BJJ Lesson 2: The Positions In BJJ - An Introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Summary

This video provides an overview of key positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), focusing on the guard, half guard, side control, mount, and back control. It explains the role of the guard in range management and how positions like side control and mount can offer dominant angles for attacks. The instructor emphasizes the importance of alignment over positions, showing how proper framing and leverage can neutralize stronger opponents. The discussion also covers the tactical benefits of controlling an opponent's posture and concludes with insights into why back control is one of the most dominant positions in BJJ.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ The guard is a key position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, allowing control from the back through range management using legs, and it can vary from open to closed guard.
• 💪 In a sports context, playing guard is considered advantageous, offering sweep opportunities, but in self-defense or MMA, being on the bottom is generally a disadvantage.
• 🧱 Half guard is a transitional position where one leg is trapped. It is useful for controlling distance and can be used to set up offensive moves like coming up on a single-leg.
• 🦵 Side control is achieved by passing the opponent's legs, allowing control of their body while focusing on controlling their hips to limit movement.
• 🔀 Jiu Jitsu's core battle is between frames (structural defense) and levers (tools to manipulate the opponent), determining the outcome of positional control.
• 📐 Alignment is crucial for maintaining control in dominant positions, such as side control or mount. Both posture and structure are integral to successful control.
• 🏔️ Mount is a dominant position where the top person controls from above. It offers more attacking options, especially in gi-based training, due to hands-free control.
• 🔒 The back position is considered the most dominant as it allows control from behind, making it difficult for the opponent to mount an effective defense.
• 🏅 In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions, dominant positions like mount and back control earn more points due to the advantageous control they provide.
• 🧠 Success in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu relies not only on achieving dominant positions but also on understanding the relative alignment and adjusting strategies accordingly.

Q & A

What is the significance of the guard position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

The guard is a signature position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, acting as a range management tool that allows a person to stay safe while being on their back. It enables the practitioner to use their legs to control or restrict the opponent's movement.

What are the different types of guard mentioned in the video?

The video discusses three main varieties of guard: the closed guard, the open guard (where the feet are pointed at the opponent and can involve various leg positions), and hybrid guards, which involve using both frames and hooks.

Why is the guard position considered dominant in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sports but a disadvantage in self-defense or MMA?

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sports, playing guard is considered dominant because it offers sweep options and advantageous positions. However, in self-defense or MMA, being on the bottom is seen as a disadvantage since it leaves the practitioner vulnerable to strikes or control from the top.

What is the main difference between side control and guard positions in terms of physical advantage?

In guard positions, the opponent can still use their leg press (a powerful mechanism) to resist control. However, in side control, the practitioner passes the opponent's legs, removing that advantage. The main battle in side control is between frames and levers.

How does alignment affect the effectiveness of dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Alignment is crucial in determining effectiveness. Even in a dominant position like side control, if the practitioner has poor alignment and the opponent has good alignment, the opponent can still generate offense and escape. Good alignment gives the top practitioner more control and better ability to affect the opponent's posture and structure.

What is the concept of frames and levers in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and why is it important?

Frames are used by the opponent to support and resist pressure from the top person using their bones. Levers allow the top person to amplify their force by changing the angle of the opponent’s frames, making it easier to move them. The battle between frames and levers determines control during grappling.

What are wedges in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and how do they function in side control?

Wedges are used to fix an opponent in place or separate their limbs from their body. For example, placing a thigh under the opponent’s hips or pinning their elbow with weight creates a wedge, which restricts their movement without requiring much energy from the practitioner.

What is the significance of the back control position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

The back control position is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. From the back, the practitioner can control their opponent without facing much direct resistance since the opponent cannot easily generate offensive movements. It allows for strong submissions like the rear-naked choke.

Why is the mount position considered powerful in gi-based Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

The mount position is powerful in gi-based Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because the practitioner's arms are free to attack while their legs and body control the opponent. In the gi, specific submissions, like collar chokes, are more accessible, making it a dominant position for both controlling and submitting the opponent.

What is the key difference between side control and mount in terms of offensive options?

In side control, the practitioner often uses their arms to control the opponent, which limits their offensive options. In mount, the practitioner has more freedom to use their arms for attacks, such as chokes or joint locks, while still maintaining control with their legs and hips.