Open Your Wings of Victory: Learn Daniel Wuerthner's Signature BJJ Submission
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is built on technical innovation, and every great competitor develops techniques that become part of their identity. One such move is the Wings of Victory, the signature submission created and refined by Fight 2 Win (F2W) athlete Daniel Wuerthner.
Daniel has successfully used the Wings of Victory in numerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, earning victories against high-level opponents. In this guide, he breaks down the technique step by step so you can add it to your own BJJ game.
Whether you're looking to improve your closed guard attacks, expand your submission arsenal, or learn competition-tested techniques, the Wings of Victory is a valuable addition to your training.
What Is the Wings of Victory?
The Wings of Victory is a creative closed guard submission that combines lapel control, strong grips, and positional pressure to isolate your opponent's arm before finishing the submission.
The technique relies on controlling posture, creating angles, and using your opponent's own gi to limit their movement, making it difficult to escape once the position is established.
Because it utilizes the gi lapel, this submission is designed specifically for Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform the Wings of Victory
Step 1: Start from Closed Guard
Begin with your opponent inside your closed guard.
Before attacking, untuck the right side of your opponent's gi jacket to expose the lapel you'll use later in the technique.
Step 2: Establish Your Grips
Using your right hand, secure a deep cross-collar grip.
Next, swim your left arm underneath your opponent's left arm to establish a deep underhook.
These grips help break posture and begin controlling their upper body.
Step 3: Secure the Lapel
Reach behind your opponent with your left hand and grab the untucked gi lapel.
Bring your left foot onto your opponent's right shoulder and wrap your ankle using the loose lapel to create additional control.
Transfer the lapel grip into your right hand while maintaining pressure throughout the position.
Step 4: Create the Angle
Push your opponent's free wrist downward toward your hip while performing a hip escape to your left.
Maintain elbow pressure so your opponent continues facing away from you.
Creating this angle is essential for limiting their ability to defend the submission.
Step 5: Finish the Submission
Use your free foot to lift your opponent's arm upward while hooking the foot trapped beneath the lapel behind their bicep.
Plant your opposite foot firmly on the mat for base.
Finally, secure your opponent's arm and pull it toward you to complete the submission.
When performed correctly, the combination of lapel control, leverage, and body positioning creates an extremely effective finishing position.
Why the Wings of Victory Works
The Wings of Victory is effective because it combines several core Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu concepts into one attack:
- Strong cross-collar control
- Deep underhook positioning
- Lapel entanglement
- Closed guard control
- Hip movement and angle creation
- Arm isolation
- Efficient leverage over strength
Rather than relying on explosive power, the submission uses proper mechanics and positional control to create a high-percentage finish.
Tips for Success
To improve your execution of the Wings of Victory, focus on these key details:
- Keep your opponent's posture broken throughout the technique.
- Secure deep collar and lapel grips before advancing.
- Don't rush the hip escape—creating the correct angle is critical.
- Maintain constant pressure to prevent your opponent from recovering posture.
- Practice each step individually before combining the sequence during live rolling.
Like most advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, repetition and timing are the keys to success.
Train with Daniel Wuerthner and Revgear
Daniel Wuerthner continues to share high-level instruction and competition-tested techniques with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.
For more technical breakdowns, training tips, and athlete insights, follow Daniel on Instagram and stay connected with Revgear and Revgear University, where experienced competitors share techniques designed to help practitioners improve both on and off the competition mats.
Whether you're a beginner building your fundamentals or an experienced competitor expanding your submission game, learning innovative techniques like the Wings of Victory can help elevate your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wings of Victory legal in IBJJF competition?
Because the technique uses standard gi grips and lapel control, it may be legal under many IBJJF rule sets. However, always verify the current rules for your belt rank and division before using any lapel-based submission in competition.
Is this technique for Gi or No-Gi BJJ?
The Wings of Victory is a Gi-only technique because it relies on gripping and controlling your opponent's lapel.
Is the Wings of Victory suitable for beginners?
The technique is best suited for intermediate and advanced practitioners who already have a solid understanding of closed guard, grip fighting, and hip movement.