Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a dynamic and strategic martial art where positioning is everything. Whether you’re training for self-defense, fitness, or competition, understanding fundamental positions is the key to your success. This guide is tailored for beginners, breaking down essential positions, their importance, and how to build a solid foundation for your Jiu Jitsu journey.
What Are Jiu Jitsu Positions?
In BJJ, positions refer to the ways you and your opponent interact on the ground. Mastery of positioning is vital because it dictates control, safety, and the potential for offense or defense. Each position has unique principles that align with Jiu Jitsu’s focus on leverage and strategy over brute strength.
Positions can be broadly categorized into:
- Dominant Positions: Where you have control (e.g., mount, side control).
- Neutral Positions: Where both opponents have equal opportunities (e.g., closed guard).
- Defensive Positions: Where you’re under pressure but can recover or escape (e.g., bottom side control).
Now, let’s dive deeper into the key positions every beginner should know.
1. Closed Guard: The Foundation of Jiu Jitsu
The closed guard, or full guard, is one of the first positions you’ll learn:
- Description: The practitioner on their back wraps their legs around the torso of their opponent, locking their ankles together.
- Purpose: The closed guard neutralizes your opponent’s movements, allowing you to attack or transition.
Tips for Maintaining Closed Guard:
- Control the Distance: Use your legs and grips to keep your opponent close.
- Active Feet: Engage your legs to control their posture.
- Hand Placement: Grip their collar or sleeves to prevent passing.
Why It’s Important:
The closed guard is a versatile position for submissions (armbars, triangles) and sweeps (reversing positions). It’s an excellent starting point for beginners to learn control and attacks.
2. Mount: The King of Dominant Positions
The mount is a dominant position that places you on top of your opponent:
- Description: You straddle your opponent’s torso, with your knees on the mat and your feet hooked around their hips.
- Purpose: Provides maximum control and the ability to attack with strikes, submissions, or transitions.
Tips for Holding the Mount:
- Stay Low: Keep your weight distributed across your opponent’s chest.
- Control the Hips: Use your legs to pin their hips and limit movement.
- Attack Options: Transition to submissions like armbar or Americana.
Why It’s Important:
The mount is a decisive position in both sport Jiu Jitsu and self-defense scenarios. It allows you to control your opponent with minimal risk of losing your advantage.
3. Side Control: Dominance Through Pressure
Side control, or side mount, is another essential position:
- Description: You are perpendicular to your opponent, with your chest pinning theirs and your legs sprawled for stability.
- Purpose: Side control neutralizes your opponent’s movement and opens up submission opportunities.
Tips for Effective Side Control:
- Chest-to-Chest Connection: Keep tight pressure on their torso.
- Control the Far Arm: Isolate their arm to limit escapes.
- Base Wide: Use your knees and feet for balance.
Why It’s Important:
Side control is a powerful position that demonstrates the principles of pressure and control, enabling you to transition to other dominant positions or submissions.
4. Back Control: The Ultimate Offensive Position
Back control is considered one of the strongest positions in Jiu Jitsu:
- Description: You are behind your opponent, with your legs hooked around their waist and arms securing their upper body.
- Purpose: Provides unparalleled control and access to high-percentage submissions.
Tips for Maintaining Back Control:
- Secure the Seatbelt Grip: One arm over the shoulder, the other under the armpit, with your hands clasped.
- Use Hooks Effectively: Keep your feet inside their thighs to prevent escapes.
- Control the Head: Direct their movement by manipulating their head position.
Why It’s Important:
Back control is a checkmate position in Jiu Jitsu, often leading to submissions like the rear-naked choke.
5. Open Guard: Mastering Versatility
Open guard is a broad category of guard positions where your legs are not locked around your opponent:
- Description: Your feet and legs control your opponent’s hips, sleeves, or lapels while keeping distance.
- Purpose: Creates opportunities for sweeps and submissions while keeping your opponent from passing.
Tips for Effective Open Guard Play:
- Engage with Grips: Control their sleeves, pants, or collar.
- Stay Mobile: Use your hips and legs to maintain angles and distance.
- Switch Guards: Transition between variations like De La Riva or spider guard.
Why It’s Important:
Open guard introduces you to the dynamic and strategic aspects of Jiu Jitsu, allowing creativity in your game.
6. Half Guard: A Strategic Neutral Position
The half guard is a hybrid position:
- Description: You are on your back with one of your opponent’s legs trapped between yours.
- Purpose: Acts as a defensive position that transitions into sweeps or guard recoveries.
Tips for Playing Half Guard:
- Control the Underhook: Gain control under their arm to prevent pressure.
- Use Frames: Keep their weight off you with your arms and legs.
- Sweep Opportunities: Look for transitions to top positions.
Why It’s Important:
Half guard is a bridge between defensive and offensive play, encouraging transitions.
How to Move and Maintain Positions
Understanding the movements and principles behind positions is as crucial as knowing them:
- Core Movements: Drills like shrimping, bridging, and technical stand-ups build muscle memory and efficiency.
- Balance and Base: Maintain a strong base to prevent sweeps or reversals.
- Pressure: Use your weight strategically to control your opponent.
How Positions Build a Strong Foundation
Jiu Jitsu positions teach control, movement, and leverage, which form the backbone of your practice:
- Control: Understanding how to dominate or neutralize your opponent.
- Escape: Learning defensive positions helps you recover.
- Progression: Positions serve as checkpoints for advancing your strategy.
Why Repetition Is Key
Repetition is vital to mastering positions:
- Muscle Memory: Consistent practice ingrains movements into your reflexes.
- Increased Confidence: Familiarity with positions makes you more composed during sparring.
- Refinement: Each repetition improves efficiency and precision.
Mastering the fundamental positions in Jiu Jitsu is a game-changer for beginners. By focusing on these basics—closed guard, mount, side control, back control, open guard, and half guard—you’ll build a strong foundation for success in both training and competition. Repetition and consistent practice will solidify your understanding, allowing you to explore the art’s depth with confidence.
Remember, Jiu Jitsu is a journey of constant learning and improvement. Embrace these positions, and over time, you’ll see your skills and strategy evolve.
