Why Should You Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

You might think that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not that different from other martial arts but this is not true. While other styles teach you to fight well while you are standing, this one will help you learn how to subdue an opponent when you are on the ground.

If you are overpowered by your opponent, fall to the ground because this will make him think that he owns you. This is the best position for one Brazilian Jiu Jitsu technique known as the guard. 

What you are trying to do here is keep your opponent down using your legs so you prevent him from hitting, pinning or mounting you.

To be in the dominant position, try the arm drag to arm bar maneuver by pulling their sleeves in one hand towards you.

Hook one hand under the opponent’s leg and control his head with the other hand. Move your hips out to create space and circle your hand to the front of your opponent’s face then swing your leg over your opponent’s face. Arch a little to apply the arm bar as this is the only way to trap your opponent’s arm by keeping this tight to your body using your tricep.

When this is achieved, you can do whatever you want with them like punch them in the chest. This can only be done if you have strong legs and hips.

Another technique you can do is mount your opponent using the shoulder wrench to arm lock combination.

While sitting on one side of your opponent, you pin one arm to the ground and then execute the upward shoulder wrench. It is normal for your opponent to resist so secure the other arm by grabbing his trap. Make sure that your rear knee is high close to his head and that your body weight is over his pinned hand.  Lastly, swing over to one side and sit back to execute the straight arm bar.

Should he get away, you may us the scarf fold to knee lock.

First, you reach over your opponent’s head and lock this in between your armpit with both hands clasped together. Since his legs are free, stop it by placing your foot against the inside of your opponent’s thigh.

Bring the leg that is closest to the ground closer to you to maintain close hip to hip contact. Now cross your ankles, squeeze his knees together and take control of their heel. Don’t forget to arch to exert pressure against your opponent’s knee joint.

There are other ground to ground techniques you can learn in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. You will find each one to be very useful in close quarter combat so practice it regularly until you get it right. Knowing it might just make you win your next tournament or even save your life if your life is in danger.

The ground fighting techniques mentioned should only be done under the direct supervision of a trained expert. If you fool around with it at home, you could hurt someone or maybe even hurt yourself.

If you want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, visit your local gym and see if they are offering classes. It is open to people who have or don’t have any martial arts background but are willing to learn what this is all about.