Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming for newcomers. The techniques can seem complex, and the terminology might be unfamiliar. However, learning BJJ can be fun and rewarding with the right approach.
BJJ is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It’s designed to help smaller individuals defend against larger opponents by using leverage and technique. For beginners, learning the basics is key. Understanding positions, grips, and movements will set you up for success on the mat.
This article will break down some essential BJJ techniques for beginners. We’ll cover the foundational positions, basic submissions, effective defences, and the importance of drilling techniques. Whether you’re new to BJJ or looking to brush up on the basics, these insights will help you feel more confident in your training.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just about physical strength; it’s about strategy and finesse. As you start your journey, remember that practice and patience are essential. Embrace the learning process, and soon you’ll find yourself getting better and enjoying each session more.
Understanding the Guard Position
The guard is one of the most fundamental positions in BJJ. When you are in the guard, you are on your back with your legs wrapped around your opponent. This position allows you to control your opponent while defending yourself. There are different types of guards, such as the closed guard, open guard, and half guard.
In the closed guard, your legs are locked around your opponent’s waist, making it difficult for them to move. The open guard involves using your legs to push or pull your opponent, creating space for sweeps or submissions. The half guard is when one of your legs is trapped between your opponent’s legs, giving you control and opportunities to advance your position.
Mastering the Basics of Mount
The mount is another key position in BJJ. When you are in the mount, you are sitting on your opponent’s chest, with both knees on the ground. This dominant position allows you to control your opponent and set up various submissions.
To maintain the mount, keep your weight balanced and your posture steady. Be mindful of your opponent’s attempts to escape, and use your hips to stay heavy. From the mount, you can transition to submissions like armbars or chokes, or move to other dominant positions like side control.
Grips and Their Importance
Grips play a crucial role in BJJ, as they give you control over your opponent and help you execute techniques. Whether you are gripping the gi (uniform) or your opponent’s body, having strong and effective grips is essential.
The most common grips include the collar grip, sleeve grip, and pant grip. The collar grip allows you to control your opponent’s upper body, while the sleeve grip helps you manipulate their arms. The pant grip gives you control over their lower body, making it easier to set up sweeps and submissions.
Fundamental Submissions for Newcomers
1. How to Execute an Armbar
The armbar is a fundamental submission that targets your opponent’s elbow joint. To execute an armbar from the guard, you need to isolate their arm and control their posture. First, grip their arm and pull it across your body.
Next, use your legs to clamp down on their shoulders, preventing them from escaping. Finally, raise your hips and extend your body to apply pressure on the elbow joint, forcing your opponent to tap out.
2. The Basics of the Triangle Choke
The triangle choke is another essential submission in BJJ. This choke uses your legs to trap your opponent’s neck and one arm, cutting off blood flow to their brain. To set up a triangle choke from the guard, pull your opponent’s arm across your body while controlling their head. Then, shoot one leg over their shoulder and lock your foot under your opposite knee. Tighten the choke by squeezing your legs together and pulling down on their head.
3. Learning the Rear Naked Choke
The rear naked choke (RNC) is a powerful submission applied from the back mount. To execute the RNC, first establish control by securing your hooks (hooks are your legs positioned around your opponent’s body).
Slide one arm under their chin and grab your opposite bicep. Place your free hand behind your opponent’s head to create a tight squeeze. Apply pressure by pulling your arms together and expanding your chest, causing your opponent to tap due to a lack of oxygen.
Understanding these basic techniques is crucial for beginners in BJJ. Practising them consistently helps build a solid foundation, making it easier to advance and learn more complex moves.
Escaping from Side Control
One of the most common positions you’ll find yourself in during BJJ is side control. This position can be tough to escape, but with practice, you can manage it effectively. To escape from side control, first establish a frame by placing your forearm against your opponent’s neck and your other hand on their hip. This creates space for you to move.
Next, bridge your hips up to create even more space. Finally, shrimp (move your hips out) to regain guard or come up on your knees. Consistent practice of this technique ensures smooth escapes during training.
How to Defend Against Chokes
Chokes are a common submission in BJJ, and knowing how to defend against them is crucial. The first step in choke defence is awareness: always protect your neck. When you feel a choke being applied, tuck your chin down to guard your windpipe.
Use your hands to create space by pulling down on your opponent’s arm or gripping their clothing. To escape chokes like the rear naked choke, you can try to turn your head towards the elbow of the choking arm and slide your body downwards. Practicing these defences helps you stay safe and continue grappling.
Basic Sweeps to Improve Position
Sweeps are moves that help you change the position from the bottom to the top. Learning basic sweeps is useful for gaining a better position during sparring. Some common sweeps include:
1. Scissor Sweep: From the guard position, grip your opponent’s collar and sleeve. Open your guard and place one shin across your opponent’s belly while the other leg sweeps out. This motion topples your opponent, allowing you to come on top.
2. Hip Bump Sweep: Sit up from the closed guard, posting your hand on the mat while keeping a strong grip on your opponent’s wrist. Use your hips to bump them over, switching to a mount position.
3. Flower Sweep: While holding your opponent’s sleeve, hook their leg with your arm, then use your legs to sweep their body over, transitioning to mount.
By drilling these fundamental sweeps, you’ll become more confident and effective in changing positions.
Drilling and Practicing Techniques
Drilling is one of the most important aspects of BJJ training. Drilling involves practicing techniques repetitively to build muscle memory and improve your skills. Drilling helps you execute moves instinctively during live sparring sessions.
Consistent practice makes these techniques second nature, allowing you to apply them under pressure without hesitation. Dedicate time to drilling both basic and advanced moves to ensure growth in your BJJ practice.
Solo Drills for Skill Improvement
You can also improve your BJJ skills with solo drills. These drills can be done at home and are great for building strength and coordination. Some useful solo drills include:
1. Hip Escapes (Shrimping): Lie on your back and push off the ground with your feet, moving your hips to the side. Practicing this helps you escape from bad positions.
2. Technical Stand Up: From a seated position, post one hand and opposite foot on the ground, then rise up while bringing the other foot through. This builds your ability to stand up safely.
3. Bridging: Lie flat on your back and push your hips up toward the sky. Bridging builds core strength and is important for many escape techniques.
Regularly including these solo drills in your routine reinforces the movements you need for effective grappling.
Partner Drills to Enhance Technique
Training with a partner allows you to practice more realistic scenarios. Partner drills help you understand timing and coordination with a live opponent. Some effective partner drills include:
1. Flow Rolling: This light sparring lets you practice transitions and techniques without full resistance, focusing on fluid movement.
2. Positional Drills: Start in a specific position (like mount or guard) and work on escaping or maintaining control with your partner providing some resistance.
3. Submission Drills: Take turns applying and escaping various submissions, concentrating on technique rather than speed.
Working with a partner enhances your ability to apply what you’ve learned in practical situations, giving you a deeper understanding of BJJ techniques.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques Made Simple for Newcomers in Pitt Meadows
Practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a beginner involves learning foundational techniques and understanding key positions. The journey starts with mastering the basics, such as guard positions, mounts, and grips, and extends to learning essential submissions like the armbar, triangle choke, and rear naked choke.
At Emerald Rolling Academy, we aim to help you master these BJJ fundamentals in a supportive and engaging environment. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring you build confidence and competency in your training.
Ready to start your BJJ journey? Join us at Emerald Rolling Academy and experience the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in Pitt Meadows. Come roll with us and see how BJJ can transform your fitness and confidence. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
