Jiu Jitsu Positions Made Simple: Master the Basics

If you’ve ever thought about trying Jiu-Jitsu or have already begun learning, you know that mastering positions is at the heart of this martial art. 

Jiu Jitsu positions aren’t just about knowing where to put your body; they’re the moves that allow you to take control, protect yourself, and respond confidently in any situation. 

This guide will walk you through the essential positions, the more advanced ones, and how to train effectively to really solidify your Jiu-Jitsu foundation.

What Are Jiu-Jitsu Positions?

Jiu-Jitsu positions are the fundamental stances and holds that give you control over an opponent. They’re like the building blocks of the martial art, with each position offering a unique advantage. 

Learning the core positions, especially if you’re just starting, gives you the tools to handle situations defensively and offensively.

When I first started Jiu-Jitsu, I quickly learned that position was everything. Even if I didn’t know a single submission, knowing the positions kept me out of trouble and gave me a feeling of control. 

Once you’re comfortable with these, the rest of Jiu-Jitsu starts to fall into place. Mastering these foundational positions is crucial, especially if you’re interested in progressing to sparring or competition.

Basic Positions in Jiu-Jitsu

The basics are where it all starts. Here are the essential positions every beginner should learn:

Guard Position

The guard is a defensive position, where you’re typically on your back with your legs wrapped around the opponent. 

It might seem like you’re in a vulnerable spot, but the guard position actually gives you control. You can prevent an opponent from passing, and even set up for sweeps or submissions. 

Within the guard, there are types like open guard and closed guard—closed guard is when your legs are locked around your opponent, and open guard is when they aren’t.

Mount Position

The mount is a powerful, dominant position. It’s where you’re on top of your opponent, typically seated on their torso, giving you excellent control and a great opportunity for submissions. 

The mount gives you a lot of control; from here, it’s easy to pin down your opponent, keep them in place, and plan your next move.

Side Control

Side control involves positioning yourself perpendicular to your opponent on the ground, often with one arm around their neck and the other under their arm. 

This position makes it hard for your opponent to escape and is perfect for transitioning into the mount or setting up submissions.

Back Control

Back control is exactly what it sounds like: controlling your opponent from behind. It’s one of the most dominant positions in Jiu-Jitsu because it’s tough for your opponent to defend from here. 

You can work towards chokes and other submissions from this position, making it a highly valuable position to master.

Advanced Positions in Jiu-Jitsu

Once you have a handle on the basics, you’ll find that Jiu-Jitsu has a world of advanced positions, each adding new layers of strategy and opportunity.

Half Guard

Half guard sits between the full guard and side control positions. In this position, one of your opponent’s legs is trapped between your own legs. It’s a versatile position that lets you set up for sweeps, regain guard, or transition into a more dominant position.

De La Riva Guard

Named after Ricardo de la Riva, this guard involves wrapping one leg around the opponent’s leg and controlling them with your hands and free foot. It’s great for setting up sweeps and attacks, especially for those who prefer a more dynamic style.

Spider Guard

The spider guard uses grips on the opponent’s sleeves and a foot in the opponent’s biceps to control them. This position is effective for setting up sweeps, submissions, and even keeping your opponent at bay if they’re stronger or heavier.

X-Guard

X-guard is primarily a sweeping position where you’re underneath the opponent, using your legs to control and destabilize them. This guard is a powerful tool for setting up sweeps and transitions, especially if you’re smaller or want to create movement.

Transitioning Between Positions

Once you’re familiar with these positions, the real art lies in transitioning between them smoothly. This fluidity allows you to control the pace of a roll and catch your opponent off guard.

Key Transitions for Control

Some essential transitions to learn include moving from guard to side control, side control to mount, or back control to a submission. These transitions keep you in control, enabling you to stay a step ahead of your opponent.

Tips for Smooth Transitions

Practicing transitions can feel like a dance. When transitioning, I focus on keeping my balance and center of gravity low. Small adjustments in foot and hand placement can make a big difference. 

When learning transitions, go slow and deliberate; with time, speed will come naturally.

How to Train Jiu-Jitsu Positions Effectively

Training effectively is key to making progress in Jiu-Jitsu. Here are a few strategies I find especially helpful:

Drills to Build Positional Strength and Control

Drilling specific movements and holding positions build muscle memory. For example, holding side control or mount for extended periods during a drill trains your body to stay balanced and solid. 

Another effective drill is to practice escaping each position, which helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each spot.

Positional Sparring and Its Benefits

Positional sparring is one of my favorite ways to get better at a position. Here, you start in a specific position, like guard or mount, and spar until one person achieves a submission or escapes. 

This approach gives you targeted practice in specific positions, and you get immediate feedback on what works and what doesn’t.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Positioning

Mistakes are part of learning, but knowing what to avoid can save you from making the same errors repeatedly.

Understanding Balance and Base

Maintaining balance and a solid base is essential. I learned early on that overcommitting my weight or extending too far could lead to an easy sweep for my opponent. Keep your core engaged and stay centered over your base.

Avoiding Overextension and Loss of Control

Overextension is a common mistake, especially in high-energy rolls. You might reach out too far or shift your weight too aggressively, which gives your opponent an opening to sweep or escape. 

Focus on controlling the opponent rather than reaching for the next move.

Empower Yourself Through Jiu-Jitsu Training at Eye2Eye Combat!

Jiu-Jitsu positions are at the core of mastering control, strategy, and self-confidence. Each move builds on the next, helping you grow stronger and more skilled as you understand how to flow through positions smoothly and effectively. 

If you’re ready to take your Jiu-Jitsu journey to the next level, Eye2Eye Combat is here to make that happen. 

With expert guidance, hands-on practice, and a supportive community, Eye2Eye Combat offers everything you need to refine your skills and discover what you’re truly capable of. 

Come explore the art of self-defense and personal empowerment with us—your first step awaits at Eye2Eye Combat!

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