Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Positions Directory
Master the fundamental positions that form the foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From guard play to dominant positions, learn how to control and transition through the fight.
The Fundamental Positions of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our core philosophy is that we are always aiming to have the most control possible. Positions are the core ways to control someone when grappling. These seven categories represent the core ways to dominate your opponent when on the ground.
💡 Position before submission
Remember: establish dominant position first, then look for submissions. Control creates opportunity.
The Guard
The guard represents all positions where you're on your back with legs controlling your opponent.
Pros:
- • Strong defensive position
- • Multiple submission options
- • Can sweep to top position
- • Controls distance effectively
Cons:
- • Limited striking access
- • Can be passed by experienced opponents
- • Requires good endurance
Half Guard
Half guard involves controlling one of your opponent's legs while maintaining defensive posture.
Pros:
- • Transitional position
- • Good for sweeps
- • Can recover full guard
- • Creates angles for attacks
Cons:
- • Can be isolated
- • Limited submission options
- • Requires precise control
Mount
Mount is the ultimate top position where you sit astride your opponent's torso.
Pros:
- • Maximum control
- • High submission percentage
- • Easy to maintain
- • Tournament points
Cons:
- • Can be bridged out of
- • Vulnerable to guard recovery
- • Limited mobility
The Back
Back control involves maintaining position behind your opponent with hooks and control.
Pros:
- • Rear naked choke access
- • Safe for attacker
- • High tournament points
- • Multiple submission options
Cons:
- • Hard to achieve
- • Can be shaken off
- • Requires good balance
Side Control
Side control involves pinning your opponent to their side with perpendicular weight distribution.
Pros:
- • Stable pinning position
- • Good for ground and pound
- • Easy transitions available
- • Controls opponent's base
Cons:
- • Can be bridged out of
- • Limited striking angles
- • Requires constant pressure
Leg Entanglements
Leg entanglements involve complex leg configurations for controlling your opponent's lower body.
Pros:
- • Leg submission access
- • Unique control methods
- • Modern technique edge
- • Prevents escapes
Cons:
- • Complex to learn
- • Limited in gi
- • Requires flexibility
- • Can be countered
Standing
Standing positions involve clinch work, takedowns, and pre-ground engagement techniques.
Pros:
- • First contact control
- • Sets ground position
- • Striking integration
- • Momentum advantage
Cons:
- • Requires strength
- • Can be sprawled on
- • Balance dependent
- • Less control than ground
Positional Hierarchy and Strategic Value in BJJ
Strategic progression in Jiu-Jitsu is dictated by a clear positional hierarchy that has been refined over decades of competition and practice. This structure quantifies control, threat level, and energy expenditure, creating a roadmap for practitioners to navigate the complex landscape of grappling. Whether you're competing in tournaments or training for self-defense, understanding this hierarchy guides you to always seek positions of maximal control with minimal risk. Modern tournament scoring systems directly reflect this strategic priority, rewarding competitors who master the art of positional dominance.
The Positional Value Scale (Highest to Lowest Control)
Back Control/Mount
Positions offering maximum control, highest submission probability, and complete safety from opponent's defense.
Guard Pass
Successfully passing the opponent's guard, establishing control from the top with stable positioning like knee-on-belly.
Takedown/Sweep
Bringing an opponent to the ground or reversing from bottom to top position.
Guard/Half Guard
Neutral or disadvantageous positions that prioritize defense and reversal potential over immediate control.
Strategic Imperative: The objective is to continually ascend this hierarchy, ensuring that all defensive efforts are directed toward stabilizing the current position or reversing to the next highest tier.
Jiu jitsu terminology for positions
There is a lot of terminology in BJJ that can get a little confusing if you are new. Here we have listed the most common terms when thinking about positions in BJJ.
| Core Positional Terms | Definition |
|---|---|
| Postural Base | The use of structural alignment and balance (head, spine, hips) to prevent sweeps or to stabilize a dominant pin. |
| Underhook/Overhook | Primary body control grips where the arm goes under or over the opponent's limb or body for leverage and weight distribution. |
| The Shrimp | The fundamental defensive movement used to create space and recover guard or escape from a pin. |
| The Frame | A rigid bone structure (forearm or shin) used to establish distance and prevent an opponent from applying crushing pressure. |
| Sweep/Reversal | A maneuver that transitions the bottom grappler to the top position, effectively reversing the flow of dominance. |
| Pin | Any position (e.g., Side Control, Mount) where the opponent is stabilized and effectively immobilized on the mat. |
| Center Line | The imaginary vertical line through the opponent's torso; controlling this is central to preventing powerful directional movement. |
Full BJJ Position List
We categorized the main positions in BJJ and split them out: Guard, Half Guard, Mount, Back Control, Side Control, Leg Entanglements, and Standing. Clicking a link will take you on the journey through Jiu Jitsu and help you understand what techniques you can do for each position.
Click a position below to explore more
Back Positions
List of BJJ positional variants for back
Guard Positions
List of BJJ positional variants for guard
50/50 Guard
→Butterfly Guard
→Closed Guard
→De La Riva Guard
→Deep Half
→Donkey Guard
→Helio Gracie Guard
→High Guard
→High Low Guard
→Hip Bump Ride
→K Guard
→Knee Shield Guard
→Lapel Guard
→Lasso Guard
→Leghook Guard
→Open Guard (Opponent Standing)
→Overhook Guard
→Reverse De La Riva Guard
→Reverse De La Worm
→Reverse Worm Guard
→Reverse X Guard
→Reverse Z Guard
→Rubber Guard
→Shin to Shin
→Side Guard
→Single Butterfly Guard
→Single Leg X Guard
→Sit Up Guard
→Spider Guard
→Squid Guard
→Standing Closed Guard
→Three Quarter Guard
→Tornado Guard
→Worm Guard
→X guard
→Half Guard Positions
List of BJJ positional variants for half guard
Leg Entanglement Positions
List of BJJ positional variants for leg entanglement
Mount Positions
List of BJJ positional variants for mount
Side Positions
List of BJJ positional variants for side
Standing Positions
List of BJJ positional variants for standing
No sub-positions available yet.
Essential Position Videos
WHITE BELT POSITIONAL GUIDE
Beginner positions
The Jiu-Jitsu Positions & Terms Every White Belt Should Know: The First 4 Positions You Need to Know
Part 1: Basics
The Jiu-Jitsu Positions & Terms Every White Belt Should Know: The First 4 Positions You Need to Know
Part 2: Advanced
What Is Inside Position?.. The Most Important Concept In Jiujitsu
Inside position concept
Helpful Guide to Common BJJ Guard Types
Guard variations
5 Fundamental Side Control Positions in BJJ You Should Know
Side control positions
Frequently Asked Questions BJJ Positional Strategy
This section addresses the most frequent inquiries concerning positional application, rules, and strategic priority in Jiu-Jitsu.