Advanced jiu jitsu moves take your training to a completely different level, combining technique, timing, and precision. Unlike basic ju jitsu moves, these advanced grappling techniques require a deeper understanding of control, leverage, and strategy. They are essential for anyone who wants to improve their performance and gain a real edge over opponents on the mat. By mastering some of the best jiu jitsu moves, practitioners can unlock a powerful range of submissions and transitions that can decide the outcome of a match. From well-known jiu jitsu moves names like the Kimura, omoplata, heel hook, and guillotine choke to more complex setups, each technique offers a unique way to dominate positions and secure finishes.
In this guide, we’ll break down advanced jiu jitsu moves and share practical tips to help you execute them effectively. Whether you’re just getting familiar with core ju jitsu moves or you’re an experienced practitioner aiming to refine advanced grappling techniques, this is a valuable read to level up your skills.
10 Most Difficult and Advanced Jiu Jitsu Moves
Mastering advanced jiu jitsu moves takes dedication, precision, and high-level skill. At 10th Planet Poway, these techniques are refined to help practitioners push beyond their limits and gain a competitive edge. From powerful submissions to complex chokes, here are 10 of the most challenging jiu jitsu moves and why they are so difficult to master.
1. Heel Hook
The heel hook is one of the most effective and dangerous advanced jiu-jitsu moves, targeting the lower body through a powerful twisting motion. It focuses on controlling the opponent’s leg and applying pressure to the heel to force a quick submission.
Process
To execute a heel hook, you must secure proper leg control, often through positions like Ashi Garami, and apply rotational force to twist the opponent’s heel inward or outward. This creates intense pressure on the ankle, knee, and surrounding ligaments, making it highly effective in forcing an immediate tap.
Difficulty
The heel hook is considered one of the most complex advanced grappling techniques. It requires precise control, correct positioning, and a strong understanding of leg entanglements. When applied correctly, it becomes extremely difficult for opponents to escape or counter.
2. Gogoplata
Video Credit: Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
The Gogoplata is a highly technical choke and one of the most advanced jiu jitsu moves, designed to compress the opponent’s windpipe and restrict breathing. It’s a signature submission often seen in high-level grappling.
Process
To execute the Gogoplata, start by establishing a strong rubber guard position. From there, slide your foot under your opponent’s neck while controlling their posture, similar to setting up a Kimura. Next, angle your body (usually onto your hip) and bring your leg across their face. By securing their head with one leg and applying pressure with the shin under the chin, you can tighten the choke and force a submission.
Difficulty
The Gogoplata is one of the most difficult advanced grappling techniques to master. It demands exceptional flexibility, precise timing, and strong control from the rubber guard position. Many practitioners struggle with the mobility and coordination required, making it a challenging but highly effective submission when executed correctly.
3. Rear Naked Choke (Blood Choke)
Video Credit: Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
The Rear Naked Choke (RNC), also known as a blood choke, is one of the most effective jiu jitsu moves for finishing a fight. By cutting off blood flow to the brain, it forces a quick submission when applied correctly.
Types
- Standard Rear Naked Choke
- Palm-to-Palm Rear Naked Choke
Process
To execute the standard RNC, first secure a strong back control position. Slide your arm under the opponent’s chin, grab your opposite bicep, and place your other hand behind their head. Then squeeze your elbows together while expanding your chest to apply pressure. In the palm-to-palm variation, instead of the traditional grip, you interlock your hands tightly. This variation increases control and helps block the carotid arteries more effectively, leading to a faster submission.
Difficulty
While the mechanics are straightforward, setting up the Rear Naked Choke can be challenging. You must achieve and maintain dominant back control against a resisting opponent. Once locked in, however, it becomes extremely difficult to escape, making it one of the best jiu jitsu moves for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
4. Omoplata/Shoulder Lock
Video Credit: Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
The Omoplata is a powerful shoulder lock and one of the most effective advanced jiu jitsu moves, commonly executed from the guard. It uses leg control to isolate the opponent’s arm and apply pressure to the shoulder joint, often leading to a submission or a strong positional advantage.
Process
To perform the Omoplata, begin from closed guard and create an angle by shifting your hips outward. Place your leg across your opponent’s face and rotate your body 180 degrees, trapping their arm between your legs. From here, control their posture by gripping the waist or upper body and apply downward pressure to the shoulder to secure the submission.
Difficulty
The Omoplata is a technically demanding move that requires timing, flexibility, and precise hip movement. The 180-degree rotation can be difficult to execute smoothly, often giving opponents a chance to escape. Additionally, maintaining control, especially against larger opponents, can be challenging, making this one of the more complex advanced grappling techniques to master.
5. Kimura
Video Credit: Evolve Mixed Martial Arts
The Kimura is one of the most powerful and versatile jiu jitsu moves, known for applying intense pressure on the shoulder and elbow joints. Also called the double wrist lock or “chicken wing,” it uses a figure-four grip to isolate and control the opponent’s arm, making it highly effective for submissions, sweeps, and transitions.
Process
The Kimura can be executed from multiple positions, but a common setup is from side control. Start by securing side control with strong chest pressure and control of your opponent’s hips. Isolate their arm and wrap it with your grip, then thread your other arm underneath to lock a figure-four grip by grabbing your own wrist.
Keep their arm away from their body to break their defense, then apply pressure by lifting the elbow and rotating it behind their back. Using your hips and body positioning, increase leverage while maintaining tight control to force the submission.
Difficulty
While the Kimura is widely used, mastering it requires proper timing, grip control, and body positioning. Skilled opponents will resist by locking their arms or adjusting their posture, so maintaining control and applying the correct angle is key. Its versatility makes it one of the best jiu jitsu moves, but executing it effectively under pressure takes practice.
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.
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.
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 is a unique and advanced jiu jitsu move that combines elements of a triangle choke with a forearm choke to apply intense pressure on the opponent’s neck. It’s a highly effective submission for practitioners with good flexibility and control.
Process
To execute the Pace Choke, position your opponent so your leg comes over their neck, similar to a triangle setup. Then, use your arm to secure a Gable grip while tightening the leg position around the neck. By combining leg pressure with forearm compression, you can restrict airflow and force a quick submission.
Difficulty
The Pace Choke is a complex technique that requires precise timing, flexibility, and strong control. Coordinating both upper and lower body pressure makes it difficult to execute, especially against resisting opponents, but when applied correctly, it becomes a highly effective finishing move in both training and competition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. which is essential in jiu jitsu for beginners.
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.
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.
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 advanced jiu jitsu and complex brazilian jiu jitsu moves takes consistency, focus, and the right approach. Here are key tips to improve your skills:
- Drill regularly: Repetition builds muscle memory, helping you execute jiu jitsu moves smoothly during live sparring.
- Roll consistently: Training with different partners exposes you to various styles and improves your understanding of advanced grappling techniques.
- Fix your weaknesses: Identify gaps in your game and spend extra time improving those specific areas.
- Master the basics: Strong fundamentals are essential before progressing to advanced jiu jitsu techniques.
- Train weekly: Practice at least 3–4 times a week to stay consistent and avoid losing progress.
- Stay focused: Minimize distractions during training to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
How Much Time Is Required to Master Jiu-Jitsu Moves and 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, such as 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 and Techniques
Remembering complex bjj moves and advanced Jiu-Jitsu techniques becomes easier with the right habits and consistency. Follow these tips:
- Train regularly: Consistent practice helps reinforce jiu jitsu techniques and improves retention.
- Take notes: Write down key steps after class to review and remember important details.
- Visualize moves: Mentally rehearse techniques to strengthen understanding and execution.
- Stay engaged: Building interest in training makes it easier to remember advanced jiu jitsu techniques.
- Understand concepts: Focus on principles like leverage and positioning, not just memorizing steps.
- Practice consistently: Repetition is key to mastering and recalling bjj moves effectively.
With time and consistency, even the most advanced jiu jitsu techniques become second nature.
Conclusion
Mastering advanced jiu jitsu techniques is a rewarding challenge that sharpens both physical skills and mental strength. Understanding the Benefits of Jiu Jitsu highlights how consistent training in advanced jiu jitsu techniques and bjj moves can transform your overall performance.
Growth and continuous learning are at the core of martial arts. By practicing jiu jitsu techniques regularly, you push your limits and become more confident and capable on the mat.
Ready to take your skills to the next level? Schedule your training today and start mastering advanced grappling techniques with a team that helps you grow and improve every session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest move in Jiu Jitsu?
One of the hardest moves in jiu jitsu is the gogoplata, as it requires exceptional flexibility, control, and precise timing. Advanced transitions like the berimbolo are also considered very difficult due to their complexity and coordination.
What is the most powerful jiu jitsu move?
The rear naked choke (RNC) is often considered the most powerful jiu jitsu move. It is highly effective because it cuts off blood flow to the brain, forcing a quick submission even against stronger opponents.
What are the best jiu jitsu moves for beginners?
Some of the best jiu jitsu moves for beginners include the armbar, triangle choke, and guard passes. These foundational techniques help build a strong base for learning more advanced jiu jitsu techniques later.
How long does it take to learn advanced jiu jitsu techniques?
Learning advanced jiu jitsu techniques can take several years of consistent training. Progress depends on factors like training frequency, coaching, and dedication, but most practitioners begin exploring advanced moves after mastering the basics.
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
