Risks of Flying Submissions
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In grappling most joint locks first involve one grappler using a takedown to bring the other to the floor prior to one of them being able to initiate a submission attack. One of the most exciting techniques to watch in a grappling match is a well timed “flying submission”. This is when one grappler jumps onto an opponent’s limb from a standing position. Most common “flying” submissions include flying armbars and triangles. .
The problem with these techniques is there is a fairly high risk involved. Because the attacker will be upside down there is a good likelihood of landing on the head and/or neck. Also they will not be able to use their arms to brace the fall. When done correctly the opponent will slow down the descent but when done incorrectly the attacker will fall directly on their head/neck. High risk / low success rate.
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A perfect example is @hingerbjj vs @matheusdinizjj . There was no score going into the last minute of the match so Hinger attempted a flying armbar. His opponent immediately slipped out and Hinger landed on his head. In the moment of being dazed Diniz took Hinger’s back and finished with a choke. .
I do not mean to pick on Hinger as he is a very accomplished grappler but this match is a very good example of what can happen when flying submissions go wrong. I personally have used flying submissions successfully in grappling competitions but want to highlight that they are a high risk attack.