Foundational Positions: Control and Dominance

The first step in any BJJ journey is to learn the foundational positions. These are the building blocks of the sport. They teach you the concepts of control, weight distribution, and pressure. Mastering them is essential for both self-defense and sport BJJ.

The Mount

The mount is arguably the most dominant position in all of grappling. You are seated on top of your opponent’s torso. Your opponent is lying on their back. From here, you can apply strikes, control their hips, and attack with a variety of submissions, such as armbars and chokes. This position is a powerful showcase of control. It demonstrates the ability of a smaller practitioner to immobilize a larger opponent. Maintaining the mount requires balance and pressure, skills every student must develop. For anyone in Orlando interested in self-defense, understanding the mount is a top priority.

The Back Mount

The back mount is another incredibly dominant position. You are on your opponent’s back. Your hooks are in place to prevent them from escaping. This position is the ideal platform for chokes. You have a direct line to their neck. Your opponent has a limited ability to defend. The back mount is also a relatively safe position for the person on top. Your opponent has a hard time hitting or harming you. This makes it a highly sought-after position in both competition and self-defense scenarios.

Guard Positions: Defense and Offense

The guard is a fundamental position in BJJ. You are on your back with your legs between you and your opponent. The guard is both a defensive position and a powerful offensive platform. From here, you can sweep your opponent. You can also submit them. The guard is a signature element of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It allows a smaller person to fight effectively from their back.

Closed Guard

The closed guard is one of the first positions a beginner learns. It is a highly effective way to control your opponent. You have your legs wrapped around your opponent’s waist. Your ankles are locked. This prevents them from posturing up or moving freely. From the closed guard, you can set up a wide range of attacks. Examples include armbars, triangles, and various sweeps. It is a secure place to defend yourself. It also gives you time to plan your next move. For many new students in Orlando, the closed guard is a safe starting point to learn the core principles of grappling.

Half Guard

The half guard is another versatile position. In this position, one of your legs is wrapped around one of your opponent’s legs. This provides control while still allowing for offensive actions. The half guard is a great position for both defense and offense. It is a key transitional position. You can use it to sweep your opponent. You can also use it to take their back. Many advanced techniques and strategies are developed from the half guard. Mastering this position is essential for moving to the next level of your BJJ journey.

Pinning Positions: Maintaining Control

Pinning positions are all about keeping your opponent down. They are crucial for controlling a match and setting up submissions. The goal is to apply pressure and limit your opponent’s movements.

Side Control

Side control is a powerful pinning position. You are on top of your opponent’s chest or stomach. Your body is perpendicular to theirs. From side control, you can apply immense pressure. This makes it difficult for your opponent to breathe or move. It is a great position for setting up submissions, such as the kimura or the americana. You can also use side control to transition to other dominant positions, such as the mount. Learning to maintain side control is a key skill. It demonstrates your ability to control your opponent and dictate the pace of the match.

Knee on Belly

Knee on belly is a pinning position that applies a high amount of pressure. You balance your body weight on one knee. Your knee is placed on your opponent’s stomach or chest. This position is very uncomfortable for your opponent. It makes them react. You can use their reactions to set up submissions. It also allows you to transition to other dominant positions. This position is a testament to the tactical nature of BJJ. It shows how pressure can be used as a tool for control.