BJJ Terminology

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its own unique vocabulary, drawing from Japanese, Portuguese, and English terminology. Understanding these terms is essential for following instruction and communicating with training partners.

Below you'll find common BJJ terms organized by category, from basic positions to advanced techniques and traditional expressions.

GLOSSARY

Positions

Term	Definition
Guard	A fundamental position where one practitioner is on their back, using their legs to control their opponent.
Closed Guard	Guard position where the legs are wrapped around the opponent's waist with ankles locked.
Open Guard	Any guard position where the legs are not locked around the opponent.
Half Guard	Position where the bottom practitioner has trapped one of their opponent's legs between their own.
Mount	Dominant top position where one practitioner sits on their opponent's torso with knees on either side.
Side Control	Dominant position where the top practitioner is perpendicular to their opponent, chest-to-chest.
Back Control	The most dominant position where one practitioner is behind their opponent with hooks controlling the hips.

Submissions

Term	Definition
Armbar	Joint lock that hyperextends the elbow by using the hips and legs.
Triangle Choke	Blood choke performed by encircling the opponent's neck and arm with the legs.
Rear Naked Choke	Choking technique applied from back control, wrapping one arm around the opponent's neck.
Guillotine Choke	Front choke where the attacker wraps their arm around the opponent's neck.
Kimura	Shoulder lock where the attacker controls the opponent's arm, bending it behind their back.
Americana	Shoulder lock applied from mount or side control, rotating the opponent's shoulder.

Techniques

Term	Definition
Sweep	Technique used to reverse position, taking an opponent from top to bottom or vice versa.
Pass	To move past an opponent's guard, advancing to a more dominant position.
Takedown	Technique used to bring an opponent from standing to the ground.
Shrimp	Fundamental movement where the practitioner moves their hips away from pressure, creating space.
Bridge	Fundamental movement where the practitioner arches their back and hips off the ground.

Concepts

Term	Definition
Base	The foundation and balance of a position. Good base prevents being swept or submitted.
Posture	The alignment and positioning of the body to maintain balance and prevent attacks.
Pressure	The application of weight and control to restrict an opponent's movement and breathing.
Frames	Using arms and legs as structural barriers to create and maintain distance from an opponent.
Hooks	Using feet or legs to control an opponent's body, most commonly in back control.
Grips	How and where you hold your opponent's gi, body, or limbs.

General Terms

Term	Definition
Gi	The traditional uniform worn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt.
No-Gi	Style of BJJ practiced without the traditional gi, typically wearing shorts and a rash guard.
Rolling	Live sparring or practice where practitioners apply techniques against resisting opponents.
Drilling	Repetitive practice of techniques with a cooperative partner to build muscle memory.
Tap	The signal of submission, typically done by tapping the opponent or mat multiple times.
Oss	Japanese term used to show respect, acknowledgment, or agreement.

ABOUT

Understanding BJJ terminology

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu terminology comes from multiple sources. Many fundamental concepts use Portuguese terms from the art's Brazilian origins, while traditional techniques often retain their Japanese names from judo and classical jujutsu.

Understanding these terms helps you follow instruction more effectively and communicate with training partners from different academies around the world. Many terms have multiple names or variations depending on the school's tradition.

Don't worry if the terminology feels overwhelming at first. Most practitioners learn these terms naturally through consistent training and exposure. The most important terms will become second nature within your first few months on the mat.

This glossary covers the most common terms you'll encounter in BJJ training, from basic positions and movements to more advanced techniques and concepts.