When Japanese martial arts made their way across the ocean to South America in the early 1900s, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was born. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on teaching its students how to fight on the ground. Small individuals can use grappling techniques to defeat larger opponents. This martial art gained popularity when Royce Gracie used Jiu-Jitsu techniques to defeat his competitors in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993.
The Guard
If you are a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student, you spend a lot of time on your back on the mat. To prevent yourself from being dominated by your opponent, you need to know how to put him in the guard. This technique allows you to keep your opponent close so he cannot effectively strike you. The guard can also give you opportunities to submit your opponent. To put your opponent in the guard, wrap your legs around his waist and lock your feet together behind his back. Hold his head close to you with your arms to prevent him from punching your face.
Kimura
The kimura is a popular submission from the guard. You can apply this technique if your opponent puts her hand on the mat for support. If she puts her right hand on the floor, grab her wrist with your left hand. Unlock your feet and place them flat on the mat. Reach over her right shoulder with your right arm. Slip your right hand under her right arm and grab your left wrist. Lift her hand off the floor and bend her right arm behind her back. As you lock her arm, shift your body to your left and bring your left leg across her back. This leg makes it difficult for your opponent to get out of the kimura.
Guillotine
The guillotine is another submission you can execute from the guard. This technique is effective if your opponent tries to sit up while in the guard. To perform this technique, place your right arm on the right side of your opponent's neck. Wrap your arm around the back of his neck and place your forearm along the front of his throat. Grab your right wrist with your left hand. Extend your legs as you tighten the choke around your opponent's neck. Remember to release your submission when your opponent taps out.
Hip Sweep
Skilled Jiu-Jitsu practitioners can fight effectively from their back, but many prefer to be on top of their opponents. If you are on your back with your opponent in the guard, perform a hip sweep to take the top position. While supporting yourself with your right arm, place your left arm on the left side of your opponent's neck. Unlock your feet and forcefully turn your hips in a clockwise motion. Wrap your left arm around your opponent's left arm so she cannot brace herself. Sweep her left leg out from underneath her with your right leg. Flip your opponent onto her back and get on top of her.
References
- Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy: The Origin of Jiu-Jitsu
- Ultimate Ju-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques -- Arm Locks
- UFC: Royce Gracie
- "Essential Brazilian Jiu Jitsu"; Marc Walder; 2008
- "Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge"; B.J. Penn; 2007



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