Common BJJ Positions for Beginners: A Clear Guide

Common BJJ positions for beginners: what you learn first

When people ask about common Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, it helps to start with positions rather than a long list of moves.

BJJ is learned through awareness: where you are, where your partner is, and what a safe, useful next step might be. At the beginning, the goal is not to collect submissions. It is to recognise a few key positions, move with control and understand how to keep yourself and your training partner safe.

Mount, side control and back control

These are common top positions in BJJ. You will learn what they are, how to maintain balance and how to apply control without relying on force.

You will also learn the other side of the picture: how to stay calm underneath someone, protect yourself and work toward a safer position. Escapes take time to understand, so expect to practise simple details again and again.

Guard and half guard

Guard is a broad term for positions where the person underneath uses their legs to manage distance and control.

Closed guard, open guard and half guard all give you different ways to create space, limit your partner’s movement or begin an escape. You do not need to memorise every variation as a beginner. Start by understanding why your hips, frames and posture matter.

Passing and retaining guard

When one person plays guard, the other learns how to move around the legs safely and patiently. That is guard passing.

Guard retention is the reverse skill: using position, movement and timing to stop someone getting past your legs too easily. Both skills develop together. The best early practice is controlled and thoughtful, not rushed.

Sweeps and reversals

A sweep is a movement that changes who is on top. Beginners often enjoy learning these because they show how balance and leverage can matter more than size.

In class, the useful question is not “Did I make it work straight away?” It is “What was the coach asking me to notice?” A small change in angle, grip or timing can make a large difference.

Submissions come after control

Armlocks, chokes and other submissions are part of BJJ, but they should always be taught and practised responsibly.

Good coaching puts control, awareness and the tap first. You will learn to apply movements slowly, release immediately when a partner taps and speak up if something does not feel right. That is how you build trust on the mats.

How to learn techniques without getting overwhelmed

Focus on the lesson in front of you. You do not need to study every position online before your first class.

A simple approach works well:

• Learn the name and purpose of the position.

• Practise the movement slowly with a cooperative partner.

• Ask one question when you are unsure.

• Repeat it in later sessions until it starts to feel familiar.

Over time, the positions connect. You begin to see why an escape leads to guard, why guard creates a sweep, or why posture matters before a pass.

Start with a supported first session

At The Kodokan, a complimentary Introduction is a chance to meet the team, see the academy and experience a structured class environment before deciding on your next step.

Request a complimentary Introduction and we will speak with you first. You can also view the current class schedule.