Techniques

In BJJ, practitioners aim to take the fight to the ground where they can use various techniques to control their opponent and ultimately submit them through joint locks or chokes.

Positions

BJJ has a hierarchy of positions. These positions include the guard (both closed and open), side control, mount, and back control, among others. Each position offers different opportunities for control and submissions. In tournaments there will be points given by reaching a position.

Takedowns

Usually the fight stars standing, each fighter will try to bring the fight to the ground by taking the opponent down or pull him into a guard. Judo or Wresting background can help here.

Guard

Nowadays a lot of practices like to play guard, either an open guard or a closed guard. From there they will try to sweep the opponent and get to top position or submit.

Side control

After managing to pass the legs of the opponent you will probably reach a side mount. As the legs of the person on bottom are you of the game it will give the top person an advantage to control or go for submissions.

Mount

Making the way to sit on the opponent’s belly is one of the dominants positions. On top there is a good control over the position and tons of attacks to submit, while the person on bottom needs to work on getting out of there.

Back control

Controlling the back gives you the chance to choke you opponent from behind. This powerful position gives you an excellent chance to control and attack while the opponent can’t really see you.

Submissions

Winning a fight before the time is over will be done by submitting the opponent by applying joint locks or chokes and make him tap.

Chokes

The target here is the opponent’s neck, restricting blood flow or airflow, such as the rear naked choke or guillotine choke.

Arm locks

Arm locks involve hyperextending or applying pressure to an opponent’s joint, such as the armbar (elbow lock), kimura (shoulder lock with a twist) and many more.

Leg locks

While leg locks have been part of grappling arts for a long time, their popularity has increased in recent years due to the rise of various leg lock systems. The goal is to hyperextend or twist a leg joint, such as knee-bar or heel hock and many more.