Key Jiu Jitsu Moves Every MMA Fighter Should Master

Introduction

Jiu-Jitsu has played a crucial role in the development of mixed martial arts (MMA) as a sport. Its techniques and principles have been widely embraced and incorporated by fighters from all over the world. With its emphasis on leverage, control, and submission grappling, Jiu Jitsu moves has proven to be a powerful tool in the MMA arsenal.

One of the primary reasons for the importance of Jiu-Jitsu in MMA is its effectiveness in ground fighting. While stand-up striking is undoubtedly important, fights often end up on the ground, where Jiu-Jitsu techniques come into play. By using leverage and joint manipulation, Jiu-Jitsu enables fighters to control and submit their opponents even when they find themselves in disadvantageous positions.

The synergy between Jiu-Jitsu techniques and MMA fighting strategies is another significant factor. Jiu-Jitsu teaches fighters to be comfortable in close quarters, enabling them to effectively defend against takedowns and create opportunities for submissions or turnovers. Additionally, Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes the use of technique and leverage over brute strength, allowing smaller fighters to overcome larger opponents.

Furthermore, the ability to understand and defend against Jiu-Jitsu techniques is essential for all MMA fighters. By having a solid foundation in Jiu-Jitsu, fighters are better equipped to anticipate and counter their opponents’ grappling attacks and submissions.

Jiu-Jitsu’s contributions to MMA cannot be overstated. Its techniques and principles have elevated the ground game, provided effective strategies for close-quarter combat, and equipped fighters with the skills necessary to defend against grappling attacks. As the sport of MMA continues to evolve, Jiu-Jitsu will undoubtedly remain a vital component for all fighters.

The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in MMA

Jiu-Jitsu plays a crucial role in complementing striking and wrestling in mixed martial arts (MMA). As a ground-based martial art, Jiu-Jitsu provides fighters with the advantage of ground control and submission skills in the cage.

Firstly, Jiu-Jitsu serves as a natural complement to striking techniques in MMA. While striking allows fighters to effectively engage in stand-up exchanges, it is often a disadvantageous position when taken to the ground. Jiu-Jitsu offers the ability to safely navigate the ground game, providing fighters with the necessary skills to neutralize their opponents’ striking abilities and create opportunities for submission.

Additionally, Jiu-Jitsu also complements wrestling skills in MMA. Although wrestling provides the ability to control the fight through takedowns, it often involves prominent scrambling and transitions. Jiu-Jitsu allows fighters to capitalize on these transitions, providing them with superior control and submission abilities, thereby increasing their chances of victory.

Furthermore, the advantage of ground control and submission skills provided by Jiu-Jitsu is essential in MMA. Once on the ground, fighters with Jiu-Jitsu skills can immobilize opponents and dictate the flow of the fight. By utilizing various positional techniques and submissions, Jiu-Jitsu practitioners can effectively neutralize their opponent’s offense, increasing their chances of securing a victory.

Jiu-Jitsu greatly complements striking and wrestling in MMA by providing fighters with ground control and submission skills. By combining these three aspects, fighters can leverage their skills to gain the upper hand in fights, making Jiu-Jitsu an essential component of success in the world of MMA.

Essential Jiu-Jitsu Moves for MMA Fighters

• The Rear Naked Choke

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is a highly effective submission technique commonly used in MMA and other combat sports. It involves applying pressure to an opponent’s neck, cutting off blood circulation to the brain, forcing them to submit or lose consciousness. To successfully execute an RNC, several key steps must be followed.

Firstly, create the ideal positioning to secure the choke. From the rear mount position, maintain control over the opponent’s back and secure both hooks, preventing them from escaping. With one arm wrapped around their neck, the bicep should be positioned against one side of their neck, while the forearm rests on the opposite side.

Next, the chest should press against the opponent’s back, ensuring a tight fit and minimizing their ability to defend the choke. By interlocking both hands, the choke can be further tightened, maximizing the pressure on the neck.

Training tips for securing the choke in a fight are crucial. Firstly, focus on establishing dominant positioning before attempting the RNC. This can be achieved through mastering various takedowns and transitions, allowing for a smooth transition to the rear mount. Additionally, practicing proper hand placement and utilizing leverage is key, as it increases the effectiveness of the choke and minimizes the opponent’s ability to escape.

It is essential to train regularly and with a partner to improve the execution of the RNC. This includes drilling the technique with resistance, gradually increasing the intensity to simulate the pressure of a live fight. Evaluating and adjusting body positioning, grip strength, and timing will refine the technique, increasing the likelihood of successfully securing the choke.

The Rear Naked Choke is a highly effective submission technique widely used in MMA. By mastering the proper positioning, hand placement, and training diligently, fighters can increase their chances of successfully applying the RNC, ultimately leading to victory in the cage.

• The Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke is a highly effective submission technique used in MMA. There are variations of the guillotine that fighters employ to maximize their chances of securing the submission.

One variation is the arm-in guillotine, where the attacker traps their opponent’s head in their arm and uses their other hand to secure the choke. This variation is particularly effective against takedown attempts and is executed from a standing position. By quickly wrapping their arm around their opponent’s neck and securing a solid grip, a fighter can prevent their opponent from escaping the chokehold. This variant capitalizes on the opponent’s forward momentum, making it difficult for them to defend against the choke.

Another variation is the high elbow guillotine, which is often set up from the guard position. In this technique, the attacker’s arm is placed deep under their opponent’s chin, creating a high elbow that maximizes leverage. By controlling their opponent’s body and pulling their head down, the attacker can tighten the choke. This variant is effective because it limits the opponent’s ability to defend by restricting their movement and compressing their airway.

The guillotine choke is a versatile and highly effective submission technique utilized in MMA. Variations like the arm-in guillotine and the high elbow guillotine provide fighters with different options to set up and secure the submission, whether from a standing or guard position. Mastering the guillotine choke is crucial for any MMA practitioner, as it offers a powerful weapon in their arsenal and can quickly end fights.

• The Armbar

The armbar is a highly effective submission technique that can be executed from various positions such as mount, guard, and side control. In MMA, where fighters have to consider both offense and defense, understanding the armbar and its escape considerations is crucial.

When executing the armbar from mount, the attacker begins by controlling their opponent’s wrists, preventing any counterattacks. They then transition into a high mount, placing their legs across the chest to immobilize the upper body, allowing for greater control. From there, the attacker secures the arm by using their legs to hook their opponent’s head. By extending their hips forward and elevating their hips, the attacker applies immense pressure on the opponent’s elbow joint, forcing them to submit or risk injury.

From the guard position, the attacker can use their legs to control their opponent’s posture while transitioning to an armbar. By breaking their opponent’s posture, the attacker can open up opportunities to trap and control an arm, executing the armbar. This technique allows the fighter on the bottom to effectively attack, even from a disadvantaged position.

In MMA, defending and escaping the armbar require a combination of technique, strength, and timing. Key defense considerations include not allowing the opponent to establish control over the arm, maintaining a strong base to prevent the attacker from transitioning into a dominant position, and anticipating the armbar attempt to avoid getting caught in the first place. Properly trained fighters also learn various escape techniques, such as stacking the opponent, hitchhiking, or rolling out of the armbar, enabling them to survive and potentially reverse the situation.

Mastering the armbar and understanding its applications from different positions, as well as the defense and escape considerations specific to MMA, are essential for any fighter looking to excel in the sport.

• The Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a highly effective submission technique in mixed martial arts (MMA). It involves using one’s legs to form a triangular grip around an opponent’s neck, cutting off their blood supply and forcing them to submit. The mechanics of the triangle choke make it a versatile move that can be executed from various positions.

The triangle choke can be combined with other techniques to increase its effectiveness. For example, it can be set up by transitioning from a guard position or a mount. The attacker can also use strikes or feints to distract their opponent, creating an opportunity to secure the triangle choke. Additionally, the triangle choke can be modified with arm control, allowing the attacker to apply even more pressure on their opponent’s neck, increasing the likelihood of a submission.

What makes the triangle choke so deadly is its effectiveness against both larger and stronger opponents. By using one’s legs, the attacker can neutralize the strength and size advantage of their opponent. The triangle choke can be executed from the top or bottom position, making it a weapon in both offensive and defensive strategies.

The triangle choke is a versatile and powerful submission technique in MMA. Its mechanics, combined with other techniques, allow fighters to surprise and submit their opponents. It is a must-have skill in a fighter’s arsenal, especially when faced with larger or stronger adversaries.

• Leg Locks (Heel Hooks and Knee Bars)

Leg locks, particularly heel hooks and knee bars, have gained significant attention in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) due to their increasing popularity and potential dangers. While these submissions can be highly effective, their nature also poses a significant risk of serious injury if improperly executed. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize safe practice and proper implementation of leg locks in competitive settings.

To ensure the safety of both participants, it is imperative for athletes, coaches, and referees to have a thorough understanding of the technical aspects and potential risks associated with leg locks. Competitors should undergo adequate training to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required to execute these submissions safely. This includes proper body positioning, joint manipulation, and submission release techniques.

Furthermore, strict adherence to competition rules and regulations is vital. Promoting fair play and minimizing unnecessary risks should be a priority for event organizers, coaches, and officials. Establishing guidelines that govern the permissible use of leg locks within the confines of the sport can maintain a balance between entertainment and athlete safety.

Moreover, competitors should exercise caution when attempting leg locks during training sessions. Proper communication and mutual consent are essential between training partners to avoid unnecessary injuries. Coaches and trainers must closely monitor these practice sessions to ensure the correct execution of leg locks and minimize the potential for harm.

As the popularity of leg locks continues to rise in MMA, it is crucial to place a strong emphasis on safe practice and implementation. Athletes should receive proper training, competition rules should be enforced, and communication between training partners should be prioritized. By adhering to these precautions, leg locks can be utilized effectively while minimizing the associated risks.

Conclusion

Jiu-Jitsu is a foundational aspect of MMA that can greatly enhance an MMA fighter’s game. The key moves in Jiu-Jitsu, such as arm locks, chokes, and joint manipulations, can provide crucial opportunities for victory in the octagon. However, it is important to recognize that MMA is a continuously evolving sport, requiring fighters to constantly adapt and learn new techniques.

Therefore, MMA fighters should not view their Jiu-Jitsu training as a one-time pursuit, but as an ongoing practice that needs to be constantly deepened and refined. By investing time and effort into further developing their Jiu-Jitsu skills, fighters can gain a competitive advantage over their opponents and increase their chances of success in the cage.

In addition to its practical benefits, Jiu-Jitsu also offers mental and physical advantages to MMA fighters. The discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills developed through Jiu-Jitsu training can be translated into other aspects of their MMA career, leading to overall growth and improvement.

Ultimately, MMA fighters should embrace Jiu-Jitsu as an essential component of their training regimen. By continually honing their skills in Jiu-Jitsu, fighters can elevate their game, enhance their overall performance, and strive for long-term success in the dynamic world of mixed martial arts.