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Mastering Jiu-Jitsu: The Importance of Position, Control, and Submission
Position, Control, and Submission: The Core Principles of Jiu-Jitsu Success
In Jiu-Jitsu, mastering the essential elements of position, control, and submission is crucial for anyone looking to succeed on the mats. These three core principles form the foundation of an effective Jiu-Jitsu game, allowing practitioners to manage opponents, defend themselves, and execute techniques efficiently. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, understanding how these elements work together will help elevate your performance.
This blog will explain the importance of each principle and how you can use position, control, and submission to improve your overall Jiu-Jitsu game.
1. Position: The Foundation of Jiu-Jitsu
In Jiu-Jitsu, position sets the stage for everything that follows. Securing a strong position over your opponent is key to controlling their movements, creating attacks, or defending against counters. Building positional awareness allows you to reduce risk while maximizing offensive opportunities.
Key Positions in Jiu-Jitsu:
- Mount: A dominant position where you sit on your opponent’s torso, offering control and access to various submission opportunities.
- Side Control: A favorable position that limits your opponent’s ability to move while setting you up for submissions.
- Back Control: One of the most powerful positions, allowing you to control your opponent and set up submissions like the rear naked choke.
- Closed Guard: While on your back, the closed guard provides the ability to defend, attack, and transition into sweeps or submissions.
Mastering these positions is key to building a strong Jiu-Jitsu game and is the first step toward controlling your opponent.
2. Control: The Key to Managing Your Opponent
Once a solid position is secured, the next step is control. Controlling your opponent means limiting their movement and stopping their ability to escape or counter-attack. In Jiu-Jitsu, control relies on more than strength—it’s about applying leverage, proper grips, and consistent pressure. Do not rush to transition, establish control in the position.
Key Concepts of Control:
- Grips and Frames: Strong grips and frames help you maintain control over your opponent’s limbs and posture, making it harder for them to move freely.
- Pressure: Proper body positioning and pressure make it difficult for your opponent to escape or create attacks, giving you an advantage.
- Leverage: Using leverage allows you to control larger and stronger opponents while conserving your own energy.
Good control ensures your opponent cannot break free or reverse positions, setting you up for submissions. Rushing to transition often allows your opponent to recover or counterattack.
3. Submission: The Finish
Submissions are the ultimate goal in Jiu-Jitsu. These techniques allow you to finish a fight without the need for strikes. Submissions are effective only when built on the foundation of good position and control.
There are two main types of submissions in Jiu-Jitsu:
- Joint Locks: These submissions isolate a joint and apply pressure beyond its normal range of motion (e.g., armbar, kimura).
- Chokes: Choke submissions cut off blood flow or air, forcing your opponent to submit (e.g., rear naked choke, guillotine).
Common Submission Setups:
- From Mount: Apply chokes like the arm triangle or arm locks like the armbar while maintaining top control.
- From Side Control: Set up the kimura or Americana. Both are also their own form of control.
- From Guard: Submissions like the triangle choke or armbar can be set up by controlling your opponent’s posture and off balancing their base.
Efficient submission setups depend on having a stable position and strong control, ensuring your opponent has limited options to escape.
The Importance of Position, Control, and Submission in Jiu-Jitsu
The principles of position, control, and submission are deeply interconnected in Jiu-Jitsu. Here’s how they work together:
- Position First: A solid position allows you to control your opponent and reduces their ability to counter.
- Control Second: Proper control reduces your opponent’s chances of escaping, creating the opportunity to efficiently apply a submission.
- Submission Last: Once you’ve secured both position and control, you can begin to look for submission opportunities.
Trying to submit an opponent without control or position makes it easier for them to escape or counter-attack. The correct order of these principles ensures that you maintain the advantage.
Conclusion: Building a Strong Jiu-Jitsu Game with Position, Control, and Submission
To excel in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s essential to build your game around the principles of position, control, and submission. These core elements provide the foundation for a strong, well-rounded game, whether you are training for self-defense, competition, or personal development.
As you continue to train, focus on improving each area in your practice. Drill different positions, work on your control techniques, and refine your submission setups. The more you develop these skills, the more effective and confident you’ll become on the mats.
Position first, control second, and submission last—this formula leads to success in Jiu-Jitsu. Follow these steps, and you’ll see your skills improve, whether you’re just starting or a seasoned veteran.