Pinning techniques, known as "Osaekomi-waza" in Judo, are the source of many control positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These especially control the head, shoulders, hips, and legs of an opponent so that a further submission technique may be applied without the opponent having the ability to easily escape or counter the submission. Pinning is also prominent in wrestling traditions, where it may signal the end of a bout, rather than a submission.

Dominant control position by pinning technique is the key to effective submissions, leading to the phrase "position before submission". Seeking submissions without a dominant control position often leads to the submission being neutralized before it can be effective. This is why many other forms of jujutsu that focus on stand-up fighting techniques are often less effective than submissions in ground-fighting where more controlling pinning techniques can be used to render escapes and counters ineffective.l