BJJ Techniques
BJJ techniques are organized by position. Every position has attacks (submissions) and escapes.
The positional hierarchy
| Position | Points | Control Level | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back control | 4 pts | Highest — behind opponent, hooks in | Attack with chokes |
| Mount | 4 pts | Sitting on opponent’s chest | Attack with arm locks and chokes |
| Knee on belly | 2 pts | Knee on stomach, standing pressure | Transition to mount or attack |
| Side control | 0 pts (pass = 3) | Chest-to-chest from the side | Advance to mount or attack |
| Guard (top) | 0 pts | In opponent’s guard — they control you | Pass the guard to advance |
| Guard (bottom) | 0 pts | On your back, legs controlling opponent | Sweep, submit, or stand up |
| Turtle | 0 pts | On hands and knees, defending | Escape or be attacked from behind |
Essential submissions
| Submission | From Where | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Rear naked choke | Back control | Arm around neck, squeeze the arteries. The most effective submission in martial arts. |
| Triangle choke | Guard (bottom) | Wrap legs around opponent’s neck and one arm. Squeeze with the thighs. |
| Arm bar (juji-gatame) | Guard, mount, side control | Isolate the arm, hyperextend the elbow. Opponent taps. |
| Kimura | Guard, side control | Grip opponent’s wrist, rotate the shoulder beyond its range. |
| Guillotine choke | Standing, guard | Arm around the neck, squeeze upward. Common from standing. |
| Americana | Mount, side control | Grip wrist, press arm to the mat, rotate shoulder. Beginner-friendly. |
Ear guards are strongly recommended. "Cauliflower ear" from repeated friction on the ears is common in BJJ and wrestling. A $15 pair of ear guards prevents a painful and permanent condition.