BJJ Positions Directory

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is fundamentally built around positions - the physical postures that determine your ability to attack, defend, and transition during combat. Our comprehensive positions database covers every essential posture from the fundamental foundations to advanced variations that can turn the tide of any match.

The Foundation: Guard Positions

Starting with the Guard family, we explore 15+ variations including the classic Closed Guard (where both legs wrap around your opponent's waist), Open Guard variations like De La Riva and Spider Guard, and specialized guards such as Butterfly Guard and X-Guard. Each guard position offers unique opportunities for sweeps, submissions, and defensive maneuvers.

Complete Dominance: Mount Positions

The Mount position represents complete dominance with 8 documented variations from the standard Full Mount to technical variations like Technical Mount and S-Mount. These positions provide the highest percentage opportunities for finishing submissions while maintaining control.

Transitional Control: Side Control

Side Control offers 12+ variations including the fundamental Kesa Gatame, North-South positioning, and transitional postures that bridge between mount and guard play. Side control represents the most commonly achieved dominant position in competitive matches.

Dangerous Territory: Back Control

Back Control encompasses 10+ variations from the basic Back Mount to advanced hooks and seatbelt grips. With proper back control, you gain access to the most dangerous submissions in BJJ, including the rear naked choke and various arm attacks.

Additional Position Families

Our database also includes standing positions (6 variations), turtle defense (4 positions), and transitional postures that connect different position families. Each position is broken down into specific sub-positions that define exact posture, weight distribution, and control opportunities.

Building Your Complete Game

Whether you're a white belt learning the fundamentals or a black belt refining advanced techniques, understanding these 60+ positions and their relationships is crucial for developing a complete game. Each position connects to specific submissions, escapes, and transitions, creating a web of possibilities that defines modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu strategy.