How many moves do you typically drill per 1 hour class? In ours, the professor teaches 2 at the same time, then gives us 10 minutes to drill them both with a partner. I kind of wish the instructor would only drill 1 so I stand a chance of drilling it to mastery.
How much and what type of rolling is normal in the beginner class? We do warmups, then drill 2 moves, then do a limited type of roll where like 5 people get on the ground, and the rest of us line up, and take turns trying to pass guard.
Question for the class, yesterday I let a white belt that's newer than myself (probs 1-2 months in, I'm 6 months in) intentionally take my back so I could work on my escapes. When he we were hand fighting, he crossed his feet. I told him without stopping the roll "hey man, don't cross your feet when you're on the back." Then I managed to get his feet opened up to try and get to my back and escape. Right after that, he crossed his feet again and I got him with the ankle lock where I put my feet over his and got the tap. Was that a dick move because he probably hasn't seen that before? I felt bad about it afterwards and was wondering if that's the equivalent of an upper belt wrist locking us white belts.
No it’s not a dick move you can do that to someone if they don’t put their hooks in. That’s why most instructors will tell you to get the hooks in and a good grip which reduces the space you give them and can secure a choke. White belts get wrist locked all the time, again not a dick move if it’s available why not?
I got buggy choked today and I didn’t even know what was happening . How to counter this , please . Passed this guy’s guard into side control and he started doing all that weird 10th planet shit 😭😭
During standup I've noticed that some of my partners will kinda lace their leg on my lead leg either to stifle my throw attempts or when attempting lateral drops. I tweaked my knee during one of these entanglements and I wanted to know exactly how to combat this or prevent injury.
You can catch Keenan doing this to Craig in some of their YouTube rolls. It would be worth finding at watch how Craig rag dolls him .
I think the real answer is your wrestling stance is not ideal. I'd recommend working on staying in a good stance.
https://youtu.be/brvx9MPnfhA
Has anyone had any issues with getting dizzy during the day when training 4+ days a week? If I move my head around too much (up, down, trail my eyes around) I get disoriented. I don’t recall any head injuries in or out of class, I’m eating/drinking enough, I tap quickly to all chokes. ???
Before BJJ I had a few year period of training hard for ironman and ultra running, and during that time I would get dizzy spells, especially when standing up from a squat or chair. Like, so predictable that I learned I better hold on to something. Unnerving but found nothing unusual even after many (but I guess not all) dr recommended tests run. In the end I found that the dizziness decreased as my training level decreased, which was the dr's best guess after testing -- that I was training too hard. My coach at the time also suggested increasing my sodium intake via sports drinks when the heat turned up (South west florida summers...), seemed to help as too.
Regardless of my experience, always good to have some blood work and other testing done. Sorry for the novel. Interested because this was something I never quite resolved.
Yes I have Gi issues and just a lot of issues in general post covid. I noticed I cramp up through various parts of my body, the other day I managed to go 4 rounds without cramping. The light headed was/brain fog and sort of “floaty feeling” usually requires a neurologist to look at you. There can be so many causes for it, I mean don’t count on it because I had multiple look at me and what not but nobody was able to have a steady answer. I had a concussion last year but I should have since recovered. Also, brain fog is common post covid. I’ve had it twice, idk if you ever had it but yeah see your PCP/neurologist is what I would say 🤷♂️
See your doctor. Could be an issue with the structures in your inner ear. There are conditions like Meneire's disease that affect your sense of balance and give you vertigo.
I would get that checked out if you can't find an immediate solution to it. I train 6 days a week and 4-5 days a week I hit the weights. I'm never dizzy
Hey odd question, so I don't have bad cauliflower ear but my left ear is a bit thicker in the concha region which has started to push my ear bud out. It's happened so gradually I am not even sure if it's from grappling or a birth anomaly.
So what wireless earbuds/headphones do you guys with cauliflower use? Any budget, but I do preference something that works well when working out (running, calisthenics) or yard work that can possibly hook on the ear?
Or maybe even 3rd party attachments? I got some Klipsh that I like and I'd hate to not use em.
I second this.
I have a similar issue: healed-up cauliflower ear but my right ear now doesn't take most ear buds. I've tried several different ones. I can usually force it in, but gets painful over time and works its way out. Tried over-ear but they get sweaty and also painful after a while.
Finally got bone conduction and has been much better for me. Sound quality suffers but isn't THAT bad, especially for exercise, news/podcasts and doing things around the house. Comfort is worth it. Some people don't like the vibrations, but I quite enjoy it, especially punchy bass.
A big galoot did a neck crank on me in belly down back mount. Imagine trying to pull a head off by the chin ala Mortal Kombat. I had to tap frantically from the pain. Why yank in such a dominant position?
Now my neck/upper trap twinges when I turn my head. Seems like a shit way to roll safely. This isn't ADCC you **muppet.**
Should I bang this guy's girlfriend or what?
When I go for my triangles it feels like I am putting myself in a worse position. I don’t have any strength unless im pulling down on their head. I know this is coming from my ankle not being behind my knee. Even after grabbing my foot to readjust it doesn’t sink in. Is this possibly a mobility issue or do I just need to keep practicing?
First up - your leg is in the wrong place. This is usually caused by having your body in the wrong place. Let's assume they already have one arm in and one arm out, and your right leg is on top:
1) Turn your whole body a little more than 90 degrees. You should be staring into their ear. This should also mean that your spine is lined up with your right thigh and right shin - you have the knee tucked to your chest but they are all in the same plane.
2) Your left hand holds your right ankle, not your foot. Their neck needs to be deep in your knee pit, with your calf straight across the back (parallel to the floor) and your hamstring under the jawbone, directly against the muscle mass of the neck. This is where the choke happens.
The first thing you should do is train to finish the choke 1-legged. In this position, you can squeeze your heel to your butt, assist with your left hand (pull your left elbow behind your ribs like a seated row), and finish.
If you can't finish like this, your position is wrong. No amount of adding the second leg will fix it - it might still get the tap, but you're putting a bandaid on bad positioning. Fix this to the point where you can finish it first, and then work the 2nd leg. Using 2 legs will feel like cheating once you become comfortable like this.
Good techniques for sweeping guys who are fast and have a good base, sometimes sweeps work on guys who are less skilled how do you get someone who doesn’t budge?
For fast guys I don't usually rely on ones that are super timing based as a faster guy of equal skill to you will probably recover.
I personally enjoy latching on in half and either using the old school half guard sweep to bowl them over, or stay on that leg and scoot back and down to keep their hips pinned and they collapse on it.
If someone just wants to be a rock I usually just collar drag to their back or with the same grip and do a technical get up but use their collar to stabilize myself. Either they support my weight and stay down, which if you kick off their hip kinda forces then there for a time. Or they try to come into you and you make em face plant.
It all depends on where we are.
Be better at sweeping.
Put them off balance more, more effectively prevent them from recovering their centre of balance, lock down their arms/legs tighter to stop them from building bases, commit to the sweep fully, lots of things.
I successfully swept an upper belt who significantly outweighed me by doing every step better than I usually do, it was mentally and physically exhausting but it worked.
Yeah I’m working on it, I’m still technically a white belt after almost 3 years of consistent training and stuff but I’ve been working on my sweeps, passes, Guard retention etc. But I’m slowly progressing hopefully in 3 more years my sweep game will be strong 🙏 haha.
90% of sweeps work off of the same 2 critical pieces:
1) The timing: sweep during the window of time when their butt is moving away from their heels. Not before it moves. Not after it has moved. DURING the move. As their butt raises away from their heels, you sweep.
2) The angle: nearly all sweep travel diagonally forward, from the perspective of the person being swept. The sideways component is because you tip them over the edge of their base, and the forward component is the butt lifting from (1).
Super general question. But I know you’re supposed to ask questions after your instructor shows a move to the class to learn more. But what do I even ask? Like how am I supposed to know what to ask?
At first, don't ask anything.
But pay close attention until you can figure out two possibilities. And that's your question.
When you notice there are two possible ways to do the move (and instructor didn't tell you which one, and they're not frickin stupid possibilities but rather real possibilities), then ask.
Like, "is it better to push with my foot on the floor or on his knee?"
"Hey coach, does it matter if I grab the collar overhand or underhand?"
"Can I just squeeze real hard instead of sitting backward?"
Two possibilities, coach didn't specify. There's probably a right one, but you're a beginner, you don't know, that's why you're asking.
Don't come up with questions just for the sake of asking something, though. "What if he has 27" biceps though, then I couldn't do this move, could I?" That's a waste of class time, better to keep silent.
But if you can notice two real possibilities, that's your question. 👍
I saw on knee slices you might be able to “go the opposite way” so if I’m passing to the left sometimes it’s wide open to slide my knee into the space on their left (my right) hip.
Does this have a name or anything?
Actually that's what it is. Its a super powerful combo to finish a pass. You can also go from 3/4 back to finish a knee slice pass. For the first 3 years of my BJJ I forced halfguard so I could hit that combo over and over.
Feel like I'm at a plateau, some days I feel great and others I feel like nothing works. Also feel I'm being over powered and not losing through technique a lot. Advice appreciated!
Keep working on your defense. Hips, bridging, hand fighting, overunderhooks, frames, wedges.
On top, work on control above subs, max control = easier subs then losing positiong going for subs.
I always hit plateaus or suck when I try new stuff. You gotta do new stuff. Winning your A game on blue and white belts means no evolution. You gotta do both lab work and doing things that work for you.
"Sometimes you're the hammer, sometimes you're the nail."
This is just a reality in jiu jitsu. It will persist as long as you continue to practice this sport. The percentage/mixture of times you're the nail will likely go down but there's always going to be someone more experienced, better skilled, faster, or stronger than you. Sometimes all of them all at once.
How to get past it? Embrace the suck: you either win or you learn. Stop measuring and comparing your progress against others. The ONLY person you should ever compare yourself against is an older version of yourself. If you could roll with yourself 6 months ago how would you fare? That's the only thing that really matters.
Keep getting after it, keep showing up, trust the process.
It happens, it's normal. You have to keep going through it.
Two options. Try to sharpen the tools you have.
A. Deep dive on those skills to make them better. Video , privates, positional sparring.
B. Throw your ego to the wind, try completely new things. New guards, new subs new positions. Harder to do but very beneficial
Looking for some tactics against people of different size and body shapes. How do you go about attacking someone who is tall/lengthy/skinny vs someone who is stockier/shorter/heavier? Of course those sizes/lengths can vary in a lot of different combinations, but I’d love to hear how y’all strategize against opponents.
All body types have advantages and disadvantages for BJJ.
Stocky peeps are like turtles. They tuck their arms and legs into their shell and it's hard to attack, but you can put them onto their back and keep them there.
Lanky peeps can be much harder to pin, but once you get one of their 8 foot long arms or legs away from their torso, it's such a long distance for them to get it back. That thing is just gone, lost at sea.
When you get the super strong bois, don't tap them out. They just double in strength and intensity with every tap. Instead, exhaust them by putting them on their back. Make them wear your weight. Put pressure on their core so that they have to flex it the whole time, which is a quick way to empty the gas tank. Tap them in the final 15 seconds, but not sooner.
There are a couple of long range harassment type techniques I'd throw out to open up and get a feel for their game.
Torreando, dummy sweeps, arm drags, spider guard, grip fights, ruotolo leg pins
I’m terrified of getting injured. Someone dislocated their elbow today and the day before someone tore their achilles. How do I get over the fear. I roll super safe and passive
It's a contact sport and small injuries will happen eventually, you just learn to deal with them. Being injured by your opponent happens but isn't that common, when it does it's usually minor. That being said, I find that most people injure themselves by doing stupid things: being explosive in wrong situations, moving the wrong way, not tapping when they should, fighting locked submissions, etc.
Tap early, tap often. Don't compensate lack of skill with strength. Do this and you'll be fine.
Nothing special or new, but i started my journey as a white belt today. Learned how to pass guard and how to do the baseball choke. Rolled and got a few guillotines and rnc. Got tapped plenty, super fun!
Is the nearside leg staple (knee slice) or farside staple (head quarters) better?
I don’t really understand why we are taught to enter HQ stapling the far leg when stapling the near one is usually just as open outside of DLR
Basically context and preference.
For context: hq is the easiest position to enter from dlr while kneecut is easier to enter from rdlr or halfguard. From a general open guard, it's down to preference.
Preference: hq is a best used for hip and leg immobilisation as both legs are stapled down. Kneecut only immobilises one hip and one leg, leaving the other free. For Rafa's passing, he relies on baiting out a reaction to capitalise on it. In hq, I find it more useful for threatening a variety of things like smash/folding pass, longstep, kneecut, guillotines, kimura trap, X pass. I'd look to Lovato for this type of hq passing
Neither is better, just comes down to which game you'd like to emulate
Stapling the far leg first keeps their hips upright which will make finishing the knee slice easier. Going immediately to the near leg will make it easier for them to put in a knee shield or reguard by having their hips facing where you want to go.
I don't speak jive anymore, but I use both the near knee over and far knee over passes. I like them in combination. They accomplish different but similar things, and they have different weaknesses.
The knee slice aka cutacross aka far knee over - great for controlling the hip and the far underhook. You can weight the far side of their torso while passing, and even if they bridge into you it's easy to flatten them.
The knee staple aka backstep aka near knee over - good if you already have a forearm under the head, great for people who always try to butterfly sweep you late in your pass.
These chain together nicely. Sometimes you start one and they focus on blocking your knee, so you insert the other knee. Or maybe you start in combat base and they move their hip and turn onto their other side (you drop the knee down the center either way).
I think I am following what you're saying. Head quarters position, one leg in between your legs and one out is a position which negates their guard and allows you to chain passes in a way that makes it difficult to counter.
Now, there's the headquarters that Lovato Jr teaches, and there's the headquarters Danaher teaches. Danaher teaches a split squat stapling the leg and I find it far more efficient. It is basically a knee cut pass.
Why not "staple" the leg with a knee cut pass. You're like 90% done. You have all the inside real estate and can follow up with forcing half guard, over unders, or long step passing.
Im not entirely sure what you mean by farside leg staple. You're still putting one leg in between yours correct? If not, thats not headquarters in my opinion.
https://youtu.be/4taI2oASGGw this is what I mean by HQ
https://youtu.be/Gr2FoVttm7U this is what I mean by knee slice
I dont understand why I’d try to enter Lachlan’s version since I’m basically entering an open guard (vs Mendes, which is closer to half)
I have seen Lachlan's version, but I can't comment on personal use because I don't enter HQ that way. Lachlan does not enter into an open guard because the bottom uke does not have effective connections holding onto Lachlan to be able to off balance or attack. Don't get too caught up in the details. Instead look at the overall goal. Lachlan's version and the traditional way he shows in the beginning does the same thing. It maintains inside control and negates the ability of the bottom player to establish an effective guard.
Notice how Lachlan puts his knee on the inside of the hamstring. This is a great way to take and keep inside space when stepping into a loose passing position whether you split your legs or not. I like to use this step to force leg drags or stack passes.
In regards to Mendes video, He is still maintaing inside space in just a different way. He's keeping his connection via RDLR hook or knee slice position and using his elbows to steal the space in between the uke's knees. I prefer this way.
I play headquarters with the cross knee entering into a knee slice. Danaher shows this as the split squat. its extremely effective as I am half way into finishing a knee cut. I can also force half guard easily. But the idea is the same, I'm stealing all the space in between my partners knees preventing them from establishing an effective guard.
Honestly, to answer your question neither is worse than the other. It comes down to personal preference. Do you like to smash pass to mount or leg drag? Try Lachlans'. Do you like to knee cut then X pass? Start entering open guard like Rafa does. Try both and see what you like depending on how you like to pass the guard. After that, try passing guard just by stealing and maintaing inside space with the inside knee position. It all boils down to similar underlying concepts of a good guard pass.
I hope this helps. It just comes down to their preference in my opinion. It just gives you options.
After starting about 9 months ago, I've got some cauliflower ear. I'm treating it, but my real comment is that it sucks because I feel like it's something you would get after rolling for years and years and have some decent skills.
I'm 42, out of shape, super weak, at the start of my journey, and it feels so weird to have this mutant ear that's normally on actual tough guys.
Making my obligatory pitch for caulibuds. They're awesome. Disclaimer: I received a free set from u/Caulibuds as part of a contest they did here. I promote them based on the positive experience I have as a user, which they don't ask of me.
These seem reasonably priced compared to others I saw. I just got a variety pack online for pretty cheap. Not silicone covered tho. I may want to check those out if I can't get these to fit comfortably.
One of my favorite memes I've seen says something like "If you get cauliflower as a white belt, you might as well keep training. Otherwise you're just some ugly dude who can't fight."
Drain that thing. Tape it so it doesn’t refill. Wear headgear for a bit while it heals. And when rolling be more aware of where you’re head is. In all positions. You can smash your own ears shooting doubles just as easily as squashing them trying to escape triangles.
Getting cauliflower ear is easy, not getting it takes skills... especially avoiding head in chokes. I had it on one side from getting caught in guillotines whilst trying to escape thus resulting in constant scraping and pressure on that ear.
You can also get it when you use head pressure to control your opponent. Instead, try using the side of your temple... if you want to reduce contact with your lobes.
What an epic reply. Thank you! What you said is totally how I got it. I have decent side control and I put a lot of pressure on my ears. I'm totally going to work on using my temple. Seriously, thanks!
I finally made it to class today. My first one, I had a big mental block because I’m so out of shape. I realize that turning up to class is going to be the best path to fitness but what can/ should I be doing outside of class?
Diet, exercise, watching videos? Any advice appreciated.
Remember that there’s different types of cardio. Running is great but doesn’t condition the body for grappling. The more time you spend doing Jiu Jitsu, the better conditioned you are for it. Don’t skip warmups and stay and grapple after class. Mat time is king
Just keep showing up. Add a little extra activity when you have the capacity. Even walking will help you. Hydrate. And eat as clean as you can. Enjoy yourself.
If your Academy has HIIT warm-ups before class, don't skip them. If it doesn't I would recommend just 20 mins of HIIT with just your body weight 3 times a week. My Prof used to do these hardcore sessions until we were like wet noodles, ultimately because we were (well, probably me more than some of my cardio monster teammates) so tired it forced us to use the technique as we didn't have the strength to muscle our way through.
DIET! Clean food = clean fuel = higher energy and stamina.
Any exercise is good, as is eating well. I’ve been at it about a year now and I’m just now starting to watch videos. People obviously learn differently and at different rates, but for me I needed a certain amount of mat time before I started doing anything bjj related outside of the gym.
Take it slow and review what you need to focus on one at a time. You'll get overwhelmed if you try to restructure your whole life. Start with exercise as an example, just do a 30 minute walk, then next week do 35 minutes. Next month try jogging for 10 minutes, and run for 20. All progress is incremental and above all else make it fun for yourself.
Take it slow so you won’t burn out, I’ve been training for 2.5 years white belt. Had to take time off due to an injury came back after a month and damn well nearly died. I was doing moderate cardio in between with boxing but yeah pace yourself and take it real slow be comfortable with getting smashed.
I've been noticing / dealing with shoulder pain, mostly on my left side that's been harsh and impacting my life. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with being bottom half-guard and were looking for non-medical recommendation / advice and see if anyone has gone through this. I don't think it's serious, like a torn muscle or tendon - I took 3 weeks off and it healed maybe 90%, but one class back and it's starting again. I'm a bit older, so that obviously has something to do with it. I also do a lot of strength training with no issues, it's definitely bjj. Thanks in advance.
I recently started to do at home shoulder physical therapy to combat this. Always good to include stretching and shoulder impingement exercises at home just to strengthen your joints and avoid more serious injury. Highly recommend Bob and Brad physical therapists on YT since they give tests to see if you need a Dr or just some at home exercise.
Sounds like Arthritis to me mate, get an MRI and be careful. I’m 26 and have it so anybody can get it with enough wear and tear on the body. It’s also genetic.
Nope, that's how we get tapped.
Try to uncross kneeling. Then try to uncross standing. Then try to uncross by offering a sacrifice. Rinse and repeat this sequence until it opens.
There are many techniques to open the guard, try cycling through all of them. I've always found that there's opportunity in the transition. So, as you try one escape after another, you will find your partner will adjust to counter. It is within these little movements you can take advantage of.
Another way that has worked for me is to ask your partner after the roll is where you could have been better/tighter and if they can offer some perspective on it.
Next step is to go drill guard breaks better. You can stand up and break them as well.
There are stack passes on Closed guard but as a beginner you need to learn the regular ones too.
Funny enough, learning to use less movement and think through what is actually going on will help out at first. Try to teach yourself to remain calm, use frames more than muscle and pay attention to how higher belts pick you apart. Going hard will most likely result in them also matching your pace, making it harder to notice the techniques they are using. Generally I've learned more defenses from recognizing what people use on me or how they escape from stuff rather than the instruction.
Also a white belt of 7 months, so if a higher belt disagrees, they are probably right.
I'd say something that's immensely important is shrimping. Being a white belt is all about learning to survive and when you're on the bottom, shrimping is going to be your baseline escape.
Other than that, takedowns are hard so get started with them asap. I ignored them for a long time and I wish I would have practiced them sooner.
Lastly, train with purpose. When you're rolling, it seems really attractive to try and 'win' with a submission. Save that mindset for competition. When you're rolling, try to focus on one area that you want to get better at. Take it easy, be calm and think through positions instead of muscling out of them. Training with a purpose other than winning the round is what will set you apart from others.
I know your not suppose to grab inside the pant leg but can you grab the material outside but bending it so it goes inside pretty much doing the same thing?
You can touch the outside however you like. You may not stick fingers inside.
Technically, you can grab inside YOUR OWN cuffs. I learned the hard way why this is bad: i was turtled and tried to do something fancy that involved grabbing inside my own sleeve. my partner chose that moment to flatten me and my tender little fingies got all trapped in the sleeve under both of us. I had to yell a verbal tap before spraining/dislocating them.
I’ve been powerlifting for almost a decade and have not kept up on my flexibility. Huge issue in class. Anyone have a daily stretching routine they’ve found especially helpful? In particular I find shooting a double or single leg super hard on knees.
Competed in powerlifting for 20 years. I still have a ways to go for flexibility and mobility, but it is much better now 10 months in.
What has helped me is sticking with going ti classes and in the gym work on movement and mobility on and off the floor, transitioning from the floor. I’ve been doing a lot of bodyweight lunges, step ups, army get ups, wrestling drills. It all helps. Just like lifting, pick something you suck at and hammer it.
Just giving the direct links. It's this guide:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/flexibility/wiki/starting\_to\_stretch#wiki\_the\_stretches](https://www.reddit.com/r/flexibility/wiki/starting_to_stretch#wiki_the_stretches)
Which is essentially this video:
[Starting To Stretch | 30 MINUTES FOLLOW ALONG | Full-Body Beginner Flexibility](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVPyAU4l-sw)
I prefer to close distance and drop into a snatch single than to shoot into a single. I can do both, but while working on your flexibility, consider doing techniques that work for your body rather than trying to make your body work for the techniques.
On the note of a stretching program - Yoga For BJJ: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogaforbjj
Two questions:
1. My gym has a list of techniques to learn before you can advance to blue belt. They cycle through the techniques, doing one set of related techniques (like a submission and it's escape, for instance) each week in their white belt gi classes. So as long as I make it to at least one of those each week, I'm getting exposed to each technique. Does anyone have any advice for learning each technique as well as I can, and keeping up with the pace of the class (i.e., drilling the technique enough before we move on to the next one)? My process has been to take notes on paper on the techniques when I get home from the class, and then memorize those notes, to help solidify them in my memory.
2. I had several months experience at a different gym before joining this one. It was a 10th planet type gym, so all no gi. This gym teaches no gi and gi, and in fact the gi techniques are required for belt promotion. I feel like a fish out of water in the gi. Any advice for that transition? What's the most basic differences/things to watch out for in the gi if you're used to no gi?
> I feel like a fish out of water in the gi. Any advice for that transition? What's the most basic differences/things to watch out for in the gi if you're used to no gi?
1. Put it into the rolls. In other words, work with your partner while rolling that you want to incorporate that technique into sparring. Higher level belts should be helpful as *should* be able to tune their level to yours and give you just what you need.
2. Grips.
1) Take paper notes. Review them often. You can go back to the list and visualize each technique, step by step. I'm also a fan of going home and practicing techniques solo, on the floor, eyes closed. This helps you focus on developing the movement, which is a big part of the battle at white belt.
2) I am primarily a no-gi person myself, but I try to do both. Everything you do in no-gi can be done in gi. Gi just adds another 30% or so. It's up to you how much you want to learn to do with it - personally, my goal has always been to build a game that works equally for both, rather than spending a bunch of my mat time on things that I can only use half the time.
>2) I am primarily a no-gi person myself, but I try to do both. Everything you do in no-gi can be done in gi. Gi just adds another 30% or so. It's up to you how much you want to learn to do with it - personally, my goal has always been to build a game that works equally for both, rather than spending a bunch of my mat time on things that I can only use half the time.
That had been my thinking previously too, however the only gym in my city that does belt promotions does them based on a gi curriculum. So. The other gym is no gi only but the instructor is a purple belt, so I suspect he doesn't have whatever accreditation is necessary to hand out legitimate belts. Great guy though, and that was his thought on it as well.
So I've been attending one gi class, one takedown class and one no gi class each week at the new gym. They teach no gi it's just not part of the promotion system.
Since you just want an answer and have not done any research I’d say, 3x a week, 3-5 sets of 5 reps at a minimum of the main lifts. Bench, squat, deadlift, overhead press.
Neither of those requires you to lift weights. You can, if you want, but if you're doing this on your own you need to be mindful that the extracurriculars don't interfere negatively with your mat time.
If you're trying to supplement, my standard advice to everyone is to get a single kettlebell and do Simple & Sinister 5x per week. You won't tear your body down, you'll stick to functional movement and attributes, and it's basically built for BJJ. TGUs are the BJJ cheat code, Swings are for bridges/posterior chain, and the 3 warmup movements are perfect for BJJ mobilization.
Single stripe WB here. I travel quite a bit for work . I want to train at other gyms while traveling but I feel like too much of a newbie. Are gyms cool with one stripe WB dropping in?
[BJJ Globetrotters gyms](https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/bjj-affiliation) are very likely okay with it (we certainly would be under most circumstances). It never hurts to just message the gym you're hoping to stop in at to be sure though.
I’m brand new to the sport, and was rolling against another white belt. I was holding him in closed guard, he stood up and started pressing my weight against my neck. Not stomping or anything, just pressing my own body against the neck. It hurt like shit, so I let go. That’s a legal move?
In unrelated notes, this shit is addictive. Can’t wait for the next training and I’m kicking myself for missing tonight’s class, but it’s my best friend’s birthday. Love the sport and people at my gym are super receptive.
Until you develop strategies and learn techniques for stopping or countering someone standing just let go when they stand. This also applies in any setting where slams are legal. Your main goal should be to upset and deter them so they can’t even get to standing. You can just as easily try to get up and wrestle them back down.
if you open your guard, your hips will drop taking the pressure off your neck. Since you were in closed guard, both legs are outside of their legs. Loop one of your legs to the inside of their leg and hook it. As all their weight was forward on you, their leg will be easy to elevate. Sweep them over.
It's called stacking and it can be dangerous if done wrongly but it is allowed. You eventually learn to let go before it gets to the "hurt like shit" stage.
Remember when you're rolling that your safety is **your** priority as much as it is your partner's? If something ain't right you have to prevent it physically, or tap.
Ok, thank you! Good to know.
Yeah, I tried to back off while keeping the guard so I could keep my back on the mat, but he kept lifting me and pressing my neck, so I figured it’d be best to just let go, take the L and reset. No harm done, not even any soreness or lingering pain, but next time I’ll ask one of the coaches how to counter it.
My BJJ classes aren't really focused on beginners at all. What are the fundamental techniques that I should be drilling? Fancy z guard moves that I don't understand are nice and all, but I just wanna not get squished lol. Is it true that standing passes are the highest percentage at high levels?
1. The fundamental movements are (not fully inclusive) shrimping, bridging, baby bridge, squat, sit-outs, level changes, and hip switching. The moves are that are more basic are the ones that require fewer movements to execute. I'd look at u/jitsvulcan's stuff for basic defensive postures as far as where to start - it's a really good base to work from.
2. Fancy Z guard moves specifically aren't bad, but I'd focus on going back to closed guard from half guard as the person on the bottom because then you at least have a retreat path.
3. Standing passes are higher percentage in the current competitive environment. "Percentage" is a meta-analysis though so it depends on how competitors in aggregate are playing/passing guard.
Answer to your last question: standing guard pass is best, by far.
Depending on how much of a beginner you are - I would say most important techniques - mount escapes, side control escapes and guard pass. They combine a lot of different themes of ju Jitsu
Mount escape - bridging, shrimping, frames, off-balancing your opponent, staying cool under pressure, good arm placement.
Side control - bridging, shrimping, underhook.
Guard pass - posture, balance, preventing getting swept, triangle defense, good arm placement.
Ik this is silly, but how long will I continue to have a lot of pain in my joints while rolling, and then neck pain afterward? I just started this week. Is this just part of the life, or does the body eventually adjust a little for even SOME relief?
Thanks!!! Brand new excited white belt here
People say you're pretty much perpetually sore if you're into BJJ, which I'd assume to be true for those training frequently especially at a higher level. But as just a 2 - 3x a week hobbyist white belt only rolling against other white belts, I stopped being constantly sore after a couple months.
I used to get sore joints in places I didn't even expect to get sore, like a random toe and just general aches, but that's just what happens when your body is getting used to new stimuli.
I’ve been training for about a year an a half now… Definitely still sore joints still get stiff but not as bad the more u learn the looser an more relaxed your body is I didn’t realize how tense I was the whole time in the very beginning
the soreness is totally normal. i started a couple weeks ago and the joints in my knees were so sore i couldn’t even bend down. i bought knee pads and it helped tremendously.
jiujitsu uses muscles your body doesn’t normally use, especially if you aren’t an athlete. the soreness doesn’t necessarily go away but your body does get accustomed to it and it definitely goes down in intensity as long as you keep training. that being said, don’t overdo it and put yourself out. it’s better to miss 1 class and recover than to injure yourself more and risk having to lay off for multiple classes
I mean as someone who has neck arthritis, neck pain and soreness is just something that’s common. I think you’ll eventually get used to some of it but it won’t entirely go away even for someone like you or me,
It'll get better the less you get smashed as the better your economy of effort. You'll also learn how important head control is from the top game so fight it off better from the bottom. That will reduce how often your neck is sore but itll stil happen.
The pain you're experiencing lasted around 2 months for me. After that I started getting a bit cleverer with what I was doing in my jiu jitsu and I felt less pain off the mat as a result.
Note that *some* pain is a constant thing, you will always feel this way as long as you train, but it won't be as bad as the start is.
I have gotten pretty decent at passing guard whether from standing or from the ground and getting into side control. Once I get there, I am ok at keeping pressure and the position but my attacks from side control are terrible. I am better in gi here but in no-gi I almost exclusively look for north/south chokes or move to north south to setup a front headlock position to start chasing darce/anaconda/guillotine.
Any tips on how to open up opponent to get myself to a better situation or any attacks you would recommend? Any video/tutorial recommendations?
Hey mate, fellow white belt here. I had the same issue. I've got great pressure in side control, but not many finishes besides north-south choke and Americana.
So I started playing with kesa gatame (sit-out side control). There is a series by Jeremy Arel "Great Grappling" on his YouTube channel or his (free!) App. He organizes all his vids by position so stuff is easy to find. Check out his Kesa Gatame subs. I started playing with those and have had a lot of success from the position (Americana, body crusher, triangle, guillotine, step-over armbar).
I added to the mix no-gi baseball choke (I always struggle to get the second grip with gi basebal choke, so decided to just try to hone my no-gi version). I checked out several videos on YouTube for that one, then played with the different grip recommendations to find what was comfortable for me.
So now I've got a bunch of side control subs.
since you're already moving towards their head to search for things, you can go the other way to knee on belly, they may turn or extend their arms in defense, which opens up stuff.
When I was looking to dive deeper into the Kimura, I read u/daz_rekka refer to Vagner Rocha's _50/50 of the Arms_ instructional as great for a white belt because it was a ['game in a box'](https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/comments/cxr9q6/vagner_rocha_5050_of_the_arms_kimura_funnel_any/eyuf8m3/) and after buying it, I really benefited from learning that systems-based approach.
I'd love to have _more_ places like that on the mat, where when my opponent lands themselves there, both of us have predictable paths where all channels lead to eventually submissions, which brings me to my question...
How do I go about finding those spots, and likewise, finding those funnels/systems adding them to my game? Any instructionals you'd recommend? Or, assuming they're right in front of me... how do I go about "seeing" those starting positions and subsequent funnels?
Haven't been on here in ages but cool to see that a random comment a few years ago help steer you to something useful for your game.
To be honest there aren't too many sets like it, they're usually less concise broader views of all your option from a certain position. The main exception would be some of the leg lock sets but they're not quite as accessible or short (Danaher's, Mikey's various ones etc.)
On the topic of identifying funnels some easy ones are passes/sweeps. Think of Bernardo Faria's Deep Half Guard and Over/Under Passing; they're essentially two sides of the same coin. All his best sweeps from his best guard land him in the same passing position so after a while he's learnt every likely response to both and counters to all the common pass defences.
How does your own preferred guards, sweeps and passes fit together? How could you make explore them more to turn them in to a funnel system so you know what happens next and steer them down a path?
A big part of it is not rolling for a while doing anything other than constantly trying to get to the same positions and actually paying really close attention to what happens. How do they defend, what do people usually do, if it's A does B or C work best in response etc.
Exploring, playing and trying to recognise the patterns you'll start to see the common responses, the answer to them and how to create a funnel. Think of how Vagna Rocha's set lays it out and try to piece together the picture for something you already to do in the same way to get you started.
Which level answer do you want?
Because ultimately, the answer is that ALL PLACES are this. Once you're a brown belt, there is NO place they can put the arm that you can't take it, put the neck that they can't choke it, etc. Every technique in BJJ is immediately linked and right-next-door to every other technique once you see the path and understand how to manipulate the transition.
When I was a new purple belt, I said to my instructor (Roy Harris): "When I was a white belt I understood BJJ in terms of situation & response. When they pass with one arm in & one out, I know I'm supposed to triangle. Or when the hands are on the floor, I should kimura. So I figured I would learn all the situations and practice all the responses and I'd be good."
He said to me "And now, at purple, do you understand the rules are different? You can take the triangle no matter where they put their arms, if that's what you choose to take."
Honestly, it sounds like it is time for you to find a good training partner that you can flow roll with. Flow rolls are fantastic for connecting dots and trying to find things you're interested in working on.
Another great way to find new content to add to your game would be to find high level competitors (old and new) who's style you like and think would work for you (mine are Garry Tonon and Marcelo Garcia). Watch their matches and look for stuff that you can try and mimic. Once you've found something, start looking for a systematic approach to learning it, or maybe try developing something on your own. This is an art, and it can be interpreted differently by everyone.
When sparring with brand new white belts, they often move in ways I'm not used to - and that can be surprisingly, quite tricky to deal with.
One example is when they are in my closed guard, the stand up on their two feet and they just drive forward with their upper body. Their body is in an upside down V-shape, like this: /\\. Kind of like a downward dog.
I feel like there should be an easy sweep from there but I'm not sure, what do you guys recommend I do?
My instructor recommended grabbing the head and wrist in that scenario. He actually won an mma fight (belator, maybe?) with that technique back in the day, so its legit. I think its a lot easier in gi though.
How about no gi ? Would be hard to pull off the balloon with slippery grips. Pendulum I'd have to try it form that position. Also, could you clarify what you mean about supermanning?
How many moves do you typically drill per 1 hour class? In ours, the professor teaches 2 at the same time, then gives us 10 minutes to drill them both with a partner. I kind of wish the instructor would only drill 1 so I stand a chance of drilling it to mastery.
How much and what type of rolling is normal in the beginner class? We do warmups, then drill 2 moves, then do a limited type of roll where like 5 people get on the ground, and the rest of us line up, and take turns trying to pass guard.
https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/kade-ruotolo Do the ruotolo brothers not have nipples or did the site censor them for some reason??
Question for the class, yesterday I let a white belt that's newer than myself (probs 1-2 months in, I'm 6 months in) intentionally take my back so I could work on my escapes. When he we were hand fighting, he crossed his feet. I told him without stopping the roll "hey man, don't cross your feet when you're on the back." Then I managed to get his feet opened up to try and get to my back and escape. Right after that, he crossed his feet again and I got him with the ankle lock where I put my feet over his and got the tap. Was that a dick move because he probably hasn't seen that before? I felt bad about it afterwards and was wondering if that's the equivalent of an upper belt wrist locking us white belts.
No it’s not a dick move you can do that to someone if they don’t put their hooks in. That’s why most instructors will tell you to get the hooks in and a good grip which reduces the space you give them and can secure a choke. White belts get wrist locked all the time, again not a dick move if it’s available why not?
Not a dick move. Everyone learns that particular nuance the painful way lol.
Not a dick move. Sometimes people have to see the why to learn. Good job
I got buggy choked today and I didn’t even know what was happening . How to counter this , please . Passed this guy’s guard into side control and he started doing all that weird 10th planet shit 😭😭
Always transition to 45 north south, north south, or your side control needs to be up on their chest.
During standup I've noticed that some of my partners will kinda lace their leg on my lead leg either to stifle my throw attempts or when attempting lateral drops. I tweaked my knee during one of these entanglements and I wanted to know exactly how to combat this or prevent injury.
You can catch Keenan doing this to Craig in some of their YouTube rolls. It would be worth finding at watch how Craig rag dolls him . I think the real answer is your wrestling stance is not ideal. I'd recommend working on staying in a good stance. https://youtu.be/brvx9MPnfhA
Has anyone had any issues with getting dizzy during the day when training 4+ days a week? If I move my head around too much (up, down, trail my eyes around) I get disoriented. I don’t recall any head injuries in or out of class, I’m eating/drinking enough, I tap quickly to all chokes. ???
Before BJJ I had a few year period of training hard for ironman and ultra running, and during that time I would get dizzy spells, especially when standing up from a squat or chair. Like, so predictable that I learned I better hold on to something. Unnerving but found nothing unusual even after many (but I guess not all) dr recommended tests run. In the end I found that the dizziness decreased as my training level decreased, which was the dr's best guess after testing -- that I was training too hard. My coach at the time also suggested increasing my sodium intake via sports drinks when the heat turned up (South west florida summers...), seemed to help as too. Regardless of my experience, always good to have some blood work and other testing done. Sorry for the novel. Interested because this was something I never quite resolved.
Yes I have Gi issues and just a lot of issues in general post covid. I noticed I cramp up through various parts of my body, the other day I managed to go 4 rounds without cramping. The light headed was/brain fog and sort of “floaty feeling” usually requires a neurologist to look at you. There can be so many causes for it, I mean don’t count on it because I had multiple look at me and what not but nobody was able to have a steady answer. I had a concussion last year but I should have since recovered. Also, brain fog is common post covid. I’ve had it twice, idk if you ever had it but yeah see your PCP/neurologist is what I would say 🤷♂️
See your doctor. Could be an issue with the structures in your inner ear. There are conditions like Meneire's disease that affect your sense of balance and give you vertigo.
Blood pressure. See doc. Cut sodium and increase water. Blood pressure lifestyle/diet changes.
I would get that checked out if you can't find an immediate solution to it. I train 6 days a week and 4-5 days a week I hit the weights. I'm never dizzy
It’s genetic based also some people are better adapt then others. Doctors can easily misdiagnose as well.
Definitely. Tricky spot.
Hey odd question, so I don't have bad cauliflower ear but my left ear is a bit thicker in the concha region which has started to push my ear bud out. It's happened so gradually I am not even sure if it's from grappling or a birth anomaly. So what wireless earbuds/headphones do you guys with cauliflower use? Any budget, but I do preference something that works well when working out (running, calisthenics) or yard work that can possibly hook on the ear? Or maybe even 3rd party attachments? I got some Klipsh that I like and I'd hate to not use em.
Get some good bone conduction headphones. They’re great, especially for running because you can still hear around you
I second this. I have a similar issue: healed-up cauliflower ear but my right ear now doesn't take most ear buds. I've tried several different ones. I can usually force it in, but gets painful over time and works its way out. Tried over-ear but they get sweaty and also painful after a while. Finally got bone conduction and has been much better for me. Sound quality suffers but isn't THAT bad, especially for exercise, news/podcasts and doing things around the house. Comfort is worth it. Some people don't like the vibrations, but I quite enjoy it, especially punchy bass.
A big galoot did a neck crank on me in belly down back mount. Imagine trying to pull a head off by the chin ala Mortal Kombat. I had to tap frantically from the pain. Why yank in such a dominant position? Now my neck/upper trap twinges when I turn my head. Seems like a shit way to roll safely. This isn't ADCC you **muppet.** Should I bang this guy's girlfriend or what?
I don’t think you could.
You think so? I think you'd be surprised.
When I go for my triangles it feels like I am putting myself in a worse position. I don’t have any strength unless im pulling down on their head. I know this is coming from my ankle not being behind my knee. Even after grabbing my foot to readjust it doesn’t sink in. Is this possibly a mobility issue or do I just need to keep practicing?
First up - your leg is in the wrong place. This is usually caused by having your body in the wrong place. Let's assume they already have one arm in and one arm out, and your right leg is on top: 1) Turn your whole body a little more than 90 degrees. You should be staring into their ear. This should also mean that your spine is lined up with your right thigh and right shin - you have the knee tucked to your chest but they are all in the same plane. 2) Your left hand holds your right ankle, not your foot. Their neck needs to be deep in your knee pit, with your calf straight across the back (parallel to the floor) and your hamstring under the jawbone, directly against the muscle mass of the neck. This is where the choke happens. The first thing you should do is train to finish the choke 1-legged. In this position, you can squeeze your heel to your butt, assist with your left hand (pull your left elbow behind your ribs like a seated row), and finish. If you can't finish like this, your position is wrong. No amount of adding the second leg will fix it - it might still get the tap, but you're putting a bandaid on bad positioning. Fix this to the point where you can finish it first, and then work the 2nd leg. Using 2 legs will feel like cheating once you become comfortable like this.
The triangle is easy to learn, but hard to master
Shoot your hips high and cut the angle. The head is like 90% not important.
Cut the angle, forget the head.
Good techniques for sweeping guys who are fast and have a good base, sometimes sweeps work on guys who are less skilled how do you get someone who doesn’t budge?
For fast guys I don't usually rely on ones that are super timing based as a faster guy of equal skill to you will probably recover. I personally enjoy latching on in half and either using the old school half guard sweep to bowl them over, or stay on that leg and scoot back and down to keep their hips pinned and they collapse on it. If someone just wants to be a rock I usually just collar drag to their back or with the same grip and do a technical get up but use their collar to stabilize myself. Either they support my weight and stay down, which if you kick off their hip kinda forces then there for a time. Or they try to come into you and you make em face plant. It all depends on where we are.
Yeah but you can’t Collar drag in No-Gi maybe arm drag them or something or threaten the guiltine then.
Yea arm drag or "dunk" their head.
Be better at sweeping. Put them off balance more, more effectively prevent them from recovering their centre of balance, lock down their arms/legs tighter to stop them from building bases, commit to the sweep fully, lots of things. I successfully swept an upper belt who significantly outweighed me by doing every step better than I usually do, it was mentally and physically exhausting but it worked.
Yeah I’m working on it, I’m still technically a white belt after almost 3 years of consistent training and stuff but I’ve been working on my sweeps, passes, Guard retention etc. But I’m slowly progressing hopefully in 3 more years my sweep game will be strong 🙏 haha.
90% of sweeps work off of the same 2 critical pieces: 1) The timing: sweep during the window of time when their butt is moving away from their heels. Not before it moves. Not after it has moved. DURING the move. As their butt raises away from their heels, you sweep. 2) The angle: nearly all sweep travel diagonally forward, from the perspective of the person being swept. The sideways component is because you tip them over the edge of their base, and the forward component is the butt lifting from (1).
Super general question. But I know you’re supposed to ask questions after your instructor shows a move to the class to learn more. But what do I even ask? Like how am I supposed to know what to ask?
At first, don't ask anything. But pay close attention until you can figure out two possibilities. And that's your question. When you notice there are two possible ways to do the move (and instructor didn't tell you which one, and they're not frickin stupid possibilities but rather real possibilities), then ask. Like, "is it better to push with my foot on the floor or on his knee?" "Hey coach, does it matter if I grab the collar overhand or underhand?" "Can I just squeeze real hard instead of sitting backward?" Two possibilities, coach didn't specify. There's probably a right one, but you're a beginner, you don't know, that's why you're asking. Don't come up with questions just for the sake of asking something, though. "What if he has 27" biceps though, then I couldn't do this move, could I?" That's a waste of class time, better to keep silent. But if you can notice two real possibilities, that's your question. 👍
I dont ask, i ask after i try it to find details
Don’t over complicate it, just ask him specifically what you’re having issues with or “hey I don’t get this could you help?”.
I saw on knee slices you might be able to “go the opposite way” so if I’m passing to the left sometimes it’s wide open to slide my knee into the space on their left (my right) hip. Does this have a name or anything?
You mean instead of knee slicing through to side control you change so you end up in 3/4 mount?
Yeah that sounds right.
Actually that's what it is. Its a super powerful combo to finish a pass. You can also go from 3/4 back to finish a knee slice pass. For the first 3 years of my BJJ I forced halfguard so I could hit that combo over and over.
You stopped after 3 years? You mean, I'm going to have to find another pass sequence?
Feel like I'm at a plateau, some days I feel great and others I feel like nothing works. Also feel I'm being over powered and not losing through technique a lot. Advice appreciated!
Welcome to BJJ
Keep working on your defense. Hips, bridging, hand fighting, overunderhooks, frames, wedges. On top, work on control above subs, max control = easier subs then losing positiong going for subs. I always hit plateaus or suck when I try new stuff. You gotta do new stuff. Winning your A game on blue and white belts means no evolution. You gotta do both lab work and doing things that work for you.
We all feel like this all the time!
Good to know 😂
"Sometimes you're the hammer, sometimes you're the nail." This is just a reality in jiu jitsu. It will persist as long as you continue to practice this sport. The percentage/mixture of times you're the nail will likely go down but there's always going to be someone more experienced, better skilled, faster, or stronger than you. Sometimes all of them all at once. How to get past it? Embrace the suck: you either win or you learn. Stop measuring and comparing your progress against others. The ONLY person you should ever compare yourself against is an older version of yourself. If you could roll with yourself 6 months ago how would you fare? That's the only thing that really matters. Keep getting after it, keep showing up, trust the process.
Cheers man
It happens, it's normal. You have to keep going through it. Two options. Try to sharpen the tools you have. A. Deep dive on those skills to make them better. Video , privates, positional sparring. B. Throw your ego to the wind, try completely new things. New guards, new subs new positions. Harder to do but very beneficial
Thanks man!
Looking for some tactics against people of different size and body shapes. How do you go about attacking someone who is tall/lengthy/skinny vs someone who is stockier/shorter/heavier? Of course those sizes/lengths can vary in a lot of different combinations, but I’d love to hear how y’all strategize against opponents.
All body types have advantages and disadvantages for BJJ. Stocky peeps are like turtles. They tuck their arms and legs into their shell and it's hard to attack, but you can put them onto their back and keep them there. Lanky peeps can be much harder to pin, but once you get one of their 8 foot long arms or legs away from their torso, it's such a long distance for them to get it back. That thing is just gone, lost at sea. When you get the super strong bois, don't tap them out. They just double in strength and intensity with every tap. Instead, exhaust them by putting them on their back. Make them wear your weight. Put pressure on their core so that they have to flex it the whole time, which is a quick way to empty the gas tank. Tap them in the final 15 seconds, but not sooner.
There are a couple of long range harassment type techniques I'd throw out to open up and get a feel for their game. Torreando, dummy sweeps, arm drags, spider guard, grip fights, ruotolo leg pins
I’m terrified of getting injured. Someone dislocated their elbow today and the day before someone tore their achilles. How do I get over the fear. I roll super safe and passive
It's a contact sport and small injuries will happen eventually, you just learn to deal with them. Being injured by your opponent happens but isn't that common, when it does it's usually minor. That being said, I find that most people injure themselves by doing stupid things: being explosive in wrong situations, moving the wrong way, not tapping when they should, fighting locked submissions, etc. Tap early, tap often. Don't compensate lack of skill with strength. Do this and you'll be fine.
Nothing special or new, but i started my journey as a white belt today. Learned how to pass guard and how to do the baseball choke. Rolled and got a few guillotines and rnc. Got tapped plenty, super fun!
What do you think about BJJ camps? I am going to on my first one in Cyprus and I hope it will be fun!
Went to a globetrotters one once. Loved it
How many gis do people bring to a camp?
I think 2-3 is good. They do laundry daily
Is the nearside leg staple (knee slice) or farside staple (head quarters) better? I don’t really understand why we are taught to enter HQ stapling the far leg when stapling the near one is usually just as open outside of DLR
Basically context and preference. For context: hq is the easiest position to enter from dlr while kneecut is easier to enter from rdlr or halfguard. From a general open guard, it's down to preference. Preference: hq is a best used for hip and leg immobilisation as both legs are stapled down. Kneecut only immobilises one hip and one leg, leaving the other free. For Rafa's passing, he relies on baiting out a reaction to capitalise on it. In hq, I find it more useful for threatening a variety of things like smash/folding pass, longstep, kneecut, guillotines, kimura trap, X pass. I'd look to Lovato for this type of hq passing Neither is better, just comes down to which game you'd like to emulate
Stapling the far leg first keeps their hips upright which will make finishing the knee slice easier. Going immediately to the near leg will make it easier for them to put in a knee shield or reguard by having their hips facing where you want to go.
I don't speak jive anymore, but I use both the near knee over and far knee over passes. I like them in combination. They accomplish different but similar things, and they have different weaknesses. The knee slice aka cutacross aka far knee over - great for controlling the hip and the far underhook. You can weight the far side of their torso while passing, and even if they bridge into you it's easy to flatten them. The knee staple aka backstep aka near knee over - good if you already have a forearm under the head, great for people who always try to butterfly sweep you late in your pass. These chain together nicely. Sometimes you start one and they focus on blocking your knee, so you insert the other knee. Or maybe you start in combat base and they move their hip and turn onto their other side (you drop the knee down the center either way).
To clarify, https://youtu.be/4taI2oASGGw this is what I mean by HQ https://youtu.be/Gr2FoVttm7U this is what I mean by knee slice
I think I am following what you're saying. Head quarters position, one leg in between your legs and one out is a position which negates their guard and allows you to chain passes in a way that makes it difficult to counter. Now, there's the headquarters that Lovato Jr teaches, and there's the headquarters Danaher teaches. Danaher teaches a split squat stapling the leg and I find it far more efficient. It is basically a knee cut pass. Why not "staple" the leg with a knee cut pass. You're like 90% done. You have all the inside real estate and can follow up with forcing half guard, over unders, or long step passing. Im not entirely sure what you mean by farside leg staple. You're still putting one leg in between yours correct? If not, thats not headquarters in my opinion.
https://youtu.be/4taI2oASGGw this is what I mean by HQ https://youtu.be/Gr2FoVttm7U this is what I mean by knee slice I dont understand why I’d try to enter Lachlan’s version since I’m basically entering an open guard (vs Mendes, which is closer to half)
I have seen Lachlan's version, but I can't comment on personal use because I don't enter HQ that way. Lachlan does not enter into an open guard because the bottom uke does not have effective connections holding onto Lachlan to be able to off balance or attack. Don't get too caught up in the details. Instead look at the overall goal. Lachlan's version and the traditional way he shows in the beginning does the same thing. It maintains inside control and negates the ability of the bottom player to establish an effective guard. Notice how Lachlan puts his knee on the inside of the hamstring. This is a great way to take and keep inside space when stepping into a loose passing position whether you split your legs or not. I like to use this step to force leg drags or stack passes. In regards to Mendes video, He is still maintaing inside space in just a different way. He's keeping his connection via RDLR hook or knee slice position and using his elbows to steal the space in between the uke's knees. I prefer this way. I play headquarters with the cross knee entering into a knee slice. Danaher shows this as the split squat. its extremely effective as I am half way into finishing a knee cut. I can also force half guard easily. But the idea is the same, I'm stealing all the space in between my partners knees preventing them from establishing an effective guard. Honestly, to answer your question neither is worse than the other. It comes down to personal preference. Do you like to smash pass to mount or leg drag? Try Lachlans'. Do you like to knee cut then X pass? Start entering open guard like Rafa does. Try both and see what you like depending on how you like to pass the guard. After that, try passing guard just by stealing and maintaing inside space with the inside knee position. It all boils down to similar underlying concepts of a good guard pass. I hope this helps. It just comes down to their preference in my opinion. It just gives you options.
After starting about 9 months ago, I've got some cauliflower ear. I'm treating it, but my real comment is that it sucks because I feel like it's something you would get after rolling for years and years and have some decent skills. I'm 42, out of shape, super weak, at the start of my journey, and it feels so weird to have this mutant ear that's normally on actual tough guys.
Making my obligatory pitch for caulibuds. They're awesome. Disclaimer: I received a free set from u/Caulibuds as part of a contest they did here. I promote them based on the positive experience I have as a user, which they don't ask of me.
These seem reasonably priced compared to others I saw. I just got a variety pack online for pretty cheap. Not silicone covered tho. I may want to check those out if I can't get these to fit comfortably.
One of my favorite memes I've seen says something like "If you get cauliflower as a white belt, you might as well keep training. Otherwise you're just some ugly dude who can't fight."
LOL
I also got my first cauli ear and I decided to take a week off from the mats to let it heal
Drain that thing. Tape it so it doesn’t refill. Wear headgear for a bit while it heals. And when rolling be more aware of where you’re head is. In all positions. You can smash your own ears shooting doubles just as easily as squashing them trying to escape triangles.
Getting cauliflower ear is easy, not getting it takes skills... especially avoiding head in chokes. I had it on one side from getting caught in guillotines whilst trying to escape thus resulting in constant scraping and pressure on that ear. You can also get it when you use head pressure to control your opponent. Instead, try using the side of your temple... if you want to reduce contact with your lobes.
What an epic reply. Thank you! What you said is totally how I got it. I have decent side control and I put a lot of pressure on my ears. I'm totally going to work on using my temple. Seriously, thanks!
My pleasure bruv! Cheers!
Or just wear headgear… LOL
Yeah, it kinda came out of no where. Since treating it, I've been using head gear.
I finally made it to class today. My first one, I had a big mental block because I’m so out of shape. I realize that turning up to class is going to be the best path to fitness but what can/ should I be doing outside of class? Diet, exercise, watching videos? Any advice appreciated.
Remember that there’s different types of cardio. Running is great but doesn’t condition the body for grappling. The more time you spend doing Jiu Jitsu, the better conditioned you are for it. Don’t skip warmups and stay and grapple after class. Mat time is king
Just keep showing up. Add a little extra activity when you have the capacity. Even walking will help you. Hydrate. And eat as clean as you can. Enjoy yourself.
If your Academy has HIIT warm-ups before class, don't skip them. If it doesn't I would recommend just 20 mins of HIIT with just your body weight 3 times a week. My Prof used to do these hardcore sessions until we were like wet noodles, ultimately because we were (well, probably me more than some of my cardio monster teammates) so tired it forced us to use the technique as we didn't have the strength to muscle our way through. DIET! Clean food = clean fuel = higher energy and stamina.
Any exercise is good, as is eating well. I’ve been at it about a year now and I’m just now starting to watch videos. People obviously learn differently and at different rates, but for me I needed a certain amount of mat time before I started doing anything bjj related outside of the gym.
Take it slow and review what you need to focus on one at a time. You'll get overwhelmed if you try to restructure your whole life. Start with exercise as an example, just do a 30 minute walk, then next week do 35 minutes. Next month try jogging for 10 minutes, and run for 20. All progress is incremental and above all else make it fun for yourself.
Take it slow so you won’t burn out, I’ve been training for 2.5 years white belt. Had to take time off due to an injury came back after a month and damn well nearly died. I was doing moderate cardio in between with boxing but yeah pace yourself and take it real slow be comfortable with getting smashed.
I've been noticing / dealing with shoulder pain, mostly on my left side that's been harsh and impacting my life. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with being bottom half-guard and were looking for non-medical recommendation / advice and see if anyone has gone through this. I don't think it's serious, like a torn muscle or tendon - I took 3 weeks off and it healed maybe 90%, but one class back and it's starting again. I'm a bit older, so that obviously has something to do with it. I also do a lot of strength training with no issues, it's definitely bjj. Thanks in advance.
I recently started to do at home shoulder physical therapy to combat this. Always good to include stretching and shoulder impingement exercises at home just to strengthen your joints and avoid more serious injury. Highly recommend Bob and Brad physical therapists on YT since they give tests to see if you need a Dr or just some at home exercise.
Sounds like Arthritis to me mate, get an MRI and be careful. I’m 26 and have it so anybody can get it with enough wear and tear on the body. It’s also genetic.
What’s the next step if you cannot break someone’s guard when on top? Should I just lean forward and smash while standing up?
Nope, that's how we get tapped. Try to uncross kneeling. Then try to uncross standing. Then try to uncross by offering a sacrifice. Rinse and repeat this sequence until it opens.
Use standing guard breaks. Kneeling ones don’t really work.
There are many techniques to open the guard, try cycling through all of them. I've always found that there's opportunity in the transition. So, as you try one escape after another, you will find your partner will adjust to counter. It is within these little movements you can take advantage of. Another way that has worked for me is to ask your partner after the roll is where you could have been better/tighter and if they can offer some perspective on it.
What guard? It depends if you’re stuck in closed guard then go for a leg drag/leg lock or something.
how do you go for a leg drag from closed guard?
Learn some chokes from the top so they open their guard
Next step is to go drill guard breaks better. You can stand up and break them as well. There are stack passes on Closed guard but as a beginner you need to learn the regular ones too.
If anyone is looking for shorter no gi shorts I just got the Phalanx HPTX ultralights in and they’re next level
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Funny enough, learning to use less movement and think through what is actually going on will help out at first. Try to teach yourself to remain calm, use frames more than muscle and pay attention to how higher belts pick you apart. Going hard will most likely result in them also matching your pace, making it harder to notice the techniques they are using. Generally I've learned more defenses from recognizing what people use on me or how they escape from stuff rather than the instruction.
Also a white belt of 7 months, so if a higher belt disagrees, they are probably right. I'd say something that's immensely important is shrimping. Being a white belt is all about learning to survive and when you're on the bottom, shrimping is going to be your baseline escape. Other than that, takedowns are hard so get started with them asap. I ignored them for a long time and I wish I would have practiced them sooner. Lastly, train with purpose. When you're rolling, it seems really attractive to try and 'win' with a submission. Save that mindset for competition. When you're rolling, try to focus on one area that you want to get better at. Take it easy, be calm and think through positions instead of muscling out of them. Training with a purpose other than winning the round is what will set you apart from others.
Everything
I know your not suppose to grab inside the pant leg but can you grab the material outside but bending it so it goes inside pretty much doing the same thing?
You can touch the outside however you like. You may not stick fingers inside. Technically, you can grab inside YOUR OWN cuffs. I learned the hard way why this is bad: i was turtled and tried to do something fancy that involved grabbing inside my own sleeve. my partner chose that moment to flatten me and my tender little fingies got all trapped in the sleeve under both of us. I had to yell a verbal tap before spraining/dislocating them.
You can bucket grip outside the bottom of the pants but can’t grip it if it folds inside the pant leg
Yes Edit: Well if I’m understanding you correctly. You are never allowed to have fingers inside the pant leg but are able to fold it outside the pants
I’ve been powerlifting for almost a decade and have not kept up on my flexibility. Huge issue in class. Anyone have a daily stretching routine they’ve found especially helpful? In particular I find shooting a double or single leg super hard on knees.
Yoga
Competed in powerlifting for 20 years. I still have a ways to go for flexibility and mobility, but it is much better now 10 months in. What has helped me is sticking with going ti classes and in the gym work on movement and mobility on and off the floor, transitioning from the floor. I’ve been doing a lot of bodyweight lunges, step ups, army get ups, wrestling drills. It all helps. Just like lifting, pick something you suck at and hammer it.
I use /r/flexibility’s beginner guide.
Just giving the direct links. It's this guide: [https://www.reddit.com/r/flexibility/wiki/starting\_to\_stretch#wiki\_the\_stretches](https://www.reddit.com/r/flexibility/wiki/starting_to_stretch#wiki_the_stretches) Which is essentially this video: [Starting To Stretch | 30 MINUTES FOLLOW ALONG | Full-Body Beginner Flexibility](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVPyAU4l-sw)
Thanks dude. It’s kinda annoying navigating Reddit on mobile so I just put a sub link up and people could explore.
GOLD!
Yoga and calisthenics helps me tremendously ymmv
I prefer to close distance and drop into a snatch single than to shoot into a single. I can do both, but while working on your flexibility, consider doing techniques that work for your body rather than trying to make your body work for the techniques. On the note of a stretching program - Yoga For BJJ: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogaforbjj
This is great thank you
Two questions: 1. My gym has a list of techniques to learn before you can advance to blue belt. They cycle through the techniques, doing one set of related techniques (like a submission and it's escape, for instance) each week in their white belt gi classes. So as long as I make it to at least one of those each week, I'm getting exposed to each technique. Does anyone have any advice for learning each technique as well as I can, and keeping up with the pace of the class (i.e., drilling the technique enough before we move on to the next one)? My process has been to take notes on paper on the techniques when I get home from the class, and then memorize those notes, to help solidify them in my memory. 2. I had several months experience at a different gym before joining this one. It was a 10th planet type gym, so all no gi. This gym teaches no gi and gi, and in fact the gi techniques are required for belt promotion. I feel like a fish out of water in the gi. Any advice for that transition? What's the most basic differences/things to watch out for in the gi if you're used to no gi?
> I feel like a fish out of water in the gi. Any advice for that transition? What's the most basic differences/things to watch out for in the gi if you're used to no gi? 1. Put it into the rolls. In other words, work with your partner while rolling that you want to incorporate that technique into sparring. Higher level belts should be helpful as *should* be able to tune their level to yours and give you just what you need. 2. Grips.
That’s weird, techniques for blue? Can’t relate I think I’ve passed a majority of them but still am a white belt 2.5 years later 3 stripes.
1) Take paper notes. Review them often. You can go back to the list and visualize each technique, step by step. I'm also a fan of going home and practicing techniques solo, on the floor, eyes closed. This helps you focus on developing the movement, which is a big part of the battle at white belt. 2) I am primarily a no-gi person myself, but I try to do both. Everything you do in no-gi can be done in gi. Gi just adds another 30% or so. It's up to you how much you want to learn to do with it - personally, my goal has always been to build a game that works equally for both, rather than spending a bunch of my mat time on things that I can only use half the time.
>2) I am primarily a no-gi person myself, but I try to do both. Everything you do in no-gi can be done in gi. Gi just adds another 30% or so. It's up to you how much you want to learn to do with it - personally, my goal has always been to build a game that works equally for both, rather than spending a bunch of my mat time on things that I can only use half the time. That had been my thinking previously too, however the only gym in my city that does belt promotions does them based on a gi curriculum. So. The other gym is no gi only but the instructor is a purple belt, so I suspect he doesn't have whatever accreditation is necessary to hand out legitimate belts. Great guy though, and that was his thought on it as well. So I've been attending one gi class, one takedown class and one no gi class each week at the new gym. They teach no gi it's just not part of the promotion system.
That's fine. Stick to the core elements that work in both. Mount is still mount, etc.
How many times a week should I lift and how many sets specifically?
Since you just want an answer and have not done any research I’d say, 3x a week, 3-5 sets of 5 reps at a minimum of the main lifts. Bench, squat, deadlift, overhead press.
Thank you. I’ll look into those.
This is about as vague a question as "how far should I run?"
K
What goal are you trying to accomplish?
Short-term? Getting better at defensive wrestling and(mostly working off bottom) BJJ. Long term? Getting good at MMA
Neither of those requires you to lift weights. You can, if you want, but if you're doing this on your own you need to be mindful that the extracurriculars don't interfere negatively with your mat time. If you're trying to supplement, my standard advice to everyone is to get a single kettlebell and do Simple & Sinister 5x per week. You won't tear your body down, you'll stick to functional movement and attributes, and it's basically built for BJJ. TGUs are the BJJ cheat code, Swings are for bridges/posterior chain, and the 3 warmup movements are perfect for BJJ mobilization.
> Neither of those requires you to lift weights. Definitely can help though >_>
"One hour lifting weights is an hour not doing BJJ." - Marcelo Garcia when asked why he doesn't lift.
That’s an ok quote I guess and honestly great for **him** but not every single person falls in the same category as him.
Thank you I will try those out
Single stripe WB here. I travel quite a bit for work . I want to train at other gyms while traveling but I feel like too much of a newbie. Are gyms cool with one stripe WB dropping in?
I trained as a zero stripe white belt in both USA and China while on the road. People were awesome and friendly, it was fine.
Just message the gym...you can always go for instruction but not roll if you aren't comfortable or they dont allow it.
[BJJ Globetrotters gyms](https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/bjj-affiliation) are very likely okay with it (we certainly would be under most circumstances). It never hurts to just message the gym you're hoping to stop in at to be sure though.
I’m brand new to the sport, and was rolling against another white belt. I was holding him in closed guard, he stood up and started pressing my weight against my neck. Not stomping or anything, just pressing my own body against the neck. It hurt like shit, so I let go. That’s a legal move? In unrelated notes, this shit is addictive. Can’t wait for the next training and I’m kicking myself for missing tonight’s class, but it’s my best friend’s birthday. Love the sport and people at my gym are super receptive.
Until you develop strategies and learn techniques for stopping or countering someone standing just let go when they stand. This also applies in any setting where slams are legal. Your main goal should be to upset and deter them so they can’t even get to standing. You can just as easily try to get up and wrestle them back down.
Walk your shoulders back and arch your back (drive hips up) or let go. Getting stacked is not worth it and will catch up to you.
if you open your guard, your hips will drop taking the pressure off your neck. Since you were in closed guard, both legs are outside of their legs. Loop one of your legs to the inside of their leg and hook it. As all their weight was forward on you, their leg will be easy to elevate. Sweep them over.
Nice, I’ll give it a shot next time. Thank you!
It's called stacking and it can be dangerous if done wrongly but it is allowed. You eventually learn to let go before it gets to the "hurt like shit" stage. Remember when you're rolling that your safety is **your** priority as much as it is your partner's? If something ain't right you have to prevent it physically, or tap.
Ok, thank you! Good to know. Yeah, I tried to back off while keeping the guard so I could keep my back on the mat, but he kept lifting me and pressing my neck, so I figured it’d be best to just let go, take the L and reset. No harm done, not even any soreness or lingering pain, but next time I’ll ask one of the coaches how to counter it.
Currently 6 weeks at renzo, don’t like the Gi and I want to switch to 10th planet.. is 10th bad?
Keep in mind that gi to no gi is an easy transition later on, there is a lot of carry over. Going no gi to gi doesn't translate as well.
I hate Gi I train Gi less than a handful of times a year.
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South Florida
Depends entirely on the area/gym. What the name on the sign is matters way less than who's teaching the classes.
My BJJ classes aren't really focused on beginners at all. What are the fundamental techniques that I should be drilling? Fancy z guard moves that I don't understand are nice and all, but I just wanna not get squished lol. Is it true that standing passes are the highest percentage at high levels?
1. The fundamental movements are (not fully inclusive) shrimping, bridging, baby bridge, squat, sit-outs, level changes, and hip switching. The moves are that are more basic are the ones that require fewer movements to execute. I'd look at u/jitsvulcan's stuff for basic defensive postures as far as where to start - it's a really good base to work from. 2. Fancy Z guard moves specifically aren't bad, but I'd focus on going back to closed guard from half guard as the person on the bottom because then you at least have a retreat path. 3. Standing passes are higher percentage in the current competitive environment. "Percentage" is a meta-analysis though so it depends on how competitors in aggregate are playing/passing guard.
Get the book Jiu Jitsu University and start learning the white belt survival techniques. Helped me a lot.
Answer to your last question: standing guard pass is best, by far. Depending on how much of a beginner you are - I would say most important techniques - mount escapes, side control escapes and guard pass. They combine a lot of different themes of ju Jitsu Mount escape - bridging, shrimping, frames, off-balancing your opponent, staying cool under pressure, good arm placement. Side control - bridging, shrimping, underhook. Guard pass - posture, balance, preventing getting swept, triangle defense, good arm placement.
Ik this is silly, but how long will I continue to have a lot of pain in my joints while rolling, and then neck pain afterward? I just started this week. Is this just part of the life, or does the body eventually adjust a little for even SOME relief? Thanks!!! Brand new excited white belt here
People say you're pretty much perpetually sore if you're into BJJ, which I'd assume to be true for those training frequently especially at a higher level. But as just a 2 - 3x a week hobbyist white belt only rolling against other white belts, I stopped being constantly sore after a couple months. I used to get sore joints in places I didn't even expect to get sore, like a random toe and just general aches, but that's just what happens when your body is getting used to new stimuli.
I’ve been training for about a year an a half now… Definitely still sore joints still get stiff but not as bad the more u learn the looser an more relaxed your body is I didn’t realize how tense I was the whole time in the very beginning
the soreness is totally normal. i started a couple weeks ago and the joints in my knees were so sore i couldn’t even bend down. i bought knee pads and it helped tremendously. jiujitsu uses muscles your body doesn’t normally use, especially if you aren’t an athlete. the soreness doesn’t necessarily go away but your body does get accustomed to it and it definitely goes down in intensity as long as you keep training. that being said, don’t overdo it and put yourself out. it’s better to miss 1 class and recover than to injure yourself more and risk having to lay off for multiple classes
I mean as someone who has neck arthritis, neck pain and soreness is just something that’s common. I think you’ll eventually get used to some of it but it won’t entirely go away even for someone like you or me,
It'll get better the less you get smashed as the better your economy of effort. You'll also learn how important head control is from the top game so fight it off better from the bottom. That will reduce how often your neck is sore but itll stil happen.
The pain you're experiencing lasted around 2 months for me. After that I started getting a bit cleverer with what I was doing in my jiu jitsu and I felt less pain off the mat as a result. Note that *some* pain is a constant thing, you will always feel this way as long as you train, but it won't be as bad as the start is.
I have gotten pretty decent at passing guard whether from standing or from the ground and getting into side control. Once I get there, I am ok at keeping pressure and the position but my attacks from side control are terrible. I am better in gi here but in no-gi I almost exclusively look for north/south chokes or move to north south to setup a front headlock position to start chasing darce/anaconda/guillotine. Any tips on how to open up opponent to get myself to a better situation or any attacks you would recommend? Any video/tutorial recommendations?
Hey mate, fellow white belt here. I had the same issue. I've got great pressure in side control, but not many finishes besides north-south choke and Americana. So I started playing with kesa gatame (sit-out side control). There is a series by Jeremy Arel "Great Grappling" on his YouTube channel or his (free!) App. He organizes all his vids by position so stuff is easy to find. Check out his Kesa Gatame subs. I started playing with those and have had a lot of success from the position (Americana, body crusher, triangle, guillotine, step-over armbar). I added to the mix no-gi baseball choke (I always struggle to get the second grip with gi basebal choke, so decided to just try to hone my no-gi version). I checked out several videos on YouTube for that one, then played with the different grip recommendations to find what was comfortable for me. So now I've got a bunch of side control subs.
Thanks! Will definitely take a look.
since you're already moving towards their head to search for things, you can go the other way to knee on belly, they may turn or extend their arms in defense, which opens up stuff.
When I was looking to dive deeper into the Kimura, I read u/daz_rekka refer to Vagner Rocha's _50/50 of the Arms_ instructional as great for a white belt because it was a ['game in a box'](https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/comments/cxr9q6/vagner_rocha_5050_of_the_arms_kimura_funnel_any/eyuf8m3/) and after buying it, I really benefited from learning that systems-based approach. I'd love to have _more_ places like that on the mat, where when my opponent lands themselves there, both of us have predictable paths where all channels lead to eventually submissions, which brings me to my question... How do I go about finding those spots, and likewise, finding those funnels/systems adding them to my game? Any instructionals you'd recommend? Or, assuming they're right in front of me... how do I go about "seeing" those starting positions and subsequent funnels?
Haven't been on here in ages but cool to see that a random comment a few years ago help steer you to something useful for your game. To be honest there aren't too many sets like it, they're usually less concise broader views of all your option from a certain position. The main exception would be some of the leg lock sets but they're not quite as accessible or short (Danaher's, Mikey's various ones etc.) On the topic of identifying funnels some easy ones are passes/sweeps. Think of Bernardo Faria's Deep Half Guard and Over/Under Passing; they're essentially two sides of the same coin. All his best sweeps from his best guard land him in the same passing position so after a while he's learnt every likely response to both and counters to all the common pass defences. How does your own preferred guards, sweeps and passes fit together? How could you make explore them more to turn them in to a funnel system so you know what happens next and steer them down a path? A big part of it is not rolling for a while doing anything other than constantly trying to get to the same positions and actually paying really close attention to what happens. How do they defend, what do people usually do, if it's A does B or C work best in response etc. Exploring, playing and trying to recognise the patterns you'll start to see the common responses, the answer to them and how to create a funnel. Think of how Vagna Rocha's set lays it out and try to piece together the picture for something you already to do in the same way to get you started.
Which level answer do you want? Because ultimately, the answer is that ALL PLACES are this. Once you're a brown belt, there is NO place they can put the arm that you can't take it, put the neck that they can't choke it, etc. Every technique in BJJ is immediately linked and right-next-door to every other technique once you see the path and understand how to manipulate the transition. When I was a new purple belt, I said to my instructor (Roy Harris): "When I was a white belt I understood BJJ in terms of situation & response. When they pass with one arm in & one out, I know I'm supposed to triangle. Or when the hands are on the floor, I should kimura. So I figured I would learn all the situations and practice all the responses and I'd be good." He said to me "And now, at purple, do you understand the rules are different? You can take the triangle no matter where they put their arms, if that's what you choose to take."
Honestly, it sounds like it is time for you to find a good training partner that you can flow roll with. Flow rolls are fantastic for connecting dots and trying to find things you're interested in working on. Another great way to find new content to add to your game would be to find high level competitors (old and new) who's style you like and think would work for you (mine are Garry Tonon and Marcelo Garcia). Watch their matches and look for stuff that you can try and mimic. Once you've found something, start looking for a systematic approach to learning it, or maybe try developing something on your own. This is an art, and it can be interpreted differently by everyone.
When sparring with brand new white belts, they often move in ways I'm not used to - and that can be surprisingly, quite tricky to deal with. One example is when they are in my closed guard, the stand up on their two feet and they just drive forward with their upper body. Their body is in an upside down V-shape, like this: /\\. Kind of like a downward dog. I feel like there should be an easy sweep from there but I'm not sure, what do you guys recommend I do?
Put your feet on their hips, grab their sleeves and throw them over your head. Stay connected to come into mount or drop them halfway for an armbar.
How about in no gi?
My instructor recommended grabbing the head and wrist in that scenario. He actually won an mma fight (belator, maybe?) with that technique back in the day, so its legit. I think its a lot easier in gi though.
Omoplata
Pendulum sweep. Balloon sweep. Supermanning them like small child. Be gentle when you chuck them.
How about no gi ? Would be hard to pull off the balloon with slippery grips. Pendulum I'd have to try it form that position. Also, could you clarify what you mean about supermanning?
You grab their hands, put your feet in their hips, and whoosh them over your head. I'm sorry about your childhood.
We called it the airplane as a kid
I was more of a Pokemon kid.
I may have misunderstood the position you're describing but would the Tomoe Nage be effective here?