I was first introduced to this idea by John Kavanagh of SBG Ireland and coach to Connor McGregor. This is a conceptual framework for teaching submission grappling, especially in the context of MMA or submission wrestling where risk management and positional awareness are critical.
1. Low-Risk, High-Reward Submissions
“If I miss, I’m still in a dominant position.”
Example: Rear Naked Choke (RNC) from back control.
These are submissions where the risk of losing position or control is minimal, making them ideal for both teaching beginners and refining with advanced fighters. They fit well into the principle of “position before submission.” Even if the sub fails, you’re likely still in a position of control (e.g., mount, back, or top side).
- Strategic Role: These are your “safe bet” submissions—your go-to finishers.
- Training Focus: High reps, positional sparring, finishing mechanics.
- Competition Utility: Ideal in both sport and MMA, especially when ahead on points or in control.
- Coaching Tip: Train students to always build a game around Category 1 subs first—they’re foundational.
2. Medium-Risk, Opportunistic Submissions
“If I miss, I end up in a scramble.”
Example: Armbar from back when opponent starts to escape.
These attacks often appear in transitions or from dynamic exchanges. They’re powerful but come with a risk: missing can create a scramble, and you may lose control if you’re not sharp. Still, they’re necessary tools—especially in MMA where gloves can make finishing Category 1 subs harder, and timing becomes critical.
- Strategic Role: Used when your opponent is defending Category 1 attacks well, or in moments where opening presents itself.
- Training Focus: Drills to recover dominant position if the sub fails; entries from motion.
- Competition Utility: Essential for mid-to-high level competition where pure control isn’t always enough.
- Coaching Tip: Emphasize transitional awareness—don’t just drill the finish, drill the failed attempt and follow-up too.
3. High-Risk, Sacrificial Submissions
“If I miss, I end up in a bad position.”
Example: Flying triangle, rolling kneebar, jumping guillotine without control.
These are Hail Mary techniques—sometimes spectacular, but always risky. They often involve willingly giving up position in the hopes of catching a quick finish. They can be great equalizers or momentum shifters, but they also come with high cost if defended properly.
- Strategic Role: Best used when losing, or when you need to create chaos against a superior positional grappler.
- Training Focus: Recognizing timing and entry windows; heavy emphasis on defensive follow-ups.
- Competition Utility: Effective in situations where you’re behind and need to finish, or your opponent leaves a rare opening.
- Coaching Tip: Make clear when and why these are used—teach them, but don’t glamorize them.
Here’s a breakdown of examples for each category, including setup, risk, and follow-up considerations:
Category 1: Low-Risk Submissions
Example: Rear Naked Choke (RNC) from Back Control
- Setup: Hooks in, seatbelt grip, break down posture, isolate neck.
- Why It’s Low-Risk: Even if the choke fails, you still have back control—dominant position retained.
- Follow-up: Retry choke, switch to short choke, or transition to mount if opponent escapes.
Category 2: Medium-Risk Submissions
Example: Armbar from Back Control
- Setup: Opponent defends neck, you isolate arm, swing leg over for armbar.
- Risk: If opponent pulls elbow free mid-transition, you may lose back and enter a scramble.
- Follow-up: Immediately fight to recover guard or re-attack during scramble.
Alternate Example: Kimura from Top Half Guard
- Setup: Isolate opponent’s arm from top half, sit through for finish.
- Risk: If they reverse, you may end up on bottom.
- Follow-up: Keep grip and sweep with Kimura trap, or bail to retain top.
Category 3: High-Risk Submissions
Example: Flying Triangle Choke
- Setup: Jump into triangle as opponent posts arm or stands tall.
- Risk: If timing is off or they base out, you land on bottom with possible pass exposure.
- Follow-up: Create scramble, transition to closed guard or scramble up using collar tie.
Alternate Example: Rolling Kneebar from Standing
- Setup: Dive under opponent’s leg during scramble.
- Risk: Miss timing and give up top position or expose back.
- Follow-up: Use inversion to recover leg entanglement or escape to guard.
Here’s a simple drill progression template for each submission risk category.
🟢 Category 1: Low-Risk Submission – Rear Naked Choke (RNC)
1. Technique Isolation (10 min):
- Seatbelt control → hand fighting → finishing mechanics (1-arm, short choke, palm-to-palm).
2. Positional Entry (10 min):
- Start from mount → back take → RNC attempt.
3. Positional Sparring (10 min):
- Start on opponent’s back, both athletes live (no strikes), goal: finish or escape.
4. Flow Drill (5 min):
- RNC → escape → retake back → RNC (looping).
🟠 Category 2: Medium-Risk Submission – Armbar from Back Control
1. Technique Breakdown (10 min):
- Back control → opponent defends choke → arm isolation → swing leg → finish.
2. Timing & Transitions (10 min):
- Begin mid-escape (opponent sliding off hooks) → armbar entry under pressure.
3. Recovery Drill (10 min):
- Failed armbar → opponent stacks → recover guard or re-attack.
4. Live Scramble Sparring (5 min):
- Begin with back, opponent halfway out → go live and fight for finish or position.
🔴 Category 3: High-Risk Submission – Flying Triangle
1. Technical Entry (10 min):
- Standing base → snap-down fake → jump triangle with posture break.
2. Safety & Bailouts (10 min):
- Missed flying triangle → recover closed guard or turtle scramble.
3. Reaction Drill (10 min):
- Partner feeds specific reactions (posture, overcommitment) → trigger the jump.
4. Controlled Live Reps (5 min):
- Opponent gives partial resistance → execute flying triangle → fight to finish or recover.
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