Think of the mat as a battlefield, where every inch matters and every move is important. In Jiu-Jitsu, positioning on the board is like a general studying the land before a battle.
It’s about taking control of your space, setting the pace, and pushing your opponent into a position where you have the upper hand.
For more than six years, I’ve been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that understanding positioning is the only way to win. You’ll lose control of the fight without it.
The Challenges We Face in Positioning in Jiu-Jitsu
- Lack of Positional Awareness: I see this a lot, especially in beginners. You pay too much attention to the method and forget that each position can either put you in charge or leave you open. This is too important to ignore.
- Rigid Techniques Over Adaptability: Some people get stuck on certain moves and don’t see how the way they are positioned on the mat can either make the move work or not. Placement comes first, then skill.
- Reading Your Opponent: You need to know not only what to do but also what they’re going to do. A lot of people don’t do this, and they pay for it by getting stuck, pinned, or even submitted.
Why Positioning Is Important?
Positioning isn’t just about technical details; it’s also about strategy. Think about facing someone who is faster or bigger than you.
When you have the upper hand, the fight is fair. You are not only moving your body, but you are also changing the choices your opponent has, which helps you and hurts them.
Being in the right place can keep you from getting stuck, caught off guard, or overpowered.
In the street? It can make the difference between staying safe and getting into trouble.
Take over the Combat Area on the Jiu-Jitsu Mat
Positioning is how you keep control of the mat, which is your battleground.
Think about the mount or side control—that’s where you’re in charge. You breathe more slowly, and you become aware of every grip and weight change.
Things are tense, but you’re ready. Positioning helps you figure out how to get away, where to push, and when to move, even if you get stuck.
Wrapping Up: The way to mastery
You need a plan to really get good at placement.
Start with positional fighting and work on each position by itself until it feels natural.
Not only learn to control, but also how to run away, read, and change.
Every roll should be seen as a new battlefield where you can test and improve your plan.
How you think? Feel like a general. Keep cool, pay attention, and take charge of your space on the mat. The best fighters make defeat impossible,” Sun Tzu said.
To do that in Jiu-Jitsu, you need to learn positioning. This will help you gain more control in every roll and match.
This ebook guides your strategy refinement. I will show you how to apply strategic thinking on and off the mat using Sun Tzu’s timeless concepts.
Find out how to strengthen your mind, change your plan, make the most of the community, and do many other cool things. Read the whole ebook by clicking here.
