The Fundamental Positional Flow Techniques

The foundational positional hierarchy and transitions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Flow outline

  1. Basics

    • Key detail: 1. fundamental stances and grips. 2. basic movement principles. 3. core concepts of balance and leverage. angle matters

  2. O Goshi

    • 1. Traditional hip throw technique. 2. set dominant grip and hip positioning. 3. Execute throw to achieve top control

  3. Single Leg Inside Trip

    • from here, 1. secure single leg takedown grip. 2. execute inside trip to off-balance opponent. 3. complete takedown to set top position

  4. Top Side Control

    • If it shows up, 1. set crossface and underhook control. 2. keep chest-to-chest pressure. 3. Control opponent's hips and shoulders

  5. Top Full Guard

    • From here, often 1. keep posture and hand positioning. 2. control opponent's hips and legs. 3. work to pass the guard systematically

  6. Knee Slice Pass

    • 1. secure underhook and collar grip. 2. slice knee through guard opening. 3. set side control position. timing beats strength

  7. Kesa Gatame

    • 1. Secure head and arm control. 2. keep chest pressure on opponent. 3. Control opponent's far arm and hip. Angle matters

  8. Full Mount

    • 1. set high mount position. 2. Control opponent's hips and arms. 3. keep balance and pressure

  9. Kesa Gatame Arm Triangle

    • 1. Secure head and arm position from kesa gatame. 2. Apply pressure to complete submission. 3. keep control throughout the finish

  10. Back Control

    • 1. Secure hooks and seatbelt grip. 2. keep chest-to-back connection. 3. Control opponent's upper body and hips. Switch if it stalls

  11. RNC

    • Key detail: usually 1. secure rear naked choke grip. 2. apply proper finishing mechanics. 3. keep control throughout the submission

  12. Opponent Shoots

    • Once set, usually 1. recognize takedown attempt. 2. prepare defensive response. 3. keep balance and positioning. switch if it stalls

  13. Sprawl

    • If it shows up, 1. Execute proper sprawl technique. 2. keep hip pressure on opponent. 3. Control opponent's head and shoulders. Switch if it stalls

  14. Turtle

    • usually 1. set defensive turtle position. 2. protect neck and keep base. 3. look for opportunities to recover guard

  15. Spin Over

    • quick note: 1. execute spin to back take from turtle. 2. secure hooks and control. 3. transition to back control position. don’t force it

  16. Sprawl Fails

    • from here, 1. recognize sprawl was unsuccessful. 2. transition to defensive guard pull. 3. keep control during transition

  17. Pull Guard

    • Once set, 1. execute controlled guard pull. 2. set closed guard position. 3. secure grips and control

  18. Bottom Full Guard

    • Once set, if it shows up, 1. set closed guard control. 2. keep proper grips and posture. 3. work sweeps and submissions

  19. Scissor Sweep

    • If they frame, most of the time 1. secure sleeve and collar grips. 2. execute scissor motion with legs. 3. complete sweep to achieve top position

  20. Guard Pull Fails

    • If they frame, from here, 1. recognize guard pull was unsuccessful. 2. transition to defensive positions. 3. keep control during recovery

  21. Bottom Half Guard

    • Once set, often 1. set half guard control. 2. secure underhook and knee shield. 3. work sweeps and recoveries

  22. Bottom Full Mount

    • From here, 1. set defensive mount position. 2. Protect arms and create space. 3. Work escapes and recoveries. Timing beats strength

  23. Bridge And Roll

    • 1. Execute proper bridge technique. 2. Create space and off-balance opponent. 3. Complete roll to achieve top position

  24. Underhook Sweep

    • Once set, quick note: 1. secure deep underhook from half guard. 2. execute sweep using leverage. 3. complete sweep to achieve top position

  25. Top Half Guard

    • most of the time 1. set top half guard control. 2. keep pressure and pass attempts. 3. control opponent's hips and upper body

  26. Cradle Pass

    • From here, 1. secure cradle grip from top half guard. 2. execute pass to side control. 3. keep control throughout the transition

Branch conditions