Jiu-Jitsu Techniques to Learn First
First things first
Starting anything new can seem overwhelming at times. Jiu-Jitsu might seem that way from the outside. But once you step foot on the mat, things get really simple and the fun begins.
Still, before you get the mat you might be wondering: How do you know what to wear, how to act, what to say? More importantly, how do you defend yourself. And most importantly: how do you tap somebody out? Which Jiu-Jitsu techniques should you learn first?
Manage the distance, manage the damage
As you might imagine, different experts might tell you different techniques, and they might all be valid. But when it comes to the best Jiu-Jitsu techniques to learn first, it’s best to keep it as simple as possible.
One of the main principals of Jiu-Jitsu is distance management. What do I mean by that? Distance management involves controlling how far away you are from your opponent and how far away he is from you. So, if you can manage the distance, you can manage the damage, the old Jiu-Jitsu adage goes.
Learn these Jiu-Jitsu techniques first
1. The Mount
You can’t get much closer to your opponent than assuming the mount position. This is a fundamental position, and one of the most dominant positions in Jiu-Jitsu. In the mount position, you basically sit on your opponent’s abdomen or chest with your legs straddled on either side.
While the mount is a dominant position, you still have work to do from there before you can submit your opponent. After achieving the mount, you will first need to control your opponent. Anytime you achieve the mounted position on any adversary, they will immediately try to buck and push you off. Therefore, your primary task is to not get knocked off and lose the mount.
2. Hooks in
Next, to avoid getting thrown off the mount you will need to slid your legs underneath your opponents legs. Once you have your legs under your adversary’s legs, you should concentrate all of your weight into your pelvis and push your pelvis into the abdomen of your opponent. At the same time, lift your knees off of the ground and push your heels up into the sky. From here, use your hands to brace yourself out wide in order to prevent your opponent from rolling you or pushing you off.
3. Americana shoulder lock
Once you have successful sunk your hooks in from the mount, your opponent will eventually settle down after he realizes he cannot push you off. As soon as your opponent has exhausted himself, you will pin one of his hands to the mat with both of your hands. (A side note: This is your first exposure to the principle of “two on one”: two of your hands are controlling one of his).
Next, keep his same sided hand pinned to the mat and with the opposite hand slide along the ground under the triceps and grab your own wrist. Now, it is very important to keep your head down next to your opponents as you slowly pull your own arm towards your knee while you raise his elbow. If you keep your head down close to or on the mat, you will quickly earn the tap. Congratulations! You have just secured your first submission! A classic: The Americana.
4. The Tap: A Fundamental Jiu-Jitsu Technique
This might be the most important technique in all of Jiu-Jitsu, and I should have listed it first. It might seem silly to mention, but you should not start Jiu-Jitsu if you do not know how to tap. At the risk of stating the obvious, I feel that for the sake of your health and longevity in Jiu-Jitsu, I should discuss the art of the tap.
If you plan on progressing in Jiu-Jitsu, especially if you plan on training very long at all, you need to master the tap. It’s not complicated, so remember to keep it simple and just tap. A lot.
I will probably get a lot of heat about my position on tapping from the guys at my gym. Those guys don’t like to tap; they try to fight out of everything. And I don’t blame them,. Of course, nobody really truly likes to be submitted. But I tap during every class, and I have not been injured yet. So trust me on this: just tap. Survive to roll another day.
The Verbal Tap
First of all, you need to always remember that you can verbally tap. Simply say loudly and firmly: “Tap!”
Tap With Your Hand
You can tap with your hands on your training partner or on the mat, but I think it’s best to tap on your training partner whenever possible. If you can’t tap on your training partner, definitely tap the mat loudly and repeatedly. At least three times. At least. Be prepared to tap more, especially when starting out. Again, if you can’t tap with your hands, verbally tap. Or do both at the same time.
Tap Dance If You Have To
As a last resort, if your hands are being controlled by your opponent and your mouth is covered, smack your feet loudly on the mat. I don’t really advise tapping with the feet. I think it’s best to always tap with verbally and with your hand and the same time.
Essential Jiu-Jitsu Technique
Always practice good tapping. It’s a safe, healthy habit to get into. The tap is an essential technique of Jiu-Jitsu. Be proud of your tapping technique. Remember, this is not a technique that should be cool or subtle. Tap forcefully. Good tapping technique ensures you will be able to train the next round. And if you can train the next round…..you will get better.
Tap early. Tap often. Tap dance if you have to, just make sure you do everything
you need to do so that you can come back to train tomorrow.
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Keep training Jiu-Jitsu
Check our guide to the best online jiu-jitsu instructors and learn great techniques and check out my thoughts on how many times a week you should be training jiu-jitsu in order to make progress and improve.
Finally, don’t ignore practicing the most important technique: tap early and tap often, always come back to train tomorrow.
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