Embarking on your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. With a myriad of moves, techniques, and positions to learn, it’s easy to feel lost. However, starting with the basics will set a solid foundation for your progress. In this guide, we will explore essential jiu jitsu moves for beginners that will help you build confidence and competence on the mat.
Understanding the Basics of Jiu Jitsu
Before diving into specific moves, it’s important to understand the fundamental principles of BJJ. At its core, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art focused on grappling and ground fighting. It emphasizes leverage, technique, and strategy over brute strength, making it accessible to practitioners of all sizes and ages.
Basic Positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Understanding the basic positions in BJJ is crucial as they form the building blocks of more advanced techniques. Here are some key positions every beginner should know:
Guard
The guard is a defensive position where you are on your back with your legs wrapped around your opponent. There are various types of guards, such as closed guard, open guard, and half guard, each with its own set of techniques and strategies.
Mount
The mount position is where you sit on top of your opponent’s chest. This dominant position allows you to control your opponent and set up submissions or transitions.
Side Control
In side control, you are positioned perpendicular to your opponent, controlling their upper body. This position offers opportunities for submissions and transitions to more dominant positions like the mount.
Back Control
Back control is when you have control over your opponent’s back, often with your hooks (feet) in their hips. This is one of the most dominant positions in BJJ, providing access to various submission opportunities.
Essential Jiu Jitsu Moves for Beginners
With a basic understanding of positions, let’s delve into some essential jiu jitsu moves that beginners should focus on:
Hip Escape (Shrimping)
The hip escape, also known as shrimping, is a fundamental movement used to create space between you and your opponent. It is crucial for escaping bad positions and setting up sweeps or submissions.
- Start lying on your back with knees bent.
- Push off the mat with your foot and shift your hips back, bringing them away from your opponent.
- Repeat on the other side to create space.
Bridge and Roll Escape
The bridge and roll is an effective escape from the mount position:
- Plant your feet close to your hips.
- Bridge your hips upward explosively.
- As you bridge, roll onto your shoulder and over, aiming to unbalance your opponent.
Scissor Sweep
The scissor sweep is a classic technique to transition from the guard to the mount:
- Start in closed guard.
- Control your opponent’s collar and sleeve.
- Open your guard and place one shin across their belly.
- Sweep your opponent by scissoring your legs while pulling them forward.
Armbar from Guard
The armbar is a fundamental submission that targets your opponent’s arm:
- Start in closed guard.
- Control one of your opponent’s arms and place your opposite foot on their hip.
- Pivot your body perpendicular to your opponent.
- Bring your leg over their head, securing the armbar.
Rear Naked Choke
The rear naked choke is a powerful submission used from back control:
- With back control, slide one arm under your opponent’s chin.
- Grab your own bicep with the choking arm.
- Use the free hand to push the back of your opponent’s head.
- Squeeze to apply the choke.
Tips for Beginners in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
As a beginner, it’s important to focus not only on learning techniques but also on developing a strong foundation. Here are some tips to help you along your BJJ journey:
Consistency is Key
Attend classes regularly to build muscle memory and improve your skills. Consistency is crucial in progressing through the ranks.
Focus on Technique, Not Strength
BJJ is about leverage and technique. Focus on learning and executing techniques correctly rather than relying on strength.
Be Patient and Humble
Progress in BJJ takes time. Be patient with yourself and open to learning from more experienced practitioners.
Drill, Drill, Drill
Repetition is key in mastering BJJ techniques. Spend time drilling moves to build muscle memory and improve execution.
Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask your instructors or training partners for clarification on techniques or concepts. BJJ is a community, and everyone is there to help each other grow.
Conclusion
Starting your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey is a rewarding experience that offers physical and mental benefits. By focusing on these essential jiu jitsu moves for beginners, you’ll build a strong foundation to progress in this dynamic martial art. Remember, consistency and patience are key, and with time, you will see improvement in your skills and understanding of BJJ. So, step onto the mat with confidence and enjoy the journey!
