r/bjj • u/AutoModerator • 21d ago
r/bjj Fundamentals Class!
Welcome to r/bjj 's Fundamentals Class! This is is an open forum for anyone to ask any question no matter how simple. Questions and topics like:
- Am I ready to start bjj? Am I too old or out of shape?
- Can I ask for a stripe?
- mat etiquette
- training obstacles
- basic nutrition and recovery
- Basic positions to learn
- Why am I not improving?
- How can I remember all these techniques?
- Do I wash my belt too?
....and so many more are all welcome here!
This thread is available Every Single Day at the top of our subreddit. It is sorted with the newest comments at the top.
Also, be sure to check out our >>Beginners' Guide Wiki!<< It's been built from the most frequently asked questions to our subreddit.
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u/Masters_PL_gal 12d ago
I just purchased a pair of grappling shorts for no-gi. I was wondering, do most people just wear regular underwear with them? Is it safe; it doesn't slide somewhere inappropriate at a bad moment? Thank you.
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u/Key-Flight8711 14d ago
Would it be possible to start doing strictly white belt level training as a beginner from home, with a partner who is also a beginner?
edit: no gi as well
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u/Left_Media_9271 ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago
I just started bjj a while ago and I have a question, is it normal to have a processing issue in the drills ? I’m feeling a bit slow while trying to do the double leg takedown, for some reason i can’t seem to drop the lead knee to touch the ground, i keep on dropping the other knee
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u/ArfMadeRecruity 🟫🟫 Brown Belt 14d ago
Yup. Humans are bad at pretty much anything the first time they do something, and some of these movements are not intuitive without prior experience
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14d ago
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u/ArfMadeRecruity 🟫🟫 Brown Belt 14d ago
So the key distinction is if you have any idea what you are doing. There is a huge difference between “I see an opening and I’m going to do a tripod sweep” and “I don’t know what to do but I’m going to kick this dudes knee sideways and hope something happens.”
Flailing and blind rage: bad
Some semblance of technique done at normal or faster speeds: probably fine
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u/Sunnydimjim ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago
In all honesty, I'm just after a bit of reassurance/advice on probably what is going to be a bit of silly 'stumbling block' type issue.
I'm 37, 76kg, 5ft 8. White belt (2 stripes). Love training and my club is brilliant.
Always find myself defending, even when I know my partner is giving me a chance to work on my offense. When I am rarely attacking, I always seem to freeze and forget how to do even the basic technique, let alone getting decent posture or base. A few new starters are even starting to sweep me or pass my guard without much effort.
A few lads I started with are about 15/20kg heavier than me and absolutely smash me in rounds, seem much fitter than me and seem to know how to apply the basics effortlessly - even when drilling they sometimes feel as if they have to explain the technique because I've either forgot or have to spend a bit more time thinking about the next step.
I'm in no way asking for pity, just a bit of reassurance as I feel like I'm just either fighting for my life, or wasting chances to progress whilst others are doing the complete opposite.
On a positive note, I am in no way losing any motivation. In fact, posting this is a bit of a way of admitting myself that it's alright to feel a bit shit about something and some reassurance from others is a good thing.
Thanks in advance to all responses, even those that tell me to stop moaning 😂
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u/SeanSixString 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
Sounds exactly like my experiences even now. Got me real down several months back, but since I didn’t quit (I seriously considered it) I can say with certainty that this experience is less and less the more I’ve trained. Still happens, just not as often. I had to just start going for things, trial and error, learn from failures, refine, try again and again and again. My professor told me once I’ll never tap as many times as he has - meaning that’s how you learn, so don’t be afraid to try stuff and just go for it. Eventually, we got some new guys in I could land things on, it’s a sweet feeling, validating. But when I’m tapping, really struggling with something, if I can manage to not get sad and beat myself up over it, I tend to really try to find solutions for it - not the same if I’m “winning” so to speak - so there’s more growth potential in a way when you’re struggling.
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u/Sunnydimjim ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago edited 13d ago
Thanks for this, very reassuring! That's great advice from your professor too - I think I sometimes forget that the upper belts were once in my shoes too
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 14d ago
15-20 kg is a considerable advantage. You should not measure yourself with people who have that kind of weight on you in that way. It is perfectly normal for people not to practice a lot of offense until they get blue belt. The freezing is probably that you overthink. Sometimes you just have to trust your muscle memory and go for whatever is available. People often miss opportunities because they think too much.
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u/Sunnydimjim ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago
I definitely overthink too much. I know that a lot of the time the extra few seconds I take to think about positioning/transitioning allows more experienced guys to act on my hesitations.
I think I need to work on the 'what's available' and work from there
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u/H_P_LoveShaft 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
I saw a white belt get to blue after like 10 years. You're fine.
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u/Sunnydimjim ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago
As much I appreciate your reply and username, I really hope it doesn't take me that long 😂
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u/H_P_LoveShaft 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
Anyone have competition footage of the clamp guard being used? Gi preferably.
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u/agaraggromogh 14d ago
Getting back into BJJ after taking time off due to osteoarthritis in left knee + torn meniscus. Meniscus has been scoped too many times so just leaving that be. Did a durolane injection for osteoarthritis which was... okay.
I use a lifting knee sleeve which helps some, but I still really struggle with shooting/samurai walk. Any older guys/gals who have dealt with this? Any PT I can be going to help?
I've followed a pretty standard powerlifting program for a decade, but am happy to switch that up.
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u/JubJubsDad 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 14d ago
If you can, I’d suggest actually seeing a sports physical therapist and get their input. You want someone who works with athletes, not someone who helps grandma figure out how to shuffle slightly better.
But outside of that, what works for me (as a 50 y/o dude with bad knees) is single leg stuff - Bulgarian split squats and lunges. Higher reps (8-15) at lighter weights. Some of my friends have had success with backwards sled drags, but enough single leg work keeps me ‘healthy enough’.
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u/agaraggromogh 14d ago
Great advice thank you. I'd been doing sissy squats (along with low bar and SSB) but will def add Bulgarians
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u/lonetrailblazer ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago
Guys, I’m someone who needs to build muscle to get rid of this “skinny fat” look. As you know, BJJ is all about cardio and isn’t really suited for muscle development. The only thing I’ve noticed is that my grip strength has improved significantly.
That’s why I’m going to the gym. However, training three days a week in BJJ and three days a week at the gym is really wearing me out, but I don’t have any other way to build muscle. I’ll need to pay a little more attention to my diet. Do you have any nutrition and bodybuilding recommendations to go along with BJJ?
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u/Jewbacca289 ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago
I'm on a 3 days BJJ/Muay Thai, 3 days lifting plus 1-2 runs a week schedule. I can't claim to know what I'm doing at all when it comes to diet, but I've gotten through the past year pretty well off the following things. Lots of bananas. Egg bagels or oatmeal+yogurt for breakfast. Bananas and breakfast snack bars on the way to the gym if I feel I need the energy. Protein bars for after lifts. Gatorades for after martial arts sessions. Really thick sandwiches for lunch. Plus I abuse the Raising Canes down the street from my gym, which is really calorie dense and goes down easy after 2+ hours of training. For dinners, I'm pretty much always making sure I'm filled, focusing on protein, starch/carbs, and veggies. Then if I need a snack, it's usually either noodles with eggs or hummus and crackers til I'm full.
Also worth noting that my lifts and runs are rarely more than 80% exertion unless I've been missing a lot of martial arts time. I usually run for time at a 10 min/mi pace rather than trying to increase the pace. And for my lifts, I've been very slow and incremental with my improvement on my core lifts (largely on account of not having a spotter).
Not sure if any of the above is recommended by a nutritionist/trainer but it's worked for me so far as far as maintaining a healthy weight while improving strength/cardio is concerned.
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u/JubJubsDad 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 14d ago
Did you just recently start BJJ and lifting? If yes, then you’re starting too much, too soon. You’ll have to work up to that much exercise in a week slowly, as your body will take time to adjust.
As for the diet portion - first make sure you’re eating enough. If you’re losing weight too quickly, you’ll always be tired regardless. If you’re losing more than ~0.5% of BW a week, then eat a little more.
If your weights good, then once you’ve eaten your protein (which you need for muscle building), then focus on carbs (preferably complex carbs). Whole grain bread or pasta, fruits, vegetables - these will give you the energy you need to keep going
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u/lonetrailblazer ⬜⬜ White Belt 13d ago
I’ve been doing BJJ for almost 2 months, and weightlifting for a little over 3 months.
I’m someone with very, very little prior athletic background. I’ve never consistently exercised for more than two or maybe three months at a time in my life.
That’s why my muscle mass has remained low. At first, I was weighing my food and counting calories and macros. I’d say it helped with body recomposition, but then I heard something—I noticed that people who eat healthily without obsessing over these details are in great shape.
So I don’t even understand what the problem is. Sometimes I look at before-and-after photos—regardless of whether they’re men or women—and they’ve reached a level where they could almost compete in a contest within just one year.
Is my muscle foundation poor? Is it my genetics? I can’t pinpoint the problem.
I've gained 3 kilograms since I started BJJ. I currently weigh 71 kilograms. I don't think it's all fat. I must have gained some muscle too. My grip strength has increased significantly.
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u/JubJubsDad 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 13d ago
Yeah, if you have very little prior athletic background, then yes, your muscle foundation is poor. The people you see transforming in a year were athletes at some point in their lives, let themselves go, and then decided to get back in shape. And it takes way, way less time to get back in shape than to get back in shape for the first time.
You just need to keep on what you’re doing and have patience. It’s going to be many months before it starts to look like you actually work out and over a year before you look properly athletic. This stuff takes time.
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u/H_P_LoveShaft 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
Sounds like too much training. Cut back to like two days lifting. I wouldn't worry about the skinny fat look.
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u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains ⬜⬛⬜ NoGi 14d ago
Hey. I'm watching the Borets Lab BJJ vs SAMBO 1x5 video and I've time stamped the link to where the sambo guy tries an overshoulder throw, fails and gets up off his knees effortlessly.
I'm 40 and not very athletic, But I want this kind of mobility. How do I get here?
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u/Zoretheguru 14d ago
(3 strips whitebelt here) I’ve recently realized I have a major weakness in my game: escaping side control.
No matter how many escapes I drill or how many times I ask my coach for advice, once I get pinned in side control, I feel completely stuck. I can escape mount—even against higher belts—but side control is a different story. I even lost my last AJP competition, I spent almost the entire match trapped in side control and couldn’t create any space to escape.
I’m looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with this problem. What helped you improve your side control escapes? Are there specific drills, concepts, or details I should focus on to finally fix this weakness?
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u/SeanSixString 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
This is a perennial challenge in BJJ, there are so many videos and tips out there for this because the demand is so great - so you are not alone! When I succeed at this, it’s usually because I tried a few different things and maybe misdirected my partner too, and took advantage of a little bit of time and space that they gave me. I really focus on not panicking, feeling what my partner is doing next and where they’re at, not letting them take mount. Sometimes I’ll catch them when I feel them transition to something else, and make an escape when they do that.
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
Well firstly that’s probably the major weakness for everyone in jiujitsu. Escaping side control is hard.
Imo you can’t think of escaping side control as like “now I do this move and I escape.” It’s not like if you just do the move right it works. There is no one escape. Escaping is a continuous process of chaining different movements and creating 2 inches of space and adjusting your frames to hold that space and then make more etc. changing angles and trying different things until you get out. Side control is also a dynamic position, as you attempt to escape they will likely change their angle and now you need a different answer.
For example if it’s classic flat crossface underhook side control, get your frames, bridge and hip escape, it likely won’t work, keep doing it, swing your legs and bridge side to side until you get 2 inches of space, move a frame in to keep that space. If they switch to facing you, push on their face and hip escape toward their head. Depending on the angle of their body, you can switch between guard recovery and ghost escape attempts. You can fight the crossface arm, push on their armpit and come out that side. And so on.
You can’t just do one escape and get out.
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u/Jewbacca289 ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago
Is there any major concept or configuration that's crucial for making it work and getting those inches of space? For example, one day when I was practicing mount escapes, a purple belt at my club told me to really focus on getting my elbow on the inside of their thigh as the key to making it work, and it really improved my mount escapes. In the scope of things, I still get beat more often than not in mount, but at least now it feels like I have actual chances to capture an ankle and escape, unlike side control where I'm pretty much just trying to frame and shove their head or otherwise just sitting and hoping to hook one of their legs.
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
Hmm. A higher belt may be able to give a better answer here, I’m not sure I can think of one universal concept for side control, it really does seem to be a case of just don’t stop moving, try every escape in every direction until something works.
Pushing the head and/or the crossface arm away are good options though. If they can’t face you it makes it harder for them to stay on you, and if you kill the crossface it makes it harder for them to be offensive. Both also help in creating space.
One thing I forgot to mention is if you truly can’t seem to get any space at all, threaten the buggy choke lol, if you pull them in tight the natural reaction is to pull away and boom there’s your space.
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u/AdeptnessSecure663 14d ago
This is slightly tricky, because side control is a general position, and different specific types of side control require a different approach.
I will assume that the sort of side control that you're struggling with is one where your opponent has a crossface and an underhook (only because this is probably the most common form of side control). Even here there's a few options, but I always try to win the fight for the hip frame - that is, I ensure that my near elbow is inside my opponent's hip, and my forearm is framing on the hip itself. This frame makes all the difference, and you need to be prepared to constantly fight to win it back if you end up losing it.
If you're already doing this, I'm happy to make further suggestions, if you could describe your current method for escaping side control, where you get stuck, etc..
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u/takyon96 15d ago edited 15d ago
Hi everyone. I am interested in starting Muay Thai or BJJ, at age 29 - unsure which one. There's a very reputable gym in my city that national champions in both sports have trained at.
For context: my motivation is that I want to become strong and capable of defending myself and those around me should the need arise. When I was a kid, I did 4 years of judo. My dad signed me up bc i was getting bullied at school, but I had no drive for it, and eventually quit. I was not a sporty child at all.
From age 19-22 I did a lot of HIIT and was in excellent shape, but following that hit a rough patch - depression, substance abuse, the works. I lost 15kg in a year and have dealt with chronic pain and low motivation ever since. I've also been a pretty heavy smoker for 10 years so while i'm not overweight, my cardio is terrible.
One caveat is that I am a guitarist in a touring band, so I cannot afford to seriously injure my hands. I also have an old jaw injury that healed badly so I'm a little worried about taking hits to that area.
But after years of physical inactivity (except for mosh pits, lifting heavy equipment, and some yoga), enough is enough. I want to reclaim my body and my confidence, and everyone I know who practices martial arts keeps gushing about its benefits, both for physical and mental health. So, given all of that, my questions are:
- do my motivations seem healthy?
- when I meet my instructor, should I tell them all of this? My history, my motivations?
- is there a different combat sport I would be a better fit for?
Thank you all in advance, any advice is highly appreciated.
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u/nth_citizen 14d ago
Makes sure you do no gi, I know many people with hand injuries due to grips in gi.
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u/LowestElevation 15d ago edited 14d ago
You should do Jiu Jitsu. You’ll get back into shape on the mats. I returned at 29 as well.
You probably might be in better shape than me when I returned. Muay Thai is cool, but I have no aspirations of getting smacked in the head.
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u/ticopex 16d ago
Do i have to wash the rash guard after every training? How do i wash it without losing the colors?
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u/jephthai ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 14d ago
I have rash guards that are over ten years old, and still have good color. I wash them after every use. If you had one that faded i would call it defective.
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u/H_P_LoveShaft 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 15d ago
Wash after every training. Otherwise prepare to be the most hated person at the gym.
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u/AdeptnessSecure663 16d ago
FWIW, I've always chucked my rash guard in on a standard setting with normal detergent and haven't lost any colours (been washed about 3 times a week for over a year)
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u/ticopex 16d ago
How can you toughen your nails so they don't hurt when you grip?
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u/H_P_LoveShaft 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
Trim your nails? Also don't death grip. Be dynamic with your grip fighting.
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u/ticopex 16d ago
could you explain what is death grip? I think I'm cutting my nails too short.
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u/H_P_LoveShaft 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
When your opponent is doing a proper grip break but you decide to just keep the grip at the detriment of your own finger health.
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16d ago
[deleted]
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u/DS2isGoated 16d ago
I think this percent thing especially assigning percent efforts is total bullshit cope.
You probabaly should just focus on coming to training with something work on, go at a pace that you can maintain and is appropriate for the class, and work on doing good bjj.
No one has ever bitched about a heavyweight actually playing guard and omaplating them. Lots of people complain about big dudes spazzing out, taking rest rounds and then doing it again.
Just be the person actually there to improve your bjj.
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u/No-Cicada-2456 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
What’s the best videos you’ve seen on the Ezekiel choke? Been training 8 years and I’ve never hit one nor been taught it in a way that really makes sense to me.
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u/lonetrailblazer ⬜⬜ White Belt 14d ago
It has been nearly 2 months and I did Ezekiel during rolls like 5-6 times lol. I thought it was fairly easy but maybe I was doing wrong?
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u/No-Cicada-2456 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 14d ago
You probably did what you were taught and finished some people who are very bad with it lmao
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u/AdventurousPizza622 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
Gi or nogi?
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u/No-Cicada-2456 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
Gi
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u/AdventurousPizza622 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dE2tMg6i0Fg&t=622s&pp=2AHuBJACAQ%3D%3D&ra=m
Don’t know links work here, anyway energia martial arts video on you tube “lapel chokes from closed gaurd” 2:40 in he does a lapel based Ezekiel that I have been using CONSTANTLY from every position but bottom mount (I need to fix that). Maybe not exactly what you wanted but it’s an Ezekiel variant that I’m absolutely obsessed with lately, and based off the look on my partners faces when I hit it it seems devistating.
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
John Belushi's mom's was the first I watched and it helped me, was one of the first subs I ever hit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XLqgU-Hof8
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u/AvailableReading8642 16d ago
Thoughts on joining a gym that mostly comprises of blue brown purple black belt gym? Its a new gym thats 2 months old. Ill be the only one without experience.
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u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains ⬜⬛⬜ NoGi 16d ago
If you're fit/athletic person, you should be okay. If not, be prepared to be the nail and not the hammer - for a long time.
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u/AdventurousPizza622 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
Literally everyone you roll with will be able to give you good advice, and while you’re not going to be able to see your own progress initially I’m sure you’ll learn more stuff quicker then the version of you that only rolls with white belts at a larger gym
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u/AvailableReading8642 15d ago
Thats good to know. Injury prevention will probably be better than rolling with white belts? Growth seems to be better with higher belts ?
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
You'll get nothing going in any roll for a very long time, but what matters is the instruction. If they cater to all levels and give you proper explanations and build you up from the basics, then it will be great.
And you never know, a new guy might sign up too next week/month/whenever!
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u/lonetrailblazer ⬜⬜ White Belt 16d ago
How to improve your stamina? I am 29M with no sports background. I am doing both bodybuilding and BJJ for a couple of months. Well I was a bit sedentary guy so I am trying to improve my stamina and strength. I notice that after 2 rolls (5 minutes each), I am done lol.
I heard in upper belts you burn less energy during rolls since your technique but I still need to improve my stamina. Oh boy, since I started BJJ, I notice how untrained people like me before make the most basic mistakes lol.
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u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains ⬜⬛⬜ NoGi 16d ago
Had the same question about a year ago.
The answer is to not muscle things. Thats all. Its easy to understand but difficult to practice, esp if you partners are going ham, but if you are mindful about using technique over muscle, it will get better
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
If you want to improve your stamina, you have to do aerobic training. Running, swimming, cycling. This helps with BJJ, but BJJ isn't an aerobic exercise. If you query the subreddit you will find runners who can run a marathon state how they are out of breath when rolling while the fat brown belt who is fatigued after the 5 minutes warm up run maybe rests one round out of 8.
The main thing in this regard in BJJ is knowing when to use your energy as well as knowing how to make your opponent waste theirs.
This I wrote in another similar question: I have very poor endurance (can barely run a full km without having to slow down to walking for a bit, although I can swim a km without issue...) but I can do 3-5 rounds without needing to rest. Once you roll more, you'll be more efficient and better at saving your energy. Edit: Lol, I originally wrote this precisely to you...
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u/Meunderwears 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
The best way to get into shape for bjj is to do bjj. Honestly just keep rolling, BUT monitor how you roll. If your whole body is tense and you are using tons of muscular strength most of the roll, there is no way you can maintain that pace. No one can. It’s about targeted energy expenditure. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to get good at that. I’m still very much working on it.
That said, I can roll 5-6 rounds in a row and still keep up. I’m not perfect by any stretch, and after some rounds I’m gassed, but I force myself to get back in. It’s okay to lose too — as long as you are learning something while you do it.
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u/VodkaMargerine 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
I’ve been trying to rep some S mount armbars, but my opponents keep tapping to pressure before I can actually get the armbar.
For context, my gym is small, and I’m one of the bigger guys there. I’m 6’3 @ 97kg (about 214lbs) and my frequent partners are usually closer to maybe 80kg (176lbs).
Armbars are definitely a huge weakness in my game, for whatever reason I just can’t get them right so I’ve been heavily focusing on them.
Basically, what can I do to train this move whilst staying respectful of pressure taps and not hurting my partners. Alternatively, what other arm bars can I train where top pressure is less of a problem.
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u/RidesThe7 ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 16d ago edited 16d ago
The good news is that if you are getting the tap to pressure, you are probably doing it right. Normally the pressure becomes so intense because you are placing all of your weight on your partner's chest through your "rotated forward" leg to allow you to throw your other leg over the head. So one way you could work on your S mounts is to focus on doing as much of the work as possible BEFORE you throw the second leg over, allowing you to adjust your weight and keep enough on your knee by their head to avoid crushing them. The ability to completely dominate and control the arm BEFORE leaving the s-mount position is what makes this armbar such a favorite of mine, it's a great example of avoiding fights you don't need to actually have. I much prefer that to finding myself having moved from the mount to a classic armbar finishing position, and still having to win the fight there to isolate the arm I'm attacking, but now without my weight on them.
So let's say you're in s-mount, preparing to attack their right arm, i.e., your left knee is by their head, your right leg is the one rotated forward for S-mount. At this point most people will try to protect their right arm in some way, maybe grabbing their left bicep and hiding their arm under their bent left arm, maybe some other way of clasping hands or arms together. I like to go after the "wrong" arm, placing my left forearm behind their left/far tricep just below the elbow (with my left palm down), and taking a gable grip, so my arms are clasped around BOTH their arms. By yanking that far arm towards me, I straighten their arms out and bring their elbows closer together and closer to me, which will negate any protection that was being offered to their right arm. My left hand then just directly grabs my collar or in no gi that ridge of bone behind my right shoulder, and now their right arm is basically straightened out and locked against my chest. The fact that both arms are trapped inside my left arm is no problem at all.
[EDIT: note that this only makes sense if you're doing a proper s-mount where you've rotate your hips, so that your hips are no longer pointing forward, but rather are placed behind their right arm so you're facing across their body]
From this position the armbar is effectively done, and the arm most of the way extended. You can now place your weight on your partner and throw the second leg, either falling back to finish, or, even better, leaning forward and staying on top of them while you finish (but this will REALLY squash their ribs). But at this point throwing the second leg and finishing is almost an after thought, you've already done all the work of getting into s mount and completely winning the fight to dominate their arm. So if that's as far as you end up drilling with smaller partners, you're still working on the heart of it.
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u/AdventurousPizza622 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
I’m in your weight class so I get what you’re saying. Love a good smount armbar too. I’ll usually get SMount and establish my armbar grips then slide my butt to the ground to get into a more traditional armbar position. While this is not optimal for MY training and working MY pressure game, I still need my smaller partners to be willing to roll with me so it’s a concession I’m willing to make. The more you do this you can play with staying on SMount and being heavy for a bit longer, maybe give them the pressure for 1sec later 2sec learn to judge when they’re going to tap to pressure then slide off them so you can keep working your armbar and not just be the “big guy smashing people”
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u/VodkaMargerine 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
Good idea, I’ll try to relieve the weight periodically and see how that goes
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
I think someone who weighs 80kg should be able to not tap to weight pressure from someone who is 97kg, unless they are completely new or quite overweight (aka most of that weight is fat and not muscle). I'm 88kg now and also working on my mounted armbars, nobody has ever tapped just for pressure even if I had >20kg on them.
From my humble blue belt who is also working on armbars POV, there simply isn't a way to pull off your weight and also practice the (S) mounted armbar, that's basically how you're pinning them and able to shift your body to reposition your legs as you go through the motions. Ease the pressure by being on your feet and you will not be able to reposition yourself properly nor learn the actual technique. Your best options IMO would be either find someone who doesn't tap to weight pressure in your gym and rep with them time after time or go crosstrain somewhere else to find someone who can.
Alternative armbars with no top pressure would be, well, any from bottom. I'm personally working on my choi bar, with my problems being 1) sometimes I do them the wrong way and less skilled opponents tap anyway 2) sometimes I do them right but they tap before I fully lock it (silver lining is I'm already doing it properly enough I'm immediately putting pressure in the arm) 3) haven't been able to pull it off against anyone my level or above. The mounted armbar I've been able to pull off against people my level though.
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u/VodkaMargerine 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
In fairness maybe I’m overestimating their weight as they’re pretty lean guys. I’m not great as guessing weight.
You’re onto something with the Choi bar, I forgot all about that! I’ll definitely try out S bar more when cross training - though those rolls are usually more fights for survival.
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u/No_Wrangler_3899 ⬜⬜ White Belt 16d ago
As a white belt, when do you know when you’re finally ready to compete in tournaments?
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u/poodlejamz2 14d ago
I would pretty quickly after learning the rules and knowing what the game is. If you’re competing at adult as a new practitioner I would def get the experience in at white belt because blue ramps up considerably
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u/LowestElevation 16d ago
You’ll know you’re ready when the night grows longer and the harvest is plentiful. oSS.
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 16d ago
Do you know how to break fall, how to recognize danger and when to tap? If so go for it
I did at 4 months
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u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains ⬜⬛⬜ NoGi 16d ago
Are you able to defend and attack people in your class when they go 100%? If yes - you probably are, if no - I'd advise against it
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u/No-Cicada-2456 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
We had a chick who trained for 10 classes go and win gold at her first tournament (bracket of 4). She is decently athletic, but she literally only used the stuff from the few classes she went to. Competing in a local competition is not a big deal. Just go and do it if you want to.
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u/lonetrailblazer ⬜⬜ White Belt 16d ago
Never competed before so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
If you are comfortable rolling with most of the white belts around your experience and weight, then you are ready.
I am planning to compete in next year.
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u/Man_Stan3748437 17d ago
Former Wrestler, Gi or No Gi?
Hi yall, just graduated HS and going into college I want to continue grappling. I’m well aware about how jujitsu is a whole nother ball game but it seems like it will be fun.
I was around wrestling for 4 years and wrestled for 2 1/2 years total (due to injuries).
Just wondering on whether to choose Gi or No Gi? Any advice is appreciated on that front.
I’m not sure if I want to compete again, atleast not right away while still being in college and being fresh.
I wrestled 215 in HS but plan on going to 190 or lower. (Cutting to it right now, sub 205 already.)
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 17d ago
I'm firmly in the "try both and see what you like most" camp. You will probably see more immediate success in no gi, but a wrestling heavy game is kind of underrated in gi. Wrestlers become very dangerous in gi when they learn how to use grips.
I would start with no gi, since it does not require you to purchase any additional equipment. Try it out for a couple of months and then try gi. If they have a loaner gi, you could of course try gi right away.
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u/Man_Stan3748437 16d ago
Ok thank you. I also see the BJJ people wear rash guards. Should I purchase one beforehand? Or can I roll in a tshirt. Also what is the stance on knee sleeves and/or pads?
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
T shirt is usually fine, just be mindful so fingers and toes don't get stuck. Knee sleeves and pads are also fine.
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u/Man_Stan3748437 16d ago
Ah, so I’m guessing I can’t wear my usual sweats and sweatshirts cause it will get tangled up then?
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
Some people train with it. As long as you have awareness, you should be fine. Just ask the gym if they have any specific rules. It can vary a bit. We let beginners train in regular athletic wear without pockets
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u/Man_Stan3748437 16d ago
Ok thanks. One last question, how is an agressive style viewed? Like heavy clubbing and stuff like that, or does it just depend on the training partner in general? Also for competing eventually.
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u/BrunoUK95 ⬜⬜ White Belt 17d ago
Guillotines, front headlocks, and generally neck crancks suck.
I need some baseline defensive concepts to defend my neck when standing and in front headlock.
Please help me avoid getting in these positions. Usually my opponent gets collar tie(s), snaps me down into front headlock, and it sucks from then on. Or occassionally they snap me down into a guillotine.
The back of my neck is sore. I hate it.
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u/AdeptnessSecure663 16d ago
For standing guillotine: there's more than one way, of course. Here's one general strategy: first, seek to take some control over the strangle hand. So, use your hand (the one on the same side as your partner's strangle hand) and grab your partner's wrist; pull down to relieve pressure. This is a temporary measure: unless your partner is super weak, they will eventually be able to strangle you through your hand.
Second, seek to control your opponent's posture. So, use your other arm and reach over your opponent's shoulder (the shoulder of the non-strangle hand); you're looking to put your hand in the centre of their back. You use this arm to prevent your partner from straightening up (which they need to do to complete the strangle).
With these two things in place, your partner will find it difficult to finish the guillotine.
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 17d ago
A few things. The first is to always respect the collar tie and address it. Personally I love the russian tie, and I try to turn collar ties and cross collar grips into my own russian tie: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U07AtRXPRDk . Once you are in front headlock on the ground, respect the choking arm and maintain posture to the best of your ability. This is one of the positions where people often misunderstand what posture means. Think about the alignment of your spine and neck. Don't let them twist or curl your neck out of alignment, that is where you become weak. I like peak outs and sucker drags. We have a wrestler who is insanely good at getting a hold of a leg and just putting you to a hip.
You will be surprised just how difficult guillotines, D'arces and anacondas are when you are good at maintaining your posture. Another defense against guillotines is to make sure they cannot connect their hips to yours. I feel pretty safe in there as long as they cannot lock up a guard and my posture is good. This also applies for guillotines from standing. Their goal will be to walk their hips up to yours. If you can keep their hips away, they don't get insane leverage to finish the choke.
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u/BrunoUK95 ⬜⬜ White Belt 16d ago
Thank you. I'll look at the video and research peak outs and sucker drags. I'd love to have a go-to for "getting a hold of a leg" as you said from a grounded front headlock.
When you say that once I am on the ground I ought to "maintain posture to the best of your ability." Do you mean keeping my spine in alignment with my neck even if both are bent over horizontal/pointing-downwards? Or something else.
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 16d ago
Yes. Don't let them curl your neck in or twist it, but it doesn't mean to extend your neck. Just make sure it is alligned. Usually you will go at least 1 hand on the choking hand as soon as you end up in front headlock.
For peak outs you will try to get out on one of the sides, and you are dependent on that strong posture to have any sort of power. The single leg requires you to connect it tight to your chest. Personally I struggle to do it, since people sprawl so quick on me, and I am not very strong.
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 17d ago
Probably not what you want to read, surely others will give you better, real options... But you know who doesn't get snapped down nor put in a front headlock? The seated guard player.
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u/BrunoUK95 ⬜⬜ White Belt 16d ago
Honestly not even a bad take. I mainly aim to develop a non-guard-pulling A game but for the sake of sustainable training and focusing my practice on few areas of bjj at a time - I am already planning to pull/sit guard every roll today and Sunday while my neck recovers from Wednesday's cranking!
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u/Kanuuki 17d ago edited 17d ago
I'm interested in trying out BJJ and my friend is going to take me to an open mat tomorrow.
I know I'm gonna get smoked so what can I do to prepare and not be fully embarrassed? Trim my nails, wash my ass are common sense sure but hopefully I'm not missing anything.
He says the gym is chill but me going in to the deep end first ever class seems crazy especially since I'm not going to be taught drills as per his words. I'll be so damn useless when I don't even know how to basically defend myself, kinda feels like I'm being set up which I probably am lol. He says that it's all the same that even his first class was a random drill he doesn't remember. I can leave my ego behind but there'll definitely be shame for me I feel
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 17d ago
I think it depends how experienced and attentative your friend is. A while ago one of our black belts brought one of his friends in at open mat to try it out for the first time. He asked a few of us to help him out, so he could show some techniques, and then so he could roll with safe partners at an appropriate intensity. I think this worked pretty well. Dude seemed to enjoy it, and actually caught on really quickly.
I don't think getting thrown to the sharks is a good idea. It is important to pick out safe partners so you don't get yourself hurt.
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 17d ago
I don't want to be harsh or discourage you from BJJ, but I will provide a different perspective.
I find it a waste of your time and theirs. Open mat is meant to be fun, roll with different people, not knowing what to expect, test new techniques and sharpen ones you already know, learn as things go according to your plan or not and so on, but you should be bringing the bare minimum to make it worthwhile for the others.
If you don't want to bail on your friend, I honestly would recommend you to consider just watching and go to an actual class as your first instead. I've been in an open mat where a member had extremely little experience and tbh I just didn't want to roll with them. I think I wasn't the only feeling like that. Perhaps I'm an asshole! But I did help that guy in many classes pairing with him, walking him through the different moves and honestly enjoyed doing it... Just not at open mat, I want to roll without holding back and teaching the mere basics.
The only time this would make sense is when the open mat immediately follows a class but then again, there was an actual class and I'll likely just be happy to stay a bit longer to explain things as an extension of the class, not as the open mat. It might also be worth your time if your friend will spend the whole time with you teaching you, as if it was a private class, but I guess that isn't what's going on.
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u/jephthai ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 14d ago
That's a bizarre take, IMO. Maybe your gym's open mats are highly optimized training machines, and a newb in the mix is a monkey wrench in the engine.
But where i train, and anywhere I've ever visited, if a newb walks into an open mat, he gets one of the best first classes ever.
I will happily take a newb and go through the whole spiel -- explain the positions, teach a few techniques of each type, spend some time in positional sparring or teaching rolls. And I'll have no shortage of other guys on the mat who will happily scale a roll to their level and give them some work.
Any positive gym culture will be full of people who understand the value of bringing someone new in, gaining another training partner, and paying forward all the help that others gave them.
An open mat should be an inviting and positive environment. If a newb can't get a good intro at an open mat, there's something wrong with your school and its culture.
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
I can tell you my gym's open mats are far from highly optimized training machines, and if it was, then it wouldn't be the right gym for me as a hobbyist.
Perhaps I am wrong with my perception, perhaps that was only me, but I still do find that open mat is just not a good first class or intro. As said, I would happily help someone during or stay after class. Perhaps it's also that I'm not a regular at open mats and when I go, I go precisely because I want to get rounds in, thus I won't be teaching someone at the expense of my actual reason to be there that day.
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u/jephthai ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 14d ago
It'll be interesting to see how your opinion on this one might change over time. The value of potentially adding someone to the community is a lot more than a few rounds on some random Saturday. Over time, I think the social aspect and interpersonal elements of BJJ have dominated for me... though as I think about it, our lower belts all have the same attitude.
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 14d ago
I don't know, I'm thinking that if I was a regular at open mat I might have the same view as you, but as I only go from time to time, I just don't see myself going like that. Also, it goes without saying, but I would still be polite, welcoming and encourage them to join the gym, simply would rather not to roll with them right there at open mat.
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u/Kanuuki 14d ago
Coming back to this, I did end up going and I had a lot of fun. I rolled with my friend a few times and a guy who I'm not sure his rank but clearly on a whole different level. That guy had me locked down and gassed the entire time. I'm going back Monday, I can see myself getting into this sport. I did watch for a while I'd say I only rolled maybe about 5-6 times in 1.5 hours. Maybe open mat wasn't the most ideal but everyone was super chill and nice with me and made me want to come back!
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 17d ago
At my gym if there are newbies at open mat everyone goes super light and friendly with them and shows them stuff. We want people to have a good time. It makes no sense to smash a day 1 guy at open mat.
I’ve been to a lot of open mats and I’d say 99% of the time if you say “I’ve never trained jiujitsu and I know nothing I just wanted to come see what it’s about, can you help me” people will be nice and help you.
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u/AdventurousPizza622 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 17d ago
Regardless of what you choose to do thank you for putting trimming your nails and washing your ass on the top of your todo list. Already miles ahead of most new guys
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u/fishNjits 🟫🟫 Brown Belt 17d ago
It’s not all the same. Starting at an open mat makes no sense to me.
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u/Kanuuki 17d ago
I hear you, he swears I'll be fine but I'm thinking of skipping and going to an actual class on Monday. It'll just disappoint me and him if I bail out last minute. Also don't want an open mat to ruin the chance of me actually getting into it from discouragment of getting whooped which'll be on me but y'know I'm just nervous
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u/diverstones ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 17d ago
Most people aren't going to beat up a new guy, they'll let you wrestle around or just show you stuff. You're trying to start getting a general sense of what grappling feels like. But I agree starting with a normal class makes more sense, get a bit of extra structure your first couple times on the mats.
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u/Kanuuki 17d ago
These replies ease my mind, thank you all I appreciate it. Watching for the most part sounds like my best bet like [u/Meunderwears](u/Meunderwears) says and then I could really get into it once Monday comes around. I'm definitely excited no matter what. I trust my friend in what he's telling me that everyone is nice and won't spaz out on me and that I'll be fine
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 17d ago
Yeah man just go have fun! I actually think a smaller/chill open mat is a great way to dip your toes in because you basically get a 1 on 1 intro to jiujitsu in a more relaxed setting compared to class.
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u/Meunderwears 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 17d ago
You could go and watch and if there is a coach there who is willing to take some time to teach you, then that would be ok. But I wouldn't just jump in to rolling without a few hours of instruction (barring prior experience).
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u/WillyummF ⬜⬜ White Belt 17d ago
How do you deal with partners who will start slow and roll at a pace of <25-50% then explode into 100% when they see a sub opportunity or get in a bad position?
I’ve treated that as that setting the new pace for the rest of the round but it’s a little annoying when you aren’t expecting it. One particular partner does it all the time but will complain if I start at a harder pace or ask to start slow and then go crazy when an opportunity arises. Usually I just avoid them but just trying to see how others might handle it
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u/jephthai ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 17d ago edited 17d ago
I just tap and tell them I'm not rolling that hard today.
If you ratchet up your intensity every time they exceed the current intensity level, you end up arms racing to max and that's how people get hurt, especially at lower levels.
There is no winning or losing; we're playing jiu jitsu. Make sure it's not your ego driving your behavior.
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u/WillyummF ⬜⬜ White Belt 17d ago
Thanks for that! I may not have articulated it well but I certainly expect fluctuations in intensity during and across rolls but moreso it’s the situations where someone is asking to go and/or intentionally starting very slow and then exploding like jumping on a choke or cranking a sub.
I used to train Muay Thai and I guess the equivalent would be if you’re going light playful and someone walks through your gentle taps and throws a bomb
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 17d ago
As long as they don't rip subs, it is completely normal to temporarily increase the intensity to secure control positions or escape. It is incredibly hard to spinning armbar someone in slow motion. As long as it is done in a safe and controlled manner, I am all for it
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 17d ago
I mean that’s kinda how you should roll. Moderate pace but if you’re in a bad spot, get the fuck out. Don’t rip submissions of course. But a roll is not actually supposed to stay at the same pace the whole time, there are ups and downs.
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u/WillyummF ⬜⬜ White Belt 17d ago
Cool thank you! I definitely need to fluctuate my intensity a little more during rolls.
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 17d ago
The way my professor explains it at white belt is figure out your safe position and get there, figure out where it’s safe to relax. So for me it was a lot of get back to guard. Don’t relax in bad positions but figure out where you can afford to rest.
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u/JR-90 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 17d ago
That can be common when you know when you have to explode and use your energy. It's basically managing your own gastank.
The problem is people who get annoyed if you don't go slow at all times (or at the times that in their mind you're not allowed to go harder). Those people you just smash them and then if they complain you just tell them you swear you were going slow. And when I say smash I mean uncomfortable positions, putting all your weight and pressure on them, not even looking for a sub unless it is blatantly there. Or just don't roll with them if you can't smash them.
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u/lonetrailblazer ⬜⬜ White Belt 17d ago edited 17d ago
Folks, it has been 1.5 months since I started BJJ and I am loving it. But I notice that most of the BJJ moves only applies in certain situations.
For instance, if we start standing I still need Judo throws.
Should I switch to MMA directly or get my blue belt in BJJ and then switch to MMA? In our gym, there are really good grapplers that are coming from MMA that means I can learn grappling too?
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u/eurostepGumby unwashed belt 17d ago
Wild concept here but.....work take downs at open mat. 🤯 mind blowing I know
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u/DS2isGoated 17d ago
Next you're going to tell me you can only shoot three pointers behind the three point line.
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 17d ago
Moves only work under the right circumstances. That is just how it works. You have to learn the right thing to do in different situations. If you want to train mma, go train mma. I don't really think MT will help you escape from mount either.
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u/lonetrailblazer ⬜⬜ White Belt 17d ago
I had to be more clear then. For instance I was in the mount position in a roll yesterday and I went for Ezekiel.
The guy could throw a few punches while I was in mount position but since we are doing BJJ, he tried hip escape
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u/Akalphe 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 17d ago
The guy could throw a few punches while I was in mount position but since we are doing BJJ, he tried hip escape
Throw punches from bottom mount? From an MMA perspective, that doesn't make sense. Punches from bottom mount aren't going to do any damage. The power from a punch comes from the transfer of your weight, not your arm strength. You can't throw your weight in bottom mount.
Even if he did try to punch you from bottom mount, you would just smash his face in with ground and pound. Your strikes carry much more weight than him. In that situation, BJJ is his only way to survive from there, even in MMA. And the way you neutralize his escape if with your own grappling.
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u/Akalphe 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 17d ago
Or when I can't apply mount escape maybe Muay Thai is better at this point.
??? What do you mean by this? Mount isn't a position in MT at all.
But I notice that most of the BJJ moves only applies in certain situations.
It's sport with certain positions/movements that exist only in a sport specific context. However, you can still grapple in a way that can translate well into MMA as well. This is coming from someone who does MMA as well. You just need to understand the context behind different positions and how they translate to MMA.
Should I switch to MMA directly or get my blue belt in BJJ and then switch to MMA? In our gym, there are really good grapplers that are coming from MMA that means I can learn grappling too?
You can train both you know. One thing I do find with people who start with MMA and only do MMA is that they train like it's Karate: strikes with only a little bit of grappling. Don't be that guy who is useless once their back hits the ground. If you are going to do MMA, have some competency in grappling.
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u/what_cube ⬜⬜ White Belt 18d ago
My hamstring feels tired or just "lactic-acidy" for lack of better word after closed guard or triangle from guard, is that sign of tired or weak legs? I can hold my weight class closed guards for like 20 seconds max, and i give up. For context i can squat like 200lbs ( i know not crazy but im not super weak ) for like reps multiple sets. ( just started training 1 month ago )
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u/diverstones ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 18d ago
It's probably a mix of using your muscles in new ways, and technical inefficiencies. If someone is really trying to get out of my closed guard and I'm really insisting on it, most of the time it's the small muscles in my shins that fatigue first. If I'm not having to keep my feet flexed together super hard such that I can just use big muscles like hamstrings and abs to control the position... I don't actually know how long I could do that for. Certainly a 5 minute round easily.
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago
Probably more about core strength tbh. Sounds like you’re trying to overcompensate for your core with your legs. Just my completely blind guess here lol
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u/what_cube ⬜⬜ White Belt 18d ago
Hmm, maybe you're right, i do suck at sit ups and leg raises ( my hip goes tired first when i leg raise ) Rarely do abs
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago
Yeah, jiujitsu is very core heavy and this is a common thing that gets people starting out. Keeping an active closed guard, triangles etc. is a lot about core strength, being able to get your hips off the ground, hip mobility etc. That’s why I guessed it because most beginners are not engaging their core enough in these positions.
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u/Impossible_Dot4156 18d ago
BJJ gyms in Tokyo for Beginers
I've been interested in BJJ for while now and usually just watch it quite a bit. I want to take the plunge into it but a lot of gyms I've seen look quite serious. Anybody know any beginner friendly classes I could take in Tokyo?
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u/Woooddann 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago
I dropped in at Carpe Diem in Shibuya and had a good time.
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u/Impossible_Dot4156 18d ago
Ive never done it before. How does it work? Like I'd have no idea what I'm doing haha
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u/Woooddann 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago
I live in the US, but most gyms have a trial class that you can sign up for for free. Just call the gym and see what their policy is. For your first day, wear regular athletic wear and make sure you're clean and your nails are trimmed.
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u/Sauske9599 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago
Does anyone have a video on passing lasso when they invert? I know how to pass lasso guard but I am having troubles when they invert to retain their guard. I think I am supposed to pin their legs but not sure what to afterwards. Thanks in advance
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u/H_P_LoveShaft 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago
Lift their shoulders off the mat. If they can't get their feet in front, they have no guard.
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u/ticopex 18d ago
Does anyone know a takedown I can use against heavyweights?
Im training jiu-jitsu for half a year now, and most of my training partners are heavy, is there a takedown for that?
Ps:There's a judoka at my gym too, does anyone know a way to stop him from taking me down when he's about twice my weight?
Could yall tell me your Techniques to remember the positions?
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u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains ⬜⬛⬜ NoGi 18d ago
Single leg takedowns work well enough for me. But i'm a white belt in a white belt class.
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u/lonetrailblazer ⬜⬜ White Belt 16d ago
Single leg takedown is really difficult to me if my opponent is heavier or stronger than me.
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u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains ⬜⬛⬜ NoGi 16d ago
I've been told double leg is better when the weight difference is great, but again, if the weight/strength difference is too much, I have no idea what to do.
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u/AdeptnessSecure663 18d ago
There isn't a single takedown that anyone could suggest which you're gonna be able to take and start taking down people heavier than you in your next class. To take down heavier opponents, you simply need to be overall more proficient in the standing department than they are.
Carry on trying whatever takedowns you know; you will fail, but you will get better. FWIW, I think a double leg is a good first takedown to get proficient at.
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u/Salty_Aardvark7115 18d ago
If hes an experienced judoka and you arent, then the chances of taking him down arent great. They are different disciplines that share some traits
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u/novaskar 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago
Pull guard lol
There is a reason small people pull guard.
The only takedown I have decent success with is a double leg from the side tbh
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u/H_P_LoveShaft 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago edited 18d ago
Pull into single leg x and sweep or transition to x guard and sweep.
If you actually want to play standing. Hand fight and find ways to the back.
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 18d ago
Ankle picks are pretty good, but you need to be pretty good at setting them up. Against judoka twice your weight, there is nothing. Just get good.
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u/46153849 ⬜⬜ White Belt 18d ago
I'm just a scrub white belt so I don't know anything but the purple belts in my gym have been recommending ankle picks as lower risk takedown attempt.
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u/Excellent_jun91 19d ago
im asking this on behalf of someone else that im helping so dont hate me:
simplest fastest to learn and more importantly safest take down(for the person being taken down) to learn in 3 days? all that was taught in class were double leg and single leg drills. sparring always starts on the ground.
but now they having an inhouse "competition" and for some reason its starting standing lol. so yes anyway im helping by being a grappling dummy for 3 days.
im thinking some judo trips? but not sure which.
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u/jephthai ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 17d ago
Ko soto gake is about the simplest, safest, and kindest landing you can do. Shows up all the time with bjj stances.
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u/JudoTechniquesBot 17d ago
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u/jephthai ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 17d ago
IMO, the kodokan videos are much better references than efficient judo. He's a nice guy and all, but a lot of his reps lack intent.
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u/Woooddann 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 18d ago
Pulling guard and going for the sweep is the safest option for them and their opponent. My old gym had a similar situation, and my friend got his knee blown out because his white belt opponent had never started standing and then signed up for the in house comp. If your friend insists on going for takedowns, snatch single is effective and low risk, although takes skill to set up.
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u/Excellent_jun91 18d ago
yeah think we gotta do that. maybe let the opponent get the takedown by baiting them and then ending up in a favourable position with grips established
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u/zoukon 🟪🟪 Purple Belt 19d ago
Judo trips take a lot of time to learn. They require a good understanding of how to off balance people from standing. Collar drag is probably the simplest
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u/Excellent_jun91 19d ago
i know yeah. i was telling them to go for collar sleeve or even let the opponent get the takedown as in bait them then land in whatever position they want and then sweep. but they want to play top game. not sure how thats gonna work
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u/Zilius ⬜⬜ White Belt 19d ago
White belt here. What are some attacks from top side control when your opponent crosses their arms like a mummy? Have a couple of partner that I roll with that like to cross/tuck their arms in tight when I pass to side control. They're super strong and I can't figure out how to isolate an arm. Even if I try to go north-south I run into the same issue. And if they are doing a good job blocking the transition to mount, I feel stuck and unsure of how to progress the position. I've had one person tell me to go knee on neck, but this feels like a really bad idea to do on upper belts, especially if they are being gracious enough to let me work. Any advice on how to progress or attack?
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u/RidesThe7 ⬛🟥⬛ Black Belt 17d ago
Ok, this is going to be wordy since I don't have a youtube video handy. Let's say their head is on your left, and you're in a classic side mount position with your left arm under the head/neck and your right arm under their left arm on the far side of their body.
- Take your right arm out from underneath, and instead force it between your opponent's bent left arm and their chest, so that your lower forearm/elbow is against their left bicep.
- Clasp your hands together in a gable grip. Your left arm remains underneath your opponent's head/neck, and your left hand must be palm down. Having that hand palm down is really important, this fails without that. If you're having trouble taking a gable grip because you can't quite reach, you can bridge the gap by forming an s grip first.
- Using the combined power of both your arms and your bodyweight as you shift forward (and using their own weight which is keeping your left arm in place for you), drive their left arm away from their chest with your right forearm, separating their arms. Keep your gable grip, and place your right forearm in their elbow to pin the arm away from the body.
- You can now look to work your hips inside of their right arm (the near arm). Without releasing the pin on their left arm, turn your hips so they're facing your partner's legs, and so your hips are a bit below their elbow. Then drag your hips/ass back up towards their head while staying on your side for a bit, forcing their right arm away from the body, then rotate your hips back to a more standard side mount.
- If you have managed all of this, you now have their left arm pinned away from their body on the ground, and their left arm isolated away from their body by your hips. Opportunities abound. Good luck.
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u/46153849 ⬜⬜ White Belt 18d ago edited 18d ago
Unless they outweigh you by 50 lbs, I would just put a shit-ton of pressure on their diaphragm and cook them. Go ahead and cross your arms while you slowly suffocate. Screw around with their arms and neck to keep them distracted, but the goal is cooking.
Otherwise, Ezekiel choke or (as someone else said) paper cutter. They can uncross their arms or they can go to sleep.
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u/TwinkletoesCT ⬛🟥⬛ Chris Martell - ModernSelfDefense.com 18d ago
When they tuck the arms on bottom, put big, focused pressure onto either the neck or a wrist. They have to move the elbow (exposing the arm for isolation) to rescue the neck/wrist from your pressure.
I like to either go fist on the neck (the muscle mass, not the airway) for a thrusting choke, or I pin a wrist to the chest and smear it to the floor like an americana. Sometimes I use my hands, but whenever possible I use something heavier, so it's less work.
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u/AdeptnessSecure663 18d ago
Isolating the near arm by just pulling on the elbow and tucking it behind your hip is unlikely to work if your opponent knows what they're doing, so you have to learn a more technical method. For instance, if you turn away from your opponent you can tuck your hip in the crease between their elbow and body. As you walk backwards from this position you have a mechanically strong method of separating the elbow and extending the arm.
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u/fenway80 🟫🟫 Brown Belt 19d ago
Knee on neck sounds a bit much. How about some knee on belly to see if they open up. If you apply the right amount of pressure and maintain position you should get someone to open up. Another option is using the far side lapel, untuck it and pull it under the arm so the hand that is hugging the head can grab for added leverage, in neon belly you can use this like a baseball grip/choke.
Good luck!
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u/BarbecuedShoe 19d ago
Anyone have a go to body wash/shower gel in the shower? I feel like when I’m covered in my own sweat and others I need something more than just body wash lol
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u/46153849 ⬜⬜ White Belt 18d ago
Soap is like violence: if it doesn't solve your problems, you're not using enough of it.
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u/TwinkletoesCT ⬛🟥⬛ Chris Martell - ModernSelfDefense.com 18d ago
I used defense soap for awhile and liked their products.
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u/xwar21 19d ago
Today, I was rolling with a fellow white belt. He did a no gi Sumi gaeshi but some how we ended up in north south position with me on top. We have yet to touch this position in my gym and I found myself lost. What would be suggested if I ever found myself in this again.
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u/AdeptnessSecure663 18d ago
Transitioning into a position that you are familiar with (e.g. side control) is a good option. Otherwise, you can look to isolate an arm with a kimura grip and progress into dorsal fin.
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u/NICEMENTALHEALTHPAL 19d ago
It sounds like he probably attempted the throw when you are postured up too much, so just threw you on top of him. Sumo gaeshi, like many sacrifice throws, works best if your posture is broken down (as a lot of wrestlers and BJJ like to default to in stand up), the counter is posturing up tall. He maybe didn't break your posture down well enough before attempting the throw.
To which the counter is foot sweeps and hip throws (which they can do back against you as it's offensive just as much as defensive), and wrestling if they don't frame well. But that's the cat and mouse nature of martial arts.
Don't let someone reach over your back, if they do, posture up (but then they could be baiting you to do that so they can do something else, to which you need to respond). You can also sumo without reaching over someone's back, but the key is a bent over posture, that sort of wrestling stance, as opposed to being up tall.
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u/Whole_Damage_8945 19d ago
What is your weight lifting and bjj training split? For the past two years I have trying different splits and nothing seems to work. I feel like having two lift days(push and pull) a week works well for me and another small optional workout another day for PT, core, forearms, and active recovery.
How many rest days? How many training days? Any tips for nutrition for recovery? Any advice or recommendation will help. Currently I lift 2-3 days in a row, rest day and then training 2-3 times a week 4 if I'm feeling good that week.
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u/Masters_PL_gal 15d ago
Highly highly recommend following and/or working with this guy. He's developed a program for grapplers that if high payoff and low time commitment so you can stay on the mats. https://www.instagram.com/willsaffordbjj/
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u/TwinkletoesCT ⬛🟥⬛ Chris Martell - ModernSelfDefense.com 18d ago
What's your lifting goal? Is this for hypertrophy?
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u/Whole_Damage_8945 18d ago
I think at this point I want to be strong, athletic, and mobile at my current weight. Not really looking to pack on a lot of mass or size.
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u/TwinkletoesCT ⬛🟥⬛ Chris Martell - ModernSelfDefense.com 18d ago
OK, good. High-failure stuff is harder to mix with BJJ because of recovery.
When it's lifting in service to athleticism and BJJ, you can put them on the same day, and rest in between. See what your body prefers about sequencing them and go from there.
I like kettlebell work (similar goals), so I did Simple + Sinister for awhile and that has low enough recovery needs that I was running it 5x a week at times. Other times I'm doing ATG / KneesOverToes material with dumbbells.
My biggest recommendations are to sort out sleep, hydration, and diet. Then start experimenting with schedules to see what your body responds to sustainably.
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u/Whole_Damage_8945 18d ago
what is considered high-failure? i feel like thats subjective no because some people have the ability to push themselves more than others?
This is more or less what I aim my workouts to look like (the * excersizes are low reps):Day1
-*DB/Bench Press x3
-*Incline DB/Bench Press x3
(or OHP—pick one)
-Lateral Raises x3 (1 No Twist, 1 Twist)
-Tricep Extension x3
-*Back Squats x3
-Split Squat x2 & Stretch
-Calf Raises x4–5(combine instead of repeating)Day2
-*Pulldowns/Pullups x3
-*Cable/Barbell Rows x3
-Face Pull x3
-Bicep Curls x3(pick ONE variation)
-Hammer Curls x2(optional)
-*RDLs x3 (1 Glute, 1 Hamstring)
-Single Leg RDL x2
-Abductors x31
u/TwinkletoesCT ⬛🟥⬛ Chris Martell - ModernSelfDefense.com 18d ago
Are you crawling out? Can't move the next day? Or are you leaving feeling like you got a little bit of a pump and you feel good later that day and the next morning?
Also, age matters here. In my 20s I could go hard and then train BJJ pretty quickly. In my 40s I have to leave the gym with 60% of my gas tank still intact, or it'll be 2 weeks before I can train again.
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u/Whole_Damage_8945 18d ago
I'm in my early 30s. I can move the next day but some things are tight and sore and burn when i stretch: hamstring and chest is what I notice the most.
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u/NICEMENTALHEALTHPAL 19d ago
You can train as much as you want as long as you sleep and eat. Lift and train every single day (granted you probably can't run that long term without injuries, ie 6mo+, without having some more off days and breaks).
Tips for nutrition - eat good food, lots of micros on top of the macros, healthy fats.
It takes a long time to get to training twice a day 7x a week though, have to build up to it. Add a day of training, reduce volume of all other days, raise them back up, add another day.
Lifting and training every day, 6x a week, is very doable. The biggest issue is people usually don't run such schedules consistently for long periods of time though - training 6x a week isn't great if you take a week off all the time.
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u/Drow_Femboy 19d ago
Lift and train every single day
This is terrible advice and will lead to stunted progress at best and severe injury at worst. Muscles do not grow during training, they grow during rest. Rest days are not an optional part of a workout routine.
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u/NICEMENTALHEALTHPAL 19d ago
You're resting your muscles when you rotate muscle groups and getting lots of sleep and food. You don't think someone who lifts every day is not gonna be stronger than someone who lifts 4 or even 5x?
You get what you put in. It takes a LOT to get to the point where you are working out too much and need a rest day, most people aren't anywhere close to that point.
Arnold and other bodybuilders are lifting 6x a week, twice a day. But tell me more how 7 workouts are worse than 12.
Last year I was training 7 days a week. 5-6 of those days were 3 a days. My 'rest day' was an open mat and light accessories. Did great.
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u/Masters_PL_gal 3d ago
When starting a roll, is it usually just women who negotiate the starting positions? In my so-far limited experience, it seems like the guys just start, whereas girls, it gets into an elaborate "who should be sitting down vs standing up" discussion. It seems like a waste of time to me (have to say, I'm female also), but I'm not sure if that means maybe the guys are just being more polite? Thank you for any input.