Take control of your life one move at a time! BJJ training not only empowers you with the ability to defend yourself, but it also helps you hone in on your inner strength.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the fundamentals of BJJ and explore the various grappling techniques, ranging from basic BJJ positions to more advanced techniques of the BJJ game.

So brace yourself for some serious mat time and get ready to move!

Basic Moves

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a popular martial art and combat sport that has gained massive popularity among practitioners of martial arts from all around the world due to its effectiveness and efficiency in self-defense.

There are many different BJJ moves, which range from simple grappling techniques to complex submissions. In this article, we will be providing an overview of the basic BJJ moves for entry-level and beginners, such as the triangle choke, rear-naked choke, closed guard, and other submissions.

Additionally, we will also be discussing classic BJJ positions, guard passes, and various other techniques that are essential to mastering the art.

Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is one of the core techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and it can be a very effective tool for controlling opponents, forcing submissions, and even winning matches. This technique is named for its shape (inverted triangle) when being performed on an opponent.

The triangle choke involves using your legs — specifically, one leg to encircle your opponent’s neck, while the other wraps around the arm and midsection and locks in position to create a vice-like grip. This move requires good flexibility as well as strength; however, once properly applied it is typically very difficult to escape from.

When you have your opponent in the triangle choke, you will want to press forward with your body against their face while also pulling your arms tight across their body to complete the submission. To secure a successful submission you must maintain pressure with both arms, keep your legs locked into position, and keep them tight against your body until you cut off blood flow to the neck. At this point they may tap out or become unconscious if the pressure becomes too great; either way it’s important that you release immediately when either of these situations occur.

The triangle choke is considered the best technique in BJJ by many professionals. By mastering this technique you have built yourself a powerful tool that can give anyone pause — whether they are a beginner or expert grappler!

Rear Naked Choke

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is a submission technique applied from an opponent’s back in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). It is a very powerful hold and can often lead to a quick tapout if done correctly.

To secure the RNC, the grappler must be in full control of their opponent’s back, with one arm wrapped around the neck and the other controlling the waist or hip. The opponent’s head is pulled in tightly against the grappler’s chest to provide leverage for choking.

When applied correctly, RNC produces extreme pressure on the arteries of their carotid and can lead to unconsciousness within seconds if not released quickly enough. This makes it highly effective at forcing an opponent to submit during competitive matches and is easily adapted into self-defense scenarios.

Additional control can be achieved by posting off one leg or foot as well as cross facing your opponents head with your shoulder for additional leverage when applying this submission. If properly applied and added pressure is sustained, an RNC can be carried out quickly and efficiently with maximum effect.

Cross Collar Choke

The Cross Collar Choke is a fundamental submission technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is performed by encircling the neck of the opponent with one arm while controlling their other arm with your other hand. This grip can be completed using a Gi, belt, or Rash Guard depending on the ruleset of competition. The Cross Collar is a very powerful move and can lead to a quick finish if the opponent has not secured their proper defenses.

This choke involves applying pressure to both carotid arteries as well as compressing your opponent’s windpipe. By controlling their arm and encircling their neck, you limit how much they can defend themselves against the choke. You also create gaps in their posture that allow for you to easily sneak under an armpit by forcing them to hang over your shoulder.

Securing proper positioning is key in success with this move. Keep your elbows tight against the opponent’s body, press firmly into the collarbones, and left your hips up high off the mat for optimal control of pressure and position. Make sure you keep one hand tight on the lapel near their chin; this will disrupt any attempts from them breaking free from the choke or defending themselves from it properly.

When used in conjunction with other techniques such as neck cranks and arm locks, it can be even more effective at securing finishes via submission due to its powerful nature and fluid transitions between moves/positions.

Arm Bar

One of the most fundamental Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques is the arm bar, also known as an armbar. The arm bar is a submission hold which can occur in two different positions: guard and side control.

This technique works by placing attacking one of the opponent’s arms in an leveraged position where pressure is applied to respectively their shoulder and elbow joint to force them to tap out. This can be done any time during a BJJ match and will usually start when one grappler is on top of the other while they are seated or laying on their back in either guard or side control. For example, from guards such as closed guard, open guard or butterfly guard you can move into position for executing this technique.

To execute this move successfully, several steps are necessary for proper technique execution: capturing one of your opponent’s arms with both your hands, isolating their wrist outside your body, popping your hip off the surface (mat or floor) and using leverage to apply a ‘snap’ motion on the captured limb with maximum torque strength applied simultaneously across their joint areas.

You will know if you have done it correctly if you hear an audible crack or snap associated with the submission technique because of this immense torque strength applied during execution point.

Once correctly executed by applying direct pressure across both shoulder and elbow joints until they tap out, this move has been successful among many practitioners going all the way up to black belt level!

Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke is a signature Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique in which one arm crosses under the opponents chin from behind, constricting blood supply to the brain and rendering them unconscious. Generally executed from either the front headlock (or variations) or side control positions, guillotine chokes are one of the most commonly observed submissions in professional mixed martial arts competition.

To perform a guillotine choke, first line up the neck of your opponent inside your bicep while controlling him with your free hand on his head. Apply pressure with your triceps across the back of their neck and squeeze tightly against both sides of it with your forearms while driving forward with your bodyweight and hips. Finish by pressing down firmly on the back of their head in order to secure their chin inside your elbow joint and hold until they tap out or go unconscious.

Guillotines can also be made more effective when combined with additional control such as locking in a body triangle whilst squeezing down on their head, entangling legs over them to remove mobility or using grips on their gi for additional torque. As well as being used as an offensive move during live rolls, it is also an effective counter to standing rear bear hugs often used by unruly oppositions who fail to adhere to standard grappling techniques.

Straight Armbar

The Straight Armbar is an effective armlock that places immense pressure on the opponent’s elbow. It is a great submission for both beginner and advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners as it provides an easier set up and finish than some of the more complex armlocks.

To execute the move, start by controlling your opponent’s far side arm with one hand and bringing your leg across their body to trap their arm. Grab your foot with your free hand, keeping that knee pinned to the ground and pulling their elbow towards you to open their shoulder joint.

Push them away to open space on the back of their head or spine, allowing you to slide in behind after which you can begin applying pressure. The armbar can be finished by lifting your hips up and extending your body away from them or by controlling their hips with one hand, squeezing his legs together and rolling over his hip with your opposite arm.

Keep in mind that if you’re using the traditional straight armbar position, it’s important to be careful not to hyperextend it. The same applies if there are any sort of modified setups where a gi lapel or bottom leg control is used as leverage; make sure to adjust as needed so no harm comes to yourself or your partner in practice.

Intermediate Moves

Once you have the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) down, it’s time to explore some of the more intermediate moves. In this section, we will be discussing some of the basic intermediate Jiu Jitsu moves that you can use to further your technique and knowledge of the martial art. We will be exploring triangle chokes, rear naked chokes, closed guards, and other Jiu Jitsu submissions. We will also be covering how to use cross collar chokes, how to win a Jiu Jitsu match, and what you need to know to take your Jiu Jitsu journey to the next level.

Over Under Guard Pass

The over under guard pass is a fundamental move in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). In this guard, one person will be in the bottom position, with their legs wrapped around the other person’s waist while they are attempting to keep their guard intact.

The person on top will then attempt to move their arms and legs around the bottom person to pass and open up their guard. This can be done by placing one hand over the bottom persons far leg, while reaching under with the other arm and breaking their posture. Once they get one arm free, they can follow up with either an underhook or a body triangle to break down their posture and open up space for full side control.

The goal of this technique is for the top player to fully open up and clear out any obstacles so that they have full control of their opponent’s body. Once in complete side control, the top player can begin looking for submissions such as arm bars or kimuras from side control or reverse armbars from mount position.

In practice it is important to always make sure that your movements are deliberate when attempting this technique in order to maximize your success rate instead of rushing or using too much energy during your attempt at passing. Remember that when you are trying any technique it is a chess match; you must think every step of the way before making any drastic moves.

Hip Bump Sweep

The Hip Bump Sweep, also called the Pressure Pass, is one of the most fundamental Jiu Jitsu moves and is a great strategy to use when grappling with another person. This move is typically used when you are on your back beneath an opponent. You need to create space between your hips and theirs in order to have room to execute the sweep. It involves bumping your hip through their legs while still maintaining a secure grip.

Once you have passed their hips this way, you can then use your other hip for leverage as you push up and over them. If executed correctly, your opponent should slide off and be forced onto their back where they can very easily be submitted or thrown from.

The Hip Bump Sweep also works best when done from an advantageous position such as another hold down technique or guard play. Furthermore, proper hand placement is key – if done without proper control on your part with both arms securely around their torso, the motion may topple them forward rather than roll them over backwards onto the ground.

If the attempt fails due to improper positioning on either yours or your opponent’s part, there are other techniques that can be used instead of forcing yourself into a dangerous position where you could end up being pinned down by an experienced grappler. Being aware of these alternatives will ensure smooth transitions until successful execution of the maneuver against a less experienced practitioner – setting up any number of additional follow-up options.

Pendulum Sweep

The Pendulum Sweep is a popular move in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that executes from the guard position. This technique requires balance, coordination and timing to be effective but is relatively easy for beginner students to learn.

To perform a Pendulum Sweep, begin by sitting back into the guard position and grabbing your opponent’s opposite biceps (right arm if your opponent is to your right). Simultaneously use your free arm to insert underneath their knee, pushing it towards their opposite hip.

As you continue the motion, drive into their neck or shoulder with the same hand while pushing away with your arms or legs. This will successfully cause them to roll over you, placing you in a top mount position.

To finish the sweep and gain control of your opponent, establish a grip on one wrist with one hand. With the same hand you still gripping their bicep/tricep area and use this grip to control their posture by putting pressure on their arm as you attempt to transition around them into side control or full mount position (avoid letting them break out of this situation otherwise risk losing top control). With practice and proper technique execution it can become an effective tool for taking down an adversary from a defensive bottom guard position.

Trapped Arm

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a trapped arm technique is an intermediate move that gives the practitioner an advantageous position when directing an opponent. With these moves executed properly, the practitioner is better enabled to generate power and control.

The most common use for techniques involving trapping the arm is for passing guard, as it requires the focus of the defender to relax their arms in order to maintain balance and movement. For practitioners attempting to gain position when passing guard, there are several techniques available depending on their level of comfort and preference.

As an example, one intermediate move that can be used when passing guard is the Guillotine or Lapel Trapped Arm Pass. As its name implies, this technique uses your opponent’s lapel as leverage in order to trap one of their arms while you pass their legs with your other side.

It works by trapping your opponent’s arm with your own biceps while you open up their body with a half-hug or crucifix motion by extending your arm over them after trapping the lapel closest to their head. You can then apply pressure by ‘shoveling’ with this extended arm which will press them onto the ground so you can slide past them easier.

A second example includes using a shoulder trap known as Over/Under Control Pass. Commonly known as shoulder traps, over/under control creates a vice grip on both arms between yours and your partner’s shoulders which serves both strength and control purposes since once initiated it increases pressure from both sides as you pass each leg on opposite sides using hand pressure.

Using these traps arms are key components to achieve effective passes when training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; however it’s important first understand proper form and positioning before attempting them during practice against experienced opponents in order to increase chances of success in executing either of these trapped arm techniques once more comfortable and familiarized with each move individually.

Scissor Sweep

The scissor sweep is an effective Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) move. It can be used against an attack from the guard position and is one of the most common techniques used in BJJ tournaments. The basic idea is to control your opponent’s arms or legs and then quickly roll into a scissor-like motion which will cause them to roll over onto their back, giving you the advantage.

To perform a scissor sweep, you first need to establish control. This may involve using grips at various points on your opponent’s body (such as the hips or wrist). Alternatively, you may use a strong grip on the belt or one arm over your opponent’s neck to keep them off balance and limited in movement.

Once you feel secure in your control of their limbs, curl yourself into a tight ball and roll over them (tucking your feet behind their knees if possible). If performed correctly, this should cause them to roll over with you and onto their back.

When learning this technique for the first time it is important to remember that timing is key–if done too slowly or without proper technique it can leave you open to counterattacks. With practice, however, scissor sweeps can become an important part of your BJJ toolkit–giving you control of any situation with speed and precision!

Advanced Moves

Once you have mastered the basic techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you may want to try some more advanced moves. With advanced BJJ techniques, you can challenge yourself and improve your overall performance. This article will provide an overview of some of the more complex and technical BJJ moves that can help you feel more confident on the mats.

Control Escape

Controlling your opponent’s posture is an important defensive measure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Control escapes involve systematically neutralizing the opponent’s attempts to unbalance you and regain their power in the match. This can make all the difference between losing or winning in a close call.

Control escapes involve two main steps: using your body weight to pin down your partner and creating distance to escape out while controlling them with framing, grips, or locks. Here are a few control escape techniques used to control and maintain distance when moving away from an aggressive attack:

Hip Switch Escape

Used when you get pinned down on your back with someone on their side, the hip switch allows you to gain some space while rotating out of danger by switching hips with your partner.

Trapping Escape

When faced with someone mounted on top of you, trapping is used to control and reduce their momentum until you can reclaim guard position when they tire from lack of progress. By pushing away from them and hugging them tightly, this also creates a good opportunity for attacking as well.

Backstep Series Escape

This technique is focused more on regaining mobility rather than outright escaping; it involves pushing off against the opponent’s chest or shoulder with one arm and bringing up their leg until enough separation is created (or space for taking side-control). This particular escape set up can be repeated several times during grappling exchange when needed by alternating which arm (or leg) holds pressure against each other’s bodies.

Shoulder Squeeze Escape

A great tool for countering submissions such as triangle chokes form an imposed guard; this technique involves using one hand over the other shoulder as leverage, pushing up against the choking palm while rolling off further away using hip movement instead of strength.

Guard Retention

Guard retention is an important element of jiu-jitsu and involves using the guard in defensive and offensive ways. A practitioner must be able to retain the guard by controlling their opponents’ arms, legs, back and posture. Common guard techniques include the butterfly hook, spider guard, collar/sleeve basic, lapel spider guard, knee cut pass prevention and wrap-around sweep.

The butterfly hook allows a practitioner to control an opponent by holding a grip on one arm while holding an ankle block with the other leg. Spider guard is another common technique used from the bottom of the fight where a practitioner wraps their legs around their opponent’s torso in order to make it difficult for them to pass.

The collar/sleeve basic involves gripping one sleeve with both hands at a 45 degree angle then trapping one foot in between the opponent’s legs so that any attempt to pass is blocked.

The lapel spider guard uses sleeve and lapel grips with each leg encircling an arm as well as both elbows locked together so that they form a cross over the face or chest of your opponent. Knee cut prevention involves using your ankles, foot or shins to block opponents’ knee cut passes where they try to slide between your legs and pass.

Lastly, wrap-around sweep prevents an opponent from passing your guard when they are on all fours by throwing your leg around them while simultaneously sweeping them off balance with your hips.

Bridging and Shrimping Movements

Bridging and shrimping are two movements in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) that should be mastered as soon as possible for overall success in the sport. These two core movements support a variety of basic techniques, such as rolling and escaping mount positions, as well as more advanced moves like triangle chokes.

When performed correctly, these techniques enable the grappler to keep his or her balance while transitioning from one position to another. Bridging and shrimping involve using the hips and spine to generate power, helping the practitioner maintain balance when changing positions or breaking grips.

The bridge is a fundamental BJJ movement which involves pushing against the floor with your head and feet while arching your back, resulting in an effective “bridge” shape. The bridge allows you to increase leverage while lifting your partner off of you, counter an opponent’s throw, or even break an arm bar. When done correctly it can provide a powerful advantage in traditional Jiu Jitsu sport applications.

Shrimping is similar to bridging but instead uses the entire body to help shift position on the ground during grappling. It can help you evade submissions such as kimuras or guillotines, escape side-mount positions by pushing up into guard position and protect yourself from take-downs by creating counter space between you and your opponent.

The shrimp motion helps build a kinetic chain that links various segments of your body together allowing for active dynamic movement across all planes of motion in Jiu Jitsu wrestling matches! In addition, the up/down motion created by shrimping encourages proper breathing technique essential for successful grappling exchanges with other partners on mats worldwide!

Create Space

Creating space is an essential part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Good space management while practicing this sport will help you to stay in control of your opponent when sparring. Here are some useful technique options for creating enough room to move and counter your opponents.

Day Escape

In jiu-jitsu, you need the ability to escape from any hold that your opponent has over you. The day escape technique allows you to do just that by effectively turning your body 90 degrees and pushing off with one of your feet. As your body turns, one arm is also locked inside to prevent any grappling from happening again. This can be done from a defensive guard position or as an offensive approach when trying to pass the guard.

Bridge and Roll

In order to create distance between yourself and your opponent, the bridge and roll technique helps turn what could have been an uncomfortable bottom position into an effective offensive tactic. By using the power in both legs together with the right timing, you can increase the gap much greater than what a standing person might assume possible. Once distance is created, you can use various other techniques such as leg locks or chokes depending on how far away they are pushed away from where you were held down previously.

Hip Escape

If a mount or cross-body pin has been applied against you, then it might be a good idea for a hip escape maneuver instead of trying more conventional methods such as bridging out or rotating around through the guard position. The idea behind this tactic is keeping momentum even on top of someone which helps greatly in removing solid control from their grip before transitioning off their side away from them completely with enough distance established for another move to be applied afterwards if needed be.

Heel Hook

Heel hook submission moves in Brazilian jiu-jitsu are some of the most advanced and dangerous. The heel hook technique is a movement where you control the opponent’s leg with your foot or shin behind the knee, and then use leverage to apply pressure on the heel or top of their foot.

In a heel hook move, it is possible to apply an intense amount of pressure quickly. If your opponent does not tap out soon enough, this force can lead to serious injuries at the knee and ankle joints. Retaining awareness and control throughout application of a heel hook is essential as it gives you time to adjust your grip, alignment, and positioning. Maintaining complete control of these movements will minimize damage from excessive torque applied by improper techniques.

Elements that make up a successful heel hook move include control over your partner’s leg, hip movement for efficient power transfer, proper placement for maximum force displacement, patience when gripping and release upon tap out are all important factors. In situational training drills with experienced practitioners should always be monitored closely to ensure safe practice of advanced techniques such as this one.

Conclusion

When it comes to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu moves, there are literally dozens of techniques you can use to out-maneuver and defeat your opponents. From sweeps, submissions, combinations and throws, Jiu Jitsu has something for everyone. The best way to learn BJJ is by training with a knowledgeable instructor who will teach you proper technique and safety.

Over time, you’ll begin to develop the skill and muscle memory necessary to succeed in tournament competition or grappling matches. With dedication and consistent practice, you can improve your overall ability exponentially as well as develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the sport.

Tips For Improving Your BJJ Techniques

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art style that emphasizes grappling, joint locks and submission holds. It is based on the Japanese sport of judo and popularized by fighting stars like Royce Gracie in the early Ultimate Fighting Championship events.

As an effective form of self-defense and competition, BJJ combines tactics and techniques to properly control opponents and manage danger using throws, joint locks, pins, guard-controls, sweeps, submissions holds and more.

Since BJJ emphasizes the use of technique over strength or size when competing against opponents, it is critical for those who practice this discipline to understand how to properly apply moves appropriately. Below are some tips that can help improve your skills when doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu:

1. Control with Grips

When practicing moves such as throws or sprawls during partner drills or sparring sessions make sure you have a good grip on your opponent’s gi collar or belt. This will ensure maximum stability for both competitors by offering good control when executing offensive maneuvers.

2. Manage Distance in Your Engagements

Staying out of range when engaging with your opponent is critical for managing exposure to danger as well as opportunities for them to successfully execute their own techniques against you. Staying on the outside at appropriate ranges while looking for openings in defense can provide an opportunity to take down an opponent without violence being escalated.

3. Develop Choices at the Guard Position

A strong defense from bottom position begins with good base control from guard . Developing defensive options such as cutting off angles by creating false frames via walls splint grasp between bound wrists etc., can help keep you safe from attacks up top. Conversely, working techniques from bottom position that pressure guardsman into making mistakes through misdirection breaking posture etc., can also provide moments where you can effectively attack above side control mount etc.,

By following these tips you can dramatically improve your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu performance when engaging with opponents in practice sparring sessions . Always remember safety comes first so don’t be too aggressive when practicing BJJ!

Resources For Further BJJ Learning

In-person classes are the best way to learn BJJ techniques and transition from white belt to blue belt. Dedicated academies offer high-level instruction under experienced instructors and even the ability to train with elite black belts.

It’s important to find an academy that suits your needs, so ask about their training methods, instructors’ backgrounds and curriculum before joining.