Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that has gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to its effectiveness in self-defense, sport grappling, and mixed martial arts (MMA). BJJ has a belt ranking system, with the white belt being the first rank. White belts are beginners in BJJ, and they are introduced to a set of fundamental techniques that form the foundation of the art.
In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into some of the essential BJJ techniques taught to white belts. These techniques are fundamental to BJJ, and mastering them will lay the groundwork for more advanced techniques in the future.
1. The Closed Guard
The guard is one of the most fundamental positions in BJJ. It is a position where one person is on their back and has their legs wrapped around the waist or hips of their opponent, who is on top. The person on the bottom uses their legs to control the distance between themselves and their opponent, while also looking for opportunities to sweep, submit, or stand up.
White belts learn several types of guard, including the closed guard, open guard, and half guard. Each type of guard has its own set of sweeps, submissions, and transitions that white belts must learn.
2. The Mount
The mount is a dominant position in BJJ, where one person is on top of the other, straddling their torso. From the mount, the person on top has numerous options to attack, including strikes, chokes, and armlocks.
White belts learn how to escape the mount, as well as how to maintain their position and attack their opponent. One of the most basic submissions from the mount is the armbar, where the person on top uses their legs to control their opponent's arm and applies pressure to the elbow joint.
3. Side Control
Side control is another dominant position in BJJ, where one person is on top of the other, with their chest and hips pressing down on their opponent's torso. From side control, the person on top can attack with strikes, chokes, and submissions, while also controlling their opponent's movement.
White belts learn how to escape side control, as well as how to maintain their position and attack their opponent. One of the most basic submissions from side control is the Americana, where the person on top applies pressure to their opponent's shoulder joint.
4. The Rear Mount
The rear mount is a position where one person is behind their opponent, with their legs wrapped around their opponent's waist and their arms wrapped around their opponent's neck. From the rear mount, the person on top can attack with chokes and other submissions, while also controlling their opponent's movement.
White belts learn how to escape the rear mount, as well as how to maintain their position and attack their opponent. One of the most basic submissions from the rear mount is the rear naked choke, where the person on top applies pressure to their opponent's neck.
5. Takedowns
Takedowns are an essential part of BJJ, as they allow a person to take their opponent to the ground and gain a dominant position. White belts learn several basic takedowns, including the single-leg takedown, double-leg takedown, and hip throw.
White belts also learn how to defend against takedowns, as well as how to counter them and take their
opponent down in turn. Takedowns require good timing, balance, and coordination, and white belts practice them extensively in BJJ classes.
6. Escapes and Defenses
BJJ is known for its emphasis on ground fighting, but white belts also learn how to defend themselves standing up. White belts learn how to defend against strikes, kicks, and punches, as well as how to avoid getting taken down.
White belts also learn how to escape from various positions, including the mount, side control, and the guard. Escapes require a combination of technique, timing, and strength, and white belts practice them repetitively in BJJ classes.
7. Drills and Sparring
In addition to learning individual techniques, white belts also practice drills and sparring in BJJ classes. Drills help white belts to build muscle memory and improve their timing and coordination. Sparring allows white belts to practice their techniques against a live opponent, which helps them to develop their reflexes, strategy, and decision-making skills.
During sparring, white belts are encouraged to use the techniques they have learned in class, but they are also taught to roll safely and respectfully. BJJ is a sport that emphasizes mutual respect, sportsmanship, and humility, and these values are instilled in white belts from the very beginning.
Conclusion
BJJ is a complex and dynamic martial art, but white belts can master the fundamentals with dedicated practice and instruction. By learning the guard, mount, side control, rear mount, takedowns, escapes, defenses, drills, and sparring, white belts can build a strong foundation for their BJJ journey.
In BJJ, progress is measured not just by the acquisition of techniques, but also by the development of mindset, character, and discipline. White belts are taught to approach BJJ with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to hard work. With these qualities, white belts can become proficient in BJJ and enjoy the many benefits of this fascinating and rewarding martial art.
