Class One: The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Top Game
Class One: The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Top Game
Summary
In this class we work on the fundamentals of the BJJ Top Game.
This Top Game takes place in three main scenarios:
First Scenario: When we try to take down the opponent.
It is the job we do to take the opponent to the floor and immediately try to get dominant positions like the mount, side control, knee on the belly or the back.
Second Scenario: Passing the Guard if the opponent “pulls guard”
If the opponent pulls guard and puts us inside his closed, half or any variation of open guard our main goals are:
- Opening the closed guard
- Getting outside the half guard
- Or taking out the hooks for passing the guard and getting the mount, side control or the back and stabilize these positions
Third Scenario: Taking the opponents back
It is another good goal to achieve while playing the top game standing and it is achieved by doing techniques like the Arm drag and the Duck under.
Understanding why is good to get the opponents back from standing (rear body lock) as it allows direct submissions or takedowns.
You will also learn the basic movements while standing :
- Defending takedowns (sprawl and basic defenses vs the main takedowns: double leg and single leg).
- Working on basic takedowns (single leg, double leg, collar drag)
- Transitioning to the opponents back and defending his transitions to our back (wizzard)
- Passing the guard mindset if opponent pulls guard
- Preventing the closed guard if opponent pulls guard (combat base concept)
- Standing movements (side to side, to the front and backwards)
- Kuzushi strategies (shaking, pulling down, and side movements).
- Correct position (hip low, back alignment, legs alignment, weight distribution, head up, and sprawls).
- Main entries : single leg and double leg.
- Understanding why other takedowns are difficult.
- Single leg and double leg counters.
- Arm drag and duck under counters
- Front and backwards rolls.
- Passing and stabilizing positions after taking down the opponent.
- Transitioning from top turtle to the opponents back in case we manage to put him to fours.
Videos and Resources