Combat Positions
Explore the fundamental positions utilized in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, organized by combat phase.
Standing Phase 14 positions
Collar Tie
Single-point contact: one hand controlling the back of the opponent's neck, collar, or upper trapez…
Double Collar Tie
Two-point contact: both hands controlling the opponent's neck/head (also called the Plum), commonly…
Double Underhooks
Both arms underhooked on the opponent's arms, hands not yet locked/clasped — a contested, reversibl…
Front Bodylock
Two-point contact from the front, hands locked together around the opponent's torso — a committed, …
Over-Under
Two-point contact: one arm underhooked, the other overhooked — a mismatched, mutually offensive tie…
Rear Bodylock
Two-point contact from behind, hands locked together around the opponent's torso — the rear counter…
Single Leg
The held, contested moment after a single leg shot lands — one attacker has secured control of one …
Single Overhook
Single-point contact: one arm overhooked on the opponent's arm (e.g. a whizzer), contested and not …
Single Underhook
Single-point contact: one arm underhooked on the opponent's arm, contested and not locked. Can be s…
Standing
Zero contact — the neutral starting stance, feet set, no grips exchanged yet. The root of the stand…
Tie-up
Two-point contact: both hands on collar/elbow (or equivalent bilateral grip), mutual and symmetric …
Wrist/Sleeve Tie
Single-point contact: hand or forearm control on the opponent's wrist or sleeve, without a head/nec…
Clinch/Upper Body Control
General standing grip-fighting engagement: sustained bilateral upper-body contact where both fighte…
Lower Body Engagement
Contact focused on the legs/feet rather than the upper body: reaping, hooking, or picking at the op…
Understanding Position Hierarchy
BJJ positions are organized in a hierarchical structure, with major positions having variations and sub-positions. This reflects the detailed nature of grappling, where slight adjustments can create entirely new tactical scenarios.
- Root Positions: The main positions that define a major control scenario (e.g., Mount, Guard).
- Variations: Specific modifications of a root position with unique characteristics (e.g., High Mount, Closed Guard).
- Transitions: Movements between positions that can create tactical advantages.
Explore the position details to understand the relationships between different positions and their strategic applications.