Actor Tom Hardy says the smother submission in BJJ is his favorite finishing move, calling it “absolutely humiliating” and “delightfully primal.”
Hardy continues to compete in grappling tournaments across the UK, showing real commitment to the sport.
His submission pick has stirred conversation about old-school tactics in modern BJJ.
Hardy’s Favorite Submission Is as Brutal as It Is Rare
Tom Hardy isn’t just another Hollywood star dabbling in Jiu-Jitsu for Instagram likes. He’s a blue belt who’s competed in real tournaments — and recently, he made a statement that turned heads in the BJJ community.
In a viral social media clip, Hardy was asked what his favorite submission was. His answer? Not a triangle choke. Not an armbar. Not even a guillotine.
It was the smother.
“I think smothering someone is absolutely humiliating and also delightfully primal. So, it’s probably a smother.”– Tom Hardy
Delivered with a grin and a shrug, the comment sparked everything from laughter to genuine debate across BJJ forums and gyms. Some saw it as a tongue-in-cheek response.
Others pointed out that the smother — though rarely taught as a “formal” submission — is real, legal, and incredibly effective in the right scenario. For Hardy, it reflects a gritty, no-nonsense side of the art: simple control, top pressure, and domination.
More Than Just a Celebrity Hobbyist
Hardy has long practiced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under REORG Charity and Carlos Santos. But over the last two years, he’s made it clear that this isn’t just a passing phase.
He’s entered and won multiple BJJ tournaments under his real name — including a standout performance at a Grappling Industries event in Milton Keynes.
He’s not escorted with cameras, doesn’t take special brackets, and has reportedly refused to use his acting fame to secure easier opponents or favorable seeding.
“Tom doesn’t ask for attention. He competes like everyone else. You see his name on the registration, and that’s it. Then he shows up and fights.”– Tournament organizer (via Instagram)
In the footage from his latest match, Hardy can be seen securing top control, applying heavy pressure, and calmly working toward mount — all fundamentals done with clean precision. While he hasn’t used the smother in competition yet (as far as footage shows), he clearly favors top-heavy jiu-jitsu over flashy, spin-heavy guard play.
The Smother Submission in BJJ: Legal, Rare, and Surprisingly Effective
The Tom Hardy grappling favorite – the smother — especially using the chest, belly, or gi lapels to block the opponent’s breathing — is one of the sport’s more controversial submissions. It’s legal in most adult divisions as it doesn’t involve cervical cranking.
But it’s rarely taught in standard BJJ curriculums. It’s more common in old-school gyms, self-defense circles, or among ultra-heavyweight grapplers who prefer pressure-based games over movement.
That Hardy favors it isn’t entirely surprising. His size, his calm under pressure, and his preference for simplicity make it a logical fit.
“It’s kind of savage, but that’s the art — imposing your will without causing injury. And there’s something honest about a good smother.”– Tom Hardy
Laughter, Praise, and a Bit of Controversy
Hardy’s comment lit up TikTok and Instagram Reels, with reactions ranging from playful memes to serious commentary from high-level coaches.
Some praised the actor for avoiding clichéd answers and showing real grappling sensibility. Others joked about beginners trying smothers in class the next day.
But it also raised legitimate questions: should smothers be taught more openly? Are they underutilized in modern sport jiu-jitsu?
“We tell white belts not to do it. But truthfully, it’s legit — especially in self-defense or no-gi. I’m glad someone brought it up.”– BJJ coach, via TikTok comment
Will We Ever See a Smother Submission from Hardy in Competition?
Whether Hardy intended to make a larger statement or was just having fun, the comment struck a chord — especially in a community that often forgets how broad and varied the submission game really is.
He’s already announced he’ll return to competition later this year, likely in another Grappling Industries or REORG-linked event. Whether the celebrity BJJ competitor will ever land a smother in competition remains to be seen — but don’t be surprised if opponents start training to defend it.
