Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Positions You Must Master

Essential Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Positions You Must Master

Starting out in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) can feel overwhelming due to the extensive array of techniques that one must learn. Many newcomers often ponder where to begin their training journey, searching for clarity amidst the complexity.

This guide aims to simplify your initiation into BJJ by breaking down the fundamental positions, critical movements, and key submissions that form the backbone of this martial art. By mastering these essentials, you will cultivate a solid foundation that facilitates the integration of more advanced techniques as your skills develop over time.

There are six core positions every practitioner should understand: guard, side control, knee on belly, mount, rear mount, and turtle. Each position possesses unique advantages, some of which are quantifiable in competition, typically earning between 2 to 4 points.

In addition to these positions, we will introduce you to six essential submissions and movements that every beginner should practice to construct a well-rounded BJJ game.

The Six Basic Positions, Movements, and Submissions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Here’s a detailed exploration of the six essential positions, movements, and submissions that every beginner should master. These components are the building blocks of your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.

Positions

Each position serves a unique purpose in both offensive and defensive strategies. Some of these positions are also awarded points during competitions:

• Guard / Side Control / Knee on Belly (2 points)
• Mount (4 points)
• Rear Mount / Back Control (4 points)
• Turtle

Movements

The effectiveness of BJJ lies in precise movement. These fundamental actions aid in escaping, defending, or launching effective attacks:

• Bridging / Shrimping 
• Escapes / Sweeps (2 points)
• Guard Passes (3 points)
• Transitions
• Submissions

Learning submissions is crucial for finishing matches effectively. Here are six highly effective submissions for beginners:

• Triangle Choke
• Armbar
• Americana / Figure 4
• Rear Naked Choke
• Guillotine
• Kimura

4 Basic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Positions

1. The Guard

What is the Guard?

The guard is a foundational position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, characterized by the bottom player being on their back or seated while their opponent is positioned in front of their legs. This versatile stance allows for a range of both offensive and defensive techniques, setting BJJ apart from other grappling disciplines.

Why the Guard is Essential

The guard exemplifies the uniqueness of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Unlike sports such as wrestling or judo, where being on your back often signifies defeat, the guard enables practitioners to neutralize an opponent's advantages and generate opportunities to execute sweeps or submissions. Even if an opponent secures points for a takedown, maintaining your guard still provides you with substantial chances to reverse the outcome, attack, and win the match.

The Closed Guard

The closed guard is typically one of the first positions introduced in BJJ academies due to its straightforward nature and control capabilities. In this stance, the practitioner secures their opponent between their legs, significantly hindering the opponent’s ability to pass the guard while allowing for potential attacks.

The Open Guard

The open guard introduces greater complexity and options but demands heightened control and skill. It has been a common misconception among those unfamiliar with BJJ that the bottom player is losing when in open guard. This was notably debunked in the early 1990s when Royce Gracie showcased the effectiveness of the guard during his matches in the first UFC events, defeating much larger opponents from this very position.

Thus, learning and mastering the guard is vital not only for survival but also for progression within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

2. Side Control

What is Side Control?

Side control, also referred to as side mount, is a dominant top position wherein the practitioner pins their opponent chest-to-chest while laying perpendicular to their body.

Why Side Control Matters

Securing side control after successfully passing the guard represents a significant milestone in any BJJ encounter. This position renders an opponent's guard ineffective and establishes a dominant area from which attacks or transitions to positions like mount or back mount can be initiated. Mastery of side control requires technical skill interwoven with strategic planning. Practitioners should focus on developing both guard-passing skills and the ability to maintain control, as these elements are integral to a complete BJJ game.

3. Turtle Position

What is the Turtle Position?

The turtle position is achieved when a player is on their hands and knees with their head tucked in closely, frequently under the control of an opponent situated above or behind them.

Why Use the Turtle Position?

This position primarily serves as a defensive maneuver, used to avoid giving up points when an opponent passes the guard but fails to establish side control. Transitioning to turtle can yield several strategic benefits:

Preventing Points: By adopting the turtle position, you effectively deny your opponent the three points typically awarded for a guard pass.Creating Opportunities: Turtle allows for re-guarding, facilitating a regain of control and enabling a reset to a preferable fighting position.Attacking from Turtle: If your opponent is situated directly in front, you may find opportunities to perform takedowns and shift the momentum back in your favor.

Risks of the Turtle Position

While there are many strategic advantages to using the turtle position, it also poses substantial risks, especially regarding the potential for an opponent to take your back. Effectively utilizing this position demands well-calibrated timing, acute situational awareness, and rapid responsiveness to an opponent's movements.

4. The Mount (4 Points)

What is the Mount?

The mount is recognized as a highly advantageous top position where the practitioner straddles their opponent, maintaining control by kneeling over them.

Why the Mount is Critical

Considered one of the most formidable positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, achieving mount often signals a significant edge. From here, the top player can launch multiple attacks while their opponent must focus solely on defense. The force of gravity aids