Beginner Jiu-Jitsu Moves

Building a Solid Foundation

Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an empowering journey that often starts with a mix of excitement and confusion. One of the most important aspects to focus on as a beginner is developing a strong foundation of basic techniques. Mastering these moves will not only make you a formidable opponent but also pave the way for learning advanced techniques. Below, we cover some beginner-friendly moves that every BJJ enthusiast should know.

The Basics: Positions Before Submissions

1. Closed Guard: The closed guard is a dominant position where you lock your legs around your opponent's waist while on your back. It allows you to control and attack your opponent effectively.

2. Side Control: In this position, you pin your opponent to the ground using your body weight, targeting their upper body and hindering their movement.

3. Mount: Securing a mount means you sit astride your opponent's torso, giving you an advantageous position to land strikes or execute submissions.

BJJ beginners should focus on foundational moves including positions like closed guard and submissions like rear-naked choke. Essential escapes and transitions like shrimp escape and scissor sweep are also vital.

The Fundamentals: Submissions

1. Rear-Naked Choke: A classic submission, the rear-naked choke cuts off blood flow to the brain by applying pressure on the carotid arteries.

2. Armbar: This submission focuses on hyperextending the elbow joint. It's effective and can be set up from various positions.

3. Kimura: Named after the judoka Masahiko Kimura, this is a shoulder lock that can serve as both a submission and a way to control your opponent.

Essential Escapes

1. Shrimp Escape: Known as "shrimping," this escape involves using your hips to create space when pinned under your opponent.

2. Bridge and Roll: This is a mount escape that uses a bridging motion to off-balance your opponent, allowing you to roll them over and escape.

Transitions

1. Scissor Sweep: From the closed guard, this sweep lets you reverse positions with your opponent, putting you in a dominant top position.

2. Knee Slide Pass: This pass allows you to bypass your opponent's guard by sliding your knee across their belly, moving from a neutral to a dominant position.

Wrapping It Up

A solid foundation in these basic moves will set you up for success in your BJJ journey. Remember, practice makes perfect. Dedicate time to drilling these techniques until they become second nature, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled grappler.

Frequently Asked Questions: Beginner Jiu-Jitsu Moves

Basic Moves

Q: What are some basic jiu-jitsu moves for beginners?

A: The foundational moves often include the rear naked choke, triangle choke, armbar, and the guard pass.

Importance of Basics

Q: Why are basic moves important in jiu-jitsu?

A: Mastering basic moves lays the foundation for understanding more complex techniques and strategies.

Best Moves to Start With

Q: What are the best jiu-jitsu moves for beginners to focus on?

A: Beginners should focus on moves like the cross collar choke, scissor sweep, and the kimura lock as these are versatile and effective techniques.

Training Frequency

Q: How often should a beginner practice these basic moves?

A: Ideally, a beginner should consistently practice these moves during each training session to develop muscle memory.

Drilling

Q: How can beginners effectively drill basic jiu-jitsu moves?

A: Start slow to understand the mechanics of the move, then gradually increase speed and resistance as you become more comfortable.

Safety

Q: What should beginners keep in mind for safety while learning basic moves?

A: Proper technique is crucial for safety, so ensure that you are learning from a qualified instructor and are aware of the correct body positioning.

Defensive Moves

Q: Are there basic defensive jiu-jitsu moves beginners should know?

A: Yes, moves like the shrimp escape and the bridge and roll are fundamental defensive techniques.

Transitioning Moves

Q: What are some beginner-friendly transitions between basic moves?

A: Transitioning from the closed guard to a sweep and then to a mount position is one example of a basic sequence beginners can learn.

Gi vs. No-Gi

Q: Are the basic moves the same for both Gi and No-Gi jiu-jitsu?

A: Most basic moves can be adapted for both, but the grip and control points may differ.

Mistakes to Avoid

Q: What are common mistakes beginners make when learning basic moves?

A: Common mistakes include neglecting proper technique for speed, not using leverage, and poor body positioning.

Physical Preparation

Q: Do I need to be in good shape to start learning basic jiu-jitsu moves?

A: While being in good physical condition can help, it's not a requirement. Jiu-jitsu is designed to enable technique and leverage to trump brute strength.