Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The 50/50 guard is a complex position that is very specific to sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it occurs when both competitors choose to play from the guard at the same time. This somewhat controversial position strays from traditional BJJ teachings in that it has few, if any, realistic applications for…

The arm triangle is a versatile submission hold that works well both with and without the gi. In this lesson, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a method for applying an arm triangle submission from the north south position.

The half guard is a useful transitional position from the bottom used commonly to defend as well as attack. From this position it is possible to apply a complex variety of sweeps as well as apply submission holds. In this lesson, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a half guard…

The omoplata is a submission technique that uses the legs to trap the opponent’s arm in a shoulder lock. From the guard position, this technique works well in combination with other submissions, and can also be used to sweep. In this lesson, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates an escape…

A critical skill when using the guard is the ability to control your opponent’s posture. Generally, by “breaking” your opponent’s posture you weaken their position and cause them to focus on defending rather than attacking. This helps create more opportunities for you to sweep and apply submissions. One method for…

An opponent will commonly attempt to gain a top position by using variations of the single takedown, starting from both sitting guard and standing positions. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a counter to the single leg using an inside leg trip known as “Ouchi Gari”.

An opponent will commonly attempt to gain a top position by using variations of the single takedown, starting from both sitting guard and standing positions. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a counter to the single leg using a “Sumi Gaeshi” technique.

Back control is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There are many advanced methods for transitioning to the back that can catch your opponent by surprise. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a method for transitioning to back control as a counter to the…

From the top position in side control, there are many ways to manipulate your opponent’s gi in order to control them and get a submission. In this video, BJJ World Champion Alex Silva demonstrates a lapel choke from side control.

From the guard position there are many submission holds you can use to finish an opponent. As you gain experience, you will begin to “see” subtle submission opportunities as they arise based on the movements of your opponent. In this lesson, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a wrist lock…

From the top position in side control, there are many submission holds you can use to finish an opponent. As you gain experience, you will begin to recognize more submission opportunities as they arise based on the movements of your opponent. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates…

The clock choke is an especially powerful choking technique that uses strong leverage and efficiency to add great pressure to the submission. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a clock choke starting from the turtle position.

The clock choke is an especially powerful choking technique that uses strong leverage and efficiency to add great pressure to the submission. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a clock choke submission starting from the double underhooks guard pass.

An opponent will commonly attempt to gain a top position by using variations of the single takedown, starting from both sitting guard and standing positions. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a counter to the single leg sweep position used to pass the guard and obtain side…

Developing a variety of sweeps from the open guard position is a critical aspect of becoming a well-rounded BJJ practitioner. In this video, BJJ World Champion Zorobabel Moreira demonstrates an advanced sweep from an offensive open guard position.

There are many inventive ways to manipulate the BJJ uniform in order to control your opponent and create submission opportunities. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates how to set-up a paper cut choke by using your opponent’s lapel to trap their arm.

The X Guard is a form of open guard where your body is positioned beneath your opponent to allow significant control of your opponent’s legs and balance. The X Guard allows you to efficiently trap and control the legs to destabilize and sweep them. In this video, BJJ World Champion…

The crucifix choke technique allows you to control both of your opponent’s arms while applying a choke, making the submission very difficult to defend against. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a crucifix choke starting from the turtle position.

The leg drag guard pass is an effective technique for passing an opponent’s open guard. In this video, BJJ World Champion Alex Silva demonstrates a leg drag guard pass.

Inverted half guard, or reverse half guard, is a top half guard position that creates alternative methods for pressurizing your opponent to help advance your position. In this video, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a pass from inverted half guard to establish side control.

Effectively managing the distance between you and your opponent is a central concept in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this lesson, BJJ World Champion Leandro Issa demonstrates a hip escape drill that is useful as a warm-up and will train the essential hip movements that are commonly used in BJJ to create…

Back control is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By repeatedly drilling transitions to back control from various positions, you will increase your ability to seize brief moments of opportunity in sparring or in a fight to take your opponent’s back. In this video, BJJ World Champion…

Attacking in combinations is an effective way to stay one or two moves ahead of your opponent, and is essential when grappling with more advanced martial artists. In this video, BJJ World Champion Zorobabel Moreira demonstrates a combination from the butterfly guard to the “sambo” sweep.

The De La Riva guard is a form of open guard that is predominantly used in the gi to sweep a standing or kneeling opponent. In this video, BJJ No Gi World Champion Bruno Pucci demonstrates a sweep variation from the De La Riva guard used when an opponent is…