BJJ Techniques

Tired of getting stuck in the dog-fight position after wrestling up from half guard? This technique, adapted from Olympic silver medalist Rei Higuchi’s world-class single leg finish, stays low on the leg to neutralize the whizzer and secure the sweep—even without wrestling shoes.

Many jiu-jitsu athletes abandon takedowns because they can’t finish against a resisting opponent—but with the right setup, success rates skyrocket. This guide breaks down the head snap, a simple yet effective entry that freezes your opponent’s sprawl and opens the door for a clean takedown.

Instead of just using the turtle position to recover guard, this move turns defense into offense. The Kelly, a wrestling-based attack, lets you transition from turtle to top side control by aligning your shoulder with your opponent’s before executing the finish.

This variation turns the wrestling cross-face cradle into a smooth back take for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. By trapping the far triceps and bowing your opponent’s back, you create the perfect opening to secure your hooks.

Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu later in life doesn’t have to mean constant injuries or burnout. This 10-step blueprint covers hydration, recovery, nutrition, and smart training intensity—helping older practitioners stay healthy, roll longer, and enjoy the art for years to come.

Wrestlers stepping into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu face new challenges—from working off their back to defending chokes—but also have a strong foundation to build on. This guide outlines ten key adjustments to help wrestlers adapt their skills, embrace the ground game, and thrive in the BJJ community.

From the over/under clinch, an off-balance throw to the underhook side can catch opponents who are focused on defending the overhook side. This quick-response technique works best against forward pressure, serving as both a direct throw and a setup for other attacks.

This Americana variation secures the hand instead of the wrist, preventing the common escape of straightening the arm. Paired with a Paper Cutter choke, it creates a powerful one-two attack that threatens both the arm and the neck for high-percentage finishes.

The roll-through bow and arrow choke turns the defensive turtle into a submission opportunity. By securing the far collar and somersaulting into position, you set up a tight, modified choke that’s as fun to hit as it is effective.

This tricky Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Americana technique is executed using your legs. Add this to your game to always be on the attack!

Mastering hand-fighting in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives you the control to dictate posture, grip, and angles—key elements that set up high-percentage takedowns. By learning to manipulate your opponent’s head, arm, and position, you can consistently create openings and take charge of the match from the very start.

Competing at the IBJJF Pan American Championships reinforced that success in jiu-jitsu is about more than fixing small mistakes—it’s about elevating your entire game. From consistency and adaptability, each match provided lessons that will shape my training and growth moving forward.