Essential Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Terms for Grapplers to Master

# | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

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411: Peek Inside the Sankaku

A reference to a specific triangular leg entanglement, the 411 position serves as an essential tool for practitioners delving into intricate leg lock systems. This position is often associated with advanced control techniques and finishing mechanics, providing a pivotal pathway to dominant submissions or positional advancements in contemporary leg lock strategies.

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50-50: The Double-Edged Leg Lock Position

The 50-50 position represents a leg entanglement akin to outside ashi garami, marked by a significant distinction: the opponent’s leg is controlled via a “cross grip,” keeping it situated inside your body rather than outside. This position, true to its name, offers equal opportunities for offense, allowing both grapplers to utilize leg locks, creating a tactical battleground within BJJ. Although 50-50 may appear to lead to stalemates, seasoned practitioners frequently employ it as a transitional point toward safer, more dominant configurations such as the 80-20. To enhance your expertise in mastering the 50-50, consider consulting resources like the **Grapple Arts Leg Lock Cheat Sheet**, which meticulously outlines its mechanics and tactical approaches.

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ADCC: The Pinnacle of No-Gi Grappling

ADCC, short for Abu Dhabi Combat Club, was established by Sheik Zayed with the objective of promoting martial arts throughout the United Arab Emirates while concurrently founding the most prestigious grappling tournament globally. Presently, the ADCC World Submission Fighting Championship stands as the ultimate arena for no-gi submission grappling. With a more lenient and submission-friendly ruleset compared to IBJJF competitions, ADCC attracts elite grapplers from all corners of the world, showcasing the highest level of technical sophistication and innovation in submission fighting.

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Americana: The Classic Shoulder Lock

The Americana embodies a fundamental shoulder lock that operates by bending the opponent’s arm at the elbow while simultaneously immobilizing their shoulder and upper body. Typically executed from dominant positions such as side control or mount, this technique is also recognized as the "figure four arm lock" due to the shape formed by the attacker’s arms during execution. The Americana remains a staple submission, reflecting both control and precision inherent to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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Ankle Lock: Targeting the Foot’s Weak Link

An ankle lock is a powerful submission maneuver that hyperextends the ankle ligaments through a driving motion that projects the foot away from the leg. Various adaptations of this submission exist, including the straight ankle lock, back ankle lock, and face-down ankle lock. Techniques like the toe hold, which utilizes a figure-four grip on the foot, also align under the category of ankle locks. These submissions are prevalent in controlling leg entanglements and efficiently compelling opponents to tap out if they underestimate the inherent threat.

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Arm Drag: A Path to Control and Domination

The arm drag is a multifaceted and highly effective technique designed to manipulate an opponent’s arm, resulting in advantageous positioning or takedowns. By grasping the opponent's arm above the elbow with both hands, the practitioner pulls the arm away from the center of gravity to provoke a reaction. In standing exchanges, this opens avenues for leg takedowns; on the ground, it exposes the opponent’s back. Renowned BJJ athlete Marcelo Garcia is particularly known for his mastery of the arm drag, continuing to inspire practitioners worldwide with his exceptional application of the technique.

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Arm Triangle: A Choke with Precision and Power

The arm triangle stands as a formidable submission that cleverly combines the practitioner’s forearm and the opponent’s shoulder to inhibit blood flow and achieve a choke. While resembling a traditional triangle choke that incorporates the legs, this variant emphasizes upper-body control to isolate the neck effectively. Several widely-recognized variations of the arm triangle exist, such as the **Kata Gatame**, **D’Arce choke**, and **Anaconda choke**, each distinguished by unique setups and angles that optimize the chances of successfully executing the submission.

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Armbar: The Quintessential Submission

The armbar holds iconic status as one of the most revered and versatile submissions in grappling, intended to hyperextend the opponent’s elbow joint. Its adaptability renders it a core technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, applicable across numerous positions, including mount, closed guard, and various transitions. Mastering the armbar epitomizes a significant rite of passage for any BJJ practitioner, showcasing the profound requirements of technique and precision integral to the art.

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Ashi Garami: The Foundation of Leg Lock Mastery

Ashi Garami, a term rooted in Judo meaning "entangled leg lock," has cemented itself as a fundamental aspect of modern leg lock systems within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This foundational position serves as a launching pad for advancing into more complex leg entang

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Back Control: The King of Dominant Positions

Back control is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s achieved when the practitioner sits behind their opponent, securing control with their legs (often hooked inside the opponent’s thighs) and arms (typically locking the upper body or neck). This position opens up high-percentage submission opportunities like the rear naked choke. In IBJJF competitions, successfully obtaining back control earns 4 points, underscoring its strategic value in matches.

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Back Take: The Path to Control

A back take refers to any transition or technique used to secure back control. Popular methods include the berimbolo, where the practitioner inverts to transition to the back, and the arm drag, which isolates an opponent’s arm to expose their back. These techniques require precision and timing, making back takes an essential skill for BJJ practitioners looking to dominate from this superior position.

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Base: The Foundation of Grappling Stability

A strong base is the cornerstone of effective grappling. It refers to a stable platform that allows a practitioner to apply and absorb force without being easily toppled. Coaches often emphasize the importance of “having a good base,” meaning staying balanced and difficult to push over. As defined by grappling expert Rob Biernacki, a good base is “a platform from which to apply and absorb force,” making it fundamental to every aspect of jiu-jitsu.

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Belt: A Symbol of Rank and Progression

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the belt is both a symbol of rank and a key component of the traditional gi uniform. The adult BJJ ranking system progresses through five main belts: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Each belt represents a new stage of mastery, reflecting a practitioner’s growth in technique, skill, and understanding of the art.

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Berimbolo: The Art of Spinning to the Back

The berimbolo is a flashy and effective gi-based sweep that transitions directly into back control. Initiated from the de la Riva guard, this technique involves inverting beneath your opponent and using precise grips to spin around them, exposing their back. While the berimbolo is most effective in gi grappling, its creative mechanics make it a crowd favorite among modern jiu-jitsu players.

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Bow and Arrow Choke: Precision with a Gi Lapel

The bow and arrow choke is a gi-specific submission performed from behind the opponent. The practitioner uses their opponent’s collar for the choke while pulling on their pants for additional leverage. Its name comes from the visual resemblance to an archer drawing a bow, as the practitioner’s pulling actions create tension for a highly effective finish.

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Brabo Choke: A Lapel-Based Finish

The brabo choke is a gi submission that leverages the opponent’s lapel and the practitioner’s forearm to create a tight choke. Its versatility allows it to be executed from various positions, such as side control or the half guard, making it a valuable tool in a grappler’s arsenal.

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Breakfall: Falling with Purpose

The breakfall is a fundamental technique used to minimize impact when falling to the ground. By properly distributing force through controlled movements, such as slaps, rolls, or body positioning, practitioners can protect themselves from injury during takedowns or throws.

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Bridge: Creating Space and Escapes

The bridge is a fundamental movement in BJJ where the practitioner lifts their hips forcefully off the ground while maintaining weight on their shoulders and upper back. Often paired with movements like the upa (bridge and roll), bridging is used to create space, disrupt an opponent’s balance, and initiate escapes.

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Buggy Choke: Creativity from Bottom Side Control

The buggy choke is a modern and inventive submission that can surprise opponents. From bottom side control, the practitioner grabs their own leg to trap the opponent’s head and arm. By triangling their legs and applying pressure, the attacker creates a tight and effective choke.

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Bulldog Choke: Old-School Wrestling Meets Submissions

The bulldog choke originates from catch wrestling and involves finishing a choke from a headlock position. By wrapping their arms around the opponent’s neck in a grip similar to a guillotine, the practitioner steps forward to apply pressure and secure the submission.

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Butterfly Guard: Hooks for Sweeps and Control

The butterfly guard is a versatile open guard position where the practitioner sits with their legs in front of them and their feet hooking inside the opponent’s legs. This position is ideal for executing sweeps, transitions, and submissions, offering dynamic options for both offense and defense.

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Cauliflower Ear: A Grappler’s Badge of Honor (and Caution)

Cauliflower ear is a common deformity among grapplers caused by repeated trauma to the ear. Blunt force or friction leads to hematomas that disrupt blood flow, causing the ear's cartilage to harden and deform over time. While some see it as a badge of dedication to the mats, it’s entirely preventable by wearing protective ear guards during training. For those who prefer to avoid this hallmark of grappling, prevention is key!

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Clinch: The Gateway to Control

The clinch is a standing grappling position where both practitioners establish grips on each other. It serves as a launching point for takedowns, throws, and positional control. Mastering the clinch is essential for bridging the gap between striking and grappling, making it a fundamental skill in both BJJ and mixed martial arts.

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Closed Guard: The Beginner’s Gateway to Guard Mastery

The closed guard is one of the first guard positions new practitioners learn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this position, the practitioner lies on their back with their legs wrapped around their opponent’s waist, locking them in place. While often considered a neutral position, the closed guard offers numerous options for sweeps and submissions, making it a foundational tool for any grappler.

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Collar Choke: Using the Gi as a Weapon

The collar choke is an umbrella term for gi-based submissions that leverage the opponent’s own collar to execute a choke. Variations of collar chokes range from simple to complex, but all share the principle of using the lapel to create pressure on the opponent’s neck. A well-executed collar choke can end a match decisively while showcasing a practitioner’s technical finesse.

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Competition Gi: Lightweight and Built for the Scales

A competition gi is a specially designed gi made from lightweight materials to help practitioners meet weight requirements for tournaments. These gis adhere to strict competition regulations and are engineered for durability while maintaining minimal weight, ensuring grapplers stay agile and within their weight class.

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Crank: The Spine’s Nemesis

A crank is a joint lock designed to attack the spine, targeting either the neck (neck crank) or the spine itself (spine crank). These submissions are powerful but often restricted in competitions due to their high risk of injury. Practitioners should approach cranks with caution and respect for their training partners.

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Cross Face: Pinning with Precision

The cross face is a pinning technique commonly employed from dominant positions like side control or mount. By using their shoulder to pin the opponent’s head and control their movement, the practitioner disrupts their opponent’s posture and breathing. The cross face is both a controlling maneuver and a setup for submissions, showcasing its versatility in grappling.

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De La Riva Guard: A Legacy of Control and Creativity

The De La Riva guard is an open guard position that uses a hook with the practitioner’s leg and foot to control the opponent’s front leg from the outside. This versatile guard allows for a wide range of sweeps, submissions, and back takes, making it a staple of modern BJJ. A variation known as the Reverse De La Riva involves hooking the opponent’s leg from the inside, offering additional angles of attack. Pioneered by the legendary Carlson Gracie black belt Ricardo De La Riva, this position has become a fundamental part of the BJJ lexicon.

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Double Leg Takedown: The Classic Wrestling Entry

The double leg takedown is one of the most effective and fundamental grappling techniques. By attacking both of the opponent’s legs, the practitioner drives forward to disrupt their balance and bring them to the ground. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a cornerstone of grappling, whether in BJJ, wrestling, or MMA.

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Double Weave: Heavyweight Gi Construction

A double weave gi is crafted from dense, heavy fabric, offering exceptional durability. While it’s rarely used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu due to its weight, it remains a favorite in judo, where strength and grip fighting are paramount. Its robust construction can withstand intense training sessions and competitions.

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D’Arce Choke: A No-Gi Masterpiece

The D’Arce choke is a variation of the arm triangle choke that has gained immense popularity in no-gi grappling. It utilizes the practitioner’s forearm and the opponent’s own arm and shoulder to create the choke. Named after BJJ black belt Joe D’Arce, who popularized it, the D’Arce choke is considered a no-gi counterpart to the Brabo choke, offering a dynamic submission option for advanced grapplers.

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Escape: Turning Defense into Offense

An escape is any technique or movement that allows a practitioner to transition from a disadvantageous position to a more neutral or advantageous one. Escapes are a fundamental aspect of BJJ, embodying the art’s philosophy of defense and survival before attack. Mastering escapes is crucial for maintaining composure and creating opportunities in difficult situations.

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Everyday Porrada: The Spirit of Relentless Training

The phrase “Everyday Porrada” became a viral mantra thanks to elite competitor Romulo Barral. Roughly translating to "train hard every day," the term encapsulates the mindset of relentless effort, discipline, and perseverance. Barral famously credited this ethos for his success, saying, “My secret is train hard every day. Everyday porrada! That’s it, nothing else!” Rooted in the Portuguese word “porrada,” meaning “fight” or “brawl,” this phrase has inspired countless grapplers worldwide.

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Ezekiel Choke: A Submission with Roots in Judo

The Ezekiel choke is a gi-based submission where the practitioner wraps their arm around the opponent’s head and uses their own sleeve to secure the choke. Named after Brazilian Judo Olympian Ezequiel Paraguassú, the technique originated in judo as sode guruma jime. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a go-to submission for grapplers looking to attack from top positions, particularly inside the opponent’s guard.

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Figure Four Arm Lock: See Americana

The figure four arm lock is another term for the Americana, a shoulder lock that leverages a figure-four grip to isolate and hyperextend the opponent’s shoulder. For more details, check out the Americana section above.

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Full Guard: See Closed Guard

The full guard is synonymous with the closed guard, a foundational position where the practitioner locks their legs around the opponent’s waist while controlling their posture and movement. For an in-depth look, refer to the Closed Guard section.

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Gable Grip: The Strongest Connection

The Gable grip is a closed, palm-to-palm grip named after legendary American wrestler Dan Gable. Known for its strength and versatility, this grip is often favored over others in grappling scenarios for its ability to maintain control without relying on finger grips. Also referred to as the Greco grip, it’s a go-to choice for securing submissions, holds, and transitions in both gi and no-gi settings.

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Gassing Out: When Energy Runs Dry

To be gassed out means to be physically exhausted, often during intense sparring or competition. In BJJ, this can result from poor cardiovascular fitness, inefficient energy use, or improper breathing techniques. Maintaining composure and conserving energy are crucial skills that can help practitioners avoid hitting this wall mid-roll.

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Gi: The Traditional BJJ Uniform

The gi is a heavy cotton uniform consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt, used in traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. Originating from judo in the 1920s, the gi provides grips for both offensive and defensive techniques. While many practitioners train with the gi, the art also includes a “no-gi” style, which focuses on grappling without the uniform, relying instead on grips to the body or non-slip materials like rash guards and shorts.

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Gold Weave: The Balanced Fabric Choice

A gold weave gi combines the durability of a double weave with the lightweight feel of a single weave, making it a hybrid option for practitioners. While its popularity has waned over time, gold weave gis are still valued for their comfort and toughness, and some premium brands continue to use this classic fabric.

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The Gracies: The Founding Family of BJJ

The Gracie family is synonymous with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s history and global rise. Carlos and Hélio Gracie are credited with adapting traditional judo into what became Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Members like Royce and Rickson Gracie further elevated the art by showcasing its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA), helping BJJ gain international recognition. The Gracie legacy continues to influence the sport, as generations of practitioners build on their revolutionary foundation.

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Grappling Industries: A Modern Take on BJJ Tournaments

Grappling Industries is an international organization that hosts both gi and no-gi BJJ tournaments. Unlike the traditional single-elimination format of IBJJF competitions, Grappling Industries uses a round-robin system, ensuring participants get more matches per event. With its unique ruleset and focus on inclusivity, it has become a popular alternative for grapplers seeking competitive experience.

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Guard: The Foundation of Ground Defense

In BJJ, the guard is any position where the practitioner is on their back with their legs positioned in front of or wrapped around their opponent. It’s a cornerstone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering both defensive and offensive possibilities. With variations like closed guard, open guard, and half guard, the position is often considered neutral and highly dynamic, allowing practitioners to attack, sweep, or defend effectively.

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Guard Pass: Breaking the Barrier

A guard pass is the technique used to neutralize and overcome an opponent’s guard, typically by moving past their hips and legs. Successful guard passes are essential for establishing dominant positions like side control or mount, making them a critical skill in any grappler’s arsenal.

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Guillotine: The Front Naked Choke

The guillotine choke is a highly effective neck submission that uses the practitioner’s arms and armpit to apply pressure on the opponent’s neck. It’s a versatile submission that can be performed from various positions, including standing and guard, making it a staple in both BJJ and MMA. Also known as the front naked choke, it’s a go-to move for quick and decisive finishes.

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Half Guard: The One-Legged Defense

The half guard is a guard variation where the practitioner wraps their legs around only one of the opponent’s legs instead of their waist, as seen in the closed guard. While generally considered a neutral position, the half guard offers a wealth of sweeps and submissions, making it a strategic tool for both offense and defense. It’s a versatile position that evolves with a grappler’s skill level, from basic control to advanced transitions.

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Head and Arm Choke: See Arm Triangle

The head and arm choke is another term for the arm triangle, a highly effective submission that uses the opponent’s own arm and shoulder in combination with the practitioner’s grip to cut off blood flow. For more information, check the Arm Triangle section.

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Heel Hook: A Devastating Leg Lock

The heel hook is a powerful leg lock that applies twisting pressure to the foot, forcing torque on the ankle and knee. This submission can cause severe damage to ligaments and the meniscus, so it’s often restricted to advanced practitioners and banned in many BJJ competitions. Mastering the heel hook requires precision, control, and respect for your training partners’ safety, making it one of the most feared and effective submissions in grappling.

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Hip Escape: The Core of Movement

The hip escape, commonly known as shrimping, is a fundamental movement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It involves moving the hips away from an opponent to escape from disadvantageous positions or prevent guard passes. This foundational technique is one of the first movements taught to beginners and is critical to improving overall mobility and defense in BJJ.

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Honey Hole: See Inside Sankaku

The honey hole is another term for inside sankaku, a complex leg entanglement position often used in modern leg lock systems. For a detailed explanation, see the Inside Sankaku section.

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Hooks: The Feet as Control Tools

Hooks refer to the strategic use of your feet to control your opponent. Whether used from back control to secure the opponent’s legs or in guard positions to set up sweeps and submissions, hooks are a vital tool in a grappler’s arsenal. Their versatility makes them essential for maintaining control and executing transitions effectively.

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IBJJF: The Governing Body of Competitive BJJ

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), founded by Carlos Gracie Jr., is the most prominent organization in the BJJ world. It oversees a full calendar of international competitions, including the prestigious World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Beyond running events, the IBJJF sets the standard for BJJ rulesets, offering consistency across tournaments, and also provides official black belt certifications, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the global BJJ community.

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Imanari Roll: The Flashy Entry to Leg Attacks

The Imanari roll is a dynamic and unorthodox technique that transitions from standing into the inside sankaku/411 leg entanglement position. Popularized by Japanese MMA fighter Masakazu Imanari, this rolling entry has become a hallmark of advanced leg lock strategies, showcasing creativity and precision in grappling.

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Inside Sankaku: The Honey Hole of Leg Locks

The inside sankaku is a powerful leg entanglement position where the practitioner triangles their legs around one of their opponent’s, keeping the entanglement on the inside. This contrasts with positions like 50-50, where the practitioner’s legs are on the outside. Known by other names such as the honey hole or saddle, inside sankaku is a cornerstone of modern leg lock systems, offering access to devastating submissions like heel hooks and ankle locks.

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Japanese Necktie: A Sneaky Turtle Position Choke

The Japanese necktie is an arm triangle variation commonly used against opponents in the turtle position. This submission combines upper-body control with precise pressure, making it a creative and effective option for grapplers looking to capitalize on the turtle position. Its unique angle of attack requires precision and timing, rewarding practitioners who master its mechanics.

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Jigoro Kano: The Father of Modern Judo

Jigoro Kano is widely recognized as the founder of modern Kodokan Judo. In 1882, Kano adapted traditional jiu-jitsu techniques to create a martial art that emphasized throws, groundwork, and submissions, while also prioritizing efficiency, discipline, and personal development. His contributions laid the groundwork for many grappling arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which was directly influenced by his teachings.

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Judo: The Art of the Gentle Way

Judo is a Japanese grappling martial art that evolved from traditional jiu-jitsu. Focused on throws, groundwork, and submissions, Judo emphasizes technique and leverage over brute strength. Established by Jigoro Kano in 1882 as Kodokan Judo, it introduced a systematic approach to grappling and became the foundation for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Judo’s legacy continues to thrive, both as a sport and as a vital influence in modern grappling disciplines.

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K-Guard: Innovation in Open Guard

The K-guard is a modern and creative open guard variation, popularized by Australian BJJ competitor Lachlan Giles. Known for its effectiveness in initiating leg entanglements, the K-guard provides numerous opportunities to transition into submissions or sweeps, making it a favorite among advanced grapplers focusing on lower-body attacks.

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Kata Gatame: See Arm Triangle

The Kata Gatame is another term for the arm triangle, a classic submission that uses the opponent’s own arm and shoulder to restrict blood flow. For more details, check the Arm Triangle section.

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Kesa Gatame: The Side Control Pin with Versatility

The Kesa Gatame, also known as the scarf hold, is a side control pin that incorporates a headlock grip. This position is a staple in Judo, classified as one of the official pins, but it’s equally effective in BJJ. With its variety of submission options and strong control, Kesa Gatame is a powerful tool for top players.

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Kimono: See Gi

The kimono is another term for the gi, the traditional uniform used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other grappling arts. For more information, see the Gi section above.

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Kimura: The Shoulder Lock Legend

The Kimura is a devastating shoulder lock that uses the practitioner’s two arms to isolate and rotate the opponent’s arm toward their back. Also known as the double wrist lock, this submission is named after legendary judoka Masahiko Kimura, who famously used it to defeat Hélio Gracie. The Kimura remains one of the most effective and versatile submissions in grappling.

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Knee on Belly: Dynamic Pressure and Control

The knee on belly is a transitional position where the top practitioner places their knee and weight on their opponent’s midsection. This position offers significant control and opens up opportunities for submissions and transitions to dominant positions like mount. In most BJJ competitions, achieving the knee on belly position earns two points, reflecting its strategic importance.

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Knee Shield: A Defensive Half Guard Variation

The knee shield is a style of half guard that uses the guard player’s knee as a frame to keep the opponent’s weight at bay. This defensive structure provides space to set up sweeps, submissions, or transitions, making it an essential tool in the half guard player’s repertoire.

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Kneebar: Hyperextending the Knee

The kneebar is a submission that targets the knee joint by hyperextending it, potentially damaging ligaments and the meniscus. As one of the most effective leg locks, the kneebar requires precise control and technique, making it a powerful tool in both gi and no-gi grappling.

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The Kodokan: Judo’s Historical Epicenter

The Kodokan is the official headquarters of Judo, located in Tokyo, Japan. Founded by Jigoro Kano, the Kodokan serves as the historical and technical heart of the martial art, preserving its traditions and promoting its growth worldwide. For grapplers, the Kodokan is a symbol of Judo’s rich legacy and its influence on modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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Lasso Guard: Control with Precision

The lasso guard is a gi-specific open guard variation that uses the practitioner’s feet and grips on the opponent’s sleeves to gain superior control. By threading one leg around the opponent’s arm like a lasso, this position creates a strong defensive framework while opening up opportunities for sweeps, submissions, and transitions. The lasso guard is a favorite among gi practitioners for its ability to neutralize an opponent’s movement and set up dynamic attacks.

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Leg Drag: Clearing the Path to Domination

The leg drag is a guard pass technique where the standing player controls the opponent’s leg and moves it across their body, clearing the path to a dominant position. By isolating the opponent’s hips and minimizing their defensive options, the leg drag is a highly effective and versatile tool for passing various guard styles. It’s a must-know technique for those looking to advance their top game.

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Lockdown: Half Guard with a Twist

The lockdown is a specialized half guard technique where the bottom player interlaces their legs to trap and extend one of the top player’s legs. This unique position not only immobilizes the opponent but also creates opportunities to set up sweeps and submissions. Popularized by Eddie Bravo, founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, the lockdown is a hallmark of Bravo’s innovative no-gi system and a valuable addition to any grappler’s half guard game.

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MMA: The Evolution of Combat Sports

MMA, short for mixed martial arts, is a hybrid combat sport that combines striking and grappling disciplines. Popularized globally through promotions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator, MMA showcases the effectiveness of blending techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and more. BJJ is a cornerstone of MMA training, as groundwork often plays a critical role in securing victory, particularly through submissions and positional control.

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MRSA: A Hidden Danger in Grappling

MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of staph bacteria resistant to common antibiotics. Spread through physical contact, MRSA poses a risk to practitioners of close-contact sports like BJJ. Maintaining proper hygiene, sanitizing mats, and washing gear after training are essential steps to prevent the spread of MRSA and protect yourself and your training partners.

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Mata Leão: See Rear Naked Choke

The Mata Leão, which translates to "lion killer" in Portuguese, is another name for the rear naked choke, one of BJJ’s most iconic and effective submissions. For more details, see the Rear Naked Choke section.

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Mitsuyo Maeda: The Bridge Between Judo and BJJ

Mitsuyo Maeda, also known as Conde Koma, was a Japanese judo expert who played a pivotal role in the birth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 1914, Maeda traveled to Brazil, demonstrating his martial arts skills in circuses and taking on challengers from various disciplines. He is said to have taught Carlos Gracie, passing on techniques that became the foundation of modern BJJ. Maeda’s contributions to martial arts history continue to resonate through the global popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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Mount: The Pinnacle of Control

The mount is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this position, the top player straddles the bottom player, kneeling over them to maintain control and pressure. The mount provides numerous submission options, including armbars and chokes, making it a versatile attacking position. In most BJJ competitions, achieving the mount earns four points, reflecting its strategic importance in both gi and no-gi grappling.

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Neck Crank: See Crank

The neck crank is a specific type of joint lock targeting the spine and neck. For more details, check the Crank section, which explores the different variations and their applications.

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No-Gi: Jiu-Jitsu Without the Uniform

No-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is practiced without the traditional gi, focusing on grappling techniques that don’t rely on grips to clothing. Instead, practitioners wear board shorts and a tight-fitting polyester/spandex top known as a rashguard. This style emphasizes speed, fluid transitions, and control, making it a favorite for MMA fighters and grapplers alike.

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North-South: A Dynamic Control Position

The north-south position is a variation of side control where the top player pins the bottom player’s head and chest with their own, while both players’ legs face in opposite directions. This position offers excellent control and multiple submission opportunities, including the kimura and the north-south choke. Mastering this position allows for dominant control and effective attacks.

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Nutella Jiu-Jitsu: A Term for Watered-Down Technique

Nutella Jiu-Jitsu is a slang term used to describe "fake" or watered-down jiu-jitsu. Popularized after a humorous exchange between Vagner Rocha and Renzo Gracie, the term is often used to critique practitioners or techniques that lack substance or effectiveness, contrasting with the gritty and practical roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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Omoplata: A Versatile Shoulder Lock

The omoplata is a powerful shoulder lock that utilizes the practitioner’s legs and hips to isolate and submit the opponent’s shoulder joint. This submission is often set up from the guard, combining control with pressure to force the tap. The omoplata is not only a submission but can also be used as a positional tool to sweep or transition into more dominant positions.

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Oss: Respect and Acknowledgment in BJJ

Oss is a versatile term derived from the Japanese phrase "Onegai Shimassu," which translates to a polite request or invitation. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, oss has become a cultural staple, used in various contexts such as greeting teammates, acknowledging instructions, or showing respect. It embodies the martial art’s spirit of humility and camaraderie.

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Overhook: A Tool for Control

The overhook is a grappling grip where the practitioner locks their arm over their opponent’s upper arm to gain control and limit their movement. This contrasts with the underhook, where the arm goes under the opponent’s arm and around their upper body. Overhooks are often used in both offensive setups, such as submissions, and defensive maneuvers, making them a crucial component of a grappler’s toolkit.

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Pearl Weave: Strength Meets Lightness

Pearl weave is a popular gi fabric recognized for its texture, resembling rows of round "pearls." It strikes a balance between strength, durability, and low weight, making it a favored choice for practitioners who want a comfortable yet tough gi.

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Peruvian Necktie: A Front-Headlock Submission

The Peruvian necktie is an arm triangle variation executed from a front headlock position. Known for its unique mechanics and high success rate, it’s an excellent addition to any grappler’s arsenal.

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Porrada: See "Everyday Porrada"

Porrada translates to "brawl" or "fight" in Portuguese, symbolizing the hard-training, no-excuses attitude many grapplers adopt. For a deeper dive, check the Everyday Porrada section.

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Post: A Simple Yet Essential Skill

To post means using your hands or feet strategically to prevent sweeps or stabilize your position. Mastering posts is key to maintaining balance and control in grappling exchanges.

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Posture: The Backbone of Grappling

In BJJ, posture refers to maintaining proper spinal alignment to maximize strength, balance, and force generation. Good posture is crucial in both offensive and defensive scenarios, especially when controlling or escaping positions.

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Pull Guard: From Standing to Guard

Pulling guard is a transition where the practitioner moves from standing to the guard position without engaging in takedowns. It’s a popular tactic in BJJ competitions for initiating groundwork while avoiding the risks of standing exchanges.

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Pummel: Fighting for Inside Control

To pummel is to battle for advantageous arm or leg positions, often to gain inside control. In stand-up grappling, pummeling is essential for securing underhooks and setting up takedowns. In leg entanglements, it’s a key skill for gaining a dominant position for submissions.

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Q

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Quarter Guard: The Last Line of Defense

Quarter guard is a defensive guard variation where the practitioner uses their legs to control only the opponent’s ankle instead of their entire leg. It’s often a last-ditch effort to regain control when the opponent is passing the half guard.

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R

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Rear Mount: See Back Control

Rear mount is synonymous with back control, one of the most dominant positions in BJJ. For more, refer to the Back Control section.

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Rear Naked Choke: A Grappling Icon

The rear naked choke (also called Mata Leão, or "lion killer") is a signature submission performed from back control. By threading an arm under the opponent’s chin and locking it with the opposite arm, the practitioner creates a blood choke that forces a tap or unconsciousness.

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Red Belt: The Pinnacle of BJJ Achievement

The red belt is the highest rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reserved for 9th and 10th-degree black belts. The 10th degree is exclusively awarded to the pioneers of the art, signifying a lifetime of dedication and influence.

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Reversal: Sweeping Without Points

A reversal refers to a positional change from a disadvantageous spot to a more favorable one that doesn’t start from guard. Unlike sweeps, reversals don’t earn points in IBJJF competitions but are crucial for regaining control.

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Reverse De La Riva: A Guard Variation with Depth

The reverse de la Riva guard is a variation of the standard de la Riva guard, where the practitioner hooks the opponent’s leg from the inside instead of the outside. It’s a versatile guard known for its sweeps and transitions.

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Ringworm: A Grappler’s Skin Concern

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can affect grapplers due to skin-to-skin contact or unsanitized mats. Maintaining hygiene and cleaning gear after training are essential to prevent its spread.

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Rolling: Sparring in BJJ

Rolling refers to sparring sessions where practitioners apply techniques in a live setting. Rolls typically start from standing or the knees and end when a submission or time limit is reached. A staple of BJJ training, rolling is key to developing timing, strategy, and resilience.

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Rubber Guard: Control and Creativity

The rubber guard is an innovative guard style popularized by Eddie Bravo, designed for no-gi grappling. By breaking the opponent’s posture and bringing a leg over their shoulder, the practitioner locks their opponent into a clinch while freeing up a hand for submissions or sweeps. Its primary position, mission control, is the foundation for advanced variations and attacks.

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S

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Sambo: Grappling with Soviet Roots

Sambo, a martial art from the Soviet Union, blends techniques from judo, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. It features two main styles: sport sambo, focused on throws and submissions, and combat sambo, which includes striking.

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Sandbagging: Competing Below Your Skill Level

Sandbagging in BJJ occurs when a competitor intentionally competes at a lower skill level to gain an unfair advantage. This often results from instructors delaying belt promotions to ensure dominance in tournaments.

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Scarf Hold: See Kesa Gatame

The scarf hold, also called kesa gatame, is a side control pin with strong control and submission options. For more, see the Kesa Gatame section.

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Scissor Sweep: A Fundamental Guard Sweep

The scissor sweep is a foundational technique performed from the guard. By using the opponent’s collar, sleeve, and legs, the practitioner shifts their weight to unbalance and roll the opponent into a dominant position.

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Seatbelt: Securing Back Control

The seatbelt grip is a control position from back control where one arm goes over the opponent’s shoulder and the other under their opposite armpit. This grip provides excellent control and sets up submissions like the rear naked choke.

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Shark Tank: Endurance Under Pressure

A shark tank is an intense sparring drill where a practitioner rolls with a series of fresh opponents back-to-back. It’s often used for competition prep or testing endurance during belt promotions.

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Takedown: Bringing the Fight to the Ground

A takedown is a standing technique designed to transition the fight from standing to the ground. Takedowns are crucial in both BJJ and MMA for gaining control and setting up submissions. Common examples include the single leg takedown, where one leg is isolated, and the double leg takedown, which targets both legs for a powerful drive.

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Tapping Out: The Signal of Defeat

Tapping out is the universal way to concede defeat or signal withdrawal in a match, typically due to a successful choke, strangle, or joint attack. Practitioners can tap their opponent, the mat, or verbally submit to ensure safety. Tapping out is a key aspect of BJJ, emphasizing respect and safety during training and competition.

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Toreando Pass: Clearing the Path to Control

The toreando pass is a fundamental guard-passing technique. By controlling and pushing the bottom player’s legs out of the way, the top player creates a clear path to side control. This pass is both efficient and versatile, making it a staple in any grappler’s repertoire.

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Triangle: The Signature BJJ Submission

The triangle choke is an iconic submission that combines the practitioner’s legs and the opponent’s own arm to form a tight choke. Its versatility allows it to be launched from numerous guards and positions, making it one of the most effective and frequently used submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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Turtle: Defense and Opportunity

The turtle is a defensive position where the player is on their hands and knees, protecting against attacks. The position offers limited offensive options but provides opportunities to counter and transition. It’s commonly attacked with submissions like the rear naked choke or Japanese necktie, making awareness and movement essential when in turtle.

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U

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UAEJJF: Pioneering Jiu-Jitsu in the Middle East

The United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) is the governing body for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE. It oversees the development of the sport in the region and organizes an annual calendar of prestigious events. The UAEJJF has played a significant role in popularizing jiu-jitsu globally, particularly through its flagship tournaments like the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

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Uke: The Receiver of Technique

In Japanese martial arts, uke refers to the person who "receives" a technique during practice. While often associated with traditional judo and jiu-jitsu, the concept applies to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, where uke plays an essential role in helping their partner refine techniques and movements.

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Underhook: A Clinch Control Advantage

An underhook is a key grip in grappling, where the practitioner places their arm under the opponent’s arm and wraps around their midsection. This grip provides leverage for control, takedowns, and transitions, making it a fundamental concept in both stand-up and ground grappling scenarios.

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Upa: Bridging to Escape Mount

The upa, or bridge and roll, is a fundamental escape technique from the mount position. To execute, the bottom player bridges their hips upward to disrupt the top player’s balance, then traps the top player’s arm and leg on one side before rolling them over. This classic escape highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s foundational movements.

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Worm Guard: Innovating Open Guard Strategy

The worm guard, pioneered by elite BJJ athlete Keenan Cornelius, is an open guard variation that combines the practitioner’s legs with their opponent’s lapel. By wrapping the lapel around their shin, the practitioner breaks down the opponent’s posture and severely restricts their movement. This creative guard style is particularly effective in gi grappling, offering numerous options for sweeps, submissions, and positional control.

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Wristlock: Small Joint, Big Impact

Wristlocks are submissions that target the wrist joints by applying pressure to hyperextend or manipulate them. While they are relatively rare in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they can be used as effective submissions or to transition opponents into disadvantageous positions. Wristlocks are more commonly seen in martial arts like aikido, but skilled BJJ practitioners occasionally use them as surprise attacks, especially from close guard or mount.

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X-Guard: A Sweeping Masterclass in Open Guard

The x-guard, popularized by BJJ legend Marcelo Garcia, is an open guard variation designed for controlling and sweeping standing opponents. In the basic x-guard position, the bottom player positions themselves underneath their opponent, using both legs to frame against the opponent’s leg and hip from the inside. The practitioner’s arm is also used to trap the opponent’s other leg, creating a stable and controlling position.

X-guard offers a wide range of sweeps, making it a favorite among advanced grapplers for its versatility and effectiveness. Its popular variation, the single leg x-guard, simplifies the position by focusing control on one of the opponent’s legs, further enhancing its utility in both gi and no-gi scenarios.

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Z

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Z-Guard: A Modern Twist on Half Guard

The Z-guard is a variation of the knee shield half guard, offering enhanced control and opportunities for sweeps and submissions. In this position, the guard player uses one knee as a frame against the opponent’s torso while their other foot hooks the opponent’s leg for additional control. This combination allows the Z-guard player to maintain distance, neutralize pressure, and set up offensive maneuvers.

Well-known practitioners like Craig Jones and Bernardo Faria have showcased the effectiveness of the Z-guard at the highest levels of competition, making it a valuable tool for both gi and no-gi grappling.