Tap Out: Submitting to End a Fight by Tapping
A tap out is the act of conceding a fight by physically tapping the opponent, the mat, or one's own body, signaling that one cannot continue or does not wish to risk further injury from a submission hold. Tapping out is the universal signal for submission in grappling and mixed martial arts, and it obligates the attacker to release the hold immediately. A verbal submission, such as saying "tap" or "I quit," serves the same purpose.
Origins and Usage
The tap out has been the standard submission signal across grappling arts for decades, though the specific gesture has varied across traditions. In judo, submission was historically indicated verbally or by slapping the mat. Brazilian jiu-jitsu standardized the tap as the universal signal, and this convention was adopted by MMA and all modern grappling competitions.
The tap out serves as the essential safety mechanism in submission grappling. Without it, fighters caught in chokes would lose consciousness, and those caught in joint locks would suffer breaks and dislocations. The mutual understanding that a tap ends the contest is fundamental to the practice of grappling at all levels.
In Underground Fighting
In underground fighting, the tap out is a critical component of the code of honor. Respecting a tap is one of the most fundamental rules in unsanctioned combat, as failing to release a submission after a tap crosses the line from competition to assault. Fighters who refuse to honor a tap are expelled from underground communities.
The decision to tap in an underground fight carries weight because of the culture of toughness that surrounds unsanctioned competition. Some fighters resist tapping due to pride, risking serious injury. Experienced underground competitors understand that tapping is a strategic decision, not a sign of weakness, and that preserving one's body for future fights is more important than any single contest.
Related Terms
- Armbar -- A joint lock that forces a tap out
- Rear Naked Choke -- A choke that leads to tap out or unconsciousness
- Code of Honor -- The rules requiring respect for the tap
See Also
- Referee Stoppage -- Official intervention that may occur if a fighter cannot tap
- Kimura -- A shoulder lock submission that commonly produces tap outs