BJJ

BJJ Basics: The Different Positions In BJJ Explained

By April 2, 2012November 9th, 2021No Comments
attacking the back in bjj

BJJ instructor Ritchie Yip here to talk about the different positions in BJJ.

BJJ is profoundly complex and confusing especially to the novice. To anybody just starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it can seem like a maze of positions, submissions and strategies.

To simplify things so that absolute novices to BJJ can immediately grasp what’s going on in a typical brazilian jiu jitsu match we’re going to define BJJ as only having 2 positions.

rolling in a bjj group class

1) Top
2 Bottom

That’s it!

And, we want to generally understand that top is better!

Yes, this is an overly simple breakdown of BJJ but one that can help absolute beginners start to grasp the complexities of BJJ.

All of the different positions in BJJ can be simplified as top and bottom.  If you’re on the bottom, you need to be fighting from your guard.  If you don’t have your legs controlling your opponent and you’re on your back, you need to fight to get your guard back.

Conversely, if you’re on top, you want to make sure that you’re free from you training partner’s legs and that you have fully passed their guard.  Many students new to Jiu Jitsu will try and attack while still in closed guard.

If you’re on top; then, stay away from your training partner’s legs.

If you’re on the bottom, always give your opponent your legs.

This is super simple way to understand the different positions in BJJ and help the complete novice find immediate comprehension with this complex sport.

Check out my video tutorial on the different positions in BJJ and i’m sure you’ll find the visual breakdown much easier to understand.

Ritchie Yip

Ritchie Yip

Ritchie Yip is the Head Instructor for InFighting Training Centers located in Downtown Vancouver and Brentwood Burnaby. InFighting Training Centers offers programs in Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Bootcamp Conditioning Classes and Personal Training

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Ritchie Yip

Ritchie Yip is a life long martial artist, BJJ Black Belt, and the head instructor of the InFighting Martial Arts Gym in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

Do you live in the Greater Vancouver, or Brentwood Burnaby area?
Are you looking for a BJJ program specifically designed for the absolute beginner? Then, come check out our world class 7,000 sq ft facility directly across the street from the Amazing Brentwood Mall. 😃

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