Basic Positions in Jiu-Jitsu

The power in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not in submitting the opponent, but rather in controlling them in a variety of positions. Often, we focus on submissions when learning Jiu Jitsu. The problem with this focus is if you can’t control the opponent in whatever position you happen to be in, you’ll never be able to set up a successful submission from there. In fact, if you lose control you’re more likely to end up being submitted yourself! The top BJJ players in the world are masters of Positions first and Submissions second.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all of the basic control positions you’ll find in Jiu-Jitsu. Study these and follow my tips and I promise you’ll progress much faster on your jiu-journey. I update the details on these positions often, so be sure to check back regularly!

Jiu Jitsu black belts in traditional gis demonstrating Full Guard / Closed Guard

Full or Closed Guard

Full or Closed Guard – This position is often the first position learned in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, yet is one of the last to truly be

Half Guard

Half Guard – This is a versatile position in which the person on bottom is using both legs to

Full Mount

Full Mount – For the person on the bottom, this is position is the opposite of being in Full Guard. The top person

Back Mount

Back Mount – This position is sometimes referred to as “taking the back”. The biggest benefit of this

Knee on Belly

Knee on Belly – AKA Knee Mount. As the name implies, the goal of this position is to control your opponent through

Side Mount

Side Mount – Sometimes called Side Control, this a very strong control position for the person on

De La Riva

De La Riva – This position (pronounced like day-la-HEEV-ah) is a very active guard position in which

Butterfly Guard

Butterfly Guard – This position is so named because the legs of the person on bottom are open and active, like the wings

Spider Guard

Spider Guard – This is one of the most underrated positions in BJJ. In Gi Jiu-Jitsu, this position is one of the best for

North-South

North-South – This position is typically a transitional position, meaning it is mostly used as a brief control spot before

Lasso Guard

Lasso Guard – This is another underappreciated position in BJJ. While it may look like Spider Guard, it is

Kesa Getame

Kesa Getame – Also known as “Scarf Hold” or “Head and Arm Pin”, this position has its roots in traditional Kodokan Judo as one of the seven

Turtle Position

Turtle Position – This position is a purely defensive position, and is usually achieved when the person on bottom is