Quick answer: this BJJ terms glossary explains 121 terms you will hear in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, from A to Z. It covers positions such as mount and side control, guards, sweeps and passes, chokes and joint locks, the Portuguese and Japanese names many techniques still use, and the gym and competition slang that confuses new students. Use the letter bar to jump to a term.
Jiu-jitsu has its own language. In one class a coach might ask you to break posture in closed guard, hip escape to recover half guard, pummel for an underhook and finish with a kimura, and on day one that can sound like code. The vocabulary comes from several places: Japanese judo and jujutsu, Brazilian Portuguese, freestyle and folkstyle wrestling, and the names that modern competitors give to new positions. This glossary was updated for 2026 and is written for beginners, parents of junior students and experienced grapplers who want a quick reference.
Each entry gives a plain-English definition and, where it helps, points to a deeper guide. If you are brand new, start with our guide to the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Contents
Jump to a letter: # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Z
How to use this glossary
Terms are listed alphabetically, with numbers first. Where a technique has several names, the entry uses the name most often heard in English-speaking academies and lists the alternatives, so the Japanese juji gatame appears under armbar and the Portuguese mata leão points to rear naked choke. Links inside an entry jump to related terms on this page or to a full guide elsewhere on the blog. Rules referred to here are the IBJJF rules at the time of writing; always check the rules of the specific event you enter.
Numbers
10th Planet
A no-gi jiu-jitsu system founded by Eddie Bravo in Los Angeles in the early 2000s. It is known for trademark positions such as the rubber guard, the lockdown and the twister, and for its own naming conventions, which you will hear in many no-gi classes.
50/50
A leg entanglement in which both grapplers trap the same-side leg of the other, so the position is symmetrical. Each player has the same access to heel hooks and foot locks, which makes it a high-risk, high-reward spot in no-gi, and a common stalling position in gi competition.
A
Absolute division
The open-weight division at a tournament, where competitors of any body weight face each other. It is usually entered in addition to your weight division and is a true test of the art's claim that technique can beat size.
Academy
The usual word for a BJJ gym or club, borrowed from the Portuguese academia. Your academy's head instructor and affiliation determine your lineage, the curriculum you follow and who can promote you.
ADCC
The Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Fighting World Championship, the most prestigious no-gi grappling event, first held in 1998 and run every two years. ADCC rules have no points for the first part of a match, then reward takedowns, sweeps and dominant positions, and penalise guard pulling.
Advantage
A near-score in IBJJF-style rules, awarded when an athlete almost completes a sweep, pass, takedown or submission. Advantages do not add to the points total but break ties when points are level. Our guide to BJJ points explains how they are awarded.
Americana
A bent-arm shoulder lock in which the opponent's arm is pinned to the mat in an L shape, palm up, and the elbow is lifted while the wrist stays down. It is one of the first submissions most beginners learn from side control and mount. Also called the keylock, figure-four arm lock or ude garami.
Ankle lock
Also called the straight foot lock. The attacker traps the foot under the armpit, wraps the arm around the Achilles area and arches back to put pressure on the ankle and foot. It is legal at every adult belt level under IBJJF rules, which makes it the entry point to leg locking. See our full list of BJJ submissions.
Arm drag
A control in which you pull your opponent's arm across their body and step to the angle behind it. It is used standing to set up takedowns and from guard to take the back. Our guide to BJJ takedowns and throws breaks it down step by step.
Arm triangle
A head-and-arm choke in which the opponent's own shoulder is pressed into one side of their neck while your arm closes the other side. It is typically finished from mount or side control. The judo name is kata gatame.
Armbar
The classic straight-arm lock: the attacker isolates the arm, controls it with the legs across the chest and lifts the hips against the elbow to hyperextend it. It can be finished from closed guard, mount, the back and many transitions, and remains one of the highest-percentage finishes at every level. Mastering the armbar opens up a whole family of arm and shoulder locks. The judo name is juji gatame.
Ashi garami
Japanese for "leg entanglement". In modern BJJ it refers to a family of leg-lock control positions, from the basic single-leg version (often called straight ashi) to outside ashi and inside ashi, used to set up foot locks, heel hooks and kneebars.
B
Back control
Also called back mount or rear mount. You are behind your opponent with your chest on their back, controlling the upper body with a seatbelt grip and the hips with your legs as hooks. It scores 4 points under IBJJF rules and is widely regarded as the most dominant position in jiu-jitsu.
Base
Your stability and balance: how hard you are to sweep, push or pull off position. Good base comes from a wide, low posture, weight in the right place and posts ready when needed.
Baseball bat choke
A gi choke using two collar grips held like a baseball bat, one palm up and one palm down. The choke tightens as the attacker rotates around the opponent's head. It is often hit from knee on belly or side control.
Belt
The coloured belt that shows rank. Under the IBJJF system adults progress through white, blue, purple, brown and black, with grey, yellow, orange and green belts for children, and coral and red belts reserved for long-serving black belts. Our guide to BJJ belt progression covers each rank and typical timelines.
Berimbolo
An inverting technique, usually from De La Riva guard, in which the bottom player rolls under the opponent to reach their back. It was popularised in gi competition from the late 2000s.
Bow and arrow choke
A powerful gi choke from back control. One hand feeds deep into the collar while the other grabs the trouser leg, and the attacker stretches the opponent out like drawing a bow.
Breakfall
The technique of landing safely when thrown or swept, spreading the impact by slapping the mat and keeping the head tucked. Judo calls it ukemi. It is one of the first skills taught to beginners because it makes throws safe to practise.
Bridge
Driving the hips up off the mat from your back, usually to unbalance an opponent who is on top. Combined with trapping an arm and leg it becomes the upa escape from mount.
Butterfly guard
A seated open guard with both feet hooked inside the opponent's thighs. The hooks are used to elevate and off-balance the opponent, making it a favourite for sweeps in both gi and no-gi.
C
Cauliflower ear
A permanent swelling of the outer ear caused by repeated friction and impact, when blood pools between cartilage and skin and hardens. Early drainage by a medical professional and wearing ear guards can prevent it.
Cem quilos
Portuguese for "one hundred kilos", an old name for side control that captures how heavy a good top player should feel.
Clock choke
A gi choke against a turtled opponent. The attacker grips deep in the collar and walks the legs around the opponent's head, like the hands of a clock, to tighten the lapel across the neck.
Closed guard
The guard where the bottom player wraps both legs around the opponent's waist with the ankles crossed. It is the first guard most people learn and a strong platform for sweeps, armbars, triangles and chokes. Also called full guard. Our guide to BJJ fundamentals covers how to use it.
Collar choke
Any choke that uses the gi collar or lapel to apply pressure to the sides of the neck. The cross collar choke from mount or closed guard, where both hands grip deep inside the collar with the arms crossed, is the most common version.
Coral belt
A red-and-black or red-and-white belt worn by black belts who have reached the seventh or eighth degree, typically after several decades at black belt.
Crank
A submission that attacks the spine or neck by twisting or flexing it, rather than choking. The can opener from closed guard is an example. Many cranks are illegal under IBJJF rules, so always check the rules before using them in competition.
Crossface
Driving your shoulder or forearm across the opponent's jaw to turn their head away. Because the body follows the head, a crossface stops them turning in and is a key control from side control and half guard top.
D
D'Arce choke
An arm-in choke in which the attacker threads an arm under the opponent's neck and through their armpit, then locks a figure-four grip and squeezes. Named after Joe D'Arce, it is common from front headlock and half guard top, especially in no-gi.
De La Riva guard
An open guard in which the bottom player wraps one leg around the outside of the opponent's lead leg, with the foot hooked behind the thigh, while gripping the ankle and sleeve or collar. Named after Ricardo De La Riva, it leads to sweeps, back takes and the berimbolo.
Deep half guard
A half guard variation in which the bottom player slides underneath the opponent's hips and holds their leg from underneath. Their weight is off the bottom player, which makes sweeps easier.
Double leg
A takedown in which you change levels, drive your shoulder into the opponent's hips and lift or drive through both legs. It comes from wrestling and is one of the most effective takedowns in BJJ. See our guide to BJJ takedowns.
Drilling
Repeating a technique with a cooperative partner to build smooth, automatic movement. Most classes include a drilling block between the technique demonstration and live rolling.
E
Escape
Getting out of a bad position or submission, such as an escape from mount, side control or back control. Escapes are among the first skills beginners should study because they keep you safe while the rest of your game develops.
Ezekiel choke
A choke that uses your own sleeve: one arm wraps behind the opponent's neck and grips inside the opposite sleeve, while the other hand drives across the throat. It can be finished from mount and, surprisingly, from inside someone's guard. The judo name is sode guruma jime.
F
Faixa
Portuguese for "belt". You may hear ranks described in Portuguese, such as faixa preta for black belt and faixa azul for blue belt.
Flow roll
A light, cooperative roll where both partners move continuously and let techniques work rather than fighting to win. It is a good way to explore new ideas and stay loose on lighter training days.
Frame
Using your forearms, hands, shins or knees as solid structures to keep space between you and your opponent. Frames are the basis of almost every escape and guard retention.
G
Gable grip
A palm-to-palm grip with the thumbs tucked, used to lock the hands together for chokes, takedowns and controls. It is quick to form and strong.
Gassed
Exhausted. Being gassed out during a roll or match usually comes from tension and poor breathing as much as fitness, which is why staying relaxed is such a common coaching cue.
Gi
The traditional BJJ uniform of a heavy cotton jacket, reinforced trousers and a belt. Its collar, sleeves and trousers give grips for chokes, sweeps and controls that do not exist without it. Our guide to gi vs no-gi BJJ explains the differences, our BJJ gi size charts help with fit, and CYPHR makes custom BJJ gis for clubs. Also called the kimono.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
The style developed by the Gracie family in Brazil after Carlos Gracie learned from the Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda in the early twentieth century. His brother Hélio Gracie adapted the techniques to rely on leverage rather than strength, and the family's challenge matches and later the early UFC made the art famous worldwide.
Grip fighting
The battle to establish your grips and break your opponent's, standing or on the ground. In the gi it often decides who gets to play their game.
Guard
Any position where you are on your back or seated and using your legs to control the opponent and keep them away from your torso. Major varieties include closed guard, half guard, butterfly guard, spider guard and De La Riva guard.
Guard pass
Getting past the opponent's legs to a pinning position such as side control or north-south. A pass scores 3 points under IBJJF rules if held for three seconds. Common styles include the toreando, knee cut, leg drag and pressure passing.
Guard pull
Choosing to sit or jump to guard from standing instead of attempting a takedown. It is legal in most gi rule sets and often penalised in no-gi rule sets such as ADCC.
Guillotine
A front choke in which you wrap your arm around the opponent's neck from the front and squeeze while lifting. It can be finished standing, from guard or from a front headlock, and is especially common in no-gi.
H
Half guard
A guard where the bottom player traps one of the opponent's legs between their own. It can be a defensive last line or a dangerous attacking position with underhooks, knee shields and deep half.
Heel hook
A rotational leg lock that twists the heel to put force through the knee ligaments. It is fast and dangerous because pain often arrives after the damage. At the time of writing the IBJJF permits it only in adult brown and black belt no-gi divisions, while many other rule sets allow it more widely.
Hip escape
Also called shrimping. You turn onto your side and push your hips away from the opponent to create space. It is the most fundamental movement in BJJ and the engine behind guard recovery and escapes.
Hooks
Using your feet and insteps to grab and control the opponent, such as the hooks inside the thighs in back control or butterfly guard.
I
IBJJF
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, which runs the World Championship and many major events, and publishes the most widely used rules and belt requirements. Many local tournaments in Australia follow an IBJJF-style points system.
Imanari roll
A rolling entry into leg locks in which the attacker dives across the opponent's legs to land in a leg entanglement. Named after the Japanese grappler Masakazu Imanari.
Inside sankaku
A leg entanglement in which the attacker's legs triangle around one of the opponent's legs from the inside. It is the strongest heel hook position and is also known as the saddle, the honey hole and 411.
Inverted guard
Rolling onto your shoulders so your legs stay between you and a passer. It is a flexible, modern guard retention method that should be learnt carefully to protect the neck.
J
Jiu-jitsu
The Brazilian spelling of the Japanese jūjutsu, the "gentle art". It is also written jujitsu or ju-jitsu. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) grew from Japanese jūjutsu and judo as taught in Brazil and developed its own focus on ground fighting.
Judo
The Japanese martial art founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. Its throws, pins and many submissions are the root of BJJ, and many BJJ terms keep their judo names.
K
Kesa gatame
The scarf hold, a side pin where the top player sits beside the opponent's chest facing their head, wrapping the head and controlling an arm. It comes directly from judo.
Kimura
A bent-arm shoulder lock that rotates the arm behind the opponent's back using a figure-four grip. It is named after the judoka Masahiko Kimura, who used it to defeat Hélio Gracie in Brazil in 1951. It can be attacked from guard, side control, north-south and standing.
Knee cut
A guard pass in which the top player drives their knee diagonally across the opponent's thigh to slice through to side control. Also called the knee slice or knee slide pass.
Knee on belly
A top position in which you place your shin across the opponent's torso with your other leg posted out. It scores 2 points under IBJJF rules and creates heavy pressure and openings for submissions.
Knee shield
A half guard variation in which the bottom player places their top shin across the opponent's torso as a frame to keep distance.
Kneebar
A straight leg lock that hyperextends the knee, working on the same principle as an armbar. Under IBJJF rules it is legal from brown belt upward.
L
Lasso guard
A gi open guard in which the bottom player wraps a leg over and around the opponent's arm while gripping the sleeve, creating strong control for sweeps and triangles.
Leg drag
A guard pass in which the top player drags the opponent's legs across their body to one side and pins them, landing in side control or taking the back.
Leg lock
Any submission that attacks the joints of the leg, including straight ankle locks, toe holds, kneebars, calf slicers and heel hooks. Which ones are legal depends on belt level and rule set.
Lockdown
A half guard control popularised by 10th Planet in which the bottom player triangles their legs around the opponent's trapped leg and stretches it out to break their base.
M
Mata leão
Portuguese for "lion killer", the Brazilian name for the rear naked choke.
Mitsuyo Maeda
The Japanese judoka and prize fighter, also known as Count Koma, who settled in Brazil and taught Carlos Gracie and others in Belém, laying the foundations of BJJ.
Mount
A top position in which you sit astride the opponent's torso with your knees on the mat. It scores 4 points under IBJJF rules. Variations include high mount, S-mount and technical mount.
N
No-gi
Jiu-jitsu practised without the gi, usually in a rash guard and shorts. Without collar and sleeve grips the pace is faster and wrestling, underhooks and leg locks become more important. Read about the “no-gi” style and how it compares with gi training.
North-south
A pin in which the top player lies chest to chest with the opponent, facing the opposite direction, with their head over the opponent's hips. The north-south choke and kimura are classic attacks from here.
O
Omoplata
A shoulder lock applied with the legs. From guard, the attacker swings a leg over the opponent's shoulder and rotates to bend the trapped arm behind their back. It also works as a sweep. In Portuguese the word means shoulder blade.
Open guard
Any guard where the legs are not locked around the opponent, such as spider, De La Riva, butterfly and X-guard. Open guards trade the security of closed guard for mobility and sweeps.
Open mat
A session with no formal class, where people drill, roll and work on their own goals. Open mats are a good time to visit other academies.
Oss
A word used in many academies to say hello, thank you, understood or show respect. Its origin is usually traced to Japanese martial arts and is still debated, and not every gym uses it.
Overhook
Wrapping your arm over the top of your opponent's arm, pinning it to your side. It is a key control from guard and in the clinch, and the opposite of an underhook.
P
Penalty
A sanction for breaking competition rules, such as stalling, fleeing the mat or an illegal grip. Under IBJJF rules penalties can give the opponent advantages or points, and repeated penalties can lead to disqualification.
Positional sparring
Live training that starts from a set position with a specific goal, such as passing versus retaining guard. It gives focused repetitions on one part of the game.
Post
Placing a hand or foot on the mat to stop yourself being swept or rolled. Posts give base, but a misplaced post can also be a target for sweeps and arm attacks.
Posture
Keeping your spine straight and head up, especially inside the opponent's guard. Good posture shuts down many attacks before they start.
Pressure passing
A guard passing style that uses body weight and tight connection to flatten and smother the bottom player rather than speed and movement.
Professor
A title often used for black belt instructors, from the Portuguese tradition. Many academies simply use "coach" instead.
Pummel
Swimming your arms inside your opponent's arms to win underhooks, standing or on the ground.
Q
Quarter guard
A very shallow half guard where the bottom player traps only the opponent's foot or ankle. It is often the last moment before the pass is complete.
R
Rash guard
A fitted, stretchy training top worn for no-gi, or under the gi jacket. A good rashguard protects the skin from mat burn, keeps you cooler and gives partners nothing to grab. Many academies have team rash guards in their club colours.
Rear naked choke
The classic blood choke from back control: one arm wraps around the neck, the other locks behind the head, and the squeeze compresses the sides of the neck. It is one of the most successful submissions in both BJJ and MMA. See our guide to BJJ submissions.
Red belt
The highest rank in BJJ, given to black belts at the ninth and tenth degrees after a lifetime in the art.
Reverse De La Riva
An open guard where the bottom player hooks the opponent's lead leg from the inside rather than the outside, often used to block knee cut passes and set up back takes.
Rolling
Live sparring in BJJ. A roll usually starts on the knees or standing and runs for a set time, with both partners trying to pass, sweep and submit while keeping each other safe.
Rubber guard
A high closed guard system, popularised by Eddie Bravo, in which the bottom player holds a leg high across the opponent's back to break their posture and set up omoplatas, triangles and gogoplatas.
S
Sandbagging
Competing in a lower belt or skill division than you should, to win more easily. It is frowned on across the sport.
Scissor sweep
A fundamental sweep from closed or open guard in which the bottom player cuts one shin across the opponent's body and chops the other leg at the knee while pulling them forward. A sweep scores 2 points.
Seatbelt
The grip used to control the upper body from back control, with one arm over the shoulder and one under the opposite armpit, hands clasped across the chest.
Shark tank
A training drill in which one person stays in while fresh partners take turns rolling with them. It builds toughness and composure under fatigue.
Shorts
Grappling shorts or board shorts are the standard bottoms for no-gi, usually without pockets, zips or exposed metal. Look for a secure waistband and a cut that allows full movement.
Side control
A pin in which the top player lies chest to chest across the opponent, perpendicular to them. It is where most guard passes end and leads to submissions and to mount. Also called side mount or cem quilos.
Single leg
A takedown attacking one of the opponent's legs. There are many finishes, from running the pipe to lifting the leg. See our guide to takedowns and throws.
Spider guard
A gi open guard in which the bottom player grips both sleeves and places their feet in the opponent's biceps, controlling distance and setting up sweeps and triangles.
Sprawl
The defence against leg attacks: you throw your legs back and drop your hips on the attacker's head and shoulders.
Stripes
The white or coloured tape bars on a belt that mark progress between full belts. Most academies award up to four stripes per belt.
Submission
A technique that forces the opponent to tap, by choking or locking a joint. A submission ends a match immediately whatever the score. Our complete list of BJJ submissions covers chokes, arm locks and leg locks.
Sweep
Reversing from the bottom of guard or half guard to end up on top. A sweep scores 2 points under IBJJF rules if the new top position is held for three seconds.
T
Takedown
Taking the opponent from standing to the ground and landing in a top position. Takedowns score 2 points under IBJJF rules. BJJ borrows heavily from wrestling and judo here. See our guide to BJJ takedowns and throws.
Tap
Tapping your partner, or the mat, two or more times to signal submission. You can also tap verbally. Tapping early and often is how everyone in a jiu-jitsu class keeps training safely for years.
Toreando pass
A standing guard pass in which the passer controls the legs and moves around them, like a bullfighter sidestepping a bull. Toreando is Portuguese for bullfighting. Also called the bullfighter pass.
Triangle choke
A choke applied with the legs. The attacker traps the opponent's head and one arm between their legs and locks a figure four, compressing the neck with their own shoulder. One of BJJ's signature submissions. The judo name is sankaku jime.
Turtle
A defensive position on hands and knees with the elbows tight to the knees, used to stop a pass. It protects the front but exposes the back, so it is best used briefly.
Twister
A spinal lock from the back or truck position, popularised by Eddie Bravo, that twists the opponent's neck and spine. It is banned in many rule sets.
U
Uke
Japanese for the person who receives the technique in drilling. The person applying it is the tori.
Underhook
Placing your arm under your opponent's armpit and around their back. Winning the underhook is central in half guard, the clinch and many passes.
Upa
The bridge-and-roll escape from mount: trap one arm and the foot on the same side, bridge explosively and roll the opponent over that side. The word is a Portuguese exclamation.
V
Vale tudo
Portuguese for "anything goes". Vale tudo fights in Brazil were no-holds-barred contests where Gracie fighters tested jiu-jitsu against other styles, a forerunner of modern MMA.
W
Waiter sweep
A sweep from deep half or butterfly guard in which the bottom player lifts the opponent's leg with their arms like a waiter carrying a tray.
Weave
The fabric construction of a gi jacket. Single weave is light and cool, double weave is heavier and tougher, and pearl weave balances strength and weight. Lighter weaves help competitors stay within their weight category.
Worm guard
A gi guard developed by Keenan Cornelius in which the bottom player wraps the opponent's lapel around their leg to create powerful control.
Wrestle up
Coming up from the bottom position, usually from seated guard, into a wrestling attack such as a single leg. It is a hallmark of modern no-gi.
Wristlock
A submission that bends the wrist against its range of motion. Wristlocks can appear suddenly from many positions. Whether they are allowed depends on age group and rule set, so check before you compete.
X
X-guard
An open guard in which the bottom player is underneath the opponent with the legs forming an X around one of their legs, unbalancing them for sweeps. Single leg X is a simpler version also used for leg locks.
Z
Z-guard
A half guard variation with a knee shield across the opponent's torso and the bottom leg hooking their leg. It is a solid defensive guard that leads to sweeps and leg entanglements.
BJJ terms FAQ
What does "oss" mean in BJJ?
Oss is an all-purpose word used in many academies to say hello, thanks, understood or to show respect. Its roots are usually traced to Japanese martial arts, and its exact origin is still debated. Not every gym uses it, so follow the custom of your academy.
Why do so many BJJ techniques have Japanese or Portuguese names?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grew from judo and Japanese jujutsu, which were brought to Brazil in the early twentieth century, so many techniques keep Japanese names such as kimura and ashi garami. The art was then developed in Brazil, which added Portuguese terms such as mata leão and upa.
What is the difference between guard, mount and side control?
In guard you are on your back using your legs to control the opponent. In mount the top player sits astride the opponent's torso. In side control the top player pins the opponent chest to chest from the side. Mount scores 4 points under IBJJF rules and a guard pass to side control scores 3.
What does tapping out mean in BJJ?
Tapping out means signalling that you submit, by tapping your partner or the mat at least twice or by saying tap. Your partner must release immediately. Tapping early is how people train hard without getting injured.
What does rolling mean in BJJ?
Rolling is live sparring. Two partners try to pass, sweep and submit each other for a set round, usually starting from the knees or standing, while keeping each other safe.
Do I need to learn all of these terms before my first BJJ class?
No. Coaches explain terms as they teach. Knowing a handful, such as guard, mount, side control, sweep, tap and rolling, will help you follow your first few classes, and the rest come with time on the mat.
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