Hey guys! Ever wondered where to start with Jiu Jitsu? You're in the right spot. Today, we’re diving into Jiu Jitsu basics with insights inspired by none other than Jordan. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide to getting off the mat and into the flow. Let's get started!

Stance and Movement

Alright, let's talk about getting your stance right. The correct stance in Jiu-Jitsu is your foundation, affecting everything from your balance to your ability to attack and defend. The key is to maintain a stable base that allows you to move in any direction quickly and efficiently. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly ahead of the other. This staggered stance provides a good balance between mobility and stability. Bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity, which will improve your balance and make it harder for opponents to take you down. Keep your weight centered and avoid leaning too far forward or backward. Your posture should be upright but relaxed, with your head up and your eyes focused forward. Proper posture will allow you to see your opponent's movements and react accordingly.

Now, let’s talk about movement – because in Jiu-Jitsu, you’re not a tree! Footwork is essential for maintaining your position, creating angles for attacks, and evading your opponent's maneuvers. Focus on taking small, deliberate steps to maintain your balance and control. Avoid crossing your feet, as this can easily lead to you losing your balance. Instead, shuffle your feet, keeping them a consistent distance apart. Practice moving in all directions – forward, backward, and laterally – so you can quickly respond to changes in your opponent's position. Also, learn to circle your opponent, constantly adjusting your angle to find openings and avoid being trapped. Remember, good footwork is about staying agile and responsive, so you can control the pace and direction of the engagement. With the right stance and movement, you will be much harder to submit.

Practicing these basic stances and movements will significantly improve your overall Jiu-Jitsu game. Dedicate time to drilling these fundamentals, and you will find that your balance, agility, and control on the mat will increase dramatically. A solid foundation in stance and movement is the key to success in Jiu-Jitsu, so make sure you get it right from the start. Keep your head up and your posture aligned. Soon, your stance and movement will improve drastically, setting the stage for more advanced techniques and strategies.

Basic সাবমিশন

Let’s jump into the core of Jiu Jitsu: basic সাবমিশন. These are the bread and butter moves you’ll use over and over. First, let's talk about the rear-naked choke. This is a fundamental submission in Jiu-Jitsu, known for its effectiveness and versatility. To execute the rear-naked choke, you must first secure a dominant position behind your opponent, typically by taking their back. Wrap one arm around their neck, threading it under their chin and over their shoulder. Ensure that your forearm is pressing against their carotid arteries, not their windpipe, to maximize the effectiveness of the choke. Bring your other arm over their shoulder and clasp your hands together, forming a tight grip behind their head. As you tighten the choke, pull your elbows back and squeeze your hands together, cutting off the blood flow to the brain. Maintain control of your opponent's body by hooking your legs around their waist or controlling their arms to prevent them from escaping. The rear-naked choke is a powerful submission that can quickly end a match, so practice it diligently and learn to apply it from various positions.

Next, we’ve got the armbar. The armbar is another essential submission in Jiu-Jitsu, targeting the opponent's elbow joint. There are several ways to set up an armbar, but one of the most common is from the guard position. Begin by controlling your opponent's posture and isolating one of their arms. Secure a strong grip on their wrist with both of your hands, and then swing one of your legs over their head, placing your hip across their chest. Your other leg should be positioned across their face or neck, creating a figure-four around their upper body. Ensure that your hips are aligned with their elbow joint, and then arch your hips upward while pulling their arm towards you. This will hyperextend their elbow, forcing them to submit. Pay close attention to maintaining control of their arm and preventing them from rolling out of the position. The armbar is a highly effective submission, but it requires precise technique and timing to avoid injury to yourself or your opponent.

Finally, let's cover the triangle choke, a versatile submission that can be applied from various positions, particularly from the guard. To set up a triangle choke, you need to trap one of your opponent's arms inside your legs while their head is also inside. Start by securing a strong grip on their posture and creating space to maneuver your legs. Bring one leg over their shoulder and neck, and then lock your other leg behind your ankle, forming a triangle shape. Pull their head down and squeeze your legs together, cutting off the blood flow to their carotid arteries. Adjust your hips and leg position to tighten the choke and prevent them from escaping. The triangle choke is a complex submission that requires coordination and flexibility, but it can be a devastating technique when applied correctly. With regular practice and attention to detail, you can master these fundamental submissions and add them to your Jiu-Jitsu arsenal.

Guard Passing Fundamentals

Okay, let’s break down guard passing fundamentals. Passing the guard is a crucial aspect of Jiu-Jitsu, as it allows you to transition from a defensive position to a dominant one. The guard is a defensive position where the bottom player uses their legs and feet to control the distance and posture of the top player, preventing them from advancing and launching attacks. To pass the guard effectively, you need to neutralize your opponent's legs and create an opening to move past their defenses. One of the most fundamental guard passes is the knee cut pass. To execute the knee cut pass, start by establishing a strong base and controlling your opponent's upper body. Grip their lapel and sleeve to maintain control and prevent them from framing against you. Step one of your legs to the outside of their hip, and then slide your knee across their body, cutting through their guard. As you cut your knee through, maintain pressure on their hips to prevent them from recovering their guard. Use your hands to clear their legs and create space for you to advance. Once you have successfully cut through their guard, establish a strong side control position and begin working towards your next objective. The knee cut pass is a versatile and effective technique that can be used against various types of guards, making it an essential part of any Jiu-Jitsu practitioner's arsenal.

Another essential guard pass is the double under pass. The double under pass is a powerful technique for breaking down the guard and establishing a dominant position. To execute the double under pass, start by securing double underhooks, meaning you have both of your arms wrapped under your opponent's arms. Maintain a tight grip and drive forward, using your body weight to pressure their chest. As you drive forward, lift their hips off the ground to disrupt their balance and create an opening to pass. Step one of your legs to the outside of their hip, and then use your momentum to drive through their guard. Keep your head up and your back straight to maintain a strong posture and prevent them from sweeping you. Once you have successfully passed their guard, establish a strong top position and begin working towards your next objective. The double under pass requires strength and aggression, but it is a highly effective technique for breaking down even the most stubborn guards.

Lastly, let's discuss the importance of pressure and control in guard passing. Passing the guard is not just about brute force; it also requires finesse and strategy. Apply constant pressure to your opponent's body to wear them down and create openings for your passes. Use your weight and leverage to control their hips and prevent them from moving freely. Maintain a strong posture and avoid giving them any space to work. Be patient and methodical in your approach, and don't rush your passes. Look for opportunities to exploit weaknesses in their guard and capitalize on their mistakes. By combining pressure, control, and technique, you can become a highly effective guard passer and dominate your opponents on the mat. Remember to drill these fundamental guard passes regularly to develop your muscle memory and improve your timing and coordination. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of guard passing and take your Jiu-Jitsu game to the next level.

Escapes from Bad Positions

Now, let's tackle escapes from bad positions because let's face it, we all end up there sometimes! Knowing how to escape from disadvantageous positions is a critical skill in Jiu-Jitsu, as it allows you to survive and regain control in a match. One of the most common bad positions is being mounted by your opponent. The mount is a dominant position where your opponent is sitting on your chest, controlling your movement and threatening submissions. To escape from the mount, you need to create space and disrupt your opponent's balance. One effective technique is the Upa escape, also known as the bridge and roll. To execute the Upa escape, start by trapping one of your opponent's arms with both of your hands. Bridge your hips upward, lifting your opponent off of you, and then roll them over to the side where you trapped their arm. As you roll them, shrimp your hips out from underneath them and create space to recover your guard. Use your free arm to push against their leg and prevent them from re-establishing the mount. The Upa escape requires timing and coordination, but it is a highly effective technique for escaping from the mount and regaining control of the match.

Another common bad position is being trapped in side control. Side control is a dominant position where your opponent is pinning you to the ground, controlling your upper body and preventing you from escaping. To escape from side control, you need to create space and disrupt your opponent's control. One effective technique is the elbow escape. To execute the elbow escape, start by framing against your opponent's neck and hip with your arms. Use your legs to create distance and shrimp your hips away from them. As you shrimp, insert your knee between you and your opponent, creating space to recover your guard. Use your arms to push against their body and create even more space. Once you have created enough space, bring your other leg over their body and establish your guard. The elbow escape requires flexibility and agility, but it is a highly effective technique for escaping from side control and regaining control of the match.

Finally, let's talk about escaping from submissions. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find yourself caught in a submission attempt. In these situations, it is important to remain calm and focused and to use proper technique to escape. One common submission is the armbar. To escape from an armbar, you need to prevent your opponent from fully extending your arm and hyperextending your elbow. Use your free arm to grip your own hands together, creating a strong grip that will prevent your opponent from breaking your grip. Turn your body towards your opponent and try to stack them on top of you, disrupting their balance and making it harder for them to finish the submission. If possible, try to slip your arm out of their grip and escape to a safer position. Escaping from submissions requires technique, strength, and flexibility, but it is an essential skill for any Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Remember to drill these fundamental escapes regularly to develop your muscle memory and improve your timing and coordination. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of escaping from bad positions and survive even the most challenging situations on the mat.

Putting It All Together

Alright guys, time to put it all together. You’ve got your stance, some basic submissions, a handle on guard passing, and you know how to escape when things get dicey. What’s next? The key is to drill, drill, drill! Repetition is your best friend. Find a good training partner, pick a technique, and do it a hundred times. Then do it a hundred more. Focus on the details. Are you keeping your weight balanced? Is your grip tight? Are you using your whole body to generate power? Pay attention to these small things, and you’ll see huge improvements over time.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Jiu Jitsu is a journey of discovery. Try different techniques, find what works for you, and adapt your game to your strengths. Watch videos of high-level competitors, attend seminars, and ask questions. The more you learn, the more you’ll grow as a martial artist. And most importantly, have fun! Jiu Jitsu is a challenging but rewarding activity. Enjoy the process of learning, improving, and pushing yourself to new limits. Celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and never stop striving to be the best version of yourself.

So, there you have it – your quick start guide to Jiu Jitsu basics, inspired by Jordan’s approach. Now get out there, hit the mats, and start rolling! See you on the mats!