Simple BJJ Moves for Beginners Northridge CA

 

Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at a Northridge academy like Gracie Barra Northridge focuses on teaching simple, high-percentage moves first. These foundational techniques are essential for survival and control, adhering to BJJ’s core principle: using leverage over strength.

 

Here is a detailed guide to the basic BJJ moves taught to beginners in the GB1 Fundamentals Program.

 

 🛡️ I. Foundational Movements: Survival and Safety

 

The very first techniques taught are not for winning, but for surviving and moving safely on the mat. These build the physical literacy needed for BJJ.

 

 The Breakfall (Ukemi):

     What it is: A technique for hitting the mat safely by slapping the ground with one arm along the entire side of the body just before impact.

     Why it’s essential: Prevents head and spinal injuries if you are shoved, pushed, or taken down unexpectedly, both in training and in a self-defense situation.

 The Hip Escape (Shrimping):

     What it is: Lying on your back, you post one foot and one shoulder, drive your hips away from your shoulders, and slide your hips out from under an opponent’s weight.

     Why it’s essential: It’s the most fundamental movement for creating space, escaping bad pins, and regaining your guard. It’s used thousands of times in a BJJ career.

 The Technical Stand-Up:

     What it is: Getting back to your feet from the ground while using one hand and one foot as a base, keeping the other foot forward as a barrier.

     Why it’s essential: It’s the safest way to disengage and retreat from an opponent while maintaining distance and posture control.

 

 🔒 II. Simple Control and Escape Positions

 

Beginners are taught how to control an opponent from the bottom (Guard) and how to escape the most dangerous pins.

 

 The Closed Guard (Control)

 What it is: Lying on your back, you wrap both legs around your opponent’s torso and lock your ankles together behind their back.

 Why it’s essential: It is the beginner’s best position for defense and control. It prevents the opponent from striking you (as they are tightly controlled) and restricts their movement, allowing you to set up sweeps or submissions.

 

 The Trap and Roll Escape (Survival)

 What it is: This is the primary defense against being pinned in the Mount position (when the opponent sits directly on your chest). You trap one of the opponent’s arms and one of their legs, bridge your hips explosively upwards, and roll them over.

 Why it’s essential: The Mount is one of the most dominant and dangerous positions in a fight. Mastering this escape gives the beginner confidence in surviving the worst spot.

 

 🔪 III. Simple Submissions (The Finish)

 

Beginners are introduced to high-percentage submissions that rely on leverage, not muscle.

 

 The Kimura Lock (Shoulder Lock):

     What it is: A control position used primarily from side control or the closed guard, where you attack the opponent’s shoulder joint by creating a figure-four grip on their arm and rotating it behind their back.

     Why it’s essential: It’s a high-percentage move that is technically easy to learn and extremely versatile for both submissions and positional sweeps.

 The Rear Naked Choke (RNC):

     What it is: The most effective submission in BJJ. Applied from the Back Control position, it involves using the arms to compress the carotid arteries, causing rapid unconsciousness (if applied fully) or immediate surrender.

     Why it’s essential: It’s the most secure way to end a fight from the most dominant position, relying purely on the mechanics of the choke rather than strength.

 

The GB1 Fundamentals Program at Gracie Barra Northridge guarantees that you practice these simple, effective moves repeatedly with a cooperative partner, ensuring you build a reliable foundation before ever encountering full resistance.

 

Would you like the contact information for Gracie Barra Northridge to schedule your free trial class?

 

Gracie Barra Northridge Location & Contact:

 

Address: 19520 Nordhoff St 10th, Northridge, CA 91324

 

Phone: +1 818-357-4074

Simple BJJ Moves for Beginners Northridge CA