Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a highly technical grappling art. It revolves around controlling an opponent through superior positioning, leverage and technique. One of the first things every BJJ practitioner must learn is basic Jiu-Jitsu positions. These are the foundation of the entire sport.

If you’re new to BJJ or looking to refine your understanding, this guide will break down the main BJJ positions. It will explain how they work, their advantages and why mastering them is crucial for your success on the mats.

At cosmeio BJJ, we believe that understanding these fundamental BJJ positions will help practitioners improve their game. Moreover, these positions will help them make smarter decisions during training and competition.

Why Are BJJ Positions Important?

Before diving into the list of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu positions, let’s understand why they are so critical:

• Control: The right position gives you control over your opponent. Thus dictating the pace of the fight.
• Submission Opportunities: Most submissions come from dominant positions. Hence making them key to finishing a match.
• Defense: Knowing positions helps you escape from bad situations and avoid getting submitted.
• Transitions: Effective movement between positions ensures a strong offensive and defensive game.

The positional hierarchy in BJJ ranks positions from most dominant to least favorable. Hence helping fighters strategize and execute techniques efficiently.

How Many Positions Are in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

There are several fundamental positions in BJJ. These are categorized into dominant, neutral, and defensive positions. Below is a breakdown of the most important BJJ positions you need to know.

1- Guard (Neutral/Offensive Position)

The guard position is unique to Jiu-Jitsu. It allows a fighter on their back to attack and defend. The person on the bottom uses their legs and hips to control their opponent.

Types of Guard in BJJ:

• Closed Guard: The bottom player wraps their legs around the opponent, controlling their posture.
• Open Guard: The bottom player keeps their legs free, using hooks, grips, and frames.
• Half Guard: One of the bottom player’s legs is wrapped around one of their opponent’s legs.
• Butterfly Guard: The bottom player uses their feet as hooks inside the opponent’s legs.
• Spider Guard: The bottom player controls the opponent using grips on their sleeves with extended legs.
• De La Riva Guard: A dynamic guard where one leg wraps around the opponent’s leg from the outside.

Importance of the Guard:

• Used to sweep or submit opponents.
• Prevents guard passes and keeps the opponent at bay.

2- Mount (Dominant Position)

The mount position is one of the most dominant positions in BJJ. Here the top fighter sits on the opponent’s torso. Thus controlling their hips and upper body.

Types of Mount in BJJ:

• Standard Mount: Knees on the mat, controlling the opponent’s hips.
• High Mount: The top player moves up near the opponent’s chest. Thus making escapes difficult.
• Low Mount: Positioned lower on the opponent’s body, used when transitioning into the mount.
• Technical Mount: A more dynamic mount that allows for better control when the opponent turns to their side.

Why the Mount Is Powerful:

• Offers strong submission opportunities (armbar, cross-collar choke).
• Provides heavy top pressure, making it difficult for the opponent to escape.

3- Back Control (The Most Dominant Position in BJJ)

The back control position (also called taking the back) is the most dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The top player controls the opponent from behind. Thus preventing them from escaping.

Back Control Techniques:

• Seatbelt Grip: One arm over the opponent’s shoulder and the other under their arm for maximum control.
• Body Triangle: A leg lock variation that traps the opponent’s hips, limiting movement.

Why Back Control Is the Best Position:

• Most submissions in BJJ happen from the back (rear-naked choke, bow and arrow choke).
• The opponent has limited escape options, making this a high-percentage finishing position.

4- Side Control (Dominant Position)

Side control is a top dominant position where the fighter controls their opponent from the side. Thus restricting movement and preparing for submissions.

Types of Side Control:

• Standard Side Control: Controlling the opponent’s torso with strong chest-to-chest pressure.
• Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold): A variation where one arm wraps around the opponent’s head while controlling an arm.
• North-South Position: A variation where the top fighter moves their body perpendicular to the opponent’s torso.

Why Side Control is Important:

• Prevents opponent movement and offers strong submission setups (kimura, armbar, lapel chokes).
• Acts as a transition position to the mount or back control.

5- Knee on Belly (Dominant Position)

Knee on Belly is a high-pressure position. In this position, the top player places their knee on the opponent’s torso while maintaining upper-body control.

Why It’s Useful:

• Creates strong pressure on the opponent, forcing reactions.
• Effective in transitioning to mount, side control, or submissions.

6- Turtle Position (Defensive Position)

The turtle position is often used when a fighter is trying to defend against attacks. But he doesn’t want to give up a dominant position.

Why Turtle is Important:

• Can be used to escape bad positions or set up reversals.
• However, it is risky as opponents can take the back easily.

7- North-South Position (Dominant Position)

The north-south position is a variation of side control. Here, the top player moves perpendicular to the opponent’s head.

Advantages of North-South Position:

• Provides strong choking and control options.
• Can transition back to side control, knee on belly, or submissions.

How to Use BJJ Positions to Your Advantage

• Always Aim for a Dominant Position – Avoid staying in neutral or defensive positions.
• Learn to Transition Smoothly – Moving from guard to mount or side control makes you unpredictable.
• Defend Before You Attack – If caught in a bad position, work on escaping before attacking.
• Train Positional Drills – Repeating specific positions helps improve reaction time and technique.

Final Thoughts – Master BJJ Positions for Success

Understanding and mastering the basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu positions is crucial for anyone serious about improving in BJJ. It does not matter whether you’re working from guard, mount, side control, or back control. Knowing when and how to transition will make you a better and more efficient grappler.

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