Submission Only Training Strategies

[Brandon Mccaghren]

Coaches, competitors, sub-only veterans:

What are you doing to prepare for your upcoming submission only competitions?

More specifically, what are you doing differently than you normally do in competition/fight prep?

I would venture to guess that the more beautiful, fundamental parts of jiu jitsu begin to become even more important when there is no time limit.

Or do you believe that a quick sub is the way to go?

[Rob Cavinii]

I would love to do no time limit matches. I have 5 min to accomplish what I need to do and it sucks.I do so much better when there is at least 10 min.

[bobby rivers]

Always tryin to finish while controlling position and trying to improve position while not gettin caught.

[Brandon Mccaghren]

Always tryin to finish while controlling position and trying to improve position while not gettin caught.

That's more of your actual sub-only competition philosophy, though.

How does that mindset alter your training approaches and activities, or does it?

[Jeremy Gates]

I prefer sub only because u can go out take your time and do what u need to do. I dislike a 5 minute time frame because u need to act quicker specially if your on bottom which can cause mistakes. Number one thing I would work on for sub only events is cardio. Sometimes being able to out gas your opponent will make or break it

[nathan orchard]

most of the tourneys i have been in are sub only. even when i do point comps i dont really pay much attention to points. the only thing i really care about is getting the sub. practice or tourney i just throw subs non stop till i get one. it has seemed to work out for me.

[Brian Debes]

“All my moon instructors who will be making the trip should be sharpening their subs like NOW.

Like in MTS episode 36, Dead Zone days should thrown in at least once a week.” ~ Eddie Bravo in regard to training for a sub only event (the Gracie Worlds).
I’m going to be implementing this, starting now. Each student’s personal game should be leading them toward different “Dead Zones”. Focus on getting there and capitalizing. That’s already something we do, but now it will just represent a higher percentage of class time. I’m also curious to see what everyone else is doing and I am open to implementing other things. Nice thread

[Will Thaxton]

I wouldn't think it would change that much. Sweeps are still important bc dominat position is everything.

[Brian Debes]

I wouldn't think it would change that much. Sweeps are still important bc dominat position is everything.

Tenth planet really shines in this format. An x guard or deep half sweep to your opponents guard isn’t worth nearly as much (still of value), but an electric-chair sweep, for example, with a build in submission attempt and a guaranteed dominate position, is worth a lot more. Everyone should still work their game, but I’d take that into considerations when picking which sweeps to teach. That’s just me though.

[WilliamGunter]

Coaches, competitors, sub-only veterans:

What are you doing to prepare for your upcoming submission only competitions?

More specifically, what are you doing differently than you normally do in competition/fight prep?

I would venture to guess that the more beautiful, fundamental parts of jiu jitsu begin to become even more important when there is no time limit.

Or do you believe that a quick sub is the way to go?

when training for the comps i do lots drills usually sweeps then roll alot the lightest rolls are at 5 min most aren't timed and back to back with little to no rest. small big fat skinny every student every rank. see whats flowing see what needs work.
BTW us grappling does alot of sub only no time limit events on the east coast.