As a white belt, it can be challenging to win Jiu-Jitsu matches, especially against more experienced opponents. However, with the right techniques, mindset, and training, it is possible to come out on top. In this article, we will discuss some simple moves to win every BJJ fight as a white belt, tips on how to win a BJJ match, and how to win your first BJJ competition. We’ll also share some expert advice on how to win a Jiu-Jitsu tournament.
How To Win A BJJ Match
Whether you’re new to BJJ or a seasoned practitioner, winning a BJJ match takes skill, tactical thinking, and mental toughness. Victory comes mostly by outscoring or submitting an opponent, but it does it is not always so straightforward. The more you stick to simple moves that have been proven to work, the easier a winning outcome will be.
Tip #1: Establish Dominant Position
One of the most important things you can do in a BJJ match is to establish a dominant position early on. This means getting your opponent on the ground and taking control of their body. This could mean getting into the mount position, taking their back, or securing a side control position. The see positions also score points, so you’ll be dominant position-wise and have a scoring advantage over your opponent. Easy, right?
Tip #2: Keep Your Composure
BJJ matches can be intense and physically demanding, and it’s important to keep your composure throughout the match. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you, and try to stay calm and focused. This will help you make better decisions and avoid making mistakes that could cost you the match.
Tip #3: Use Simple Moves That Work
BJJ is a complex martial art with a wide range of techniques and strategies. To win a match, it’s important to use simple moves that are appropriate for your level, the opponent and the situation. This could mean using submission holds, sweeps, or transitions to gain an advantage.
Tip #4: Stay Active and Aggressive
In BJJ, the person who is more active and aggressive is usually the one who wins, even if the scoring is at a stalemate. Don’t be passive and wait for your opponent to make a move – be proactive and look for opportunities to attack. This could mean going for a submission hold, attempting a sweep, or transitioning to a more dominant position, even if you fail to achieve it completely.
How Do You Win Your First BJJ Competition?
If you’re new to BJJ, competing in your first BJJ tournament can be a daunting experience. With the right preparation and techniques, though, you can increase your chances of success. The following simple moves work from white to black belt, but if you master them as a beginner, you’ll hardly be in trouble in any BJJ fight during your white belt period.
Gripping Correctly
Gripping correctly is one of the most important aspects of BJJ. Proper grip placement and control can make all the difference in a match. One of the best ways to get a good grip is to grab your opponent’s lapel and sleeve. This will allow you to control their body and limit their movement.
You can also use your legs to control your opponent’s arms or legs, which will help you maintain control and position.
Pull Guard
Pulling guard is a common technique used in BJJ, especially for beginners. This involves sitting down and pulling your opponent into your guard. From this position, you can work on submissions and sweeps. However, pulling guard can be risky, as it can put you in a vulnerable position if your opponent is able to pass your guard. SO pulling guard won’t be enough and you’ll need to reinforce it with a strong closed guard game.
Armbar From Guard
The armbar from guard is a classic BJJ move that can be very effective in a competition. To execute it precisely, you’ll need to secure your opponent’s arm from the shoulder to the wrist and then extend your hips to put pressure on their elbow joint. The armbar from guard can be a great way to finish a match quickly and decisively.
Scissor Sweep
Get on top whenever you can. The scissor sweep is another of those simple moves in BJJ that can be used to gain an advantage over an opponent at every level of the sport. To perform this move, you’ll need to control your opponent’s sleeve and collar, and then use your legs to sweep them off their feet. The position of the legs includes you lying on your side, with the shin of the top leg across the opponent’s belly, and the bottom one acting as a sickle. This will allow you to take a dominant position and control the match.
Standing Guard Pass
The standing guard pass is the single most useful technique for getting past your opponent’s closed guard and gaining a dominant position. Standing up in someone’s closed guard is difficult as a movement, but you can master it extremely quickly. Once you know how to stand up, there are several different ways to open and pass the legs.
Rear-Naked Choke
The rear-naked choke is arguably the most powerful submission in grappling. To execute it, you’ll need to get to the back mount first. You’ll then use your arms to dig in for the choke position, wrapping one arm around the neck and using the other to lock the choking arm into place.
Cross Choke From Mount
The cross choke from mount is another classic BJJ move that can be very effective in a competition. To perform this signature Roger Gracie Gi submission, you’ll need to secure a mount position on your opponent and then use your arms to grip the collars of the gi on each side. You need to cross your arms as you do so, hence the name. One of the most simple moves in BJJ yet it helped the aforementioned Roger Gracie to beat everyone he faced on his way to winning a BJJ World Title at black belt.
Side Control Escapes
A must for your life as Jiu-Jitsu white belt. It’s essential to know how to escape from side control, a skill you’ll use every time you train and often when you compete. Bridging your hips to create space between you and your opponent to re-guard is a classic but there are a bunch of other side control escapes to experiment with in order to make sure you’re difficult to pin down.
A Few Pro Tips For Winning A Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
Winning a Jiu-Jitsu tournament requires a combination of physical and mental abilities, along with specific techniques and strategies. The following pro tips on how to increase your chances of winning a Jiu-Jitsu tournament are based on lots of experience and white belt match analysis.
Relax And Listen
One of the most common mistakes that beginners make in Jiu-Jitsu is being too tense and nervous during a competition. This can cause them to become exhausted quickly and make poor decisions. It is essential to relax and focus on your breathing to conserve your energy and clear your mind. Listening to your coach’s advice and your corner’s instructions can also help you make better decisions during the match.
Act First
In BJJ, being the first to act can often give you an advantage. This means that you should try to initiate moves and take control of the match as soon as possible. Being on the defensive can make you more vulnerable to your opponent’s attacks, and it can be challenging to recover from that position. Therefore, being proactive and taking the initiative can give you an edge over your opponent.
Play To Your Strengths
Every grappler has their own unique style and strengths. Even at white belt, some prefer to focus on submissions, while others prefer takedowns and guard passing. It is crucial to play to your strengths and use simple moves that you are comfortable with during the match. This will help you drag the opponent into your domain, and increase your chances of winning.
Keep Moving
Staying active and moving around the mat is essential in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This can help you avoid being trapped in a bad position and prevent your opponent from gaining control. Moving around the mat can also tire out your opponent and create opportunities for you to attack. However, it is essential to maintain control and purpose of your movements and avoid being too frantic, which can lead to mistakes.
Apply Time-Based Tactics
In a BJJ fight, there is a preset time limit, which for white belts is usually 5 minutes. It is crucial to use the time to your advantage by applying time-based tactics. For example, if you are leading on points, you can try to stall or maintain a defensive position to run out the clock. Alternatively, if you are losing, you have to become more aggressive and take risks to score points or submit your opponent.
During a stalemate, the final minute of a match is when you should go all out, as opposed to trying to go at a high pace for the duration of the entire 5 minutes.
In Conclusion
Winning a BJJ fight or tournament is not an easy feat, but it’s not impossible either. By mastering fundamental simple moves, developing a strategic mindset, and staying focused, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to stay consistent in your training, listen to your coach, and have fun. With dedication and hard work, you can become a formidable BJJ practitioner and achieve greatness at every belt level.
