Explore the pitfalls of premature teaching in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and discover how to navigate your learning journey while being a supportive partner.
In this article, we offer strategies for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners with limited training time. We'll discuss maximizing gym time, active learning, and effective off-mat resources.
Unlock your BJJ potential with this comprehensive guide to effective training. Learn essential tips to optimize progress, avoid pitfalls, and excel on the mats.
Discover the quirky and amusing aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, from unique language to peculiar marks and a love-hate relationship with the gi.
Discover the keys to success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, from mastering fundamentals to setting realistic goals, active participation, pacing yourself, and learning from multiple sources.
A brief tutorial on how to defend a leg drag guard pass in BJJ.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to escape a kneebar.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to deal with the Wilson/Tozi/Sao Paulo guard pass.
A more fundamental tutorial on how to set up and finish a kimura shoulder lock from side control.
A brief tutorial on how to use movable frames in BJJ, a guard maintenance deep dive.
Learn how to prevent the X-pass in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Read on for a brief tutorial on how to use single leg X-guard in BJJ.
This is a brief tutorial on how to take the back from the turtle position in BJJ.
This is a brief tutorial on the "over/under" guard pass for BJJ.
A brief tutorial on how to defend the cross choke (AKA the "X-choke") in BJJ.
This is a brief tutorial on how to pass the guard using the double unders method in BJJ.
This is a brief tutorial on how to sweep and go straight into a submission once they hit the ground.
This article will be a brief tutorial on the concept of the "yogafoot" for BJJ, including a breakdown of the mechanics of the move and various examples of situations in which to use it.
This brief tutorial will teach you how to do the "Shaolin Sweep," also called the "Terere Sweep," in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
This is a brief tutorial on several rolling loop choke variations, including from the top and from the guard.
This article offers a brief tutorial on "shin-on-shin" guard and provides examples of situations where it can be particularly effective.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to stop someone from armbarring you from inside their guard, and some nifty counters.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to flatten and control your partner while passing the half guard, utilizing the crossface.
Learn how to do an overhead or balloon sweep for BJJ, especially starting in De La Riva guard or closed guard.
A quick tutorial on how to finish the armbar (from the "armbar finish position") using the "pocket grip."
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on how to finish an armbar by maintaining the position in the first place.
This article will examine three different ways to use a leg triangle choke, also known as choking folks with your legs.
A brief tutorial on defending a brabo choke and taking the back from an unorthodox position.
A quick tutorial on defending the armlock from the back in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A brief Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on how to use "modified X-guard" and enter into some footsies.
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to pass the guard in BJJ with a "leg drag pass."
Learn four fundamentally different methods for getting to the mount position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
This is a brief tutorial on how to switch sides on an armbar from guard.
This is a brief tutorial on how to "survive" in the closed guard by maintaining survival.
A brief tutorial on how to use shoulder pressure from side control in BJJ. Includes helpful video demonstrations.
This article will explain how to attain mount position in BJJ from side control.
A basic tutorial on how to do a sickle sweep for BJJ. Includes different approaches to learning the position and instructional videos.
A tutorial on three options from technical mount in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and some conceptual considerations. The technical mount is critical for mastering proper BJJ techniques.
Pulling guard can be an effective strategy to get your opponent to the ground and secure victory. Here are five different ways to pull guard in sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to defend the single leg takedown. It is very important to master this defense technique so you don't get taken down in a match.
This article examines three different types of jiu-jitsu partner drills, with two examples for each one.
A brief tutorial on how to continue finishing a knee cut guard pass with a scissor defense.
This is a brief tutorial on how to defend against a cross choke (or hand in the collar) from closed guard.
Learn how to do a stepover Kimura from half guard top when you have stepped over your partner's head. Here are three distinct ways to do it.
This is a brief tutorial on how to survive and escape from a guillotine choke in BJJ.
This article will explain how to perform a bridge-and-roll escape from side control.
This is a brief tutorial on how to deal with scissor half guard in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training.
This is a brief tutorial on how to do the brabo choke from the knee cut guard pass.
This is a brief tutorial on how to set up a triangle choke from a hip bump sweep.
Learn how to get the guard open using biceps control and standing up, sometimes called the "logsplitter" guard opening.
This is a brief tutorial on how to pass spider guard for BJJ, with a focus on three fundamental approaches.
This is a basic breakdown of the pendulum sweep for BJJ (definitely not a "flower sweep" since there are no flowers in jiu-jitsu).
This is a brief tutorial on how to control someone's posture while they are in your closed guard.
This is a brief tutorial on how to take the back from side control in BJJ!
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to pass the half guard using the classic "tripod" guard passing technique.
Here is a brief tutorial on seven different variations of the BJJ "toreando" guard pass.
A brief explanation on how to do the arm drag from butterfly guard, plus some modifications.
A brief tutorial on how to move from a traditional omoplata into a finishing armbar.
A brief tutorial on how to move from spider guard to X-guard in BJJ. This is an important movement to get down properly if you want to be competitive in BJJ.
A brief tutorial on how to escape side control in BJJ, including some brainstorming for different directions. Learning how to escape is critical to advancing in BJJ.
A brief BJJ tutorial with information on how to get into the backstep/kneebar position.
A brief tutorial on how to take the back from De La Riva (DLR) guard.
In this article, I will go over four options to pass the guard, useful for white belts and black belts alike. Working on these fundamentals can really improve your BJJ skills on the mat.
A brief how-to on the BJJ Ezekiel choke. This technique can be really useful in a match when you need to get a quick submission.
A brief tutorial on some interesting conceptual variations on the "duck under" technique, adapted from amateur wrestling and utilized in jiu-jitsu.
A brief tutorial on how to "dig out" the Kimura against an unwilling opponent.
A brief tutorial on several guillotine choke variations for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling competitions and training.
Learn how to do the loop choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, along with variations. The loop choke is an advanced technique that can quickly surprise your opponent.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to sweep straight to S-mount. Quickly moving to S-mount is a critical mat skill to learn.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to escape back (with hooks) from the knees. This technique is challenging to master, but it can help you out if you get into trouble on the mat.
A brief tutorial on how to do the "backstep pass" in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This advanced technique can help you out if you get into trouble during a match.
How to do a belly-down, straight-ankle lock-in BJJ! This is a sneaky way to get your opponent into submission quickly.
A very specific BJJ tutorial about how to defend a standing guard pass (toreando or "bullfight" pass). This is an advanced technique, but it's worth adding to your skill set.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to take the back when you're on the bottom but have your partner in your half guard.
A brief BJJ tutorial on the "cheap sweep," a.k.a. the easiest sweep in all of BJJ.
A brief tutorial outlining several ways to combine and flow with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu moves. Flow is critical if you want to hold your own against your opponent in a match.
This article contains a brief tutorial on the straight-ankle lock, a.k.a. "footlock," for BJJ competitions, plus instructional videos.
This article contains a brief tutorial on how to control the inside arm (preventing escapes) from side control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Includes videos.
Learn how self-defense and BJJ converge in this tutorial on how to escape a headlock.
This article will explain how to use overhooks and tricks to set up a tight triangle on the most stubborn opponents.
How to get to your opponent's back from the X-guard position in BJJ. This is an important technique to master as it can be used in various situations.
A brief BJJ tutorial on an eclectic leglock setup, the "bear trap" calf slicer, with Andrew Smith.
Check out this brief BJJ tutorial on how to get into X-guard from butterfly and deep half guard.
This article contains a brief tutorial on how to execute a spinning armbar from knee on stomach, while defending the Kimura grip. Once you get it down, this is a pretty cool move to do on the mat.
Learn how to pass the guard using the "leg-staple" guard pass or "same-side knee-drive" pass when encountering some roadblocks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
How do you attack from north/south in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Here is a tutorial containing a few different ways.
How can you get out of a heel hook in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Find out in this short tutorial, including instructional videos.
Learn how to set up heel hooks, kneebars, and straight ankle locks from X-guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! Includes instructional videos.
Find out how to get out from the knee-on-stomach ("knee on belly") position in BJJ.
This article will go over how to effectively use the scissor half guard in BJJ.
Learn how to escape a "footlock" or straight ankle lock in sport BJJ competition or training at the gym.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to escape the omoplata submission. The escapes, including hopover, tane otoshi, and more, require quick thinking and fast movements.
The arm triangle and the reverse armlock from the mount position is a deadly combination. Once you get this technique down, you will be a force on the mat.
Learn how to use butterfly half guard to sweep or submit your opponent. Revolution BJJ black belt Andrew Smith shows high-percentage moves with instructional videos.
Learn how to perform heel hooks, kneebars, toe holds, and vaporizers from side control (top) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A brief tutorial on how to use judo sacrifice throws successfully in a BJJ competition or at the gym.
Here's a brief tutorial on three judo throws that can be used for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: a hip throw, a trip, and a back throw.
This article contains a brief Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on how to avoid getting punched when you're on your back! Includes instructional videos.
This article will explain how to use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to break a wrist using a few different techniques.
This is a fundamental guard pass tutorial on the "leg staple" or "same-side knee-drive" technique.
A basic BJJ instructional tutorial on how to pass the guard using the "knee cut" or "knee slide" guard pass technique. Includes videos.
Andrew Smith, Richmond, VA's BJJ black belt, demonstrates tricks for setting up the armbar from the back! Includes instructional videos.
This is a brief BJJ tutorial on X-guard and how to use it to set up submissions off the sweep and includes instructions by black belts Daniel Frank and Andrew Smith of Revolution BJJ.
This article contains a brief BJJ tutorial on how to reverse armbar from butterfly guard, featuring instruction by Andrew Silber, Daniel Frank, and Andrew Smith of Revolution BJJ in Richmond, VA.
This is a brief tutorial on how to use butterfly guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A way to utilize your open guard to get a cross-choke submission, while simultaneously threatening the sweep and baiting the guard pass. This sneaky little technique can surprise your opponents and give you the upper hand.
The omoplata is a classic shoulder lock submission most students learn at white belt. Here are some highly effective, nasty submissions from the omoplata.
"How do I escape an armbar?" Here's one way out! Learning how to escape is a great way to get out of a submission.
This is a nice combination based on the tripod sweep and features instruction by Revolution BJJ black belt instructors Daniel Frank and Andrew Smith.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to do the cross collar choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, featuring instruction from first-degree black belt Trey Martin of Revolution BJJ.
A BJJ tutorial on how to get the guard open, and then how to start passing, with proper base and posture. This important skill can be used in a variety of situations.
In this article, you will learn how to use butterfly guard in conjunction with overhooks in BJJ in order to have an effective and threatening sweep and submission game. This is a great combo to use on the mat to surprise your opponent.
Here's a brief instructional tutorial on how to set up a BJJ crucifix. This is a critical skill to master if you want to checkmate your opponent on the mat.
This article will explain how to not only pull guard safely, but also to attack immediately upon sitting down, either ending up on top or with a submission.
Some quick advice on how to use your initial grips to bring your opponent into your guard for sport BJJ competition.
How do you stop your opponent from passing your guard? Learn how to master this critical skill and get the movement down correctly.
If you've ever struggled to finish an Omoplata in BJJ, this tutorial may help. Learn how to troubleshoot some of the most frustrating situations you'll find yourself in.
Stuck in side control? Learn some effective and efficient escapes from modified kesa gatame in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A brief tutorial on how to do a kneebar leg lock in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to deal with a person standing up in your spider guard via the "Leandro Lo sweep" and other details.
How to use spider guard for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, starting from the knees.
Learn how to pass half guard when your partner gets the underhook via the "hip-switch" half guard pass method.
Learn how to do a "reverse heel hook" or "inverted heel hook" via a few different entries. We examine both the over/under and 50/50 varieties.
Here are three different "low" style butterfly guard passes for sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition and rolling, including lessons by Andrew Smith and Trey Martin of Revolution BJJ in Richmond, VA.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to do the X-pass in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Wondering how to pass the butterfly guard in BJJ? Here's a brief tutorial.
A brief tutorial on how to set up heel hooks from the bottom of deep half guard. Instruction by black belts Andrew Smith and Jarrett Church of Revolution BJJ in Richmond, VA.
How to do a BJJ clock choke, with video instruction.
Looking for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on avoiding the backstep pass? This article includes a brief tutorial on how to deal with a person doing the backstep pass" from deep half guard in BJJ.
Here's how to deal with the most annoying armbar defenses in this BJJ tutorial on the RNC Defense Grip Break.
Fourth-degree BJJ black belt Andrew Smith shows you two ways to break this grip and finish the armbar through the "middle finger defense."
Fourth-degree black belt Andrew Smith shows you how to do a wristlock in Brazilian jiu-jitsu when your partner grabs their lapel.
Stuck in an armbar? Here are a few ways to get the finish and break grips when your opponent defends.
Find out how to touch up on the basic armbar from the guard and make the finish much tighter in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Learn how to hit a belly-down armbar when the person stacks you from guard, as well as a second sneaky way to set it up.
Read on for a brief BJJ tutorial on setting up the armbar from the closed guard by using the lapel "brabo" grip.
Love Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on doing a cross-grip standing sweep into a couple of different armbar entries.
Fourth-degree black belt Andrew Smith shows you how to take the back from deep half guard in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Here are some tips on becoming a better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor from BJJ black belt Andrew Smith, the owner of Revolution BJJ in Richmond, VA.
A brief Brazilian jiu-jitsu tutorial on escaping "twister side control" in transition and taking the back in your own right.
Here's a more advanced Brazilian jiu-jitsu tutorial on getting out of and taking advantage of 50/50 position!
Looking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorials? Here is a guide for going from RDLR (Reverse De La Riva) to an inverted heel hook or leg drag position by spinning underneath.
Learn how to do a berimbolo from the worm guard in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Wondering how to set up worm guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? This article provides a basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on how to set up a worm guard using the lapel and how to do a quick sweep to mount, featuring Daniel Frank from Revolution BJJ.
Learn how to take the back using reverse De La Riva guard (RDLR) with these video tutorials.
Wondering how to pass 50/50 guard and how to take the back from 50/50 in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? This is an advanced tutorial about passing guard.
Andrew "Goatfury" Smith (second degree BJJ black belt) shows some basics for a leg drag guard pass to the back.
This is a brief BJJ tutorial on how to take the back using the Kimura grip from standing and some troubleshooting details from 2nd degree BJJ black belt Andrew "Goatfury" Smith from Richmond, VA.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to set up the mounted triangle while using the lapel to trap the arm, with Daniel Charles Frank, Revolution BJJ black belt in Richmond, VA.
A brief BJJ tutorial on some crazy leglock set ups from the bottom of mount that actually work.
This article contains a brief BJJ tutorial on how to finish armlocks, shoulder locks, and wristlocks while you have the triangle position.
Turning your back to your opponent and still winning, having low posture in the guard, and more violations of standard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rules!
A brief BJJ tutorial on setting up Shawn Williams' guard and rubber guard, and a couple of high percentage submissions.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to set up Omoplatas and triangles from the lasso guard.
This article contains a brief tutorial on how to set up an omoplata from a triangle, a closed guard, and a lasso guard in BJJ.
This article offers a brief BJJ tutorial on how to use the Kimura when you have the grip but are caught on the bottom of the turtle position.
Read and watch a brief tutorial on the "Carlson Gracie choke" or "head scissors" move for BJJ competition and training.
This article includes a brief BJJ tutorial on how to hit a spinning armbar from the bottom when the person tries the Kimura, and how to counter it.
A brief tutorial by Andrew Smith on how to counter the spinning armbar when you have a Kimura grip on the bottom.
A brief tutorial on how to escape a back take during the transition from turtle, once your opponent has your lapel or underhooks.
An index of all Andrew "Goatfury" Smith's BJJ Tutorials in one place.
A brief BJJ tutorial on how to set up omoplata from lapel guard. Video with Daniel Frank, black belt instructor at Revolution BJJ. Words by Andrew "Goatfury" Smith.
This is a brief tutorial on setting up a lapel guard written by BJJ black belt Andrew "Goatfury" Smith and with a video from Daniel Frank at Revolution BJJ.
A brief tutorial on how to set up the monoplata submission by BJJ black belts Andrew Smith and Daniel Frank of Revolution BJJ in Richmond, VA.
This is a brief tutorial on countering the ninja roll back take in BJJ by Andrew "Goatfury" Smith, instructor at Revolution BJJ in Richmond, VA.
Andrew "Goatfury" Smith shows a ninja roll to the back from 3/4 mount in BJJ.
A brief BJJ tutorial on a few different ways to establish S-mount (and get the submission).
A brief tutorial on how to transition to S-mount and finish the reverse armbar and straight "juji gatame"-style armbar by Andrew Smith, a 3rd-degree black belt based in Richmond, VA.
A brief tutorial on how to finish the reverse armlock from the full mount, taught by 3rd-degree black belt Andrew "Goatfury" Smith.
Fourth-degree black belt Andrew Smith shows you how to finish a triangle choke in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Fourth-degree black belt Andrew Smith gives you key details on finishing the triangle choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Some sneaky setups for the triangle choke with the overhook from closed guard, featuring BJJ black belt Andrew "Goatfury" Smith of Revolution BJJ in Richmond, VA.
Learn how to set up chokes and triangles from the overhook (closed guard, gi).
Here's a brief tutorial by Andrew "Goatfury" Smith on the cross-grip arm-drag series from closed guard.
How to use a highly effective, low risk "pants grab" sweep from closed guard.
How to do the "waiter sweep" for BJJ, plus some more advanced options from 2nd degree BJJ black belt Andrew Smith (Revolution BJJ in Richmond, VA).
Andrew Smith of Revolution BJJ shows how to pass the "leg lasso" guard when your partner has a shallower "lasso hook."
This article offers a different way to pass the leg lasso guard, especially when your partner has a deep lasso hook and is holding on for dear life.
Love Jiu-Jitsu? The berimbolo is a tough move to counter, but here's one way to get past this tricky guard/sweep/back take combination!
A brief tutorial on how to pass the leg-lasso spider guard when your partner has a deeper hook.
Did you know that countering the hip switch half guard pass is an important skill to master in all BJJ levels? Here's a brief tutorial to effectively counter it.
A brief BJJ tutorial on the Kimura Grip, utilizing the "trail arm catch" sequence, and a nifty triangle finish.
An advanced BJJ tutorial on the Kimura grip involving "the trade" and catching the trial arm by 2nd degree black belt Andrew Smith.
A brief BJJ tutorial on advanced Kimura grip concepts from Andrew "Goatfury" Smith.
A brief BJJ tutorial on "catching the trail arm" with the Kimura grip and moving to the back!
This article contains a brief BJJ tutorial on an advanced Kimura grip sequence in Andrew Smith's Kimura system called "the Trade."
A BJJ tutorial on attacking the Kimura from half guard bottom, and some surprisingly sneaky ways to get the upper hand.
A brief Brazilian jiu-jitsu tutorial on the Kimura from bottom half guard, including stepping over to finish and the ensuing roll.
A brief BJJ tutorial on catching the toe hold from a variety of unexpected positions.
How do you attack the Kimura from the bottom of half guard in BJJ? Here's a brief tutorial by black belt Andrew Smith.
A BJJ tutorial on transitions from the toe hold leglock attack when your opponent scrambles.
A brief Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on how to switch the Kimura on someone to your own Kimura, AKA the "re-Kimura." This awesome counter is bound to surprise your opponent!
This is a brief tutorial on the "ball and chain" sweep series from De La Riva guard for sport BJJ.
Struggling with the De La Riva guard? This is a basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on using it, with videos! You'll have it down in no time.
Struggling with the toe hold? Here's a basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tutorial on how to set up and finish the toe-hold leglock submission.
A brief BJJ tutorial on the early stages of defense for the "double under stack" guard pass for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
A BJJ tutorial on late-stage defenses to the "stack pass" or "double under guard pass" in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A solid defense will help you out of a tight situation.
This is a brief BJJ tutorial dealing with the late-stage defenses to the knee cut guard pass. It's written by 2nd-degree BJJ black belt Andrew Smith.
A brief BJJ tutorial on escaping the "harness" or "seat belt" from the back mount with hooks.
This article contains a brief BJJ tutorial on escaping the bow and arrow choke from the back.