Join
BJJ Positions — White Belt Resource Guide
← Resource Library

BJJ
Positions

Every major position in Jiu-Jitsu — mechanics, advantages, entries, and where to go from there.

Core Principle

Position before submission. Every attack in Jiu-Jitsu is earned by first establishing and maintaining a dominant position.

D

Defend

Positions where you are managing danger — protecting your neck, limbs, and base from immediate threat.

E

Escape

Positions you are working out of — transitional states where the goal is recovery to neutral or better.

C

Control

Positions where you have established dominance and are working to maintain and advance it.

A

Attack

Positions or transitions where submissions are immediately available — and you are working to finish.

Card Color Coding
  • Red border — Fundamental: must-know for white belts
  • Dark red border — Intermediate: develop at blue belt
  • Deep red border — Advanced: long-term study positions
Gi vs No-Gi Relevance
  • Gi — Primarily relevant in gi training (grip-dependent)
  • No-Gi — Most common or effective in no-gi/submission wrestling
  • Both — Applicable and important across both formats
Every position below has a purpose in DECA. A white belt's priority: understand all fundamental positions and be able to identify them in real time. You cannot escape what you cannot name.

Guard positions are played from the bottom. You are on your back or seated, using your legs to disrupt, control, and attack the opponent who is above or in front of you. Guard is not a defensive position — it is an offensive one.

Closed Guard Gi & No-Gi
Bottom · Full Guard · Fundamental
Legs locked behind the opponent's back. All movement goes through your hips — the opponent cannot posture, pass, or strike without first opening the guard. Break posture first, every time.
Strengths
Full distance control Submission-rich Safe bottom default
Weaknesses
Opponent can posture & pass Stalling risk
Guard pull → Takedown absorbed →
Next:
Armbar Triangle Hip bump sweep Kimura
Half Guard Gi & No-Gi
Bottom · One-Leg Trap · Fundamental
One of the opponent's legs trapped between both of yours. Both players fight for underhooks. The bottom player must stay on the hip — going flat is losing. Fighting for the underhook is mandatory.
Strengths
Strong sweep base Back take entries Good recovery spot
Weaknesses
Cross-face kills it Flat = losing Whizzer counters underhook
Guard pass recovery → Closed guard opened →
Next:
Back take Old school sweep Dogfight
Butterfly Guard Gi & No-Gi
Bottom · Seated Hooks · Fundamental
Seated upright with instep hooks inside the opponent's inner thighs. Hooks elevate the opponent's base. One hook lifts while the body falls to the opposite side — the sweep is a simultaneous lift and fall, not a push.
Strengths
Powerful sweeps Works vs pressure Back takes
Weaknesses
Hooks can be cleared Opponent can step back
Seated guard pull → Opponent kneels in →
Next:
Butterfly sweep Single-leg X Arm drag
De La Riva Guard Gi-Favored
Bottom · Hooking Guard · Fundamental
Outside leg wraps behind the opponent's lead knee. Other foot pushes the hip. One hand grips the ankle, one grips the sleeve or pant leg. The opponent cannot step or cross-step without being disrupted — three-point control of a single leg.
Strengths
Excellent vs standing Back take threat Berimbolo entry
Weaknesses
Torreando nullifies Heel hook exposure
Opponent stands in guard → Shoot hook & grip ankle →
Next:
Berimbolo Back take Overhead sweep
Spider Guard Gi Only
Bottom · Sleeve & Foot Control · Intermediate
Both sleeves gripped, soles of both feet on the opponent's biceps. Alternating push-pull with feet and hands creates sweeping leverage and controls the opponent's arms completely. The lasso variation threads one leg through an arm grip, making that side nearly impossible to pass.
Strengths
Full arm control Triangle setups Hard to pressure past
Weaknesses
Grip-dependent (Gi only) Stack pass risk Tiring to maintain
Establish sleeve grips → Place feet on biceps →
Next:
Triangle Omoplata Lasso guard
Lasso Guard Gi Only
Bottom · Leg Thread Control · Intermediate
One leg threads through the opponent's arm from inside to outside, the foot hooking on the far side. The arm is trapped inside a loop. The guard player pivots on their back to create sweeping leverage via rotation rather than linear pushing — the arm is effectively locked.
Strengths
Arm effectively immobilized Extremely hard to pass High % sweeps
Weaknesses
Gi only Stack pass can negate
Spider guard → Thread leg through arm grip →
Next:
Overhead sweep Omoplata Triangle
Single Leg X No-Gi Favored
Bottom · Ashi Entry System · Intermediate
One foot on the hip, the other hooking behind the knee of the same leg — but hips not yet fully underneath. This is the gateway between butterfly guard, X-guard, and leg entanglements. Rotating the heel down and inward threatens the heel hook immediately.
Strengths
Direct heel hook entry Gateway to X-guard Works from scrambles
Weaknesses
Opponent can knee slice over Must commit quickly
Butterfly hook catch → Sit under single leg →
Next:
X-Guard Inside heel hook Ashi garami
X-Guard Gi & No-Gi
Bottom · Elevation System · Advanced
Fully underneath the opponent — one foot on the hip, the other hook behind the knee — creating an X around a single leg. A simple hip extension lifts the opponent completely off balance. The guard player can stand up underneath and finish as a takedown or sweep to either side.
Strengths
Massive sweep leverage Leg lock threats Gi & No-Gi
Weaknesses
Technical to enter Opponent can step out
Single-leg X entry → Slide hips underneath →
Next:
Standing sweep Heel hook Back take
White belt priority: own closed guard and half guard before investing in other systems. A strong closed guard with active hips and grips is worth more than five open guard systems you don't understand yet.

Top positions are played after passing the guard or completing a takedown. The goal is to maintain weight, deny frames, and advance toward more dominant positions. Top game is about earning real estate — then keeping it.

Side Control Gi & No-Gi
Top · Lateral Pressure · Fundamental
Perpendicular to the opponent — chest-to-chest at 90 degrees. One arm under the head (cross-face), one arm under or around the far side. Hips on the mat. Cross-face stops bridging; chest pressure fills the space and eliminates frames.
Strengths
No limb exposure Many advancement paths Good rest position
Weaknesses
Fewer subs than mount Bridge-and-roll possible
Guard pass → Takedown →
Next:
Knee on belly Mount North-south Kimura
Mount Gi & No-Gi
Top · Dominant Control · Fundamental
Seated astride the opponent's torso, knees on the mat beside the ribcage. Full weight on the opponent's chest. Hips low and forward deny the upa bridge. Knees pinch inward to prevent elbow-knee escapes. Walking knees toward armpits = high mount.
Strengths
Maximum control Full submission arsenal 4 points in competition
Weaknesses
Upa if hips too high Elbow-knee if knees wide
Side control → Knee slide over →
Next:
Armbar Triangle Americana S-mount
Knee on Belly Gi & No-Gi
Top · Transitional Pressure · Fundamental
One knee pressing into the opponent's midsection, other foot posted on the mat. Full body weight through the knee forces a reaction — pushing the knee or turning in. Both reactions open transition paths. The posted foot allows explosive movement in any direction.
Strengths
Forces reactions Fast transitions Submission setups
Weaknesses
Less stable than side control Can be swept if off-balance
Side control → Pop knee up, post foot →
Next:
Mount Back control Spinning armbar
North-South Gi & No-Gi
Top · Head-to-Toe Stacking · Fundamental
Top player lies in the opposite direction — head at opponent's hips, hips at opponent's head — chest-to-chest. Both arms neutralized. Hips act as deadweight on the opponent's chest. Rotating around like clock hands maintains weight and opens back takes.
Strengths
Kimura from top NS choke entry Back take transition
Weaknesses
Guillotine risk if sloppy Less commonly drilled
Side control → Walk toward opponent's head →
Next:
NS choke Kimura Mount transition
Top Turtle Gi & No-Gi
Top · Attacking a Defensive Position · Intermediate
On the outside of a turtled opponent, fighting to break them open. Seatbelt grip (one arm over far shoulder, one under near arm) controls the torso and sets up back take. Driving shoulder into the back of the neck while blocking the near knee prevents forward rolls or stand-ups.
Strengths
Direct back take Clock choke Arm trap submissions
Weaknesses
Opponent can roll to guard Stand-up attempts possible
Sprawl aftermath → Guard pass → opponent turtles →
Next:
Back take Clock choke Truck entry
Truck / Crab Ride No-Gi Favored
Top · Leg & Spine Control · Advanced
Inside leg inserted between the opponent's legs (crab hook), controlling hips and back simultaneously. Reaching over the back for the far arm creates the turk grip. Elevating the hips delivers the calf slicer or electric chair. If they roll to relieve pressure, ride into back control.
Strengths
Spine lock threat Electric chair entry Back take if they roll
Weaknesses
Complex to establish Fast opponent can counter
Turtle top → Insert inside leg hook →
Next:
Electric chair Calf slicer Back take
White belt priority: learn the side control and mount details first. Knowing how to maintain these two positions — and why you lose them — is worth more than knowing how to get to them.

Back control is the highest value position in Jiu-Jitsu. The opponent cannot see you, cannot use their arms effectively, and has limited escapes. Everything in back control comes back to one thing: maintain the seatbelt and keep the hooks in.

Back Mount Gi & No-Gi
Back Control · King Position · Fundamental
Behind the opponent, chest-to-back, with both hooks inside the opponent's thighs and the seatbelt grip (one arm over, one under). The opponent cannot see you and has severely limited escapes. Never cross the feet — that's an ankle lock. Head stays on the choking arm side.
Strengths
Highest value position 4 points in competition Attacker out of danger
Weaknesses
Lose seatbelt = lose back Opponent can sit to wrong side
Turtle attacked → Arm drag →
Next:
Rear naked choke Bow & arrow Body triangle
Body Triangle Gi & No-Gi
Back Control · Leg Lock on the Torso · Intermediate
Instead of two hooks, the legs lock a triangle around the opponent's torso — one leg across the belly, the other behind the knee locking the first. Creates a crushing squeeze on the midsection and is far harder to escape than standard hooks. The opponent cannot sit out. The lock is maintained passively, freeing both hands for the choke.
Strengths
Near inescapable lock Submission by squeeze Frees hands for choke
Weaknesses
Requires flexibility Leg fatigue
Back mount (hooks in) → Slide one leg across belly → lock triangle →
Next:
Rear naked choke Bow & arrow
Turtle (Bottom) Gi & No-Gi
Defensive · All-Fours · Fundamental
On all fours with head tucked and elbows tight to knees. Prevents hook insertion and back takes — but only temporarily. Staying here too long is losing. Head tucked protects the neck; elbows-to-knees close the gap. The goal is to immediately roll to guard or stand up.
Strengths
Protects from guard pass points Base for stand-up
Weaknesses
Back take magnet Clock choke exposed Stalling penalty
Failed guard pass → Takedown defense →
Next:
Roll to guard Stand up Granby roll
Seated Back Control Gi & No-Gi
Back Control · Standing / Seated Variant · Intermediate
Both players seated upright — attacker behind, opponent between the attacker's legs. Occurs mid-scramble or when back is taken from standing before both settle to the ground. Seatbelt and hook principles identical to back mount. Pull opponent toward one side and lift the opposite hook to prevent the sit-out.
Strengths
Can finish chokes from here Common scramble endpoint
Weaknesses
Less stable than ground back Standing = slam risk
Back take from standing → Arm drag scramble →
Next:
Back mount (ground) Rear naked choke
The back is the most valuable position in Jiu-Jitsu because the opponent cannot face you. Every attacking system should have a path toward the back — and every defensive system should have a plan for escaping it.

Standing positions are the start of every match and every reset to the feet. Jiu-Jitsu practitioners either fight for takedowns or pull guard — both require understanding grip fighting and clinch mechanics.

Collar Tie / Grip Fighting Gi & No-Gi
Standing · Outside Range · Fundamental
Hand on the back of the opponent's head/neck controlling head direction and creating angles for entries. This is where every standing engagement begins — head controls the body. Inside control (your arms inside theirs) is always preferable. The pummel to inside position happens here before the clinch.
Strengths
Entry point for all takedowns Head control Snap-down options
Weaknesses
Opponent can strip grip Two-on-one counter
Match starts →
Next:
Single leg Double leg Snap-down Clinch Guard pull
Clinch / Pummeling Gi & No-Gi
Standing · Grip Fighting · Fundamental
Chest-to-chest, controlling each other's upper body. One fighter has an underhook, the other an overhook. The pummel — a figure-8 arm motion — establishes underhooks. The fighter with inside position (both underhooks) dictates takedowns. Double underhooks allow the back to be taken while standing.
Strengths
Takedown entries Back take standing Trips & throws
Weaknesses
Inside position lost = vulnerable Knee tap possible
Collar tie → Enter the clinch →
Next:
Double leg Single leg Body lock Guard pull
Guard Pull Gi & No-Gi
Standing · Intentional Takedown to Guard · Fundamental
Deliberately dropping to the ground while retaining a grip, landing in your chosen guard. A controlled pull establishes the guard before landing rather than scrambling. The grip determines where you land — sleeve-collar tends toward closed or spider; pant-collar suits DLR. The best guard pullers are already in position before they hit the mat.
Strengths
Reaches preferred guard instantly Avoids takedown risk
Weaknesses
Gives up 2 points in competition Opponent passes if grip breaks
Grip established → Choose to go to ground →
Next:
Closed guard Butterfly guard DLR guard
Sprawl Gi & No-Gi
Defensive · Takedown Defense · Fundamental
When the opponent shoots, drive hips back and down — legs wide behind — pressing chest weight onto the back of the opponent's shoulders. Hip timing is everything; even a fraction late allows the opponent to lock hands. A crossface turns their head away and opens attacks. Good sprawlers beat good shooters nearly every time.
Strengths
Negates shooting attacks Guillotine entry Dominant top position
Weaknesses
Late sprawl = caught Opponent can continue forward
Opponent shoots → Drive hips back → chest down →
Next:
Guillotine Back take Front headlock
Double Leg Takedown Gi & No-Gi
Standing · Core Takedown · Fundamental
Level-change, drop a knee to the mat, and drive through the opponent's hips with both arms locking behind the knees. Level change = bending the knees, not the waist. Head on the outside of the hip prevents the guillotine. Driving forward or lifting determines whether you finish with a pass-through or a dump.
Strengths
High percentage Works from collar tie Multiple finish options
Weaknesses
Guillotine risk (head inside) Sprawl defense
Collar tie → fake high → Level change → penetration step →
Next:
Side control Half guard (yours)
White belt standing priority: learn to pull guard safely and learn to sprawl. These two skills cover the vast majority of what happens in the standing phase at the white belt level.

Transitions are the spaces between positions — scrambles, entanglements, and moments of chaos. They are where Jiu-Jitsu games are won and lost. The fighter who understands transitions owns the match.

Dogfight Gi & No-Gi
Transitional · Wrestling Scramble · Intermediate
Both fighters on one knee, facing the same direction, fighting for underhooks. Emerges from half guard when the bottom player gets the underhook and sits up. Whoever secures the underhook can lift and turn to take the back. The defender overhooks and rolls forward for a sweep. Never stay neutral here — act first.
Strengths
Back take opportunity Sweep opportunity
Weaknesses
Both players equally at risk Mistakes punished instantly
Half guard underhook → Bottom player sits up →
Next:
Back take Dump sweep Stand up
Ashi Garami No-Gi Favored
Leg Control · Entanglement System · Intermediate
On the ground holding a single leg — one foot on the hip, the other hook behind the knee of the same leg. Knee, hip, and ankle simultaneously exposed and controlled. The foundation from which all other leg entanglements grow. Internal rotation with heel pressure = inside heel hook; external rotation = outside heel hook.
Strengths
Multiple leg lock entries Works from bottom No-Gi dominant
Weaknesses
Counter-entanglement risk Opponent can step over
DLR hook → X-guard →
Next:
Inside heel hook Ankle lock Kneebar
50/50 Guard No-Gi Favored
Leg Control · Mirrored Entanglement · Advanced
Both fighters have the exact same leg entanglement — each person's leg inside the other's ashi garami. A perfectly neutral position where both fighters have simultaneous and equal heel hook threats. Whoever acts first wins. Outside heel hook (more accessible) vs inside heel hook (more dangerous anatomically) is the chess match.
Strengths
Equal submission threats Outside heel entry
Weaknesses
Both players equally vulnerable Stalling = penalty
DLR sweep attempt → Leg entanglement scramble →
Next:
Inside heel hook Outside heel hook Stand up & back take
Electric Chair No-Gi Favored
Transitions · Leg & Hip Compression · Advanced
From the truck or leg control, reach over the opponent's far leg and hook it while the inside hook pries the near leg. Both legs are split apart — groin, hip flexor, and adductor simultaneously compressed. Sitting up or rolling while maintaining the split amplifies the compression. Cannot be powered through; resistance makes it worse.
Strengths
Devastating groin stretch Sweep option Works from bottom
Weaknesses
Requires specific positioning Flexible opponents harder to finish
Truck position → Hook far leg → pry apart →
Next:
Submission (groin) Sweep to top Back control
Scramble / Referee's Position Gi & No-Gi
Transitional · Between Positions · Fundamental
The chaotic transition between established positions — neither player has control and both are fighting to claim the next one. The key rules: never give your back, always face your opponent, establish grips before moving. The fighter with better base and faster hips wins scrambles. Scramble fitness is its own skill to develop.
Strengths
Opportunities arise suddenly Positional resets possible
Weaknesses
High mistake rate Easy to give up back Tiring
Failed sweep → Failed guard pass →
Next:
Back take Guard recovery Top control
White belt transition priority: learn to recognize the dogfight and know your one move from it. In scrambles, default to facing your opponent and establishing grips. Don't be creative in scrambles until you're good at the basics.

Position before submission. You cannot finish what you cannot hold — and you cannot hold what you do not understand.