List of BJJ Positions and Techniques

The focus of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is on using technique and leverage to outmaneuver an opponent. It is a highly effective martial art, as seen by its success in both competition and practical self-defense scenarios. A thorough understanding of the various positions and techniques utilized in BJJ is one of the keys to success in the sport. We will examine the many BJJ positions and techniques used to subdue a foe, set up submissions, and eventually win a match in this post. This post will give you useful insights into the world of BJJ, whether you are a novice learning the fundamentals or an advanced practitioner trying to expand your toolkit.

What are the Most Common Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Techniques?

The following is a quick list of all the most common submissions and basic BJJ positions.

Submissions:

Techniques

• Guard Passing
• Sweeping
• Escapes
• Shrimping

Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a submission hold used in grappling martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In a chokehold, the carotid arteries and jugular veins on either side of the neck are compressed, cutting off the blood supply to the brain. The name “triangle choke” refers to how the attacker’s arms and legs form a triangle to wrap the victim’s neck and one of their arms.

In order to apply a triangle choke, the attacker must first hold their target in the guard position with their feet locked together and their legs around the target’s waist. The assailant then seizes one of the victim’s arms and drags it across their body, trapping the arm against their chest with their legs. The attacker completes the triangle position by extending their other arm across the back of their adversary’s neck or their gi and grabbing their own opposite shoulder or bicep. In order to put pressure on the neck and stop the blood supply to the brain, the attacker then squeezes their legs and arms together. The choke can be broken by either elevating the opponent’s elbow with the trapped arm or lowering their head with the arm that is across their neck. An extremely powerful submission hold that can be utilized to end a fight or match is the triangle choke.

Arm Bar

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling martial arts, an arm bar is a submission hold. It is a joint lock that is applied to the elbow joint, hurting the opponent and perhaps resulting in an arm dislocation or break if they do not tap out or surrender.

In order to perform an arm bar, the attacker must first control their opponent’s arm, either by securing it with their hands while mounted or in side control, or by trapping it with their knees while in the guard position. The attacker then lifts their legs and encircles the opponent’s arm with them, holding it in position. The assailant then raises their feet toward their head and stretches their hips to form a lever with their legs and hips. The attacker makes a “figure four” configuration with their legs and arms by extending their own arm and grabbing their own opposite wrist. In order to exert pressure to the elbow joint and cause the opponent to tap out or surrender, the attacker finally extends their hips and pushes their feet in the direction of the opponent’s head. An excellent submission hold that can be used to end a fight or contest is the arm bar. The arm bar can also be found in other martial arts such as sambo and judo.

Rear Naked Choke

The rear naked choke is a submission hold used in grappling martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In a chokehold, the carotid arteries and jugular veins on either side of the neck are compressed, cutting off the blood supply to the brain. The rear naked choke gets its name from the way it is administered, with the attacker’s arms encircling the victim’s neck from behind.

The attacker must position themselves behind the target and secure the target’s body by encircling the target’s waist and locking their hands together before attempting a rear naked choke. The attacker then forms a “figure four” formation with their arms by crossing their right arm in front of the target’s neck and grabbing their own left bicep or shoulder with their right hand. The attacker then pulls down on the victim’s head while squeezing their arms together and exerting pressure on the neck. The choke can be broken by either lifting the opponent’s elbow with the arm that is wrapped around their waist or lowering their head with the arm that is across their neck. An extremely powerful submission hold that can be utilized to end a bout or competition is the rear naked choke. The RNC is perhaps the best self defense move in BJJ as well.

Omoplata

Omoplatas are submission holds used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling martial arts. They are also referred to as ashi garamis or leg locks. It involves applying a joint lock on the shoulder joint, which hurts and could break or dislocate the arm if the opponent does not tap out or surrender.

The attacker must first hold their opponent’s arm and leg in order to perform an omoplata. This can be done by either trapping the opponent with their own legs while they are in the guard position or by securing them with their hands while they are mounted or in a side control position. The attacker then raises their own legs and encircles the opponent’s arm with them to hold it in place. The assailant then raises their feet toward their head and stretches their hips to form a lever with their legs and hips. The attacker makes a “figure four” configuration with their legs and arms by extending their own arm and grabbing their own opposite wrist. Towards order to exert pressure to the shoulder joint and cause the opponent to tap out or submit, the attacker finally extends their hips and pushes their feet in the direction of the opponent’s head. An extremely powerful submission hold that can be utilized to end a fight or competition is the omoplata.

Kimura

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling martial arts, the kimura is a submission hold. It involves applying a joint lock on the shoulder joint, which hurts and could break or dislocate the arm if the opponent does not tap out or surrender. The kimura is named after Japanese judoka Masahiko Kimura, who made the move prominent in the early 20th century.

The attacker controls their opponent’s arm and shoulder before executing a kimura, either by trapping them with their own legs while they are in the guard position or by holding them down with their hands while mounted or in side control. The attacker then raises their own legs and encircles the opponent’s arm with them to hold it in place. The assailant then raises their feet toward their head and stretches their hips to form a lever with their legs and hips. The attacker makes a “figure four” configuration with their legs and arms by extending their own arm and grabbing their own opposite wrist. Towards order to exert pressure to the shoulder joint and cause the opponent to tap out or submit, the attacker finally extends their hips and pushes their feet in the direction of the opponent’s head. An excellent submission hold that can be used to end a fight or match is the kimura.

Ankle Lock

An ankle lock, commonly referred to as an achilles lock or a heel hook, is a submission hold used in grappling martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It is a joint lock that is applied to the ankle joint, hurting the opponent and possibly leading them to tap out or surrender or break their leg.

The attacker must first control their opponent’s leg before applying an ankle lock. They can do this by trapping it with their own legs while in the guard position or by holding it with their hands while mounted or in side control. The attacker then lifts their own legs and encircles the opponent’s leg with them to hold it in place. The assailant then raises their feet toward their head and stretches their hips to form a lever with their legs and hips. The assailant then advances their hips while tugging on the victim’s foot and applying pressure on the ankle joint with their hands. Both spinning the foot in a circular motion and hyperflexing the ankle joint can be used to release the ankle lock, however doing so may result in joint damage and pain. An excellent submission hold that can be utilized to end a fight or competition is the ankle lock.

Cross Collar Choke

A cross collar choke is a submission hold in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling martial arts. It is a chokehold that cuts off the blood supply to the brain by compressing the carotid arteries and jugular veins on either side of the neck. The cross collar choke gets its name from the way in which the attacker grips the opponent’s collars with both hands, crossing one hand over the other to create a tighter grip.

To execute a cross collar choke, the attacker first controls their opponent’s body, either by trapping them with their legs while in the guard position or by securing them with their hands while in a mounted or side control position. The attacker then reaches around the opponent’s neck and grabs both of their collars with their hands, crossing one hand over the other to create a tighter grip. The attacker then squeezes their hands together, applying pressure to the neck and cutting off the blood flow to the brain. The choke can be finished by either pulling the opponent’s head down with the hands that are gripping the collars, or by raising the opponent’s elbow with the arm that is wrapped around their body. The cross collar choke is a highly effective submission hold that can be used to finish a fight or match.

Side Control

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling martial arts, side control is a position. In this stance, the attacker is positioned so that their body is perpendicular to the body of the target while their weight is pressing down on the target. “Side mount” is another name for side control.

The attacker must first topple their opponent, either by throwing them on the ground or by sweeping them out of the guard stance. The attacker then advances to the side of the target’s torso, spreads their legs, and sets up a firm foundation by putting their hands and feet on the floor. The attacker uses their weight to pin the victim to the ground by pressing their chest down onto the victim’s torso. The attacker can then set up submissions or change to a more powerful position by using their arms and legs to better dominate the opponent’s body. A powerful posture that gives the attacker control over the target and the opportunity to set up a range of assaults is side control.

Mount/Full Mount

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling martial arts, mount is one of the most dominant positions. The attacker assumes control of the opponent from above, placing their body on top of the opponent’s and pressing down on them with their weight. Full mount is another name for mount.

The attacker must first get on top of their adversary, either by throwing them to the ground or by sweeping them out of the guard position. The attacker then spreads their legs out and puts their hands on the ground to create a solid platform. The attacker uses their weight to pin the victim to the ground by pressing their chest down onto the victim’s torso. The attacker can then set up submissions or change to a more powerful position by using their arms and legs to better dominate the opponent’s body. Mount is a very powerful posture that gives the attacker dominance over the target and a number of offensive options.

Rear Mount

Rear mount is a position used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling martial arts. It is often referred to as “back mount” or the “rear naked choke position.” In this stance, the attacker is positioned behind the target’s torso, pressing down with their weight to control the target from behind. The rear naked choke and other submissions can be set up by the attacker from the very dominant position known as rear mount.

The attacker must first get behind the target, either by throwing them on the ground or by changing from another position, such as the guard or mount. The attacker then spreads their legs out and puts their hands on the ground to create a solid platform. The attacker uses their weight to pin the victim to the ground by lowering their chest onto the victim’s back. The attacker can then set up submissions or change to a more powerful position by using their arms and legs to better dominate the opponent’s body. The extremely effective location of rear mount enables the attacker to exert control over the target and set up a variety of attacks.

Half Guard

Half guard is one of the quintessential basic jiu jitsu positions. In this posture, the attacker uses their own legs to control one of their opponent’s legs while their foe controls the other leg. Half guard is a transitional position that is frequently utilized to counter an adversary who is attempting to pass the guard and take up a more dominant position.

To create a basic guard and get into half guard, the attacker must first take the bottom position, wrap their opponent’s legs around their waist, and lock their feet together. The attacker then lifts one of their legs and secures one of their adversaries’ legs by wrapping it around it. The attacker can then set up submissions or advance to a more powerful position by controlling the opponent’s body with their free leg and their arms. A dynamic stance known as half guard enables the attacker to keep control of one of the opponent’s legs and prevent them from escaping the guard.

In MMA, the half guard may be more utilized as a knee shield – to prevent strikes which are not present in BJJ.

Knee on Belly

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling martial arts use the knee on belly stance. By pinning their opponent to the ground with their knee while they are on their back, the attacker is able to dominate their opponent’s body. The highly dominant position of knee on belly enables the attacker to exert pressure on the opponent’s body and set up a number of strikes.

The attacker must first knock down the target and establish a sturdy foundation by spreading their legs and putting their hands on the floor before attempting a knee to the belly. The attacker uses their weight to pin the victim to the ground by placing one of their knees on the victim’s stomach. The attacker can then set up submissions or change to a more powerful position by using their arms and legs to better dominate the opponent’s body. The powerful attack stance of knee on belly enables the attacker to exert pressure on the opponent’s body and set up a number of assaults.

Open Guard

In contrast to the conventional closed guard position where the legs are used to control the opponent’s hips, the open guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) uses the legs to control the opponent’s upper body. The open guard can be employed from the bottom position to keep distance and control, as well as to start sweeps and submissions.

The practitioner starts from the open guard position by sitting on the ground with their legs wide open and their adversary in front of them. The practitioner will then separate their lower body from the opponent’s lower body by wrapping their legs over the opponent’s thighs or waist. The practitioner can attempt to sweep or submit their opponent from this position by creating leverage with their legs and hips.

The butterfly guard, spider guard, and de la riva guard are just a few of the numerous varieties of the open position. To generate various options for control and assault, each variant makes use of various grips and leg movements.

As it enables the practitioner to control their opponent from the bottom position and set up a range of attacks, the open guard is a crucial position to learn in BJJ. Beginners should put their attention toward mastering a solid guard and discovering how to successfully control and strike from this position.

Spider Guard

The spider guard is a guard position in which the person on the bottom grabs hold of the opponent’s lapels or sleeves while keeping a strong base with their hips and controlling and tying up the top opponent’s arms.

The person on the bottom starts the spider guard by placing their hips near to their opponent’s body while keeping their other leg extended and grasping one of their opponent’s sleeves with their foot. They can utilize their legs to control their opponent’s arm mobility from this stance and stop them from striking or passing guard.

The person on the bottom can then sweep or submit their opponent using a variety of moves, like as hip throws, arm locks, and leg locks, once the spider guard has been formed. In order to create openings for attacks or to throw their opponent off balance, they can also use their feet to push or pull on their opponent’s arms.

Any size or degree of expertise can use the spider guard, which is a flexible and effective guard position. It calls for good body mechanics and leverage as well as good flexibility, coordination, and control of the legs. The spider guard may be a potent BJJ tactic with practice and the right technique.

De La Riva Guard

The de la Riva guard is a guard position used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), where the person on the bottom uses their legs to control and bind up the legs of the person on top while establishing a strong base with their hips and grabbing onto the opponent’s lapels or sleeves.

The person on the bottom starts the de la Riva guard by keeping their other leg extended and their hips near to their opponent’s torso while grasping one of their opponent’s sleeves with their foot. They can prevent their opponent from passing guard or achieving a dominant position by controlling the movement of their opponent’s legs from this posture.

Closed Guard

In contrast to the open guard position in which the opponent’s upper body is under control, the closed guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) involves controlling the opponent’s hips with the opponent’s legs. The closed guard is often employed to keep the opponent under control and stop them from passing to a stronger position.

The practitioner will start from the closed guard posture by sitting on the ground with their legs closed and facing their opponent who is in front of them. The practitioner will then separate their lower body from the opponent’s lower body by wrapping their legs around the opponent’s hips. The practitioner can attempt to sweep or submit their opponent from this position by creating leverage with their legs and hips.

The closed guard comes in many different forms, such as the conventional closed guard, the high closed guard, and the inverted closed guard. To generate various options for control and assault, each variant makes use of various grips and leg movements.

As it enables the practitioner to control their opponent from the bottom position and set up a range of strikes, the closed guard is a crucial position to learn in BJJ. It is also a strong defensive position against an adversary trying to past the guard and take control of the situation. Beginners should put their attention toward mastering a solid guard and discovering how to successfully control and strike from this position.