Are you an MMA enthusiast looking to level up your Jiu Jitsu skills? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the world of counter Jiu Jitsu techniques specifically tailored for MMA fighters. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the sport, these techniques will help you gain an edge in the cage. So grab your gi and get ready to discover innovative moves that will elevate your Jiu Jitsu game to new heights. Get ready to become a force to be reckoned with on the mat!
1. Submission Escapes
Being caught in a submission hold can be a daunting experience, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can escape from even the most tight and dangerous holds. Here, we will explore some common submission escapes that every MMA practitioner should be familiar with.
1.1 Armbar Escape
The armbar is a submission hold that targets the arm, putting immense pressure on the elbow joint. To escape an armbar, there are a few key steps you need to follow. First, focus on relieving the pressure on your arm by creating a frame with your free arm against your opponent’s hips or chest. Next, use your other hand to grip your opponent’s wrist and pull it towards your body, while simultaneously rotating your arm out of the armbar. Finally, use your legs to push against your opponent’s hips to create space, allowing you to escape from the armbar.
1.2 Triangle Choke Escape
The triangle choke is a highly effective submission that can quickly leave you unconscious if not properly defended. To escape a triangle choke, you need to act quickly and maintain composure. First, posture up and create a strong base by positioning your hands on your opponent’s hips or knees. Next, use your free hand to grab the back of your opponent’s leg and push it down, creating space and relieving the pressure on your neck. Simultaneously, stack your opponent by driving your shoulder into their neck. This will disrupt their triangle control and allow you to escape from the submission.
1.3 Guillotine Escape
The guillotine choke is a submission that targets the neck, cutting off the blood flow and air supply. To escape a guillotine choke, you need to make quick and precise movements. First, tuck your chin to protect your neck and prevent your opponent from fully locking in the choke. Next, step to the side of your opponent, keeping your head low and tight to their body. This will help to alleviate the pressure on your neck and allow you to escape from the choke. As you step to the side, be sure to maintain control of your opponent’s hips to prevent them from readjusting the choke.
2. Guard Passing Techniques
When an opponent has you in their guard, it can be challenging to maneuver and gain a dominant position. However, there are various guard passing techniques that can help you break through your opponent’s guard and establish control.
2.1 Knee Slice Pass
The knee slice pass is a fundamental guard passing technique that involves using your knee to slice through your opponent’s open guard. Start by maintaining a good posture and placing your lead knee on the outside of your opponent’s knee. As you apply pressure with your knee, use your hands to control your opponent’s hips or collar, preventing them from regaining their guard. As you continue to apply pressure, slide your trailing leg through and establish side control or another dominant position.
2.2 X-Pass
The X-pass is an effective guard passing technique that allows you to quickly and efficiently pass your opponent’s guard. Begin by controlling your opponent’s legs and maintaining a low stance. Step your lead leg over your opponent’s leg, creating an X shape with your legs. As you do this, use your hands to control your opponent’s upper body, keeping their hips pinned to the ground. From here, sprawl your weight and drive your shoulder into your opponent’s chest, forcing them to the ground and allowing you to establish a dominant position.
2.3 Leg Drag
The leg drag is a guard passing technique that focuses on manipulating your opponent’s legs to gain the upper hand. Start by controlling your opponent’s ankle or foot with one hand and their opposite hip with the other hand. From here, step your back leg over and behind your opponent’s trapped leg, dragging it across their body. As you do this, use your grips to maintain control and establish a dominant position, such as side control or mount.
3. Sweeps and Reversals
Sweeps and reversals are essential techniques in MMA that allow you to quickly transition from a defensive position to an offensive one. These techniques can catch your opponent off guard and give you the upper hand in a fight.
3.1 Scissor Sweep
The scissor sweep is a classic sweep that works by immobilizing your opponent’s upper body while using your legs to sweep them to the side. Begin by controlling your opponent’s posture and trapping one arm by using your legs to grip their upper body. From here, extend your lower leg and use it to push against your opponent’s hip or knee, levering them over and sweeping them to the side. As your opponent falls, establish a dominant position, such as mount or back control, to continue your attack.
3.2 Flower Sweep
The flower sweep is a dynamic sweep that utilizes a combination of leg and hip movements to off-balance your opponent and sweep them to the side. Start by controlling your opponent’s wrists and using your legs to elevate their base. As your opponent’s weight shifts forward, quickly reverse your hips and bring your extended leg across their body, hooking their furthest leg and sweeping them to the side. Maintain control as you transition to a dominant position and look for opportunities to attack.
3.3 Hook Sweep
The hook sweep is a versatile sweep that allows you to take advantage of an opponent’s weight distribution and sweep them over your head. Begin by controlling your opponent’s upper body and posting on one leg. From here, use your free leg to hook your opponent’s same-side leg, applying pressure and off-balancing them. As your opponent begins to fall, use your hooking leg to guide them over your head and sweep them to the side. Follow through with a dominant position and capitalize on the opportunity to attack.
4. Counter Submissions
In MMA, being able to counter an opponent’s submission attempt can turn the tide of a fight and put you in a dominant position. These counter submission techniques can help you escape from dangerous holds and potentially even reverse the situation in your favor.
4.1 Counter Kimura
The Kimura lock is a submission hold that targets the shoulder joint. To counter a Kimura, you need to be able to defend against your opponent’s attempts to isolate your arm and apply leverage. As your opponent goes for the Kimura, keep your elbow tight and tucked to your body while using your free arm to create a frame against their hips or chest. From here, create space and relieve pressure by driving your trapped arm towards your opponent’s body. With the right timing and technique, you can neutralize the Kimura and potentially transition into a dominant position.
4.2 Counter Armbar
The armbar is a common submission that targets the arm, putting pressure on the elbow joint. To counter an armbar, you need to be able to protect your arm and prevent your opponent from fully extending it. As your opponent looks to secure the armbar, keep your elbow tight to your body, making it difficult for them to isolate your arm. Use your free arm to create a frame against your opponent’s hips or chest, creating space and relieving pressure. From here, you can work to escape the armbar and potentially transition into a dominant position.
4.3 Counter Triangle Choke
The triangle choke is a highly effective submission that can quickly leave you unconscious if not properly defended. To counter a triangle choke, you need to act quickly and maintain composure. As your opponent attempts to lock in the triangle, focus on posture and preventing them from fully controlling your head and neck. Use your free hand to create a frame against your opponent’s hips or knees, creating space and relieving pressure. Stack your opponent by driving your shoulder into their neck, disrupting their triangle control and allowing you to escape the choke.
5. Anti-Wrestling Techniques
Wrestling is a dominant aspect of MMA, but having effective anti-wrestling techniques can help you neutralize your opponent’s takedowns and maintain control in the fight.
5.1 Sprawl and Brawl
Sprawl and brawl is a technique used to defend against takedowns by focusing on sprawling and keeping the fight on the feet. As your opponent shoots in for a takedown, quickly sprawl by extending your legs back and dropping your hips. Use your hips and legs to create a strong base, making it difficult for your opponent to complete the takedown. From here, create distance and look for opportunities to strike, keeping the fight in a standing position where you have an advantage.
5.2 Whizzer Defense
The whizzer is a defensive technique used to counter your opponent’s attempts at controlling your upper body during a takedown. When your opponent goes for a single leg or double leg takedown, quickly establish a whizzer by wrapping your arm over their shoulder and gripping their far arm. Use your whizzer to push their upper body away, creating space and preventing them from gaining control. From here, you can sprawl and look for openings to counter or escape their takedown attempt.
5.3 Counter Single Leg
The single leg takedown is a common wrestling technique that involves shooting for one of your opponent’s legs to take them down to the ground. To counter a single leg takedown, you need to have solid balance and effective footwork. As your opponent shoots for your leg, defend by maintaining a strong base and stepping back with your opposite leg. Use your balance and footwork to prevent your opponent from securing a hold on your leg, giving you an opportunity to counter or escape.
6. Striking from the Ground
Being able to strike effectively from the ground is crucial in MMA, as it allows you to maximize your offensive capabilities while on the mat.
6.1 Ground and Pound
Ground and pound is a technique that involves using strikes, such as punches and elbows, while on top of your opponent on the ground. Maintain a good posture and control your opponent’s limbs to prevent them from escaping or countering. From here, strike with precision and power, targeting vulnerable areas such as the head, body, and legs. Ground and pound can quickly wear down your opponent and potentially lead to a stoppage or submission.
6.2 Elbows and Hammerfists
Elbows and hammerfists are effective striking techniques that can be utilized from various positions on the ground. Elbows are particularly dangerous due to their cutting and concussive power, while hammerfists can generate a significant impact with their downward motion. When striking with elbows or hammerfists, focus on accuracy and aiming for vital areas such as the head and body. These techniques can add an extra element of danger to your ground and pound and increase your chances of finishing the fight.
6.3 Upkicks
Upkicks are strikes performed with the legs while on your back or in a seated position, targeting an opponent who is attempting to pass your guard. When executing upkicks, make sure to maintain distance and control your opponent’s posture. Aim for the head or other vulnerable areas and generate power through your hips and legs. Upkicks can be an unexpected and effective weapon to catch your opponent off guard and potentially turn the tide of the fight.
7. Control and Pressure Techniques
Establishing control and applying pressure on your opponent is crucial in MMA, as it allows you to dictate the pace of the fight and limit your opponent’s options.
7.1 Crossface and Shoulder Pressure
The crossface and shoulder pressure are effective techniques for establishing control and keeping your opponent pinned to the ground. The crossface involves using your forearm or hand to apply pressure to your opponent’s face, turning their head away and limiting their movement. Shoulder pressure is applied by driving your shoulder into your opponent’s upper body, making it difficult for them to escape or create space. Combined, these techniques can help you maintain control while setting up strikes or submissions.
7.2 Knee on Belly
Knee on belly is a dominant position that allows you to control your opponent’s upper body while applying pressure with your knee on their belly or chest. To establish knee on belly, start by controlling your opponent’s head and arm while placing your knee on their midsection. Apply downward pressure with your knee, making it uncomfortable for your opponent and limiting their movements. From knee on belly, you can transition to other dominant positions or set up submissions.
7.3 North-South Control
North-South control is a position where you are perpendicular to your opponent, controlling their upper body while applying pressure with your bodyweight. Start by transitioning to a kneeling position beside your opponent’s head and arm. From here, take hold of your opponent’s far arm and apply pressure with your chest and shoulder, keeping them pinned to the ground. North-South control can be a useful position for transitioning to submissions or maintaining control over your opponent.
8. Countering Takedowns
Being able to counter your opponent’s takedowns can help you maintain control and keep the fight on your terms. These techniques focus on disrupting your opponent’s takedown attempts and turning the tables in your favor.
8.1 Sprawl and Pike
The sprawl and pike is a technique used to counter your opponent’s takedown attempt by utilizing your hips and balance. As your opponent shoots for a takedown, quickly sprawl by extending your legs back and dropping your hips. From here, use your hips and legs to create a strong base and prevent your opponent from securing a hold on your legs. As they continue to drive forward, pike your body up, lifting their legs off the ground and potentially transitioning to a dominant position.
8.2 Whizzer and Throw
The whizzer and throw is an effective counter to your opponent’s takedown attempt, focusing on establishing control and utilizing leverage. As your opponent goes for a takedown, quickly establish a whizzer by wrapping your arm over their shoulder and gripping their far arm. From here, use your whizzer to drive your opponent’s upper body down and off-balance them. With the right timing and technique, you can transition the throw and potentially end up in a dominant position.
8.3 Counter Double Leg
The double leg takedown is a powerful wrestling technique that involves shooting for both of your opponent’s legs to take them down. To counter a double leg takedown, you need to maintain a strong base and effective footwork. As your opponent shoots for your legs, maintain your balance by widening your stance and keeping your center of gravity low. From here, use your balance and footwork to prevent your opponent from securing a hold on your legs. Look for opportunities to counter or escape their takedown attempt.
9. Defense against Leg Locks
Leg locks can be extremely dangerous if not properly defended against. Understanding how to defend against various leg lock techniques is crucial in minimizing the risk of injury and maintaining your dominance in the fight.
9.1 Heel Hook Defense
The heel hook is a submission that targets the knee and ankle joint. To defend against a heel hook, you need to be able to recognize the danger and act quickly. When your opponent goes for a heel hook, immediately protect your legs by extending them and establishing a strong base. Use your hands to grip your opponent’s wrists or legs, creating a defensive frame to prevent them from fully locking in the submission. From here, you can systematically break your opponent’s grip and work to escape the heel hook.
9.2 Kneebar Defense
The kneebar is a submission that targets the knee joint. To defend against a kneebar, you need to be able to recognize the danger and react appropriately. When your opponent goes for a kneebar, extend your leg and create a strong base, preventing them from fully isolating your knee. Use your hands to grip their legs or wrists, creating a defensive frame and preventing them from fully locking in the submission. Be patient and look for opportunities to escape the kneebar, such as transitioning to a dominant position or breaking your opponent’s grip.
9.3 Toe Hold Defense
The toe hold is a submission that targets the ankle joint. To defend against a toe hold, you need to protect your ankle and react quickly. When your opponent goes for a toe hold, extend your leg and create a strong base, making it difficult for them to isolate your ankle. Use your hands to grip their legs or wrists, creating a defensive frame and preventing them from fully locking in the submission. As with other leg lock defenses, be patient and look for opportunities to escape or transition to a dominant position.
10. Strategic Positioning and Movement
Effective positioning and movement on the ground are essential in grappling and MMA. These techniques focus on creating space, regaining guard, and controlling your opponent to set up attacks.
10.1 Creating Space and Regaining Guard
When your opponent has you in a dominant position, creating space and regaining guard is crucial. Use your limbs and core strength to push and create space between you and your opponent. This can involve bridging to create a wedge, using your knee or elbow to frame against your opponent, or utilizing hip escapes to create distance. Once you have successfully created space, work to bring your legs back into play and regain your guard, allowing you to launch offensive attacks.
10.2 Hip Escapes and Granby Rolls
Hip escapes and Granby rolls are effective techniques for defending against controlling positions and establishing more favorable positions. The hip escape involves using your hips and core to move your body laterally, creating space and preventing your opponent from maintaining control. Granby rolls involve rolling and timing your movements to escape and potentially reverse a dominant position. These techniques require practice and timing but can be powerful tools in your grappling arsenal.
10.3 Angle and Posture Control
Angle and posture control are key elements in ground fighting that allow you to dictate the flow of the fight and set up attacks. By controlling the angle, you can create openings for submission attempts or sweeps. Posture control involves maintaining a strong and stable position to prevent your opponent from disrupting your balance and control. Understanding how to manipulate the angle and control your posture can give you a significant advantage in a ground battle.
In conclusion, mastering a wide range of counter jiu-jitsu techniques is essential for success in MMA. From submission escapes to guard passing, sweeps, and reversals, counter-submissions, anti-wrestling techniques, striking from the ground, control and pressure techniques, countering takedowns, defense against leg locks, and strategic positioning and movement, there is a vast array of techniques to study and implement. By incorporating these techniques into your training regimen and continually refining your skills, you can become a well-rounded fighter ready to overcome any opponent and dominate in the cage.