This BJJ glossary is a comprehensive list of terms and concepts related to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, covering techniques, training, equipment, and other aspects of the art. Each entry includes a brief definition or explanation to help beginners and advanced practitioners alike to better understand and navigate the world of BJJ.
A time when a BJJ school or gym is open for practitioners to train or drill without instruction or structured classes.
A technique used to force an opponent to concede defeat by tapping out, usually by applying pressure to a joint or cutting off their air supply.
NoGi refers to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and competition without the traditional gi.
A Japanese term commonly used in BJJ to show respect, appreciation, or agreement.
A grappling grip or position where one arm is positioned under the opponent's arm, allowing for control and leverage.
A grappling grip or position where one arm is positioned over the opponent's arm, allowing for control and leverage.
A grappling technique used to defend against a takedown, where the defender uses an overhook and an underhook to control their opponent's upper body and hips.
A grappling technique used to control an opponent's head and neck, often used to set up other submissions or transitions.
A defensive technique used to create space between the defender and the attacker, often by using the arms and legs to create a barrier.
A dominant position in which the practitioner is on top of their opponent with their legs on either side of their opponent's body.
A dominant position in which the practitioner is on their opponent's back with their legs wrapped around their opponent's waist.
A dominant position in which the practitioner is perpendicular to their opponent and controlling their body.
A position in which the practitioner is on their back with their legs controlling their opponent's body.
A position in which one practitioner has one leg wrapped around their opponent's leg, while the other leg is free.
A technique used to get past an opponent's guard.
A submission hold in which the attacker uses their legs and hips to control their opponent's arm and apply pressure to the elbow joint.
A submission hold in which the attacker uses their legs to form a triangle around their opponent's neck and applies pressure to the carotid arteries.
A submission hold in which the attacker controls their opponent's arm and applies pressure to the shoulder joint.
A submission hold in which the attacker uses their legs to control their opponent's arm and applies pressure to the shoulder joint.
A technique used to bring the opponent to the ground from a standing position.
Techniques used to escape from submission holds or dominant positions.
A technique used to reverse the position of the practitioner and their opponent, often from the guard position.
A sweep technique that involves using the legs to scissor an opponent's legs and sweep them to the ground.
Controlled live training where practitioners attempt to apply techniques against an opponent in a realistic setting.
A sparring session in which two practitioners practice BJJ techniques with each other in a controlled manner.
A more relaxed and cooperative style of sparring, often used to work on technique and timing without the intensity of full sparring.
Repeating a BJJ technique or movement over and over to improve muscle memory and technique.
Drills that can be done alone, such as shadow grappling, to improve technique and movement.
Drills that require a partner, such as drilling specific techniques or positional sparring.
A type of sparring in which one person faces multiple opponents in succession, often used for conditioning and endurance training.
A type of training in which one person faces a rotating group of opponents, often used to test endurance and develop mental toughness.
The traditional uniform worn in BJJ, consisting of a jacket and pants made from heavy cotton fabric.
Used to secure the gi jacket and to indicate a practitioner's rank.
A tight-fitting shirt typically worn under the gi jacket to prevent rashes and mat burn.
Tight-fitting pants worn under the gi pants or alone to prevent skin-to-skin contact and mat burn.
A dental appliance worn to protect the teeth and jaw during sparring and competition.
Protective headgear designed to prevent cauliflower ear, a common injury in combat sports that results from repeated trauma to the ear.
Protective gear worn on the knees to prevent injury during takedowns and groundwork.
Used to support and protect fingers during training and competition.