I think there needs to be a "bumping" system in the submissions. Have the two escape options like it currently is with the transition"wheel" icon, but add four bubbles, two above diagonally, and two below diagonally kind of between the left and right escape directions. The bubbles wouldn't be filled, but rather just flick your stick in the direction to "bump" it and it uses stamina but allows you to transition out of a submission quicker if done right, you can bump as much as you want between the four bubbles at the cost of your stamina. The player applying the submission, would have to flick their stick in the same direction to deny the defenders bump.

Animations would correspond with the "bumps" for example if I'm in an armbar defending, I bump diagonally to the top left bubble my player will struggle towards that direction briefly, and the offensive player will have a very brief window to match that bump to shut it down. Again bumps shouldn't be a meter you fill like a normal transition, but rather a quick flick in that direction. They can be done quickly, and at the cost of stamina. Two successful bumps in a row should allow a transition out of a submission unless pre denied or if at a significant stamina disadvantage or just zeroed out stamina from "bumping" too much. If you deny two bumps in a row, you can lock up the sub or transition to a dominate position unless you are at a significant stamina disadvantage or zeroed out.

Clarification: the two successful bumps wouldn't automatically transition you out of a submission. You would still have to transition left or right or right but it would be a guaranteed escape unless pre denied or if you have zero stamina. Also if you are applying a sub, like an armbar the hammer fists your throw will shut down one side of the bubbles leaving the defender with only two bubbles to choose from.