Unveiling the Secrets: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Basics Made Simple
Starting Jiu-Jitsu? Feeling excited but a bit overwhelmed?
Good. That means you’re in the right place.
This isn’t about becoming a black belt overnight. This is about learning the essentials — the solid ground you’ll build everything else on.
Let’s break down the basics of BJJ into positions, submissions, and form — so you can stop guessing and start growing.
Step 1: Master the 4 Core Positions
Think of Jiu-Jitsu like human chess. Every position is a move — and knowing where you are helps you decide what to do next.
-Guard Position
What it is: You’re on your back, legs wrapped around your partner.
Why it matters → From here, you can sweep, submit, or stay safe.
Escapes → Use sweeps to flip the fight and get on top.
Submissions → Triangle, Armlock, Guillotine, Kimura, Cross Choke.
Guard is your fortress. Control space, stay calm, and launch attacks from underneath.
-Mount Position
What it is: You’re sitting on your partner’s belly, on top.
Why it matters → You’re in control, with gravity on your side.
Escapes → Bridge and roll (2-on-1), hip escape to half guard.
Submissions → Armlock, Americana, Cross Choke.
Mount is the king of control. Slow things down, secure the position, then attack.
-Side Control
What it is: You’re on top, chest-to-chest from the side.
Why it matters → It’s great for pinning them down and setting up attacks.
Escapes → Recover guard, roll them over, or sneak to the back.
Submissions → Americana, Armlock, Paper Cutter Choke.
Side control is pressure. You control them with weight, not muscle.
-Back Control
What it is: You’re behind them with your legs hooked in.
Why it matters → It’s the most dominant position in BJJ.
Escapes → Get one hook off, turn into guard or half guard.
Submissions → Rear Naked Choke (RNC), Bow and Arrow, Lapel Chokes.
They can’t see you. You control their upper body. This is checkmate territory.
Step 2: Build Your Foundation — Form & Movement
You can’t build a house on shaky ground. That’s why your basics — posture, movement, control — are everything.
-Stance & Posture
Keeps you strong when standing. Helps you avoid sweeps and stay safe during passes.
Bad posture = easy target. Learn to stay centered and tall.
-Hip Movement
This is the engine of BJJ. You’ll use it for escapes, sweeps, submissions, and more.
Every move starts with your hips. Drill shrimps and bridges like your life depends on it.
-Grips & Control
Your hands are your steering wheel. Learn how to grab sleeves, lapels, wrists — and control the distance.
Strong grips = strong game. But don’t just hold. Learn when to let go.
-Breakfalls
You will fall. Learn to fall the right way.
Good breakfalls protect your body — on the mats and in real life.
Step 3: Train Smarter with Francis’s Beginner Tools
You don’t need to figure this out alone.
Francis has created a full set of beginner-friendly videos and eBooks to walk you through the exact steps you need — at your own pace.
-Instructional Videos
Visual walk-throughs of essential techniques, explained clearly.
→ [Access the video library here]
-Beginner eBooks
Step-by-step guides you can study anytime.
These aren’t just resources. They’re your personal corner coach. Helping you every step of the way.
Your Next Best Move
→ Choose one position and one movement drill to focus on this week.
Example:
Position: Mount → Practice escaping to half guard
Drill: Hip escapes → 10 reps before and after every class
The truth? BJJ mastery isn’t magic. It’s repetition. Patience. Curiosity.
You’re not just learning techniques. You’re learning how to move, how to breathe, how to stay calm when things get hard.
Welcome to the basics. Welcome to the journey.