11 Jiu-Jitsu Moves Every Beginner Should Learn

Starting your journey on the mats can feel overwhelming. With so many techniques and positions, knowing where to begin is key. This guide breaks down the 11 most essential Jiu-Jitsu moves that every beginner should learn first. These fundamental techniques form the building blocks for all future learning, providing a solid base for self-defense and sport.

1. The Double Leg Takedown

The double leg takedown is one of the most fundamental and effective techniques in Jiu-Jitsu and grappling sports, providing a reliable way to transition the fight from standing to the ground. This move is especially valuable for beginners, as it demonstrates the importance of timing, proper body mechanics, and control when closing the distance with an opponent. To perform this technique, you begin by getting into an athletic stance, ensuring your knees are slightly bent and you're balanced on the balls of your feet. Maintaining a low center of gravity is crucial to protect yourself from counters and to effectively engage with your opponent.

The execution starts with a penetration step, where you "shoot in" toward your opponent by stepping forward with your lead leg, ensuring it lands between their legs. Simultaneously, you lower your level by bending at the knees while keeping your chest upright. At this point, your head should be positioned to one side of their torso, with your gaze forward and not down. The goal is to engage your core and posture correctly to use your body weight efficiently.

Once in position, you wrap your arms around both of your opponent’s legs, gripping firmly behind their knees. Your head acts as a crucial point of leverage, pushing into their torso to destabilize their balance. Using the power from your legs and hips, you drive forward explosively, pulling their legs toward you while moving their weight backward. This synchronized motion creates the force needed to take your opponent off their feet and onto the mat.

Mastering the double leg takedown provides not only a strong entry point to initiate grappling exchanges but also highlights the importance of combining strength with technique. Practicing this move also helps beginners understand spatial awareness, the use of angles, and how to maintain control through transitions once the takedown is complete.

2. How the Scissor Sweep Can Improve Your Grappling

The scissor sweep is one of the most accessible and effective techniques to learn when starting your Jiu-Jitsu training. This move teaches the principles of leverage, timing, and body mechanics—cornerstones of grappling that will serve you well as your skills develop. The scissor sweep is performed from the guard position, a fundamental position where you are on your back with your legs wrapped around your opponent's hips, controlling their posture and movement.

Executing the scissor sweep begins by solidifying your guard control. You should secure a grip on one of your opponent’s sleeves while simultaneously holding the collar of their gi with your other hand. Establishing these grips ensures you can control their upper body and posture, limiting their ability to counter. Next, you open your guard by releasing the leg lock around their waist, planting one foot on the mat to create a pivot point. Your other leg extends outward and across your opponent’s torso at an angle, resting just below their ribs. This "scissoring" leg becomes your primary lever in the sweep.

To create momentum, you shift your hips slightly to the side while pulling their sleeve and collar toward you. This action not only disrupts their balance but also encourages their weight to shift forward. With the movement set up, your bottom leg sweeps out and hooks behind their leg while your extended leg drives across their body. This coordinated motion applies the principle of leverage, allowing you to topple even larger opponents without relying on brute strength. Imagine cutting through their base like a scissor, with your legs acting as the blades to execute the motion effectively.

The scissor sweep doesn’t just teach a practical way to reverse the position and take the top—it also instills vital skills, such as recognizing weight distribution, applying leverage efficiently, and transitioning smoothly to dominant control positions. When successfully executed, you will find yourself on top in the mount or half-guard position, giving you a significant advantage in both self-defense scenarios and competitive grappling exchanges. Repetition and attention to detail during practice will refine this technique and improve your overall grappling ability.

3. The Upa Escape (Bridge and Roll)

Being stuck under mount is widely regarded as one of the most vulnerable and uncomfortable positions in grappling. Your opponent has the advantage of pinning you to the mat, limiting your movement, and setting up potential attacks, such as submissions or strikes. The Upa escape, also known as the bridge and roll, is a fundamental technique for reversing this position and gaining a more neutral or favorable outcome. This escape highlights the importance of timing, leverage, and proper body mechanics.

To execute the Upa escape, the first step involves identifying the right moment when your opponent is slightly off balance or applying pressure towards one side. Begin by securing control of one of your opponent’s arms, typically by trapping it tightly against your chest or locking it down with both hands to prevent them from posting. At the same time, ensure you trap their corresponding leg by hooking it with your foot. This combination locks that side of their body, limiting their ability to maintain balance or block your movement.

The next crucial step is to perform a powerful bridge motion. Drive your hips upward explosively, creating a high arch with your back. This movement not only shifts your opponent’s center of gravity but also disrupts their stability, making it difficult for them to maintain their position. Once their balance is compromised, execute a controlled roll towards the side you’ve trapped. Use the momentum generated by your bridge to continue the roll, flipping your opponent over and reversing your positions. You should end up on top in their guard, presenting you with an opportunity to secure control and prepare for your next move.

Mastering the Upa escape requires a strong understanding of the finer details. For example, keeping your elbows tight and avoiding excessive space is critical for minimizing your opponent’s chances to re-establish control. Additionally, practicing the timing of your bridge is key—failing to execute the technique explosively and at the right moment may give your opponent an opportunity to adjust their base and remain in control.

Repetition is vital for embedding the muscle memory required to perform the Upa escape effectively under pressure, whether in sparring or self-defense situations. Pairing this move with sound fundamentals, such as proper hip movement and posture awareness, ensures you develop a reliable escape method when faced with the challenge of being pinned under mount.

4. Finding the Right Path with Jiu-Jitsu Classes

While online resources, instructional videos, and tutorials can provide valuable insights into the core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there is no true substitute for hands-on training in a structured class environment. Proper Jiu-Jitsu classes, led by an experienced instructor, offer a learning space where students can immerse themselves in the art and receive immediate feedback on their performance.

One significant advantage of attending classes is the opportunity for personalized correction. Many techniques, including the Upa escape, hinge on subtle movements and precise angles that may not be immediately apparent when learning from videos alone. An instructor can observe your technique, assess areas for improvement, and guide you to make adjustments in real-time. This immediate feedback ensures that you build good habits right from the start, rather than reinforcing incorrect mechanics that may hinder your progress or lead to potential injuries.

Furthermore, the class environment promotes dynamic learning through live drilling and sparring with diverse training partners. Practicing against individuals of varying sizes, skill levels, and styles allows you to refine your Upa escape under realistic conditions. Each partner introduces new challenges, such as variations in balance, resistance, or reaction speed, forcing you to adapt your application of the technique.

Beyond the technical benefits, Jiu-Jitsu classes foster a sense of community and accountability. Training alongside others who share similar goals creates a supportive environment where students motivate and push each other to improve. This camaraderie not only enhances skill development but also keeps you consistent in your practice, ensuring a steady progression over time.

Ultimately, signing up for Jiu-Jitsu classes provides a holistic approach to mastering the art. It combines the theoretical knowledge gained from online resources with practical experience, personalized guidance, and peer interaction. By committing to a structured class, you lay the foundation needed to perform essential techniques like the Upa escape effectively and safely, helping you progress in your martial arts journey with confidence and skill.

5. The Kimura Submission

The Kimura is one of the most versatile and essential submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, suitable for practitioners at all levels. This powerful shoulder lock can be applied from a variety of positions, making it a dynamic and effective tool in your arsenal. Among its most common setups are from the guard, half guard, side control, and even standing or scrambling situations, showcasing its adaptability to countless scenarios. The submission works by isolating an opponent’s arm and securing a figure-four grip, allowing for significant control and leverage over the shoulder joint. The practitioner uses their body mechanics and rotational force to torque the opponent’s shoulder against the natural range of motion, compelling them to tap out to avoid injury.

When setting up the Kimura from the guard, the technique begins with controlling your opponent’s wrist with one hand while threading your other hand under their arm to secure a figure-four grip. This combination creates a strong mechanical advantage, enabling you to maintain control even against stronger opponents. Success lies in maintaining tight wrist control, aligning your hips for proper rotation, and gradually applying pressure to maximize efficiency. The Kimura not only serves as an effective submission but also opens up a wealth of transitions and sweeps, further cementing its role as a must-know technique for every beginner.

Beyond the technical aspects, the Kimura teaches important principles in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, such as the ability to use leverage, positioning, and controlled force to neutralize an opponent. Its high-percentage success rate in both training and competitive settings makes it an invaluable addition to the toolkit of any practitioner focused on progressing in the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

6. The Triangle Choke from Guard

The Triangle Choke is a classic submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, embodying the essence of using leverage, anatomical knowledge, and precise technique to subdue an opponent. This submission is typically executed from the guard, where a practitioner skillfully uses their legs to trap the opponent’s head and one arm. By applying pressure to the carotid arteries—effectively restricting blood flow to the brain—the Triangle Choke forces a quick tap or renders the opponent unconscious if they fail to surrender in time.

To set up the Triangle Choke, one must begin by breaking down the opponent’s posture in the guard. This is typically accomplished by using grips to control the opponent’s wrist and collar while pulling them forward. Once the posture is compromised, you isolate one of their arms and thread your leg across their neck, maintaining a tight clamp with your thighs. The key to a successful Triangle Choke is adjusting for proper angles—shifting your hips outwards to create a sharper posture—and ensuring your foot placement locks the opponent securely in place. Applying controlled, methodical pressure by squeezing your thighs finishes the choke effectively.

Aside from its effectiveness, the Triangle Choke is a foundational move that develops critical skills for any BJJ student, such as hip mobility, posture control, and awareness of positioning. It is a technique that reinforces the key concept of using an opponent’s vulnerability to gain control, striking a balance between finesse and power. Mastering this submission early in your Jiu-Jitsu training not only adds a reliable move to your repertoire but also deepens your understanding of the principles underpinning the martial art.

7. The Importance of Drilling at a Local Academy

Developing proficiency in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires consistent practice, and there is no substitute for repetitive drilling to embed techniques into muscle memory. Drilling is the process of performing techniques in a controlled, repetitive manner to refine movements, improve precision, and make actions instinctual. While watching online tutorials and reading about techniques are helpful resources, nothing compares to hands-on practice with live partners. For those new to the art and searching for "jiu jitsu near me," finding a local academy that prioritizes a welcoming and supportive environment is vital.

Drilling with a variety of partners is key to effective learning. Each individual brings a unique size, strength, and experience level, ensuring that you encounter diverse challenges during practice. Working with different types of training partners familiarizes you with varying tempos and reactions, which is critical in preparing for real-world applications or competition scenarios. Structured drilling sessions at a local academy often involve breaking down techniques into smaller components to practice key motions repeatedly under the supervision of skilled instructors who provide feedback and personalized adjustments.

Furthermore, the community aspect of training at a local academy cannot be overstated. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for Jiu-Jitsu fosters camaraderie and motivation. Drilling with dedicated partners builds trust and collaboration, creating an environment where everyone can grow and progress together. By immersing yourself in this supportive community and committing to consistent, focused drilling, you set yourself on a path to mastering techniques such as the Kimura and Triangle Choke and becoming a confident practitioner of the gentle art.

8. The Americana Submission

Another fundamental shoulder lock in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the Americana, also known as the keylock. This submission is primarily applied from dominant positions like mount or side control and is both simple to execute and highly effective. The Americana targets the shoulder joint by isolating the opponent's arm and applying controlled, yet devastating, pressure. To set up the Americana, you begin by pinning your opponent's arm to the mat. This is typically done by using one hand to push their wrist down while simultaneously using your other arm to hook underneath their elbow, creating a secure grip. The opponent's arm should form a right angle at the elbow, resembling the shape of the letter "L."

Once the arm is in place, you "paint the canvas" by slowly sliding their wrist along the mat while applying downward pressure. This motion stretches and rotates the shoulder joint toward its limit, forcing the opponent to submit or risk serious injury. Proper control is vital throughout the technique, as maintaining your positional dominance prevents the opponent from escaping or countering. The Americana is especially effective because it combines powerful leverage with controlled pressure, making it one of the hallmarks of fundamental Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Mastering this submission not only reinforces your ability to finish matches but also teaches the importance of balance, weight distribution, and timing.

9. Passing the Guard

Guard passing is an essential skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, forming the bridge between neutral positions and dominant, attack-ready positions like side control or mount. When your opponent is on their back with their legs engaged in a defensive posture, they are "playing guard." To advance your position and threaten submissions, you first need to pass their guard. One of the most effective and widely used methods to accomplish this is the knee-cut pass, a staple technique in BJJ.

The knee-cut pass begins with proper posture and grip control. Typically, you’ll secure a grip on your opponent's collar to stabilize their upper body and another grip on their pants or leg to control their movement. Once grips are established, you step one leg forward, inserting your knee between the opponent's legs to create space while simultaneously pinning their other leg with your shin or hand. This creates a slicing motion as your knee "cuts" through the guard. To finish the pass, your knee lands on the mat beside your opponent's hip as you apply pressure with your chest to flatten them out.

Timing and precision are critical, as your opponent will often try to disrupt your balance or recover their guard. To counteract this, maintaining strong base and posture throughout the pass is crucial. The knee-cut pass not only allows you to move into side control or mount but also sets the foundation for chaining passes together, ensuring you stay ahead in the positional hierarchy. Perfecting this technique will greatly enhance your ability to control and dominate an opponent during live rolls.

10. The Rear Naked Choke

Among all grappling techniques, the Rear Naked Choke (RNC) stands out as one of the most reliable and effective submissions. Celebrated for its high success rate and practicality in both sport and self-defense scenarios, the RNC is a staple finish in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The move is executed after securing the back position, which is considered one of the most dominant positions in grappling. From here, the goal is to wrap your arm around your opponent’s neck, targeting their carotid arteries, and apply precise pressure to induce unconsciousness or force a tap.

To set up the RNC, you begin by achieving back control, often by using hooks to anchor yourself around the opponent's hips. With one arm, you slide it under your opponent’s chin, ensuring that it rests snugly against their neck, avoiding unnecessary pressure on the windpipe. Your other arm then loops across the back of their head, clasping the first arm in a figure-four lock. This configuration—often called a "stranglehold"—creates a tight seal around the neck.

To finish the choke, you squeeze your arms together while expanding your chest, applying pressure to the carotid arteries, which limits blood flow to the brain. This results in a fast and efficient submission. Control throughout the move is essential, as losing position can allow your opponent to escape or counter. The RNC is praised for its versatility and effectiveness, making it the go-to finishing hold for many practitioners, from hobbyists to top-level competitors. Training this move not only improves your finishing ability but also develops the critical skill of back control, reinforcing the importance of positional dominance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

11. The Guard Recovery

Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense, and when it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, guard recovery is an essential defensive skill that can make or break a roll. When an opponent is actively working to pass your guard, knowing how to maintain composure and effectively recover your position is vital. Guard recovery techniques act as your lifeline, allowing you to regain control instead of ending up in a compromised position.

Key movements like shrimping, also known as hip escaping, are at the heart of guard recovery. Shrimping helps create space between you and your opponent, allowing mobility to reposition your legs and reestablish a functional guard. Combining this with proper framing using your arms and legs creates a powerful defensive posture. Framing disrupts your opponent's progress, halting their ability to secure dominance while simultaneously giving you the leverage to reset your guard effectively.

Re-establishing a strong guard often requires awareness and adaptability. Whether it's achieving closed guard, open guard, or even transitioning into a defensive half-guard, the objective remains the same—regaining control and preventing the opponent from solidifying their position. A strong guard recovery strategy involves anticipating their movements, reacting swiftly, and maintaining a mindset focused on survival and efficiency.

Preventing a guard pass is often more critical than attempting a sweep. A well-timed recovery halts the opponent's momentum, keeping you in the fight and allowing room to work your offensive game. Developing this skill not only strengthens your overall game but instills confidence during sparring and competitive scenarios. Mastering guard recovery is a testament to the principle of resilience in Jiu-Jitsu, demonstrating that proper defense can be the best preparation for counterattacks.

Conclusion

Learning these 11 fundamental moves will provide a solid foundation for any beginner stepping onto the mats. Each technique offers a valuable piece of the puzzle, emphasizing the importance of both offense and defense in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Consistent and mindful practice of these techniques ensures steady improvement, boosting not only your technical ability but also your understanding of the art as a whole.

The path of Jiu-Jitsu is not a sprint but rather a marathon that requires patience and dedication. Mastering these basics is the first crucial step toward long-term success and enjoyment in the world of grappling. By building these skills early in your journey, you'll not only develop confidence in your abilities but also a deeper appreciation for the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Keep training, stay disciplined, and enjoy the rewards that come from progress on and off the mats.