own BJJ game.
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