The Best BJJ Techniques for Beginners | CombatSurge

Did you know that BJJ, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has been very popular recently? It has grown to become one of the most sought-after martial arts styles in the world thanks to its emphasis on technique and leverage. Learning the proper BJJ techniques can make all the difference in your road to becoming a proficient practitioner, regardless of experience level.

Focusing on foundational techniques at first can help you build the foundation for your BJJ progress. These core skills give you the abilities to handle a variety of grappling situations in addition to laying a solid foundation.

So, what are the best BJJ techniques for beginners? In this article, we’ll unveil a selection of techniques that are beginner-friendly, effective, and essential for newcomers to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to success and progress in your BJJ journey.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on fundamental BJJ techniques to establish a strong foundation.
• Learning the right techniques can greatly impact your progression in BJJ.
• Mastering beginner-friendly techniques is crucial for newcomers.
• Choosing the right techniques will enhance your grappling skills and enjoyment of the sport.
• Start your BJJ journey off right by learning these recommended techniques for beginners.

Mount Escape

One of the most frustrating positions in BJJ is being trapped in the mount. It can leave beginners feeling helpless and struggling to find a way out. However, learning how to escape from mount is essential for beginners as it can open up a world of possibilities for the rest of the roll.

When stuck in the mount, the bottom player is at a significant disadvantage. The top player has control and can apply heavy pressure, making it difficult for the bottom player to move or breathe. As a result, escaping from mount should be a top priority for beginners.

Mount escapes are techniques that allow the bottom player to regain control and neutralize the top player’s dominance. By mastering mount escapes, beginners can open up various possibilities for the rest of the roll. It provides an opportunity to transition to a more advantageous position, such as the guard, side control, or even taking the opponent’s back.

“Mount escapes are essential for beginners to survive and progress in BJJ. Without the ability to escape from the mount, practitioners will find themselves constantly on the defensive and unable to dictate the flow of the roll.” – Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Learning mount escapes not only allows beginners to avoid being in a vulnerable position but also helps them develop a greater understanding of the principles of BJJ. Escaping from mount requires the use of proper technique, timing, and leverage. These fundamental concepts can then be applied to other aspects of BJJ, including escapes from other frustrating positions and submissions.

As with any technique in BJJ, consistent practice and drilling are key to mastering mount escapes. By exploring different mount escape options, beginners can find the techniques that suit their body type, style, and preferences. The more they practice, the more confident and efficient they will become in escaping from the mount.

Mount Escape Techniques	Description
Bridge and Roll	This technique involves bridging your hips off the mat to create space, followed by rolling your opponent off you and assuming a top position.
Upa	The upa, or elbow escape, uses explosive bridging combined with hip movement to disrupt your opponent’s balance and create an opportunity to escape.
Shrimp Escape	The shrimp escape focuses on hip movement and creating angles to off-balance the top player and create space to escape.
Scissor Escape	This technique involves using your legs to scissor your opponent’s body, breaking their balance and creating an opening to escape.

Armbar

The armbar is a common and relatively simple submission that beginners should learn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It is a versatile technique that can be executed from different positions, such as mount and closed guard. By understanding the mechanics of an armbar, beginners can apply the same principles to other submissions in jiu-jitsu.

When performing an armbar, the goal is to hyperextend the opponent’s elbow joint by exerting pressure on their arm. The armbar can be executed by controlling the opponent’s arm with both hands, securing their arm between your legs, and applying leverage to create a submission hold. Beginners can start by practicing the armbar from the closed guard position, as it provides a stable setup for mastering the technique.

One of the advantages of learning the armbar as a beginner is that it relies on the fundamental principles of jiu-jitsu. This includes maintaining proper body positioning, controlling your opponent’s movements, and applying leverage rather than relying solely on strength. By focusing on these principles, beginners can develop a solid foundation in BJJ and build their skill set over time.

The armbar is not only effective but also relatively safe when performed correctly. It allows beginners to control the intensity of the submission and apply gradual pressure, ensuring the safety of their training partners. Additionally, the principles learned from executing an armbar can be applied to other submissions, providing a solid framework for beginners to explore more advanced techniques in the future.

By practicing the armbar, beginners can develop their understanding of leverage, control, and timing in BJJ. It is a submission that can be readily applied in various scenarios and positions, making it a valuable technique to add to any practitioner’s arsenal.

Armbar Technique

Here are the steps to perform a basic armbar from the closed guard:

1. Secure your opponent’s arm by gripping their wrist with one hand and their elbow with the other hand.
2. Open your guard and bring one leg over your opponent’s head, placing your foot on their shoulder.
3. Maintain control of your opponent’s arm while shifting your hips to the side.
4. Place your opposite foot on your opponent’s hip to create space and prevent them from stacking you.
5. Extend your hips and legs, bringing your other leg across your opponent’s face for additional control.
6. Apply downward pressure with your hips and grip, hyperextending your opponent’s arm and securing the armbar submission.

Remember to always practice with caution and under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Safety should be the top priority when learning and applying any BJJ technique.

Pendulum Sweep

The pendulum sweep is a fundamental technique that beginners can use from the closed guard. It is an effective way to reverse the position and regain control from the bottom. By mastering the details and mechanics of the pendulum sweep early on in their BJJ journey, beginners can develop a strong foundation in this essential skill.

When trapped in the closed guard, the pendulum sweep allows the practitioner to off-balance their opponent and create an opportunity for a successful sweep. By using the momentum created by their opponent’s movement, the practitioner can effectively shift their weight and control the direction of the sweep.

Here is a step-by-step guide to performing the pendulum sweep:

1. From the closed guard, establish a strong grip on your opponent’s sleeve and the opposite side of their collar.
2. Open your guard by placing one foot on your opponent’s hip, creating space.
3. Turn your hips to the side, bringing your knee to the same side as your foot on your opponent’s hip.
4. Kick your free leg out, creating a pendulum-like motion that swings your opponent off-balance.
5. As your opponent falls, use your grips to control their posture and maintain control.
6. Establish a top position, such as the mount or side control, to further dominate the match.

The pendulum sweep is a versatile technique that can be utilized against opponents of varying skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, mastering this technique will greatly enhance your ability to sweep opponents from the closed guard position.

Benefits of the Pendulum Sweep

“The pendulum sweep is a highly effective technique that allows beginners to turn the tables on their opponents from the closed guard position. By using proper technique and timing, practitioners can regain control and create opportunities for submissions or transitions to more dominant positions. This technique is a valuable addition to any BJJ practitioner’s arsenal.”

The pendulum sweep not only serves as an effective sweeping technique but also builds a strong foundation of jiu-jitsu principles. It teaches the importance of controlling your opponent’s posture, creating angles, and utilizing leverage to your advantage.

By incorporating the pendulum sweep into their training, beginners can develop their technical proficiency and gain a better understanding of the mechanics behind sweeps and transitions in BJJ.

Side Control Escape

Escaping side control is a challenging position that beginners often find themselves in during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) matches. However, learning how to escape this dominant position is crucial for practitioners to regain guard, create distance, and eventually return to their feet. Mastering side control escapes is an essential skill that contributes to a well-rounded grappling game.

When trapped in side control, beginners must focus on implementing effective techniques to regain control of the match. By utilizing proper leverage and timing, they can create opportunities to escape and turn the tables on their opponent. Whether through technical escapes or explosive movements, the goal is to break free from the dominant side control and regain the guard position.

Creating distance is another vital aspect of escaping side control. By creating space between the opponent and themselves, beginners can prevent the opponent from maintaining control and dominance. This distance allows them to work on escaping the position and initiating their own attacks or defenses.

Returning to the feet is the ultimate objective of escaping side control. By standing up and disengaging from the ground, beginners can reset the match and potentially gain an advantage over their opponent. It also provides an opportunity to showcase their takedown skills and transition to a more favorable position.

Overall, side control escape is a technique that requires both technical knowledge and physical conditioning. By diligently practicing and refining these escapes, beginners can become more confident in their ability to escape challenging positions, regain guard, create distance, and successfully return to their feet.

Toreando Pass

The toreando pass is an essential guard pass in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a technique that can be utilized in both gi and no-gi scenarios, making it a versatile skill for practitioners. The primary objective of the toreando pass is to effectively get past an opponent’s open guard and secure a dominant position. By implementing advanced passing strategies, practitioners can prevent their opponent’s legs from following and establish control.

The toreando pass starts with the practitioner gripping the opponent’s pants at the knees or thighs. By applying pressure and using a combination of footwork and body movement, the practitioner aims to push their opponent’s legs to one side while moving to the other side. This motion creates an opportunity to pass the guard and secure a dominant position such as side control or mount.

When executing the toreando pass, proper timing and technique are crucial. Practitioners should be mindful of their opponent’s movements and anticipate their reactions. By staying one step ahead and maintaining control throughout the pass, practitioners can prevent their opponent from recovering guard or regaining a dominant position.

Key Points:

• Mastering the toreando pass is essential for advanced passing strategies in BJJ.
• It can be applied in both gi and no-gi scenarios.
• The toreando pass allows practitioners to effectively get past an opponent’s open guard.
• By preventing the opponent’s legs from following, practitioners can secure dominant positions.

“The toreando pass is a fundamental technique that every BJJ practitioner should have in their arsenal. It provides a solid foundation for more advanced passing strategies and allows you to control the flow of the match.” – Professor Carlos Gracie Jr.

Rear Naked Choke

The rear naked choke is a highly effective and popular submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a technique that every beginner should learn and master. Proper execution of the rear naked choke not only ensures an effective finish but also minimizes the risk of injury to both the practitioner and their training partners.

When properly executed, the rear naked choke can quickly incapacitate an opponent by cutting off the blood supply to the brain. The choke is applied by positioning oneself behind the opponent and securing a tight grip around their neck, utilizing the forearm and bicep to apply pressure. By squeezing the carotid arteries, the rear naked choke can cause an opponent to lose consciousness if not released promptly.

Executing the rear naked choke requires a solid understanding of the mechanics involved. It is crucial for beginners to focus on proper hand placement, maintaining the correct angle, and applying steady pressure. Additionally, learning how to adjust the position and react to an opponent’s resistance or defenses is essential for a successful submission.

One of the key aspects to executing a rear naked choke effectively is to gas out your opponent’s arms. By controlling their arms and limiting their ability to defend or escape, the practitioner can apply continuous pressure and increase the chances of a successful submission. Practicing the rear naked choke with proper technique and attention to detail will enhance a beginner’s grappling game and provide a valuable weapon in their arsenal.

Proper Execution of the Rear Naked Choke:

1. Establish a dominant position behind the opponent, such as the back mount.
2. Position your arms correctly by extending one arm across the opponent’s neck and placing the wrist of the other arm against the back of their head.
3. Create a firm grip by interlocking the hands and squeezing the bicep against the opponent’s neck.
4. Apply steady, incremental pressure by squeezing your elbows together and maintaining a tight grip.
5. Adjust your position and react to your opponent’s defenses to maintain control and increase the effectiveness of the choke.
6. Release the choke once your opponent taps or shows signs of losing consciousness.

Benefits of the Rear Naked Choke

Highly effective submission technique

Minimizes the risk of injury to both practitioner and training partners

Can be applied from various positions, including back mount

Enhances overall understanding of grappling mechanics

“The rear naked choke is a formidable submission that should be in every BJJ practitioner’s arsenal. With proper execution, it can quickly and effectively end a match. Its success lies in the practitioner’s ability to maintain control and apply pressure strategically.” – Coach Robert Smith

Closed Guard Break

Breaking an opponent’s closed guard is an essential skill for beginners in BJJ. With the proper technique and effective passing, beginners can open up the closed guard and transition to dominant positions, leading to more enjoyable and productive rolls.

The closed guard is a defensive position where the bottom practitioner uses their legs to control and restrict the top practitioner’s movements. To break the closed guard, beginners must first establish good posture and grip control. By sitting upright and keeping a strong base, they can prevent their opponent from breaking their posture and maintain control of the situation.

Once the proper posture is achieved, beginners can focus on breaking their opponent’s grip on their collar and sleeves. This can be done by using their own grips to create leverage and apply pressure, forcing the opponent to release their hold.

With the grip broken, beginners can now work on opening the closed guard. One effective technique is the knee-knee-arm method. This involves using one knee to apply pressure on the inside of the opponent’s thigh while placing the other knee between their legs. By driving the knee into the mat, beginners can create enough space to free their trapped leg and begin passing the guard.

Another popular technique is the standing guard break. This involves standing up while maintaining a strong base and using the hands to control the legs and break the guard open. By standing up, beginners can negate the opponent’s leg control and create more opportunities for effective passing.

Proper timing and execution are crucial when attempting to break the closed guard. Beginners should focus on maintaining constant pressure and transitioning smoothly from one technique to another. By staying patient and persistent, they can overcome the closed guard and progress to more advantageous positions.

Remember, mastering closed guard breaks takes time and practice. It is important for beginners to train with partners of different sizes and skill levels to adapt their techniques and improve their overall understanding of guard breaking strategies.

By developing the skill of breaking the closed guard, beginners can enhance their grappling game and have more enjoyable and productive rolls. This essential technique sets the foundation for effectively passing the guard and achieving dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Conclusion

Mastering the best BJJ techniques for beginners is essential for establishing a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and embarking on a successful grappling journey. By focusing on fundamental positions and techniques, beginners can lay the groundwork for their development in this dynamic martial art.

Learning techniques like mount escapes, armbars, and guard passes is crucial for beginners. These techniques not only build a solid skillset but also open up possibilities for effective grappling during training and competitions.

By dedicating themselves to mastering these essential skills, beginners can enhance their overall BJJ proficiency and progress in their grappling journey. These techniques form the building blocks of a strong foundation, providing a solid base for the development of more advanced techniques and strategies. Through consistent practice and application, beginners can continually refine their techniques and improve their performance on the mat.

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