Never Tap!

Tapping out is the gold standard of defeat in BJJ and submission grappling competition. It’s right there in the sport’s name, “submission grappling.” You grapple until someone submits.

Submission is mostly voluntary. So, Why would someone ever submit?

The first simple answer, to avoid going to sleep. Being choked unconscious is considered a “technical submission.” This means the ref stops the match at the first sign of fainting, stopping you from strangling your unconscious opponent to death.

The other reason to tap, is to avoid joint or bone damage. This is generally up to the competitor to decide what level of pain or injury is acceptable. In lower level tournaments, a ref may step in and stop a match when they see a submission locked in, and foresee an injury. But, this is not a reliable safety net, since these injuries can happen too quickly for refs to see or predict. In professional, or higher level matches, It’s completely up to you as to how much damage you’d like to take. The referee will not step in to stop a locked out arm bar etc. The competitors are experienced enough to weigh their risks. You could simply not tap, and tough it out. In this case a “technical submission” could only occur if there is an obvious bone break or joint dislocation. A referee could stop the match once they see limbs turning the wrong way. However, joint and bone damage may not always be evident to a ref. One could suffer broken bones, “tough it out,” and continue. But, is this a good strategy for competing? Should you tap to fight another day, or should you take the damage for that sliver of opportunity that comes from staying in the match at all costs?

Below is our breakdown of a match in One Championship FC where grappley Mikey Musumeci traps a leg Gantumur Bayanduuren with a fully extended leg lock. Despite the damage Bayanduuren sustains to his leg, he refuses to tap. Musumeci later wins the match by unanimous decision. Bayanduuren sustains extensive damage to the soft tissue in his knee and suffers a fractured ankle. We discuss if it’s worth it, so not quit.

Conventional wisdom says, if you’re caught in a secure and damaging lock, the smart thing would be to submit, to avoid any injury. There are arguments on both sides.

Why You Should Tap Out When Competing in BJJ:

• Injury Prevention: As mentioned above, tapping out is the primary mechanism for preventing injuries in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competition. It allows competitors to concede defeat when caught in a submission, preventing potential damage to joints and tissues.

• Respect for Opponent: Tapping out is a sign of respect for your opponent’s skill and the effectiveness of their technique. It acknowledges their proficiency and sportsmanship, contributing to a positive and respectful competition environment. Making them carry out the submission move all the way to the breaking point “forces” them to cause damage that could have been avoided with an earlier submission. Some consider the person impolite or just stubborn for refusing to tap when injury is eminent.

• Sportsmanship: BJJ places a strong emphasis on sportsmanship, and tapping out is a fundamental aspect of this ethos. It reflects an understanding of the rules, fairness, and the spirit of healthy competition. In short, a sore loser doesn’t admit when they’ve lost.

• Longevity in the Sport: Tapping out strategically contributes to the longevity of a competitor’s BJJ journey. By recognizing when to concede, competitors can avoid unnecessary wear and tear on their bodies, allowing for sustained participation in the sport over time. This is the most compelling reason to tap out to a locked in, “inescapable” submission attempt. Although stakes may be high in competitions, they’re almost never higher than the price of a broken bone, torn tendon, or damaged ligament. Avoidable injuries rob your future training time. They affect future performance, and can hinder regular activities, like going to work. Some of these joints may never return to 100%

• Learning Experience: Tapping out provides a valuable learning experience. Competitors can analyze their mistakes, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities, using this information to improve their skills and refine their strategies for future competitions. Competition is an intense experience. This is where mistakes matter a lot more than they do in the training room. Tapping out in competition is demoralizing and impactful. It can drill a mistake or shortfall into your mind vividly. The great thing is, this can be done without long term damage to your body.

Why Some May Advocate Not Tapping Out, Even at the Risk of Injury: 🤡😈

Not tapping out, at the risk of injury, is not a widely supported perspective within the BJJ community. But, to play the devil’s advocate, lets look at some reasons not to tap.

• Mental Toughness: Some may argue that refusing to tap, even when faced with a challenging situation, builds mental toughness. The idea is that enduring discomfort or pain can strengthen a competitor’s resolve and resilience.

• Competitive Mindset: There’s a belief that competitors should strive to win at all costs and that tapping out is a concession that goes against a competitive mindset. This perspective may stem from a desire to uphold a warrior ethos in martial arts.

• Refusing to Yield: A small faction may argue that refusing to tap demonstrates a refusal to yield or submit in any circumstance. This mindset might be rooted in a deep sense of pride and determination.

• Money: Life changing money on the line. And even still, hopefully the injury isn’t something that’s crippling.

BJJ instructors, practitioners, and organizations, prioritize safety and the well-being of competitors. Tapping out is widely recognized as an essential practice for injury prevention and maintaining a positive and sportsmanlike environment in BJJ competitions. Advocating for not tapping out at the risk of injury is… crazy! But, to each their own. You have the rights of a free human to do as you wish.