Fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu Part 1

By Academy Admin August 22, 2021Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport and self-defence system – focused on grappling.

The central premise of Jiu-Jitsu is; a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent; by using leverage, body mechanics and efficient technique.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Self Defense

A Jiu Jitsu practitioner must develop skills to defend against strikes, as well as being grabbed in a variety of holds. Most importantly, a practitioner must be able to defend themselves efficiently, when put on the ground.

A skilled practitioner can effectively take an opponent to the ground and use positional dominance to bring them under control, and if necessary use joint-locks and chokes to bring a confrontation to an abrupt end.

3 Systems of Jiu Jitsu

One attribute that set Jiu Jitsu apart is the ability to control the intensity of the situation. Once a clinch is established, the Jiu Jitsu practitioner can dictate much of what happens next. Does the fight go to the ground or stay on the feet? It is also possible that a practitioner may get taken down and pinned in a dominant position. This means. pin escapes are a necessity in every practitioners skill set.

Is it more appropriate to control the attacker, rather than apply a choke or a brutal joint lock?

There are three main paths to victory in the Jiu Jitsu practitioner.

Top System: Takedown > Pass the Guard > Establish Dominant Position > Submission
Bottom to Top System: Get Taken Down > Escape Dominant Position > Sweep/Reversal > Pass the Guard > Establish Dominant Position > Submission
Bottom System: Get Taken Down > Escape Dominant Position > Submit from Guard

1. Top System of Jiu Jitsu

Takedown: Defend offensive grappling and strikes, take opponent to the ground.

Submission: If the situation demands it, apply a joint-lock or strangle to incapacitate a dangerous opponent.

2. Bottom to Top System of Jiu Jitsu

3. Bottom System of Jiu Jitsu

The three systems of Jiu Jitsu give a road map to direct a practitioner to the submission – the final destination. On the way we find the important positions that enable the practitioner to achieve success. It also provides contingencies in the event that the opponent disrupts the path to victory.