Key Techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

How often have you heard from people in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) phrases like, “You’ve got to master the basics,” and didn’t understand what that really means? 

While we can’t offer a definitive answer, in this article, we’ve outlined five fundamental jiu-jitsu techniques and skills that we believe are critical for building a solid grappling foundation. 

Are these the only basics? Definitely not. Every trainer might offer a different perspective. However, if you commit to mastering these, we can confidently say you’ll improve as a fighter.

The Appeal and Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art primarily centered on ground fighting. It relies on leverage, angles, timing, and pressure, combined with a deep understanding of human anatomy, to enable a fighter to subdue an opponent without relying on strikes. 

Jiu-jitsu is often seen as more than just a workout; it’s commonly compared to “human chess” because it sharpens the body as well as the mind. The term “jiu-jitsu” comes from the Japanese words “Jū,” meaning “gentle,” and “Jutsu,” meaning “art,” which translates to “gentle art.” 

It was designed to give smaller, weaker individuals a way to defend themselves against larger opponents, meaning that anyone of any size or physical ability can benefit from practicing jiu-jitsu.

Physical & Mental Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-jitsu is an all-around workout that offers big physical and mental rewards. It’s a full-body experience that boosts strength, cardio, balance, and body awareness while also helping with weight loss. The constant push-pull of techniques builds endurance and tones muscles. 

But it’s not just about the body – jiu-jitsu sharpens your mind, too. You’ll learn to stay calm, think ahead, and adapt quickly in stressful situations, which helps both on and off the mat. Plus, it’s an amazing stress reliever. 

5 Basic Jiu-Jitsu Techniques Step-by-Step

Starting out with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can feel a bit intimidating, with so many techniques and variations to learn. But here’s the thing: most advanced moves are built on a handful of key techniques. By focusing on these fundamental moves early on, you’ll improve faster on offense and defense. Mastering the basics accelerates your progress and gives you confidence as you develop your skill set.

Here are five key Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques that will give you a solid start on your path from white belt to black belt, ensuring you’re building a strong foundation for future growth.

Technique 1: The Guard

The guard is one of the core positions in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is crucial for beginners to understand. It involves using your legs and hips to control your opponent while maintaining a safe distance. While it’s a defensive position, it also opens up opportunities to go on the offense with sweeps and submissions.

Learning the guard allows you to control a stronger opponent using technique rather than brute force. It teaches you the importance of leverage and positioning, which are fundamental principles in BJJ. 

There are different types of guards, like:

• Closed guard,
• Open guard, and 
• Half guard, 

Mastering this position is necessary for beginners because it sets the stage for more advanced techniques and gives you a solid foundation to build on as you progress. It’s all about keeping your opponent at bay while looking for ways to attack or escape.

Technique 2: The Mount

The mount position in BJJ is one of those techniques that can make you feel completely in control during a match. Here, you position yourself on top of your opponent, sitting over their torso. 

You have so many options from the mount. You can go for submissions, set up strikes, or even transition to other dominant positions. However, it’s not just about what you do next – it’s about how you stay in that position. Maintaining your balance and creating a strong base is important so you don’t get bucked off. 

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel more confident and be ready to control the flow of a fight. It’s an essential move to learn for beginners, and once you’ve got it down, it opens the door to so many other techniques. 

Technique 3: The Side Control

In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, side control is regarded as a dominant position. It provides an excellent base for controlling your opponent and setting up submissions. Once you’ve developed proficiency with the mount position, transitioning to side control becomes essential to maintaining control and advancing your technique.

In side control, beginners should apply steady pressure to immobilize the opponent’s upper body while effectively distributing their weight. This helps with balance and makes it difficult for the opponent to escape or reverse the position.

From this position, you can execute various attacks. Additionally, side control opens up opportunities to transition to the mount or take your opponent’s back, which are both crucial techniques in BJJ. Mastering side control principles and learning to neutralize your opponent’s escape attempts will greatly improve your overall performance in this martial art.

Technique 4: The Rear Naked Choke

The rear naked choke is one of the go-to moves because it’s powerful and reliable when executed correctly. It works by taking control of the opponent’s back and neutralizing their ability to defend.

To get started, you need to establish firm back control, which means securing your hooks on their hips. Once you’ve got that, you can focus on the choke itself. Wrap one arm around their neck, ensuring one side is tucked under their chin, and your bicep applies pressure to one side of their neck. The other arm locks in behind their head to complete the choke and increase pressure.

It’s important to stay calm and controlled throughout the move. The goal is to apply steady pressure until your opponent taps out, not to rush and risk losing the position. Once you’ve mastered the technique, the rear naked choke becomes an essential and highly effective tool in your BJJ arsenal, capable of finishing a fight or sparring session in no time.

Technique 5: The Arm-Bar

The arm-bar is one of those classic Brazilian jiu-jitsu moves that every beginner should have in their toolkit. It works by locking the opponent’s arm and extending their elbow in a way that forces them to tap out before any damage is done.

To nail the arm-bar, you first need to control your opponent’s arm by grabbing their wrist and forearm. Then, step one leg over their head, placing your shin across their chest for leverage. At the same time, swing your other leg over their body to trap their arm between your legs. From here, it’s all about precision and control – slowly push their arm towards their face and pull their wrist toward your body.

Applying pressure gently is important – no need to jerk the arm quickly. This way, you avoid injuring your training partner and get used to applying just enough force for them to tap out. Learning this move will seriously level up your submission game and give you more options when rolling or competing.

How To Get Better At Jiu-Jitsu Faster with a Personal Trainer

The best way to get better at jiu-jitsu is simple: spend more time on the mats. Without regular practice, progress becomes slow. It’s all about showing up consistently. Sticking to a routine is what really makes a difference.

You need to balance intensity with sustainability. Push too hard, and you risk burning out or getting injured. Train too little, and your progress will feel sluggish. Consider your situation – work, family, and other commitments – to set a schedule that works long-term.

While you’re on the mats, make each session count:

• Set goals: Walk into each class knowing what you want to work on, whether a specific technique or a position.
• Drill, drill, drill: Rolling (sparring) is fun, but drilling is where you really engrain those techniques. The more you drill, the quicker things will click.
• Stay focused: Minimize distractions. Use the breaks to catch your breath, not for chatting. If necessary, ask your coach about a technique.

If you’re finding it tough to strike that balance or push yourself without overdoing it, hiring a personal trainer could be the perfect solution. They can help tailor a training plan just for you, keep you focused, and help you progress steadily while avoiding injury.

Train Smarter with the FitConnector App

Having a personal trainer in Dubai gives you flexibility and convenience whenever you need it. That is exactly what the FitConnector app offers – it boosts your jiu-jitsu training by giving you direct access to top coaches and personalized sessions that adapt to your pace and schedule. 

The app lets you connect with multiple trainers and easily switch between them. You can also train wherever you’re most comfortable, whether at home, the gym, or outdoors. There’s no need to give notice if you want to pause or switch trainers mid-package.

Here’s what makes our app so great:

• Customized training: Personalized plans based on your fitness goals, and you can choose a coach based on location, expertise, and budget. Plus, coaches are verified for their qualifications, ensuring you’re in good hands.
• Accountability and progress: The app helps you stay consistent by offering features like goal setting and progress tracking. This way, you can focus on making steady improvements.
• Privacy and security: Your information is kept private and shared only with your trainer, and payments are secure through approved gateways in the country.

With flexible scheduling and all the other benefits the FitConnector app has to offer, you can fit jiu-jitsu lessons around your busy life, keeping your training consistent even when things get hectic. If you’re serious about improving quickly, these private lessons with a personal trainer at home are a game-changer for your jiu-jitsu progression.

How Many Hours Does It Take to Get Good at BJJ?

When you’re starting out in BJJ, training two to three times a week is a good way to get comfortable with the basics. You’ll be able to learn key techniques, build endurance, and get used to the training without overloading yourself.

Remember, BJJ takes time and regular practice to improve, so showing up consistently is key. At the same time, rest days are just as important to help you recover and avoid burnout.

As you start feeling more confident in your moves, you can think about ramping up to four to five sessions a week. But the most important thing is to listen to your body and not push it too far. Overtraining can lead to injuries and setbacks.

What is a Good Age for BJJ?

If you ask yourself, “Am I too old to start training Brazilian jiu-jitsu?” the old jiu-jitsu saying, “The best time to start was ten years ago; the second best time is today,” couldn’t be more true. Whether you’re approaching 70 or simply looking to improve your fitness, it’s never too late to begin. 

Many people start jiu-jitsu in their 40s and beyond, and with the right mindset, the journey is highly rewarding. Age, past injuries, or fitness levels aren’t barriers; this martial art is adaptable for everyone, regardless of experience.

Just remember, progression is unique to you. Listen to your body, allow time for recovery, and move at a pace that fits your lifestyle. With the help of our app, you can achieve your fitness goals, learn basic jiu-jitsu moves for self-defense, and even compete – all while enjoying the mental and physical benefits of this martial art. 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Key Takeaways

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is all about mastering your body and mind through consistent practice and focusing on basic techniques – the guard, side control, and fundamental submissions like the rear naked choke. Progress in BJJ takes time, and there’s no shortcut. Showing up regularly and making the most of each session is key.

Therefore, to excel as a jiu-jitsoka, you need a combination of strength, a deep understanding of the principles behind the art, and well-honed technical skills. And remember, personal trainers or tools like the FitConnector app can provide personalized guidance to keep you on track.

Ultimately, it shouldn’t be about how fast you progress but how much you enjoy the journey. So, lace up your Gi, and start today!