“Efficient and smooth” - Fans pull out the pen and paper in admiration of Danielle Kelly’s textbook technique

Submission grappling is a highly intricate combat sport that needs complete focus and dedication from the athletes involved. That's because small error can end a bout.

Among the most prolific names in the sport is the reigning ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt holder has grown in popularity on social media thanks to her willingness to share some of the knowledge that has allowed her to be a devastating opponent to face.

In her most recent Instagram post, the ONE Championship star shared a quick demonstration of how to pass the opponent’s guard and lock in the simple, but effective, arm-triangle choke which drew rave reviews from the fans:

“Efficient and smooth. I love it.”

“Basics at high level is 🐐”

“Love the basics, simple and effective are the way to go!”

“I drill back take from closed guard a lot: very basic & highly effective”

“So smooth!!!”

“Just started grappling recently and this was the move we learned last night! Awesome to see it here!

“Good stuff! Basics are the keys”

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Danielle Kelly’s road to ONE Championship gold

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-born grappler made her debut in March 2022 against Japanese legend Mei Yamaguchi and rolled with her to a draw that had fans buzzing about her potential within the promotion.

Kelly would next share the ONE circle with sambo world champion Mariia Molchanova, whom she promptly submitted via rear-naked choke. Thatw as before adding another win to her record with a unanimous decision victory over Ayaka Miura in 2023.

In September, Kelly faced long-time rival Jessa Khan for the inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world championship. After 10 minutes of non-stop action, Kelly came out on top via unanimous decision to reach the mountaintop of her division.