11 Best Half Guard Submissions From Top and Bottom

This article will cover many submissions from the Half Guard position. There’s really no better feeling than forcing your opponent to tap out by executing a submission you learned. When you do that in a real fight—you’ll be pleased and content with your abilities, which will motivate you.

More specifically, this article will review the best submissions from the Half Guard position. If you’re unfamiliar with this position, it’s time to familiarize yourself with it, as it’s exceptionally effective. You’ll be able to finish off fights quickly from both the top and bottom positions.

Its primary characteristic is having one of the opponent’s legs between your legs. That’s usually the bottom position. On the other hand, you can have one of your legs between the opponent’s legs, usually when you’re on top.

Anyways, this list will contain 11 submissions you want to start learning and using to see quick results from your Half Guard game. I’m confident you’ll be able to start learning and mastering them one by one, which will skyrocket your grappling game.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the first one!

#11 – Japanese Necktie (Top)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Japanese Necktie	7	6	6

The first submission we’ll begin with is the Japanese Necktie from top Half Guard. I’m starting with this one for a reason: it introduces you to the world of options fairly quickly. What do I mean by that?

The Japanese Necktie showcases what you’re capable of doing from Half Guard. It starts off like a Guillotine Choke but shifts fairly quickly. Once the opponent defends your Guillotine hold, you’ll shift and go for this submission.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the steps to performing the Japanese Necktie:

1. Start in top Half Guard
2. Block the opponent’s hips with your hand
3. Wait for the opponent to underhook
4. Wrap your left arm around the opponent’s head (clockwise)
5. Shift to the side
6. Land on your elbow
7. Slide your right hand through the opponent’s belly
8. The opponent defends the Guillotine Choke
9. Keep his head bent toward you
10. Push the opponent’s head with your left hand
11. Wrap your hands around his head
12. Lift your chest
13. Drop down to the side
14. Squeeze
15. Wait for the tap

Alright. This is the first submission. I’m not suggesting you should learn it first. In fact, I would recommend learning another one as your first one, particularly if you haven’t begun your Half Guard learning yet.

Nevertheless, this Japanese Necktie variation showcases just how much you can do and how much control you can get from top Half Guard. Many people think that the bottom is more dominant; but this is partly true, as you’ll see further down the list.

Learn more about the Japanese Necktie by following this link.

#10 – Omoplata (Bottom)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Omoplata	8	6	7

The 2nd submission we’ll review is the Omoplata. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s time you do, as it’s highly effective. Attaining it can seem daunting, as the end result seems complicated.

However, it’s not as daunting as it seems. After reading this section, you’ll understand what the Omoplata looks like, how to attain it, and how to finish once you’re there.

First, the Omoplata is an arm submission, which means that you’ll isolate the opponent’s arm and hyperextend it. When your opponent gets this submission on you, you’re pretty much helpless. Escaping it can be arduous.

Here’s how you perform the Omoplata from the Half Guard position:

1. Start in bottom Half Guard
2. Underhook the opponent’s neck
3. The opponent drives forward, trying to pass
4. Shift your body to the side
5. Hook your left leg on the opponent’s back
6. Push his head
7. Keep turning
8. Lock the opponent’s isolated arm
9. Hyperextend the arm by turning
10. Wait for the tap

Follow the link to master the Omoplata!

So let’s dive into the next submission!

#9 – Straight Foot Lock (Bottom)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Straight Foot Lock	7	7	7

#9 is going to be the Straight Foot Lock. This is the first leg lock we’ll review in this article (1 more coming up, so stay tuned for that!) While you can use most leg locks when you attain the respectable brown belt, the Straight Foot Lock is an exception.

You can learn and use it the moment you step onto the mat for the first time. So yea, you can learn it once you’re a white belt.

This variation is one I like a lot because it’s simple and effective. While learning the Half Guard can be quite unintuitive at first for many grapplers, you’ll be able to start submitting people from it quickly.

And you’ll do so with this variation as well, as it’s easy to use. So without further ado, let’s see how to perform this variant of the Straight Foot Lock.

1. Start in bottom Half Guard
2. Bring your knee to the opponent’s far leg
3. Hug his same leg
4. Hook your right leg over his thigh
5. Place both your feet on the opponent’s hips
6. Grab his isolated ankle
7. Extend his toes
8. Extends his foot
9. Wait for the tap

You want to execute it at natural speed. Please don’t hesitate when you’re performing it, as it can hurt your odds of being successful with it. Don’t get me wrong, take your time in training; break down each of the steps while you’re able.

However, when you’re sparring or competing, perform this smoothly. Slow is smooth—and smooth is fast!

I do have an entire article on the Straight Foot Lock. If you’re interested in learning more about it and leg locks in general, definitely follow this link.

#8 – Loop Choke (Bottom)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Loop Choke	7	6	7

The following submission we’ll review is the Loop Choke. I was surprised to find out that some grapplers aren’t aware of this magnificent choke. It’s one that allows you to tap the opponent out quickly and effectively. It’s also fairly easy to learn.

So let’s see how you can execute this variant of the Loop Choke:

1. Start in bottom Half Guard
2. Grab the opponent’s lapel with your left hand
3. Hook the opponent’s head with your right arm
4. Push his head down
5. Slide your right hand under your left arm
6. Apply upward pressure with your right hand
7. Turn to the side
8. Pressure the opponent’s neck with your left hand
9. Squeeze and apply more pressure
10. Wait for the tap

This choke is uncomplicated and can be done in under a few seconds. I’ve found a video that showcases just how quickly you can perform it in real-time. I encourage you to watch it to understand the pace you should aim to execute it.

The Loop Choke is excruciating because you’re using the opponent’s Gi against him. You’re applying pressure in contrary directions around the opponent’s neck. This is fundamental for many chokes, especially this one.

A common mistake novice grapplers make here is putting their thumbs up. You want your thumb to face down, as that’ll give you more leverage to hold your Loop Choke position. The video I listed above showcases exactly why!

If you want to read tips on how to perform the Loop Choke properly, follow this link!

#7 – Armbar (Bottom)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Armbar	9	8	8

The Armbar is one of BJJ’s most influential and effective submissions you can learn. You can begin using it when you’re just a white belt, as it’s fairly easy to learn.

This variation is a favorite of mine, as it’s a high percentage and stealthy. You’ll see why in just a second. Alright. So let’s see how you can perform this Armbar from the Half Guard position:

1. Start in bottom Half Guard
2. Frame the opponent’s hips
3. Block the opponent’s far arm
4. Grab the opponent’s wrist (with your left hand)
5. Grab the opponent’s lapel (with your right hand)
6. Pull the opponent’s isolated arm
7. Lean back
8. Pull yourself to the opponent’s arm
9. Roll to the side
10. The opponent follows yous
11. Isolate the opponent’s arm with your hips
12. Hyperextend the opponent’s arm
13. Wait for the tap

Many grapplers don’t defend their arms when they’re in top Half Guard. As a result, you want to utilize that and attack the close arm, as it’s the one they’ll least expect you to go for.

Many grapplers are prepared for you to attack the Heel Hook or Straight Foot Lock. And consequently, it might be more difficult to attack the legs, for the most part. This is why I’m confident you’ll find yourself getting a lot of wins when you get comfortable with this Armbar variation.

Read more about the Armbar by following this link.

#6 – Americana (Top)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Americana	7	9	8

The Americana is a shoulder manipulation submission you want to know to use. Without it, you won’t be nearly as competent as you could have been if you were to learn it. Therefore, this section is critical.

You want to familiarize yourself with as many variations as possible. I actually wasn’t familiar with this Americana variation when I decided to write this article. But I can definitely testify that this is a successful variation you want to learn.

Let’s see how you can perform the Americana from the Half Guard position:

1. Start in top Half Guard
2. Hook the opponent’s head with your left hand
3. Grab the opponent’s left wrist with your right hand
4. Push the same arm down
5. Grab your wrist with your left hand
6. Lock the grip
7. Pull the opponent’s isolated arm toward you
8. Lean forward while applying shoulder pressure
9. Apply more pressure
10. Wait for the tap

The thing I wasn’t familiar with when I decided to write this article is pulling the opponent’s isolated arm toward you before hyperextending his shoulder. However, that’s so obvious I don’t know how I wasn’t familiar with it in the first place.

This is the beauty of Jiu-Jitsu. You want to set your ego aside and learn as much as possible. I didn’t know about this small detail that can boost your Americana game from Half Guard. There’s no way I won’t use it now!

Learn more about the Americana by following this link!

#5 – Guillotine Choke (Top)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Guillotine Choke	9	7	8

The Guillotine Choke is one of BJJ’s most popular submissions. In fact, it’s so popular that even people who have never done martial arts know about it. So you want to familiarize yourself with as many of its variations as you can, as it’s popular for a reason.

So let’s see how you can perform the Guillotine from top Half Guard:

1. Start in top Half Guard
2. Wait for the opponent to frame and underhook you
3. Lean forward
4. Catch his head and arm
5. Move your right leg closer to your hips
6. Wait for the opponent to bridge up
7. Step back with your left leg
8. Turn to the side
9. Slide your left arm out
10. Wrap your left hand around his head
11. Return to the Mount
12. Close your elbows
13. Arch your back
14. Squeeze
15. Wait for the tap

The video I listed above showcases perfectly the real speed it should be performed in. While this is a relatively long and complicated variation of the Guillotine, you want to perform it in under 5 seconds; yes, 5 seconds!

Is it possible? Of course it is. Watch the video above to see how someone who has mastered this variation performs it. You’ll eventually be able to do the same, with enough practice that is.

If you want to master the Guillotine Choke, follow this link!

#4 – Triangle Choke (Bottom)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Triangle Choke	9	7	8

Similar to the Guillotine Choke, the Triangle Choke is extremely popular. Many people who haven’t trained in martial arts once in their lives are familiar with it. They don’t know how to use it properly, but they know what it looks like.

The Triangle Choke is extremely effective, as it allows you to inflict tons of pressure on the opponent’s neck. Your training partner would be forced to tap out quickly since it’s an excruciating submission you don’t want to get caught with.

So let’s see how you can perform the Triangle Choke from bottom Half Guard:

1. Start in bottom Half Guard
2. Frame the opponent’s arm
3. Wait for the opponent to underhook
4. Overhook the same hand
5. Grab his wrist with your right hand
6. Pull his wrist in
7. Lock a Kimura-grip on the opponent’s wrist
8. Kick your left leg up
9. Hook the same leg over his back
10. Slide your right leg until it comes out
11. Wrap the same leg around the opponent’s head
12. Lock a Triangle lock (trapping his arm and head)
13. Tighten your lock
14. Squeeze
15. Wait for the tap

Watch the video above to really understand how painful the Triangle Choke can be if you perform it correctly. There’s nothing the opponent can do to counter once you got the Triangle locked.

Make sure to follow this link to learn more about the Triangle Choke and why it’s one of BJJ’s most effective and painful chokes!

#3 – D’arce Choke (Top)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
D’arce Choke	9	6	8

The D’arce Choke is a submission I wasn’t aware of for a long time in my training. However, it’s a submission you want to learn if you desire to become a competent user of chokes.

I encourage you to learn this variation if you want to expand your toolbox. This variation includes threatening your opponent with a Straight Arm Lock. So you’re potentially going for two submissions simultaneously. This is excellent news for those who want to start winning more often!

Here’s how to perform the D’arce Choke from top Half Guard:

1. Start in top Half Guard
2. Wait for the opponent to underhook you
3. Open your hip
4. Drive your right arm toward the opponent’s arm (with the underhook)
5. Rotate your arm
6. Once the opponent retreats, wrap the same arm around his head
7. Slide your other hand across the opponent’s head
8. Place your elbow at the back of his head
9. Grab your biceps (with your right hand)
10. Squeeze
11. Wait for the tap

Notice how smooth this choke looks. It’s simply beautiful. However, it also has numerous potential steps that you can mess up and ruin your setup. So keep practicing until you get comfortable with it.

#2 – Kimura (Top)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Kimura	8	9	9

We’ve got two more submissions to cover. I hope you’re excited because I sure am! This time, we’ll review the Kimura, perhaps the most effective upper body submission BJJ has to offer.

It’s so effective that it’s used frequently in the UFC and other MMA platforms. With the Kimura, you can break the opponent’s shoulder quickly, making it a dangerous move to use. So use it with caution and pay attention to your opponent once you manipulate his shoulder joint.

So without further ado, let’s see the steps to perform the Kimura from top Half Guard:

1. Start in top Half Guard
2. Twist your body to the side (cross-body)
3. Slide your knee inside the opponent’s legs
4. Grab the opponent’s wrist
5. Slide your other arm below his isolated arm
6. Grab your first wrist
7. You now have a Kimura grip
8. Place his arm on the mat
9. Bring your left knee up
10. Pull the opponent
11. Shoulder roll to the side
12. Hyperextend the opponent’s arm
13. Wait for the tap

It’s not as complicated as the many steps suggest. It’s actually quite the opposite. However, you want to get the small details rights. That’ll boost your success rate using this Kimura variation.

And if you want to master the Kimura, one of BJJ’s most effective upper body submissions, follow this link to read a comprehensive guide about it.

#1 – Kneebar (Bottom)

Submission	Effectiveness	Simplicity	Overall Grade
Kneebar	8	9	9

Da dum da dum. We have one more submission to cover. We’ve already covered 10 of the most effective submissions from the Half Guard position. I hope you understand how exciting this is for us because we’re now better grapplers.

I’m a big believer in knowledge as a form of power. The more you know, the more threatening you can be. Likewise, the more you know, the more capable you’ll be on the defensive side. Grasp the amount of knowledge this article offers and start understanding and practicing it slowly.

Anyways, here’s how to perform the Kneebar, a wonderful, effective, and practical leg lock!

1. Start in bottom Half Guard
2. Grip the opponent’s collar
3. Push yourself under the opponent
4. Overhook the opponent’s leg
5. Rotate yourself while pushing the opponent
6. Lock the opponent’s leg
7. Turn to the side
8. Apply pressure
9. Wait for the tap

Learn more about the Kneebar by following this link!

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Yes! This is it. It’s time we conclude this article and set you off to practice.

Final Words

This article was a pleasure to write. I’ve been able to learn more about this wonderful martial art named BJJ, which is always satisfying. There’s really no end to the amount of knowledge that BJJ holds.

I encourage you to keep up with what you’re doing. Strive for more knowledge through articles, guides, videos, and most importantly, in real life!

Bookmarking this article is something you want to consider doing, as you want to learn one technique at a time. Learning all 11 at once will slow down your learning pace by a lot. This is why I encourage you to take one submission and practice it plenty of times until you feel very comfortable with it.

If you want to learn more about the Half Guard position, how to maintain it for longer periods, and how to win with it more often, follow this link.

Here are other articles you’d enjoy reading:

Gogoplata & Locoplata 101: BJJ Technique Breakdown

Bow and Arrow Choke – From BJJ Beginner to Pro

13 Best Submissions From Closed & Open Guard (BJJ)

9 Most Effective Submissions From Mount (Must-Know)

Mastering the Elevator Sweep in BJJ – Guide

Butterfly Sweep 101: BJJ Complete Breakdown

BJJ’s 5 Most Effective Sweeps – Suitable for Beginners

BJJ Beginner Moves: The 11 Most Effective Ones