Submission wrestling, also known as submission fighting and submission grappling or simply grappling, is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. It is a hybrid discipline that incorporates elements of various martial arts such as various wrestling styles, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Submission wrestling is practiced both as a competitive sport and as a training method for self-defence and mixed martial arts . Submission wrestling is a grappling-based combat sport and martial art that focuses on controlling an opponent through techniques such as joint locks, chokeholds, and positional dominance. Competitors may win matches by forcing an opponent to submit, usually by “tapping out,” or by earning points through takedowns, reversals, guard passes, and dominant positions depending on the ruleset used. The sport combines techniques from several martial arts and combat systems, including catch wrestling, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, sambo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Training commonly includes drilling techniques, live sparring , and conditioning exercises designed to improve technical ability, endurance, flexibility, and overall physical fitness. Safety is considered an important aspect of submission wrestling, as athletes are taught to recognize dangerous positions and submit before serious injury occurs. Referees may also stop a match if a competitor is unable to defend themselves or is in immediate danger. Unlike some martial arts, submission wrestling does not follow a universal ranking structure. Certain disciplines, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, use colored belt systems to indicate experience and progression, while other styles, such as catch wrestling, place greater emphasis on competition performance and practical skill development rather than formal ranks. Submission wrestling has gained international popularity due to its effectiveness in mixed martial arts , where grappling ability is considered a major component of fighting strategy. Organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship have helped increase public awareness of grappling-focused combat sports, as many successful fighters rely heavily on submission techniques and ground control. According to the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation , grappling arts emphasize “technique and leverage over strength,” allowing smaller competitors to defend themselves against larger opponents. Many practitioners also train in submission wrestling for self-defense, physical fitness, and competitive achievement.