Essential BJJ Techniques Every White Belt Should Master
When stepping onto the mats for the first time, the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) can seem overwhelming. With countless techniques, positions, and strategies, where should a beginner even start? At Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we believe that building a strong foundation is critical for long-term success. That's why mastering fundamental techniques early on is the key to growth in BJJ.
If you're searching for "bjj near me," "brazilian jiu jitsu near me," or "martial arts near me," you're in the right place—and starting with these essential skills will set you on the path to mastery.
1. Closed Guard Control and Attacks
The closed guard is one of the first positions new students encounter. It's a safe, strong position where you control your opponent with your legs wrapped around their waist.
Why It Matters:
Offers control over opponents regardless of size
Launchpad for various sweeps and submissions
Teaches principles of leverage and posture disruption
Must-Learn Techniques:
Basic posture-breaking drills
Hip movement and angling
Cross-collar choke
Armbar from closed guard
At Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, our BJJ Fundamentals classes ensure every beginner understands not just how to perform these moves, but when and why to use them.
2. Mount Escapes and Maintenance
The mount position is both a dream and a nightmare—dream for the person on top, nightmare for the person underneath. Learning to escape the mount is essential for anyone serious about self-defense or competition.
Key Escapes:
Trap and roll escape (upa)
Elbow escape (shrimp escape)
Key Concepts:
Keeping elbows tight to prevent submissions
Timing escapes properly before fatigue sets in
Our adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program emphasizes defensive skills early on to build a complete martial artist.
3. Side Control Fundamentals
Side control is another dominant position that appears often in sparring. Mastering both offense and defense here will improve your ability to control a match or defend yourself effectively.
Focus Areas:
Creating and maintaining heavy pressure
Escaping side control using shrimping and framing
Advancing to mount or taking the back
Training at Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy provides students with a structured path to mastering this essential position, whether you’re searching for "self defense near me," "mma gyms near me," or "self defense schools near me."
4. Fundamental Submissions
Submissions are the heart of jiu jitsu. While there are hundreds of submissions, beginners should focus on a handful that work universally well.
Top Submissions to Master:
Rear Naked Choke
Armbar from guard
Triangle choke
Kimura from guard
These submissions are not only highly effective but also reinforce the core principles of leverage and body mechanics that BJJ is built upon.
Looking for high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near you? Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy has you covered with world-class instruction in these fundamental techniques.
5. Takedowns and Stand-Up Basics
While BJJ is famous for its ground fighting, every match or self-defense situation starts standing up. Learning basic takedowns is crucial.
Essential Skills:
Single-leg takedown
Double-leg takedown
Guard pull (for sport BJJ)
Our adults' programs and kids' programs integrate wrestling and judo basics to ensure students are comfortable both on the feet and the ground.
Why Fundamentals Matter
Strong fundamentals in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu serve as the foundation for all future learning. Without them, progress becomes difficult and frustration sets in. By committing to mastering these basic techniques, students at Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy build the confidence and skills necessary to advance through the ranks.
Training fundamentals isn't just for beginners. Even black belts revisit these techniques regularly, refining details and adapting them to higher levels of competition and self-defense.
If you're a homeschool parent looking for martial arts classes, our homeschool Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program provides a fantastic outlet for physical education, self-discipline, and personal growth.
Why Choose Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy?
Located conveniently for those searching "bjj near me," "jiu jitsu near me," "self defense schools near me," and "mma gyms near me," Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers:
Structured beginner programs
Friendly, welcoming environment
Classes for all ages and experience levels
Emphasis on real-world self-defense
We invite you to learn more about our school, check out our class schedule, and see what our students are saying.
Ready to start your journey? Contact us today to schedule your first class!
Mastering these essential techniques will pave the way for a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and achievement in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Let Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy be the place where your journey begins and flourishes.
