Brazilian jiujitsu remains a competitive sport at many levels and has become one of the preeminent elements of mixed martial arts. As you progress in the sport, you learn advanced techniques, which lead you to higher belt rankings. You learn techniques for both offense and defense, as Brazilian jiujitsu originally gained prominence as a form of self-defense.
Heel Hook
When performing a heel hook, you attack an opponent while closing your guard as he stands over you. You begin by wrapping your leg around your opponent's leg, which will cause him to fall. You then pull the toes of his foot into your armpit, hook your wrist around his heel and then squeeze your hands together with as much force as possible. Make sure to go easy with this move in practice, however, since it can do damage to the opponent's ankle quickly.
North-South Escape
If you find yourself at the bottom of the north-south position, you might have difficulty escaping, but you can work this position into a submission. You begin by bringing your legs up and putting them on your opponent's shoulders, as this allows you to push off and create separation. You then put your foot under your opponent's armpit, which will allow you to spin. Once you spin, you can either put your opponent into your guard or attempt a submission like a triangle choke.
Half-Guard Pass
Many different guard-pass methods exist and advanced Brazilian jiujitsu practitioners will know most of them. Passing your opponent's guard remains one of the most important Brazilian jiujitsu techniques. Once you have reached half-guard, which occurs when you have one leg out from your opponent's guard, you must use caution because you do not want to lose with advantageous position. When passing half-guard, you will push down on your opponent's thigh, while bringing your own knee up toward his chin. Once you free your leg, you can move to either side control or the mount.
Closed-Guard Reversal
You must learn reversals when participating in Brazilian jiujitsu, as more advanced opponents will get you into difficult positions. To reverse your opponent from your guard, open your guard by uncrossing you feet, grab your opponent's arm and use your other arm to help yourself sit up. You then lift your hips toward your opponent's chest and twist him quickly by knocking him off balance through control of his arm. You must complete this move at a high speed to prevent your opponent from blocking it. If done correctly, you will end up mounting your opponent.
References
- "Brazilian Jiujitsu: For Experts Only"; Carlson Gracie, et al.; 2004
- "Brazilian Jiujitsu: Theory and Technique"; Renzo Gracie, et al.; 2001
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