A Beginner's Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Mastering the Basics

Welcome to the exciting and ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)! If you've recently enrolled in BJJ classes or are considering signing up for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes near you, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with the new terms and techniques. Don't worry, though, as we've compiled a list of basic BJJ terminology to help you get started and make your journey smoother.

West Chester BJJ Classes

What to Expect in BJJ Classes

BJJ is a martial art that emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds. It is a fascinating blend of technique, strategy, and physical exertion. As you begin your BJJ journey, you'll hear several new terms during your classes. Let's explore some of these terms to give you a head start before your first class.

Gi and No-Gi are two primary forms of BJJ. The Gi is the traditional uniform worn in BJJ, similar to a Judo uniform. No-Gi, on the other hand, refers to training without the Gi. Instead, you'll be wearing shorts and a rashguard. Different schools and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes often offer both types of training, and it's beneficial to experience both.

The Hierarchy of BJJ - Belts

In BJJ, your belt signifies your rank. The ranking system starts with white and progresses to blue, purple, brown, and black. As a beginner, you'll be a white belt, but don't worry about rushing to the next level. BJJ is a journey, and each belt represents a different stage of your development.

The Art of Combat - Positions and Techniques

BJJ classes are full of action, and some of the first terms you'll encounter relate to positions and maneuvers. The Guard is a defensive position where you're on your back with your opponent between your legs. There are many variations, such as the closed guard, open guard, and half guard.

The Mount, Side Control, and Back Control are dominant positions that you'll learn to achieve and maintain. From these positions, you can apply Submissions - techniques that compel an opponent to surrender, or tap out, due to the threat of injury or pain.

Escapes and Sweeps are defensive maneuvers used to escape from disadvantageous positions or submissions and reverse the situation in your favor. A Pass is a technique to get past your opponent's guard to reach a dominant position.

From Standing to Ground - Takedowns

While BJJ is known for its ground fighting, every match begins standing. This is where Takedowns come in - techniques used to bring your opponent down to the mat.

The Essence of BJJ - Rolling

Rolling is the term for sparring in BJJ. This is where you put what you've learned into practice against a resisting opponent. Don't be disheartened if you struggle initially; it's all part of the learning process.

Perfecting Your Art - Drilling

Repetition is key in BJJ, and that's where Drilling comes in. This is the act of practicing a technique over and over again to perfect it and build muscle memory.

Conclusion

Starting BJJ classes can be a daunting experience, but with the right mindset and understanding of these basic terms, you'll soon find your rhythm. Remember, BJJ is not just about physical strength; it's a game of strategy, technique, and resilience. So, if you're looking for BJJ near you, embrace the journey ahead and enjoy every step of it. Every class, every roll, every tap, is a step towards becoming a better version of yourself.

Remember, as Carlos Gracie Jr. said, "Jiu-jitsu is not about being better than someone else. It’s about being better than you used to be".

As you continue to train, you'll realize that the white belt you wear today is just the beginning of your journey towards being a black belt, and as Rickson Gracie put it, "A black belt is a white belt who never quit".

Stay consistent, train hard, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Here are some basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) terminologies that a beginner or white belt might find useful:

Gi: The traditional uniform worn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is similar to a Judo uniform but has some modifications.
No-Gi: Refers to training or competing without the traditional Gi. Instead, practitioners wear shorts and a rashguard.
Belt: The ranking system in BJJ. The order from lowest to highest is white, blue, purple, brown, and black.
Rolling: The term used for sparring in BJJ. This is where you apply what you've learned against a resisting opponent.
Guard: A position where one person is on their back with their opponent between their legs. This position has many variations, such as closed guard, open guard, half guard, etc.
Mount: A dominant position where one person is sitting on their opponent's chest, with their legs on either side.
Side Control: A dominant position where one person is lying perpendicular to their opponent, controlling them with their weight and positioning.
Back Control: A dominant position where one person is behind their opponent, typically with their legs wrapped around the opponent's waist (hooks) and their arms around the opponent's upper body (seatbelt grip).
Submission: A technique that forces an opponent to tap out due to pain or the threat of injury. This can be a choke, armlock, leg lock, etc.
Tap Out: To signal submission, usually by tapping the opponent or the mat.
Escapes: Techniques used to get out of a disadvantageous position or submission.
Sweeps: Techniques used to reverse a position, typically from the guard position to a top position.
Pass: A technique used to get past your opponent's legs (guard) to achieve a dominant position like side control or mount.
Takedown: Techniques used to take your opponent down to the ground from standing.
Grappling: The act of maneuvering in close quarters to gain a physical advantage.
Drilling: The act of repeatedly practicing a technique to improve execution and muscle memory.
“Soco, Bate”. The slap, and fist bump we do before and after a roll. It’s a part of Brazilian culture but was adopted by the sport sometime in mid 1980’s

Remember that BJJ is a very complex martial art with a lot of depth. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but these terms should help a beginner get started.

Are You Ready to Embark on Your BJJ Journey?

Now that you have a basic understanding of what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about, it's time to take the next step. The Dragon Gym BJJ Quick Start Course is the perfect place to begin. This course is designed for beginners like you, ensuring you'll be in a supportive and welcoming environment where you can learn at your own pace.

From mastering the basic positions to learning how to escape and reverse challenging situations, our Quick Start Course has you covered. More importantly, you'll gain a foundation that will allow you to grow and progress in BJJ.

BJJ isn't just about physical training; it's about mental growth, resilience, and community. In our classes, you'll find a group of like-minded individuals who are all on the same journey to self-improvement and mastery. Remember, a black belt is a white belt who never quit!

So, what are you waiting for? Step onto the mats and start your journey. Join the Dragon Gym BJJ Quick Start Course today. Your future self will thank you for it.

Join the DG BJJ Quick Start Course

Somnath Sikdar [email protected]

Master, 7th Dan Black Belt