As vast as Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best things that you can do is chunking big ideas into smaller bite sized concepts. These are some of the concepts that I live by on the mats.
The Bottom Is An Inferior Position
We love playing from. In a lot of ways it's where the magic happen from Jiu-Jitsu. The act of sweeping or submitting someone, especially someone bigger than you, is an amazing feeling. The downside of playing guard is that you're behind the ball tactically. You would never see an army allow their opponents to own the hillside while they occupy the valley.
Having the high ground will always be the most tactically safer position, even in Jiu-Jitsu.
Creating Dilemmas Is Key
If you've ever played chess, you'll be familiar with the idea of offensive attacks that simultaneous threaten more than one of your opponent's pieces. Setting up the "fork" is what advanced players utilize often to tend the game.
In Jiu-Jitsu, a similar concept comes into place of creating dilemmas.
Let's say you're in the closed guard and you attack with the Hip Bump Sweep and reverse the position to Mount. If you're opponent posts the arm, you can attack with the Kimura. If you have the Kimura grip and they hide their hand, maybe gripping their belt, you have the option of Hip Bump Sweep just to name a few.
Underhooks Usually Win
Underhooks from bottom are my get out of jail free card. I love annoying people with it and in some scenarios it's almost cheating. The video below is a great example of how I utilize it.
Don't get fooled by the underhook though. As powerful as the underhook can be, it can also be used against you.
Control The Hands, Control The Battle
While this may sound like an over simplification, controlling the hands is one of the best early concepts that you can employ for both sport and self defense. If your opponent can't gain any useful grips, many of their attacks will never materialize.
Buy getting the upper hand during the grip battle, you start seeing more opportunities.
Good Enough Is Better Than Perfect
Have you ever rolled with a White or Blue Belt who's technique obviously flawed but their commitment to the technique makes up for it? Wrestlers new to Jiu-Jitsu are often great examples of this. Their sheer will and commitment to the technique create problems for people they roll with. The flip side of this is, I've had students who passively wait for the most perfect moment to act and miss great opportunities.
Good enough will always be better than perfect. Perfect only comes along so often, but good will present itself for you more often than you'd think.
DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!
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