The main positions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

In this article, discover the 7 key positions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, essential for building a solid foundation in this martial art. Mastering these positions, along with the associated transitions, attacks, and defenses, is essential for improving your BJJ.

The 7 main positions of BJJ:

  • Clinch
  • Guard
  • Tortoise
  • Side Control
  • Knee to Chest
  • Mounted
  • Back

Except in the Clinch, these positions are characterized by the relationship between one fighter on top and the other on the bottom, which is crucial to understanding the dynamics of the fight.

Neutrality and positional hierarchy

To better understand these positions, the concept of neutrality is important. Since the beginning of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, when establishing the scoring system, positions have been valued according to their tactical advantage. Thus, positions with greater control receive more points, reflecting the hierarchy accepted by the community.

In BJJ, there are two neutral positions where both opponents can attack and defend in a balanced manner: the Guard and the Clinch. These positions are essential for breaking neutrality and progressing toward superior control.

Starting from the neutral positions, the hierarchy evolves as follows:

  1. Turtle: Here, the fighter on top has a tactical advantage.
  2. Knee to Chest and Side Control: In both, top control is dominant, although there is debate about which is more favorable.
  3. Mounted: A very advantageous position for the person on top.
  4. Back: The most dominant position, where control of the opponent is maximum.

The goal in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to advance from neutral positions to dominant positions, similar to a chess game, to achieve “checkmate”: submission.

Positional hierarchy from the fighter's perspective on top

  • Back (maximum advantage)
  • Mounted
  • Knee to Chest / Side Control
  • Tortoise
  • Half Guard* (neutral)
  • Clinch (neutral)
  • Guard (neutral)
  • Half Guard* (neutral)
  • Turtle (disadvantage)
  • Knee to Chest / Side Control (disadvantage)
  • Mounted (disadvantage)
  • Back (maximum disadvantage)

*Note: The Half Guard can be considered neutral depending on the circumstances.

What aspects should be mastered from each position?

Following Stephan Kesting's principles in his work BJJ Roadmap , it is essential to know the following:

  1. Maintaining Position: Learning to immobilize your opponent is the first step, as control is the foundation of any attack.
  2. Transitions: Mastering transitions allows you to advance to more favorable positions strategically.
  3. Submissions: All positions offer opportunities to finish the fight with submissions.
  4. Defenses: Knowing how to escape and counter from unfavorable positions is just as important as attacking.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a strategic game where understanding the positional hierarchy and knowing how to apply these principles will make a difference in your evolution as a practitioner.

Back to blog