Leverage-Based BJJ

Physics of BJJ. Angles, pressure points, & mechanical advantages from standing through dominant positions & submissions

Flow outline

  1. Standing

    • The initial engagement phase where distance management, grip fighting, and base establishment create the angular vectors for takedown entries or guard pulls. Center of gravity manipulation and off-balancing principles are critical here. Don’t force it

  2. Bottom Guard

    • A defensive position utilizing leg frames and hip angles to control distance and disrupt the opponent's base. Mechanical advantages are created through hip mobility, angle creation, and leverage against the opponent's posture. Switch if it stalls

  3. Top Guard

    • Often The position of applying downward pressure while maintaining posture to defeat leg frames. Weight distribution and pressure points are used to collapse the guard's defensive structure through calculated force vectors

  4. Half Guard Top

    • a transitional control position where upper body pressure is applied while one leg is trapped. leverage is created through cross-face pressure and underhook control to immobilize the opponent's hips and shoulders

  5. Side Control Top

    • If they frame, a dominant position applying perpendicular pressure across the opponent's torso. shoulder pressure, hip positioning, and weight distribution create immobilizing force vectors that restrict breathing and movement. timing beats strength

  6. Mount Top

    • the most dominant top position where weight is centered on the opponent's chest. pressure is applied through hip connection and chest compression, creating maximum control with minimal energy expenditure

  7. Rear Strangle

    • From here, a finishing position applying circumferential pressure to the carotid arteries. the choke mechanism uses the radius of the forearm against the neck, with shoulder retraction creating the compressive force vector

  8. Half Guard Bottom

    • Once set, a defensive position using leg entanglement to disrupt the opponent's base. hip angle creation and underhook control provide the mechanical advantage to off-balance and sweep

  9. Mount Bottom

    • Key detail: most of the time a compromised position where escape requires creating frames against the opponent's hips and chest. bridge mechanics and hip movement generate the force vectors needed to disrupt the opponent's base. angle matters

  10. Side Control Bottom

    • Most of the time A defensive position requiring frame creation against shoulder and hip pressure. Escape mechanics involve bridging, shrimping, and angle creation to relieve compressive forces

  11. Auxiliary Strangles

    • Once set, alternative choke finishes from dominant positions when the primary rear strangle is defended. these utilize different pressure vectors and leverage points to achieve carotid compression

  12. Closed Guard Bottom

    • Often A defensive position with legs locked around the opponent's torso. Control is maintained through hip angle, grip fighting, and breaking the opponent's posture to create offensive opportunities

  13. North South Top

    • A control position with perpendicular alignment to the opponent's body. Pressure is applied through shoulder-to-face contact and hip positioning, creating a different vector of immobilization than side control

  14. North South Bottom

    • Once set, from here, a defensive position requiring frame creation against shoulder pressure. escape mechanics involve bridging and hip movement to create space and regain guard or achieve a more favorable position

  15. Legs Entangled

    • quick note: a position where both practitioners' legs are interlocked, creating complex leverage scenarios. control depends on angle superiority, hip positioning, and pressure application through the entanglement

Branch conditions