5 Fundamental BJJ Techniques Every Practitioner Should Master
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an exciting martial art that teaches you how to control and submit opponents, no matter their size. Ready to roll like a pro and feel unstoppable? Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or sharpening your skills, mastering the basics is the key to success. These core techniques build confidence, improve your game, and make every training session fun.
I remember my first BJJ class—nervous, sweaty, and getting crushed in every roll. Then I learned a few fundamental moves, and suddenly, I wasn’t just surviving; I was competing. That’s what these five techniques will do for you. Plus, training in comfy gear, like a sleek Shoyoroll gi or their no-gi rash guards, makes every move feel smoother and boosts your vibe on the mat.
In this article, we’ll break down five must-know BJJ techniques that are easy to learn and super effective. From trapping your opponent to escaping tough spots, these moves will level up your game. Let’s dive in and get you rolling with confidence!
Technique 1: Trap Them Tight with the Closed Guard
What Is the Closed Guard?
The closed guard is one of the first positions you’ll learn in BJJ. Picture this: you’re on your back, your legs are wrapped around your opponent’s waist, and your ankles are crossed behind their back. Your hands grab their wrists or collar. It’s like giving them a hug with your legs—but way sneakier!
Why It’s Great
The closed guard is awesome because it keeps you safe while letting you control your opponent. From here, you can block their attacks, set up sweeps, or go for submissions like a triangle choke. It’s a beginner-friendly position that works at every level. Plus, it feels amazing to stay calm while your opponent struggles to break free.
How to Do It
Here’s how to lock in a closed guard step-by-step:
|
1. Sit Up and Grab: Start on your back with your opponent kneeling between your legs. Sit up slightly and grab their wrists or sleeves. This stops them from pushing you down or standing up. 2. Wrap Your Legs: Swing your legs around their waist. Make sure your thighs are tight against their sides. This keeps them trapped. 3. Cross Your Ankles: Cross your ankles behind their lower back. Squeeze your knees together gently to lock them in place. 4. Pull Them Close: Use your legs and arms to pull their upper body toward you. This breaks their posture and makes it hard for them to attack. |
|
Pro Tip
Keep your elbows tucked in and your posture strong. If your arms are too far out, your opponent can push you back and break your guard. Practice pulling them down every time they try to sit up—it’s like playing a game of keep-away!
Why It’s Fun
The closed guard makes you feel like a ninja. You’re on your back, but you’re the one in charge! Try it in your next roll and see how it feels to control someone bigger or stronger. What’s your favorite guard move to play with?
Technique 2: Slide Away with the Hip Escape (Shrimping)
What Is Shrimping?
Shrimping, or the hip escape, is a simple move to get out of bad positions. Imagine you’re stuck under someone in side control, and you need to wiggle free. Shrimping lets you slide your hips away to create space and get back to a safer spot, like your guard.
Why It’s Key
This move is a lifesaver. Being pinned under someone feels heavy and scary, but shrimping gives you a way out. It’s one of the most important escapes in BJJ because it works in tons of situations. Master this, and you’ll never feel trapped for long.
How to Do It
Here’s how to shrimp like a pro:
 |
1. Turn to Your Side: If someone’s on top in side control, turn slightly to one side. Keep one arm near your neck to protect it from chokes. 2. Push Off the Mat: Plant your foot flat on the ground. Your other leg should be bent, ready to help you move. 3. Scoot Your Hips: Push off with your foot and slide your hips away from your opponent. Move like you’re scooting across the floor on your side. Repeat until you have enough space to bring your knee in and recover your guard. |
Pro Tip
Practice shrimping every class—it’s like doing push-ups for BJJ. The more you do it, the smoother it gets. Try shrimping down the mat during warm-ups to make it second nature.
Why It’s Relatable
When I first tried shrimping, it felt so awkward, like I was flopping around. But after a week, it clicked, and I was slipping out of side control like it was nothing. It’s a move that grows with you. Try doing 10 shrimps before your next class—how does it feel?
Technique 3: Lock It Up with the Americana
What Is the Americana?
The Americana is a shoulder lock submission you can hit from side control or mount. You pin your opponent’s arm, twist it gently, and make them tap out. It’s one of the first submissions beginners learn because it’s simple and super effective.
Why It Works
The Americana is great because it doesn’t take much strength. You use leverage to control your opponent’s arm and shoulder, so it works even if they’re bigger. Landing this move feels like a big win, especially when you’re just starting out.
How to Do It
Here’s the step-by-step for a clean Americana:
|
1. Pin Their Arm: From side control or mount, get their arm flat on the mat, wrist pointing up. Their elbow should be near their side. 2. Grab Their Wrist: Use one hand to hold their wrist down. Press firmly so they can’t pull their arm free. 3. Slide Your Arm: Take your other arm and slide it under their elbow. Grab your own wrist to make a figure-four grip. 4. Lift and Twist: Slowly lift their elbow off the mat while pushing their wrist down. Move carefully—they’ll tap when it feels tight. |
|
Pro Tip
Go slow and smooth. The Americana is powerful, so you don’t need to yank their arm. A snug Shoyoroll gi helps here—the sleeves give you extra grip to hold their wrist without slipping.
Why It’s Exciting
Hitting an Americana feels like solving a puzzle. You set it up, lock it in, and boom—they tap! It’s a confidence booster for any beginner. Have you ever landed a submission that made you grin ear to ear?
Technique 4: Flip the Fight with the Bridge and Roll Escape
What Is the Bridge and Roll?
The bridge and roll escape flips your opponent off you when they’re in your mount. Imagine someone sitting on your torso—it’s heavy, right? This move lets you trap their arm and leg, bridge your hips, and roll them over so you end up on top.
Why It’s ClutchBeing stuck in mount is no fun, but the bridge and roll turns the tables. It’s a game-changer because it takes you from defense to offense in seconds. Plus, it’s thrilling to pull off in a roll!
How to Do It
Here’s how to nail the bridge and roll:
 |
1. Trap Their Arm and Leg: Pick one side. Grab their wrist with one hand to trap their arm. Use your other arm to hook their leg or block their knee on the same side. 2. Bridge Your Hips: Plant your feet close to your butt. Push your hips up high, like you’re trying to touch the ceiling. This lifts your opponent and makes them lighter. 3. Roll Them Over: Turn toward the trapped side and roll them onto their back. Follow through to land in their guard or side control. |
Pro Tip
The secret is a big, explosive hip bridge. Don’t just lift—push hard! Practice this with a partner to get the timing right.
Why It’s Motivating
This move makes you feel like a superhero. One second you’re stuck, and the next, you’re on top! Try it in your next roll and see how it changes the game. What’s your favorite way to escape?
Technique 5: Sweep Them Off Their Feet with the Scissor Sweep
What Is the Scissor Sweep?
The scissor sweep is a guard move that flips your opponent over so you land on top. You use your legs like scissors to knock them off balance while pulling their arm to guide the sweep. It’s smooth and satisfying.
Why It’s Awesome
Sweeps are the best because they let you take control. The scissor sweep is perfect for beginners—it’s simple, works against most people, and feels like a magic trick when you hit it.
How to Do It
Here’s the easy breakdown:
|
1. Set Up Your Knee: From closed or open guard, get one knee across their belly. Your shin should rest against their stomach, with your foot hooked behind their thigh. 2. Pull Their Arm: Grab their sleeve or wrist on the opposite side and pull it toward you. This keeps them off balance. 3. Kick and Sweep: At the same time, kick your other leg forward (like a scissor motion) and pull their arm. This knocks them over. Follow through to land on top in mount. |
|
Pro Tip
Use your whole body, not just your legs. The pull, kick, and hip movement all work together. Timing is everything—practice makes it flow like water.
Why It’s Fun
The scissor sweep feels like a dance move. You trick your opponent and end up in control—it’s pure BJJ magic! Which sweep do you want to try first?
Bonus: How to Make These Techniques Stick
Mastering these moves takes practice, but it’s so worth it.
Drill, Drill, Drill: Spend 5-10 minutes each class drilling one technique. Do it 10-15 times to build muscle memory. For example, practice shrimping down the mat or locking in a closed guard with a partner.
 |
|
Set small goals to stay motivated. Maybe aim to hit a scissor sweep in a roll or escape side control with a shrimp. Celebrate every win—it all adds up!
Conclusion: Start Rolling with Confidence
These five techniques—closed guard, hip escape, Americana, bridge and roll, and scissor sweep—are your foundation for BJJ success. They’re simple, powerful, and work at every level. Whether you’re escaping danger or setting up a submission, these moves make you feel unstoppable.
You don’t need to be a black belt to start. Just hit the mats, drill these techniques, and watch your game grow. Want to feel even better while training? Check out Shoyoroll’s gis and no-gi gear—they’re designed to keep you comfy and confident.
Now it’s your turn. Pick one move from this list and try it in your next class. Which one’s your favorite? Get out there, roll hard, and have a blast!
FAQs About Fundamental BJJ Techniques
1. What are the best BJJ techniques for beginners to learn first?
The closed guard, hip escape (shrimping), Americana lock, bridge and roll escape, and scissor sweep are great starting points. They’re simple, effective, and build a strong foundation for controlling, escaping, and submitting opponents.
2. How long does it take to master these BJJ techniques?
It varies, but with regular practice (2-3 classes a week), you can feel confident using these moves in rolls within a few months. Drilling them consistently speeds up the process!
3. Do I need a gi to practice these techniques?
No, you can practice these in both gi and no-gi settings. A Shoyoroll gi helps with grip-based moves like the Americana, but no-gi gear like their rash guards works just as well for fluid movements.
4. Can I learn these BJJ techniques at home?
You can drill the basics, like shrimping or bridge and roll motions, at home to build muscle memory. However, practicing with a partner at a gym is best for applying them in real rolls.
5. Are these techniques safe for beginners to try?
Yes, when done correctly! Always move slowly, especially with submissions like the Americana, and listen to your instructor. Communicate with your partner to avoid injuries.
6. How often should I drill these techniques to get better?
Drill each move for 5-10 minutes per class, about 10-15 reps. Doing this 2-3 times a week will make them feel natural in no time.
7. Do these techniques work against bigger opponents?
Absolutely! These moves rely on leverage, not strength. For example, the closed guard and scissor sweep use your body mechanics to control or flip someone larger.
