Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a dynamic and versatile martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It’s a discipline that requires both physical prowess and mental acuity.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, mastering the fundamental techniques is crucial for success on the mat.

In this blog post, we will explore the ten most important BJJ techniques that form the foundation of this incredible combat sport and create such incredible fighters as Charles Oliveira, Nate Diaz, and Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson.

Let's Dive in!

1. The Armbar

• Execution of the Armbar

  
  

The armbar can be executed from various positions, making it a versatile tool in a grappler's arsenal. Here are the primary positions from which it can be applied:

1. Mount: From the mount position, the practitioner isolates one of the opponent's arms, shifts their weight to one side, and swings their leg over the opponent's head, securing the arm between their legs.

2. Guard: From the guard, the practitioner can execute the armbar by isolating one of the opponent's arms, using their legs to control the opponent's posture, and swinging their hips to bring the opponent's arm into a hyperextended position.

3. Back Control: While controlling the opponent's back, the practitioner can transition to an armbar by securing the opponent's arm and shifting their body to bring the opponent's elbow into hyperextension.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Incorrect Grip: Not controlling the opponent's wrist properly.

- Fix: Ensure a strong grip on the opponent's wrist and keep their thumb pointed upwards.

2. Poor Hip Positioning: Hips not positioned correctly under the opponent's elbow.

- Fix: Focus on sliding your hips under the opponent's elbow joint.

3. Lack of Control: Attempting the armbar without securing the opponent's posture.

- Fix: Control the opponent's upper body and posture before executing the submission.

• Notable Practitioners

  
  

- Ronda Rousey: Known for her armbar finishes in MMA, showcasing its effectiveness.

- Roger Gracie: A BJJ legend who has used the armbar to secure numerous victories in grappling tournaments.

2. Rear Naked Choke (RNC)

• Execution of the Rear Naked Choke

  
  

The rear naked choke (RNC) is typically applied from the back mount position, where the practitioner has control of the opponent's back. Here's a basic execution:

1. Positioning: Secure the opponent’s back by placing your hooks (legs) inside their thighs and establishing a solid back mount.

2. Arm Placement: Slide one arm under the opponent’s chin, aiming to position the crook of your elbow directly under their chin. Your other hand should be placed on your bicep, and the free hand should be behind the opponent’s head.

3. Securing the Grip: To ensure a tight grip, make a fist with your choking arm and cover it with your other hand. This forms a strong "V" shape around the opponent's neck.

4. Apply Pressure: Squeeze your elbows together while simultaneously pulling your arms back and expanding your chest to apply pressure on both sides of the opponent's neck, restricting blood flow to the brain.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Incorrect Arm Placement: Not getting the arm deep enough under the chin.

- Fix: Focus on sliding your arm deeper under the chin and ensuring the crook of your elbow is directly under the opponent’s chin.

2. Weak Grip: Not securing a strong enough grip with your arms.

- Fix: Make sure to grab your own bicep and place the other hand behind the opponent’s head, forming a solid "V" shape.

3. Lack of Back Control: Losing control of the opponent’s back, leading to escapes.

- Fix: Maintain strong hooks and keep your chest close to the opponent’s back to prevent them from escaping.

• Notable Practitioners

  
  

- Renzo Gracie: A legendary BJJ practitioner, Renzo has demonstrated the effectiveness of the rear naked choke in numerous grappling and MMA competitions.

- Demian Maia: Known for his exceptional BJJ skills in MMA, Maia has secured many victories using the rear naked choke.

3. Triangle Choke

• Execution of the Triangle Choke

  
  

The triangle choke is typically applied from the guard position and involves using the legs to constrict the opponent's neck and one of their arms, cutting off blood flow to the brain. Here's a basic execution:

1. Setup: From the guard position, isolate one of the opponent’s arms and control their posture by pulling their head down with your hands.

2. Leg Positioning: Shoot one leg up across the opponent’s back and position your calf against the back of their neck. Your other leg should then come across to lock with the first leg, forming a triangle around their neck and trapped arm.

3. Adjusting: Use your hands to adjust the position by pulling on your shin and making sure the opponent’s arm is across their neck. The leg that’s across their neck should be perpendicular to their shoulders.

4. Locking and Tightening: Lock your legs by placing the ankle of the leg that's across their neck behind the knee of your other leg. Squeeze your knees together, pull down on the opponent’s head, and lift your hips to tighten the choke.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Incorrect Leg Positioning: Not getting the leg properly across the opponent’s neck.

- Fix: Ensure your calf is snug against the back of the opponent’s neck and perpendicular to their shoulders.

2. Weak Lock: Not locking your legs properly, leading to an ineffective choke.

- Fix: Secure the lock by placing your ankle behind your opposite knee and squeezing your knees together tightly.

3. Poor Adjustment: Failing to adjust the opponent’s arm and posture correctly.

- Fix: Pull the opponent’s head down with your hands and ensure their trapped arm is across their neck to maximize pressure.

• Notable Practitioners

  
  

- Fabricio Werdum: A renowned BJJ black belt and MMA fighter, Werdum has demonstrated the effectiveness of the triangle choke in high-level competitions.

4. Guillotine Choke

• Execution of the Guillotine Choke

  
  

The guillotine choke can be executed from both standing and ground positions. It involves wrapping the opponent's neck with your arms and applying pressure to their throat. Here's a basic execution:

1. Positioning: From a standing position or while in your guard, control the opponent’s head by pulling it down and wrapping one arm around their neck. Your forearm should be under their chin, and your palm should be facing you.

2. Grip: With your free hand, grab your choking hand’s wrist or clasp your hands together in a gable grip (palm to palm) to secure the choke.

3. Positioning the Body: If applying the choke from the guard, bring your legs up around the opponent’s waist and cross your ankles to prevent them from escaping. If standing, ensure your body is positioned to leverage the choke by angling your hips and applying pressure.

4. Applying Pressure: Squeeze your arms together while lifting your forearm under the opponent’s chin and arching your back to increase pressure on their throat, forcing a submission.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Incorrect Arm Positioning: Not positioning the forearm correctly under the opponent’s chin.

- Fix: Ensure your forearm is snug under the opponent’s chin and your palm is facing you for a secure grip.

2. Weak Grip: Not securing a strong grip with your hands.

- Fix: Use a gable grip or grab your choking hand’s wrist to ensure a firm hold.

3. Lack of Control: Failing to control the opponent’s body, leading to escapes.

- Fix: If applying the choke from the guard, use your legs to control the opponent’s waist. If standing, position your body correctly to leverage the choke and prevent escapes.

• Notable Practitioners

  
  

- Marcelo Garcia: (the one on the left obviously)

Known for his exceptional guillotine choke, Garcia has demonstrated its effectiveness in numerous grappling competitions.

- Brian Ortega: An MMA fighter renowned for his guillotine choke, Ortega has used this submission to secure several high-profile victories.

5. Mount Escape

• Execution of the Mount Escape (Upa or Bridge Escape)

  
  

Escaping from the mount position is crucial for survival in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The upa, or bridge escape, utilizes your hips and leverage to dislodge your opponent and regain a more favorable position. Here’s a basic execution:

1. Control an Arm: Trap one of the opponent’s arms by grabbing their wrist and securing it against your chest. Use your other hand to control their elbow or upper arm.

2. Trap a Leg: On the same side as the trapped arm, use your foot to trap the opponent’s foot by hooking it with your leg, preventing them from posting out to balance.

3. Bridge Up: Using your legs, perform a powerful bridge by thrusting your hips upwards, aiming to get your opponent off balance.

4. Roll to the Side: As you bridge, turn your body towards the side where you have trapped their arm and leg. Continue to roll until you have reversed the position and ended up in their guard or a more neutral position.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Failing to Trap the Arm: Not securing the opponent’s arm can allow them to post out and maintain their balance.

- Fix: Ensure you grab the opponent’s wrist firmly and secure their arm against your chest before attempting the escape.

2. Inadequate Bridge: Not using enough power in the bridge can result in a failed escape.

- Fix: Use your legs and hips to generate a strong, explosive bridge, aiming to disrupt the opponent’s balance.

3. Incorrect Timing: Attempting the escape without proper timing can allow the opponent to counter.

- Fix: Wait for the right moment when the opponent’s weight is slightly shifted to one side, then execute the escape quickly and decisively.

6. Scissor Sweep

• Execution of the Scissor Sweep

  
  

The scissor sweep is a fundamental technique used to reverse positions and gain the top mount in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It is executed from the guard position by using your legs to sweep the opponent while simultaneously pulling them off balance with your arms. Here’s a basic execution:

1. Control an Arm: From the guard position, grab one of the opponent’s sleeves or wrist to control their arm.

2. Set Up Your Legs: Place one of your shins across the opponent’s stomach with your foot on their hip, and position your other leg on the ground, perpendicular to their body.

3. Create an Angle: Use your grip on the opponent’s sleeve and your foot on their hip to pivot your body, creating an angle that aligns your body perpendicular to theirs.

4. Sweep Motion: Simultaneously, push with the leg on their hip and sweep the other leg across their knees while pulling their arm to off-balance them.

5. Finish the Sweep: As the opponent falls, follow through by coming up into the mount position, maintaining control.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Incorrect Leg Positioning: Not placing your shin correctly across the opponent’s stomach.

- Fix: Ensure your shin is firmly across the opponent’s stomach, and your foot is on their hip to generate leverage.

2. Lack of Angle Creation: Not pivoting your body to create the necessary angle for the sweep.

- Fix: Use your grip and foot on the opponent’s hip to pivot and create a perpendicular angle to their body.

3. Insufficient Pulling: Not pulling the opponent’s arm strongly enough to off-balance them.

- Fix: Pull the opponent’s arm across your body while pushing with your legs to off-balance them effectively.

• Notable Practitioners

  
  

- Saulo Ribeiro: A BJJ legend, Ribeiro has demonstrated the importance of fundamental sweeps like the scissor sweep in his teaching and practice.

7. Kimura

• Execution of the Kimura

  
  

The Kimura is a shoulder lock submission that can be applied from various positions, including the guard, side control, and north-south position. This technique leverages the opponent’s shoulder joint, forcing them to tap out or risk injury. Here’s a basic execution from the guard:

1. Control the Wrist: From the guard position, use one hand to grab the opponent’s wrist on the same side.

2. Reach Over: Sit up slightly and reach your other arm over the opponent’s shoulder, grabbing your own wrist to secure a figure-four grip.

3. Position Your Hips: Shift your hips out to the side and place your legs around the opponent’s body to prevent them from escaping.

4. Apply the Lock: Pull the opponent’s arm down towards their back while lifting their elbow to apply pressure on the shoulder joint.

5. Finish the Submission: Keep the opponent’s wrist close to their body and continue applying pressure until they tap out.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Loose Grip: Not securing a tight figure-four grip can allow the opponent to escape.

- Fix: Ensure a strong grip by firmly holding the opponent’s wrist and your own wrist.

2. Poor Hip Positioning: Failing to move your hips can reduce the effectiveness of the lock.

- Fix: Shift your hips out to the side to create a better angle and increase leverage.

3. Inadequate Pressure: Not applying enough pressure on the shoulder joint.

- Fix: Focus on pulling the opponent’s arm down towards their back while lifting their elbow to maximize pressure.

• Notable Practitioners

  
  

- Kazushi Sakuraba: Known as the “Gracie Hunter,” Sakuraba has used the Kimura to defeat several high-level opponents, showcasing its effectiveness.

- Frank Mir: An MMA fighter renowned for his submission skills, Mir has secured victories with the Kimura in high-stakes competitions.

8. Americana

• Execution of the Americana

  
  

The Americana is a shoulder lock submission that targets the opponent’s arm and is typically applied from the mount or side control position. Here’s a basic execution from the side control:

1. Control the Arm: From side control, use one arm to pin the opponent’s far arm against their body and isolate it by reaching under their elbow.

2. Secure the Wrist: With your free hand, grab the opponent’s wrist on the isolated arm and pull it towards their head, placing the opponent’s arm in a 90-degree angle.

3. Position Your Body: Shift your weight slightly towards the opponent’s head to maintain control and prevent them from escaping.

4. Apply the Lock: Lift the opponent’s elbow while pushing down on their wrist, creating a lever that puts pressure on their shoulder joint.

5. Finish the Submission: Continue applying pressure by pushing their wrist down towards their hip while lifting their elbow to lock in the Americana.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Incorrect Arm Positioning: Not positioning the opponent’s arm at the correct angle can weaken the submission.

- Fix: Ensure the opponent’s arm is bent at a 90-degree angle with their wrist pulled towards their head.

2. Loose Control: Not maintaining strong control over the opponent’s arm can allow them to escape.

- Fix: Use your body weight to pin the opponent’s arm and keep a firm grip on their wrist.

3. Insufficient Pressure: Not applying enough pressure to the shoulder joint can result in a failed submission.

- Fix: Focus on pushing down on the opponent’s wrist while lifting their elbow to create effective pressure on the shoulder.

• Notable Practitioners

  
  

- Dan Henderson: Known for his powerful submission game, Henderson has used the Americana effectively in his fights.

9. Hip Escape (Shrimping)

• Execution of the Hip Escape (Shrimping)

  
  

The hip escape, also known as shrimping, is a fundamental movement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that is essential for creating space and regaining guard from various positions. Here’s a basic execution:

1. Starting Position: Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat. Your arms should be out to the sides for balance.

2. Feet and Hips Movement: Lift your hips slightly off the ground by pushing with your feet and then move your hips backward. Simultaneously, push one hip away from your opponent while keeping your shoulders and head on the mat.

3. Shifting Position: Use your feet to push against the mat and create space between your hips and the opponent. This movement should resemble a shrimping or scooting action.

4. Recover Guard: As you create space, bring one of your knees back towards your chest and position it between you and your opponent to begin transitioning back to guard.

5. Repeat as Needed: Continue shrimping to create enough space to fully recover your guard or adjust your position.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Lack of Hip Movement: Not moving your hips effectively can reduce the amount of space you create.

- Fix: Focus on pushing your hips away from your opponent and use your feet to generate movement.

2. Incorrect Foot Placement: Placing your feet improperly can limit your mobility and effectiveness.

- Fix: Ensure your feet are planted firmly on the mat and use them to push against the ground for better movement.

3. Not Using Your Hands: Failing to use your hands for balance and support can make the movement less effective.

- Fix: Use your hands to support your body and maintain balance as you perform the shrimping motion.

10. Guard Pass

• Execution of Guard Passing

  
  

Passing the guard is a critical skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that involves maneuvering around or through the opponent’s legs to achieve a dominant position. Here’s an overview of some common guard passes and their execution:

Knee Slice Pass

1. Positioning: Start in the opponent's guard with one knee across their body and the other leg posted.

2. Slice Through: Use the knee that’s across their body to slice through their guard while maintaining a low, tight posture.

3. Control the Hips: Keep your weight forward and use your hands to control the opponent’s hips or legs.

4. Achieve Side Control: Continue moving until you have passed their legs and established side control.

Torreando Pass

1. Positioning: Begin in the opponent's guard with a low stance, grabbing their pants or ankles for control.

2. Torreador Movement: Move side to side, pushing their legs aside and keeping your posture upright to avoid being swept.

3. Clear the Legs: Push their legs to the side while maintaining pressure and control.

4. Establish Dominant Position: Once their legs are cleared, slide into a dominant position like side control or mount.

Over-Under Pass

1. Positioning: From the opponent’s guard, secure one of their legs with your arm while the other arm goes over their other leg.

2. Control and Pressure: Use your body weight to apply pressure and keep the opponent’s hips flat.

3. Pass the Legs: Work to free the trapped leg and move your body past their guard, maintaining control of their hips.

4. Achieve Side Control: Once past their legs, secure side control or another dominant position.

• Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  
  

1. Inadequate Control: Not controlling the opponent’s hips or legs properly can lead to failed passes.

- Fix: Use your hands and body weight to keep their hips and legs controlled and prevent them from re-guarding.

2. Poor Posture: Failing to maintain a low, balanced posture can make it easier for the opponent to sweep or escape.

- Fix: Keep a low and tight posture while passing, and stay balanced to avoid being off-balance.

3. Lack of Pressure: Not applying enough pressure can allow the opponent to recover their guard.

- Fix: Use your weight effectively and apply constant pressure to keep the opponent’s hips controlled and prevent them from re-guarding.

Mastering guard passing is essential for advancing your position and applying submissions or ground-and-pound techniques. It is a fundamental skill that enhances your overall grappling strategy and effectiveness in BJJ.

Conclusion

Mastering these ten essential BJJ techniques will provide you with a solid foundation in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. These moves are crucial for success in training and competition. Remember, consistent practice and dedication are key to improving your skills and becoming a formidable BJJ practitioner.