As a wise white belt, you must be familiar with various jiu-jitsu moves and techniques to improve your overall performance. As a result, you have a variety of movements at your disposal to defend yourself in BJJ sparring, escape unpleasant positions, or even submit to your opponent.
So, what basic BJJ movements and techniques should white belts learn and practice to improve their game?
| Basic Movements | Basic Submissions |
| – Bridging – Shrimping – Technical standups – Sprawl – Forward/backward rolls |
– Triangle choke – Armbar submission – Kimura lock – Guillotine choke |
| Guard Passing Moves | Sweeping movements |
| – Over-under guard pass – Double underhook pass – Single underhook pass – Toreando guard pass – Knee slide pass |
– Hip bump sweep – Scissor sweep – Pendulum sweep – Elevator sweep – Flower Sweep – Double ankle sweep – Lumberjack sweep |
| Escapes Techniques | Other Techniques |
| – Side control escapes – Basic mount escapes – Back control escapes – Bottom turtle escapes – Knee on belly escapes |
– Single-leg move – Double-leg takedown – Arm Drag Takedown |
If you’re a jiu-jitsu beginner who wants to learn and master various moves and submissions, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will assist you in understanding and completing the fundamental movements and techniques for BJJ white belts to improve their game. Stay tuned!
Fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Beginner Moves
As a white belt, you must study and master several fundamental moves to improve your Brazilian jiu-jitsu. So, look at the following essential movements beginners must learn and understand.
BJJ Bridging Movement
Bridging is a fundamental Brazilian jiu-jitsu move that any white belt should master. But first, skill up your game to learn the BJJ bridge movement properly.
So, you may wonder how the bridging move affects your jiu-jitsu game?
The BJJ bridge will assist you in getting out of (escape) or into various Brazilian jiu-jitsu positions.
For example, the bridging moves can assist you in escaping some bottom positions, such as the bottom side control and the bottom mount position, to name a couple of possibilities.
Furthermore, the jiu-jitsu bridge assists the bottom player in generating enough power to escape an undesirable position. And it will require you to engage your hip muscles, glutes, and hamstrings properly.
Indeed, to complete a successful bridge move, you must react in the right direction at the appropriate time.
Jiu-Jitsu Shrimp Move
The BJJ shrimp is one of the fundamental moves that every white belt should learn and master. Therefore, it is critical to thoroughly understand the BJJ Shrimp movements to improve your overall skill level.
You might be wondering how shrimping movements affect your jiu-jitsu game.
The jiu-jitsu shrimp move will assist you in maintaining distance between you and your opponent to recover a good position.
Examples include escaping some bottom positions, such as the knee on the belly, side control, and other variations.
Furthermore, the shrimping movement can help you get some other amazing things besides guard recovery.
As a result, shrimping is a crucial move to master if you want to improve your BJJ skills. Furthermore, it will be highly beneficial when combining the bridging and shrimping movements.
BJJ Technical Stand-Up
The technical standup is another essential Brazilian jiu-jitsu move that beginners should learn and master from their first days on the mat.
Furthermore, it is vital to understand the technical standup movement to improve your jiu-jitsu skills to a high level.
Consequently, you may wonder why learning the technical standup move is necessary.
The technical standup movement in jiu-jitsu will assist you in maintaining a safe distance between yourself and your opponent during a fight.
For example, the technical standup can help you break an opponent’s control from a seated position toward a neutralized standing position.
As a result, technical standup is a significant move you should learn and master if you want to improve your BJJ capabilities. Otherwise, it can protect you in self-defense or grappling martial arts fight from being smashed.
Jiu-Jitsu Sprawl Move
The sprawl is one of the most fundamental jiu-jitsu moves for white belts to learn from their first mat day.
Furthermore, understanding the BJJ sprawl movement is critical to improving your jiu-jitsu skills to a high level of proficiency.
So the question now is, why should you learn the jiu-jitsu sprawl move?
The goal of the BJJ sprawl move is to make your hips flat toward the floor, making it difficult for an opponent to move your center of gravity.
For example, the jiu-jitsu sprawl movement can assist you in defending against a double-leg takedown attack.
Moreover, to complete a successful sprawling movement, you must react in an explosive and fast manner at the appropriate time. In that case, it will be beneficial in Brazilian jiu-jitsu or wrestling.
BJJ Forward and Backward Rolls
The forward and backward rolls are two of the most fundamental jiu-jitsu movements that beginners should become familiar with as soon as possible.
In addition, understanding and mastering these basic moves will help you improve your BJJ game.
Nonetheless, you may wonder how forward and backward rolls can benefit a BJJ fight.
The back roll in jiu-jitsu allows you to roll over your shoulders to protect your back or head from an attacking attempt.
Nonetheless, it can help counter guard passes, get into submissions, or escape from weak positions.
On the other hand, the BJJ forward roll can help you avoid uncomfortable positions like the bottom turtle.
Otherwise, you can use it in sweep variations to protect your head or neck from injury. Indeed, you can use it to apply some submissions, etc.
As a result, forward and backward rolls are important movements to learn and master to improve your BJJ abilities.
However, it is critical to take the necessary time to learn these movements properly to avoid injuring your head and shoulders.
Recommended: 17+ Most Important BJJ Rules for White Belts
Basic BJJ White Belt Submissions
Submissions are among the most impressive techniques for ending a fight in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.
However, studying various submission movements to strengthen your BJJ game as a white belt would be best.
So, look at the following essential beginner jiu-jitsu submissions you need to learn and comprehend.
Triangle Choke
The triangle choke is an essential Brazilian jiu-jitsu submission that every white belt should learn and understand its mechanics.
Furthermore, becoming acquainted with this fantastic technique aids in developing an effective attacking game. So, you may be wondering how a triangle choke works.
The triangle choke involves applying tremendous pressure across your opponent’s neck, disrupting the blood flow.
As a result, the opponent is left with few options: tap out or sleep.
Furthermore, there are numerous basic triangle choke variations that you should learn, such as the closed guard triangle choke, arm-triangle choke, etc.
Armbar Submission
The armbar is one of the fundamental BJJ submission techniques that all white belts should learn and master.
Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with this fantastic technique and comprehending its mechanics will aid you in developing an outstanding attacking game.
So, you’re probably curious to know how an armbar submission works.
The armbar is a grappling submission move that hyperextends the elbow joints due to tight arm control.
In addition, the armbar is one of those jiu-jitsu submissions that can be done almost anywhere.
As a result, you should learn several armbar variations, such as the closed guard armbar, straight armbar, side control armbar, and so on.
Kimura Lock Submission
Kimura lock is another fundamental Brazilian jiu-jitsu submission technique that beginners should learn and practice.
Besides, it’s an effective submission that many competitors use in competitions.
So, becoming familiar with and understanding the mechanics of the kimura lock can aid you in establishing an excellent attacking game in the future.
So, you’re probably wondering how a Kimura submission works.
The Kimura submission is a shoulder lock technique most commonly seen in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts (MMA).
Furthermore, it’s a highly effective submission technique to submit any fighter across all belt levels and categories.
Moreover, the kimura technique is a fascinating submission that can be performed from practically any BJJ position.
Therefore, you should become familiar with numerous kimura variations, including the closed guard kimura, reverse kimura submission, side control kimura lock, etc.
Guillotine Choke
The guillotine choke is a top Brazilian jiu-jitsu submission technique you should learn and master.
It is widely used in BJJ and MMA tournaments since it is one of the most effective attacks.
As a result, white belts should become familiarized with this great head and arm choke technique to create an excellent attacking game.
So, you’re undoubtedly wondering how the guillotine choke submission works.
The guillotine submission is a blood choke that disrupts the opponent’s blood flow, forcing him to give up. And it requires using one or two arms to wrap your opponent’s neck in the form of a guillotine.
Otherwise, performing the guillotine choke from multiple positions, including standing and closed guard, will level up your game.
Recommended: Click here to learn about the best chokes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Basic Sweeps for White Belts
Sweeps are among the most impressive techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for reversing the game.
Furthermore, most people enjoy doing sweeps because they help a bottom player flip his opponent to get out of an unwanted position.
It would help if you had many sweeping techniques to improve your jiu-jitsu as a white belt. So, look at some basic BJJ sweeps that you know and understand.
Hip Bump Sweep
The hip bump sweep is a fundamental technique in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As a result, BJJ white belts should learn and understand this technique from the start.
So, you’re probably wondering how the hip bump sweep impacts your jiu-jitsu game.
The hip bump sweep can be successfully performed with various powerful variations and combinations from closed guard.
For example, it can be combined with a series of submissions, such as the triangle choke, kimura lock, and omoplata.
As a wise jiu-jitsu beginner looking to build a savage closed guard, you must add the hip bump sweep to your attacking system.
Scissor Sweep
The scissor sweep is another fundamental technique in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for white belts. It’s a fantastic movement you should learn and understand from your early days on the mat.
So, you’re probably wondering how the scissor sweep impacts your game.
The scissor sweep will help you develop your closed-guard attacks so far.
It’s a great move to maneuver an opponent’s posture and weight using proper sleeve and collar grips.
Otherwise, scissor sweep offers numerous transitions and submissions, such as the armbar, triangle choke, cross choke, omoplata, and kimura.
Furthermore, the scissor sweep is one of the fundamental jujitsu sweeps that remains effective from white belt to black belt and beyond.
So, as a wise jiu-jitsu beginner looking to build a savage game, you must add the scissor sweep to your attacking system.
Pendulum Sweep
The pendulum sweep is one of the essential foundational techniques in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for white belts. Therefore, you should know and understand this beautiful movement from your first mat day.
Thus far, you’ve undoubtedly been wondering how a pendulum sweep may be helpful to you.
The pendulum sweep is one of the best techniques in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It’s an effective Gi and No-Gi movement to endanger your opponent.
Otherwise, This move is beneficial for high-level competition and even self-defense scenarios.
Furthermore, the pendulum sweep is one of the most effective closed guard sweeps you should learn to develop a ruthless game style.
Elevator Sweep
The elevator sweep is one of the most critical foundational techniques in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for white belts.
It’s another BJJ sweep you need to become familiar with and understand from the start of your training.
In addition, The elevator sweep is one of the most impressive sweeps in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
It can be performed from many positions, including the closed guard, half guard, etc.
As a result, this move is quite advantageous, and it will assist you in developing a solid attacking game.
Double Ankle Sweep
The double ankle sweep is another fundamental BJJ grappling movement for white belts.
Therefore, you should know and understand this beautiful movement from your first mat day.
Otherwise, the double ankle sweep technique can be performed effectively from a closed guard, among other positions.
Adding this sweep type into your game will elevate performance toward developing a solid attacking game.
Lumberjack Sweep
The lumberjack sweep is one of the best basic Brazilian jiu-jitsu movements for white belts. This classic sweep technique is often performed effectively from a closed guard position.
But it can also be completed successfully from other positions such as the butterfly guard, X guard, etc.
Adding this fantastic technique to your jiu-jitsu game will elevate your performance. And it will assist you in developing a solid attacking game.
Related: White Belt BJJ Tournament: Get Ready for Competitions!
Jiu-Jitsu Basic Guard Passes for White Belts
Learning several fundamental BJJ guard passing techniques as a white belt. So, look at the following essential guard passes that beginners must know and understand.
Knee Cut Guard Pass
The knee Cut (knee slice) is among the best BJJ techniques for white belts. It’s an excellent technique move for getting through someone’s guard.
Over Under Guard Passing Technique
The over-under pass is another fantastic technique for BJJ beginners. It’s a powerful and effective guard passing move in both gi and no-gi that you should learn from your jiu-jitsu beginning.
Single Under Guard Pass
The single-under pass is one of the best BJJ guard passing techniques white belts should learn and master.
It is one of the most fundamental and practical moves in jiu-jitsu because it is brutal and effective.
Related: Click here to learn more about the best guard passes in BJJ.
Essential Jiu-Jitsu Escaping Techniques for White Belts
Escapes are one of the vital techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for getting out of a bad situation. So, as a white belt, you should learn various escaping movements to level up your jiu-jitsu.
So, you should know and understand the following fundamental BJJ escapes.
Basic Side Control Escapes
Source: fightTIPS
Basic Mount Escapes
Source: Jedi Does Jiujitsu
Basic Back Control Escapes
Source: Atos Jiu-Jitsu HQ | World’s Best BJJ Academy – Home Page
Basic Bottom Turtle Escapes
Source: MMA Leech
Knee On Belly Escapes
Source: Knight Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ Takedowns for Beginners
Takedowns are among the essential techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These techniques will help you take an opponent from standing to the ground.
White belts should learn more than three takedown variations to boost their BJJ fighting skill.
The following list shows the fundamental takedown movements you should know and understand.
- Single-Leg Takedown
- Duck Under Takedown
- Double Leg Takedown
- Armdrag Takedown
Find more about these fundamental takedowns for jiu-jitsu in the following video.
Recommended: Click here to learn more about some of the best judo throws and wrestling takedowns for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
In addition to being a superb martial art discipline, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides its practitioners with many benefits.
However, because it is a physically and technically demanding martial arts discipline, some students, particularly novices, may find it difficult to enhance their game.
So, how can a white belt maintain concentration on BJJ training for an extended period?
White belts should learn as many basic BJJ moves and techniques as possible to improve their game.
As a result, students can defend themselves in BJJ sparring, escape from uncomfortable positions, and even submit to their opponent as they go through the program.
Indeed, a novice BJJ learner should be familiar with the basic jiu-jitsu movements, submissions, sweeps, escapes, etc.
I hope the beginner Brazilian jiu-jitsu guide above will help improve your game so far as a white belt.
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