Absolute
Categories: Competition
A championship division where there is no weight limit for competitors.
Top Rated Submissions
If One Then Two
If one guy can hold you down then two guys can rape you. In theory it demonstrates to people who think BJJ is gay that it may be possible that not taking BJJ is just as gay. It leads to the idea that if you chose to not escape then you are ok with the outcome of two guys holding you down. If you are ok with that then you might be gay. It could also be a theory to demonstrate the importance of learning to escape.
Score: 1
Dominant
You want to hold the position to give you control and dictate the outcome.
Score: 0
Tea Bag
Putting someone in a submission where you are literally sitting on their head. Normally done by school instructors as an initiation and welcome into a school.
Score: -1
Filter by Categories
Academy
Categories: Administrative
The term used to refer to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school.
Amarrão
(/a.ma.ʁaˈsɐ̃w̃/ (ah-mah-hah-SOW))
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
Refers to a fighter who constantly "stalls" the fight by holding back themselves and their opponent, instead of aiming for submission, which is the ultimate goal of a Jiu Jitsu competition.
Amasso
(/aˈma.su/ (ah-MAH-soo))
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
Describes situations where a competitor has complete dominance over their adversary during a fight. It can also refer to situations where a practitioner enters the fight with a half-guard or immediately immobilizes the opponent, applying significant pressure.
Americana
(Ame-Ri-Ca-Na)
Categories: Submission
A submission that aims to force the opponent’s arm from the side control position. Also known as ude garami, this is a type of lock that uses leverage to apply pressure to the adversary's shoulder or elbow.
Anaconda Choke
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses the arms to compress the opponent’s airways from the side. A strangle similar to the arm-triangle, typically entered from a front headlock position, compressing the opponent's airways from the side.
Ankle Lock
Categories: Submission
A submission focused on the adversary's ankle, where a torsion is applied towards the joint's internal rotation.
Arm Crush
Categories: Submission
An armlock that relies on the legs to keep perfect distance while the arms attack the opponent's elbow.
Arm-Triangle Choke
Categories: Submission
A type of strangle where the attacker uses the defender's own shoulder in combination with their forearm to apply pressure to the side of the neck.
Armbar
Categories: Submission
A go-to submission from the guard or mount position that hyperextends the opponents elbow joint.
Armlock
Categories: Submission
A submission that puts pressure on the elbow joint. How Brazilian fighters name the armbar.
Arrochar
(/ahoˈʃar/ (ah-ho-SHAR))
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
To tighten the grip, adjusting your position during grappling.
Back Control
Categories: Position
A position where one fighter is behind the opponent, with legs wrapped around their body. The player takes control of the opponent’s back, placing the heels between the opponent’s thighs without crossing the legs. Must have one arm trapped (see “seat-belt”) or the ability to trap one arm in order to be given the points. This position is awarded four points if held for three seconds in competition.
Back Mount
Categories: Position
A position where a student has control of another student from the back (i.e. a student is face down with another student straddling his back).
Back Take
Categories: Technique
A technique used to take the opponent’s back. The transition from a position such as side control or mount to obtain back control.
Baiana
(/baˈja.na/ (bah-YAH-nah))
Categories: Takedown
Also known as morote gari or double leg. It is a throw that consists of grabbing both legs of the adversary in order to throw them to the ground.
Baratoplata
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses a twisting of the opponent’s arm to force the submission.
Base
Categories: Concept
The foundation or stability of the body, usually achieved by maintaining a low center of gravity and keeping the legs spread out widely when kneeling or standing.
Belt
Categories: Equipment
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt worn by practitioners to indicate their level of proficiency. A symbol of a fighter's level of proficiency and experience.
Belt Records
Categories: Administrative
A required form for athletes who are skipping belt ranks in the IBJJF system or for first time Brown and Black Belt membership holders. This form requires athletes to indicate their promotion dates at each belt rank to show they have completed the required time.
Berimbolo
Categories: Sweep
A technique used to sweep an opponent from the guard position. An advanced and highly dynamic technique used to sweep an opponent from the guard, frequently involving inversions and leg entanglements to achieve a back take.
Bicep Slicer
Categories: Submission
A submission that puts pressure on the opponent’s bicep. A submission in which the practitioner attacks their opponent's bicep by driving their shin into the bicep muscle.
BJJ
Categories: General
Abbreviation for “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
Black Belt Certificate
Categories: Administrative
A completely separate process from the membership process. Active Black Belt membership is not the same as the Black Belt Certification process. The membership process only allows the athlete to compete or start the certification process.
Bottom Player
Categories: Administrative
A fighter who prefers to fight from the bottom.
Bow and Arrow Choke
Categories: Submission
A powerful Gi collar choke where the attacker grabs the opponent's collar and drags it across the neck to apply pressure, often from the back.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Categories: General
A form of martial arts that focuses on grappling and submission techniques. A style of Jujitsu formulated by the Gracie family from Brazil. Helio Gracie took the core of traditional Jujitsu and Judo and modified techniques to work for smaller practitioners.
Breakfall
Categories: Escape
A technique to “break your fall” when thrown or falling by slapping your arm on the ground and properly positioning your body. Breakfalls are used whenever you are thrown to the floor by your opponent. The technique should result in your landing on the ground as comfortably as possible by throwing out an arm to take some of the impact of the fall.
Bridge
Categories: Escape
A movement where the practitioner arches their back to create space or escape from a bad position, such as when trapped under the mount. A technique use to “buck” off or dislodge an opponent who is in the mount position.
Butterfly Guard
Categories: Position
A guard used to control the opponent by using the feet and legs. A guard used to control the opponent by placing the feet, often referred to as ""hooks,"" on the inside of their thighs.
Calf Slicer
Categories: Submission
A submission that puts pressure on the opponent’s calf.
Choke
Categories: Submission
A submission that compresses the opponent’s airways. A submission technique that restricts the opponent’s airflow (air choke) or blood choke) to induce unconsciousness or tap out.
Cinturar
(/sin.tuˈɾaɾ/ (seen-too-RAR))
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
To grab the adversary by the waistline from behind, in order to throw them to the ground.
Clock Choke
Categories: Submission
A type of choking applied with the help of the adversary's own Gi, when the opponent finds themselves in a four-pronged position.
Closed Guard
Categories: Position
A guard where the opponent’s legs are intertwined around the attacker’s waist. When you are on your back and you have your legs wrapped around your opponent’s back & your feet are locked together.
Collar Choke
Categories: Submission
A type of choke that involves using the opponent's gi collar to apply pressure to the neck or throat.
Cross Choke
Categories: Submission
Applied by crossing the arms and gripping the opponent's Gi lapels on opposite sides of their neck.
Crossface
Categories: Technique
Pressure exerted on an opponent’s face, usually from shoulder pressure. The intention is to make an opponent incredibly uncomfortable so that they relinquish a grip or position to alleviate the pressure. Additionally, pressuring the head in one direction limits the bottom player’s mobility and explosive ability, making it impossible for the player to move in certain directions and escape.
Crucifix
Categories: Position
A position in which the fighter uses their arms and legs to hold both of the opponent's arms from behind, in such a way that resembles a crucifix.
D'Arce Choke
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses the attacker’s arm to compress the opponent’s airways. A type of strangle that is very similar to the anaconda choke but with the entry on the opposite side.
De La Riva Guard
Categories: Position
A guard used to control the opponent using a leg hook. An open guard position where the guard player has one leg hooked around the opponent's leg, with the other leg extended out to the side.
Degree
Categories: Administrative
An intermediate stage between belt graduations, in which the student needs to achieve 4 degrees (and other criteria) to become eligible to take a belt exam. Each Jiu Jitsu school uses its own criteria for each degree, and above the black belt, there are 10 degrees until the fighter reaches the red belt.
Dojo
Categories: Administrative
A traditional term for the club or hall where you train.
Double Leg Takedown
Categories: Takedown
A takedown technique where the attacker grabs both of the opponent’s legs and brings them down. A classic wrestling takedown where the attacker grabs both of their opponent's legs and takes them to the ground.
Double Underhooks
Categories: Position
A position where the practitioner has both of their opponent's arms underhooked and controlled. Often used to set up takedown attempts.
Drill
Categories: Training
The part of training that consists of many, many... many repetitions of various techniques.
Espalhar o frango
((Spread the chicken))
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
A position in which the fighter grabs the adversary's back—placing the hooks—and turning them belly down on the ground and extending the hip.
Ezequiel Choke
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses choking with the back of the opponent’s gi or sleeve to compress the opponent’s airways. A strangle using the opponent's own kimono sleeves.
Fechar o cadeado
((Close the padlock))
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
It means ""to close your guard on the adversary,"" by wrapping both of your legs around the opponent's torso, putting one of your ankles under your other knee, forming a kind of triangle.
Finalização
(/fi.na.li.zaˈsɐ̃w̃/ (fee-nah-lee-zah-SOW))
Categories: Concept
The ultimate goal of Jiu Jitsu, to submit your adversary, leading them to ""give up"" the fight.
Flow Roll
Categories: Training
A type of training that is similar mechanically to sparring, but the practitioners flow from one technique to another without stopping in a relaxed manner.
Foot Lock
Categories: Submission
A submission that aims to force the opponent’s ankle joint beyond its natural range of motion. A broad term for submissions involving the opponent's foot, including ankle locks and toe holds.
Gi
(/ghee/ (hard 'g' like in grapefruit/go))
Categories: Equipment
The traditional uniform worn during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and competitions. The clothing worn by many martial artists, loose fitting to aid in varied body movements.
Gi Choke
Categories: Submission
Where you use your Gi (uniform) or your opponent’s Gi to perform a choking technique.
Gogoplata
Categories: Submission
A type of choke used against an adversary in high guard, using the shin to submit them. It can also be done using the scapula (shoulder blade).
Grappling
Categories: Training
A close-range combat technique that involves wrestling. To fight an opponent but with no punching or kicking, much like a Judo match, but the ground-fighting may continue for longer than compared to a Judo match.
Guard
Categories: Position
A ground position in which one combatant has their back to the ground while attempting to control the other combatant using their legs.
Guard
Categories: Position
A fundamental position in Jiu Jitsu where one practitioner is on their back while their opponent is between their legs. The guard is a versatile position that allows for both defensive and offensive techniques. A position where the opponent’s legs are closed around the attacker’s body. A position in which the fighter finds themselves, seated or lying on the mat, in such a way that—between themselves and the adversary—there's at least the possibility to use one leg.
Guard Pass
Categories: Pass
A technique used to pass the opponent’s guard. The player on top (i.e. “passer”) successfully goes around/through the guard player’s legs and advances their position to either side control or north/south position.
Guard Pull
Categories: Takedown
A technique where the opponent pulls their opponent into their guard. An alternative method of bringing the match to the ground. A guard-pull results in one player bringing the match to the ground with their feet in a position to control their opponent.
Guillotine Choke
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses the arms to compress the opponent’s airways from the front.
Half Guard
Categories: Position
A position where one fighter has one leg folded under them. A defensive position where you are on your back. One of your feet is on the inside of an opponent’s leg and the other is on the outside.
Hand Triangle
Categories: Submission
A move in which you put your arm around the adversary's neck and under your armpit, stopping the blood flow to their brain.
Heel Hook
Categories: Submission
A submission move where you grab a person's heel for leverage while twisting the leg at the knee joint. A powerful and dangerous leg lock that torques the knee by twisting the ankle.
Hooks
Categories: Concept
Refer to the top player’s legs when in back control. To place the hooks, one puts the tops of their feet on the inside of the controlled player’s thighs and presses out. This is used to control the rotation of the bottom player’s hips as they attempt to escape.
IBJJF
Categories: Administrative
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, whose tournaments are currently among the most common and prestigious events globally, requiring membership for participation.
Inside Position
Categories: Concept
This is the space between the hip and armpit. Occupying or denying the inside position can dictate who is in control.
Invert/Inversion
Categories: Technique
The act of turning upside down (with feet above head and shoulders) while under your opponent. Doing so allows the player on bottom to keep their guard intact when the top player is trying to pass. Inverting is a relatively new concept in Jiu-Jitsu and has resulted in many new positions, attacks, and escapes.
Inverted Triangle
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses the legs to compress the opponent’s neck from the bottom.
Joint Lock
Categories: Submission
A submission that aims to force a joint beyond its natural range of motion. A submission that targets the opponent’s joints, such as the elbow or knee, by applying pressure in a way that causes pain or damage.
Juji Gatame
(/Ga-Te-Meh/)
Categories: Submission
A submission where pressure is applied over the adversary's elbow, aiming to dislocate the joint by forcefully overstretching the arm.
Juvenile
Categories: Competition
Athletes aged 16 and 17 years old in the current year.
Kami Shiro Gatame
((Japanese pronunciation))
Categories: Position
An immobilization in which you control the adversary's torso with your arms, facing the opposite direction to them.
Katagatame
(/Ga-Te-Meh/)
Categories: Submission
Also known as the hand triangle, it is a type of submission in which the fighter strangles the opponent by passing one arm under the adversary's neck, crossing the other arm outside that one. The fundamental idea in this move is to apply constant pressure, in such a way that it is uncomfortable for the opponent but easily maintained for the choker.
Kesa Gatame
(Kesa-gah-tah-meh)
Categories: Position
A judo-derived pin where the top player wraps their arm around the opponent's head and controls their arm, lying perpendicular to them.
Kimono
Categories: Equipment
The traditional uniform worn during Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practice. The traditional vestment for Jiu Jitsu practice.
Kimura
Categories: Submission
A submission that aims to force the opponent’s shoulder beyond its natural range of motion. A specific shoulder lock submission that is applied by controlling the opponent’s wrist with both hands and using the practitioner’s body to rotate the opponent’s arm behind their back, forcing pressure on the shoulder joint.
Knee Reaping
Categories: Technique
A movement or technique where the practitioner uses their leg to control or off-balance the opponent’s leg, often leading to a sweep or submission. In competition, certain types of reaping can be illegal, depending on the ruleset.
Knee Shield
Categories: Position
A guard that uses the knee to keep the opponent at a distance and create openings for attacks.
Knee Slide Pass
Categories: Pass
A technique used to pass the opponent’s guard by sliding a knee between their legs.
Knee-on-Belly
Categories: Position
A position where one of the fighters is on the opponent’s belly with a knee on their stomach. The player on top places their knee on the belly, chest, or ribs of the player on the bottom.
Kneebar
Categories: Submission
A submission that aims to force the opponent’s knee beyond its natural range of motion. Also known as leglock, it is a submission that consists of hyperextending the knee joint.
Lapel Choke
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses the opponent’s belt or kimono jacket to compress their airways.
Leg Drag
Categories: Pass
A technique used to pass the opponent’s guard by quickly moving one of their legs. The most common transitional guard position in modern competitive Jiu Jitsu.
Lever
(ˈliːvəʳ/ (LEE-ver))
Categories: Concept
The classical concept of ""lever"" (a more efficient and effective energy use) but applied to techniques in which you twist, throw, or pressure your opponent in a more economic way.
Loop Choke
Categories: Submission
Uses the opponent's Gi lapel to create a loop around their neck, applicable from various positions.
Master
Categories: Competition
Athletes aged 30 years and older can enter Master divisions, broken down further by age (i.e. Master 1, Master 2, etc).
Membership
Categories: Administrative
Creating an IBJJF account is not the same as having IBJJF membership. Athletes must undergo the full membership process and complete payment to activate their membership. Athletes will receive a physical IBJJF card but can use their membership from the moment of completed payment. Active membership is required to register for IBJJF events.
Morote Gari
((Japanese pronunciation))
Categories: Takedown
A double leg takedown adopted later by the Kodokan into their Shinmeisho-no-waza (newly accepted techniques) list.
Mount
Categories: Position
A position where a fighter is sitting on top of the opponent’s torso. A dominant position where one practitioner sits on top of their opponent’s torso.
Neck Crank
Categories: Submission
A technique where a BJJ student pulls on or twists an opponent’s head in order to create neck/spinal pain. Banned from most competitions.
No-Gi
Categories: Style
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training or competition without wearing a kimono. A style of Jiu Jitsu that is practiced without the traditional Gi.
North-South
Categories: Position
A position where one of the fighters is on top of the opponent with their head towards their feet. An immobilization in which you control the adversary's torso with your arms, facing the opposite direction to them.
Obi
(ˈō-bē (OH-bee))
Categories: Equipment
The traditional Japanese term for a belt worn with a gi.
Omoplata
(om-PLAH-tah)
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses an armlock from an open guard to force the opponent to submit. A submission that utilizes an armlock from an open guard to force the opponent to submit by attacking their shoulder joint with the legs.
Open Guard
Categories: Position
A guard where the opponent’s legs are not entwined. Any guard position where the legs are not entwined around the opponent's waist.
Orelha de couve-flor
((Cauliflower Ear))
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
The popular slang to describe the common bruise on Jiu Jitsu practitioners’ ears, ""deformed"" in a permanent way due to frequent injuries and friction.
Oss
(oh-sss)
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
A common greeting used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu dojos. A versatile word in the Jiu-Jitsu community. It can be used as a greeting, a way to say ""thank you,"" an acknowledgment of a higher belt's skills, or a general affirmation of solidarity among practitioners.
Pass
Categories: Pass
Transitioning from one position to another (i.e. “passing” or getting around an opponent’s guard position in order to gain control).
Passing the Guard
Categories: Pass
The act of maneuvering around an opponent’s legs (guard) to establish a more dominant position like side control or mount.
Posture
Categories: Concept
A position in which a player can maintain strong spinal alignment. Usually referred to when in an opponent's guard.
Pressure Pass
Categories: Pass
A technique used to pass the opponent’s guard by applying constant pressure.
Professor
Categories: Administrative
The term used to refer to a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor or coach.
Provisional
Categories: Competition
Athletes ranked Brown Belt without history as a Purple Belt or ranked Black Belt without history as a Brown Belt in the IBJJF system. These athletes must register under Black Belts with higher degree qualifications as “provisional” athletes.
Puxar para a guarda
((Call to guard))
Categories: Slang and Foreign Terms
When, while in combat, the two fighters find themselves standing and one of them sits or lies on the mat, making guard.
Qualifying Points
Categories: Competition
Adult Black Belt athletes must achieve certain point requirements for specific events. Namely, the Pan Championship (Gi and No Gi) and the World Championship (Gi and No Gi). At the time of this publication, only Adult Black Belts (both male and female) have these requirements.
Ranking
Categories: Competition
Athletes receive ranking points per tournament if they medal. The points do not transfer between belt ranks or age divisions.
Raspagem
(/ʁasˈpa.ʒẽj̃/ (has-PAH-zheng))
Categories: Sweep
When the fighter who is on guard manages to invert the position and move over the adversary by using the legs.
Reap
Categories: Technique
A movement or technique where the practitioner uses their leg to control or off-balance the opponent’s leg, often leading to a sweep or submission. In competition, certain types of reaping can be illegal, depending on the ruleset.
Rear Naked Choke
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses the arms to compress the opponent’s airways from behind. A submission that uses the arms to compress the opponent's airways from behind, widely considered one of the most effective chokes.
Reverse Triangle
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses the legs to compress the opponent’s neck from the top.
Rodizio
((approx. ho-JEE-zyoo))
Categories: Training
A training method where a single person remains in the middle for a period, facing two or more opponents who take turns against them.
Roll
Categories: Escape
A rotation technique used to escape a disadvantageous position.
Rolling
Categories: Training
Jiu Jitsu’s term for sparring. A free sparring session.
Rules Seminar / Webinar
Categories: Administrative
This is not a mandatory course for athletes but any athlete can choose to take the course. It is only mandatory for those who intend to join the Referee Training Program or those applying for their Black Belt Certificate.
Sankaku Jime
((Japanese pronunciation))
Categories: Submission
A type of choking in which you place the adversary's neck and one arm between your legs.
Scissor...source
Categories: Technique
shoulder through a forceful translational or rotational movement of their arm.
Shrimp/Hip Escape
Categories: Escape
The act of moving the hip away from an opponent. The shrimp allows a player to brace on their opponent and not allow them to advance, while the shrimping player scoots their hip away. Shrimping allows for a player to create space, usually resulting in replacing their guard.
Side Control
Categories: Position
A control position where one of the fighters is lying on the side of their opponent. A position where the practitioner is beside their opponent, controlling them with their bodyweight.
Single Leg Takedown
Categories: Takedown
A throw in which you grab only one of the opponent's legs.
Single-Bracket
Categories: Competition
Athletes who are alone in their bracket with no opponents are considered single-bracket athletes. These athletes will either need to change their division or collect the medal automatically.
Single-Elimination
Categories: Competition
IBJJF events are single-elimination, meaning that one loss dismisses you from the subsequent brackets. However, a 3-man bracket allows for more than one match dependent on the results.
Sode Guruma Jime
((Japanese pronunciation))
Categories: Submission
A type of Judo chokehold (shime-waza), which compresses the opponent's trachea or the carotid arteries.
Sparring
Categories: Training
A friendly combat practice used to improve Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills.
Spider Guard
Categories: Position
A guard used to control the opponent using the feet and hands.
Sprawl
Categories: Escape
A technique used to avoid a takedown by quickly moving the legs back. A defensive movement used to counter an opponent’s takedown attempt.
Submission
Categories: Concept
The technique that forces the opponent to surrender. A technique designed to force the opponent to submit or “tap out,” often by applying joint locks or chokeholds.
Sweep
Categories: Sweep
A technique used to sweep an opponent from the guard position. Techniques used from the guard to reverse positions, moving the practitioner from the bottom to the top.
Takedown
Categories: Takedown
A technique used to bring the opponent to the ground. The act of bringing an opponent to the ground.
Tap/Tapping Out
Categories: Training
This is how a practitioner signals submission, effectively ending the round or match. The act of one player gently slapping the mat or their opponent as an indication of giving up.
Tatami
(tətɑ́ːmɪj (tuh-TAA-mee))
Categories: Equipment
The mat used for training.
Throw
Categories: Takedown
An alternative method of bringing an opponent to the ground. Throws refer to techniques commonly used in Judo.
Top Player
Categories: Administrative
A fighter who prefers to fight from the top position.
Triangle Choke
Categories: Submission
A submission that uses the legs to compress the opponent’s neck. A type of choke in which the adversary's neck and one arm are trapped between the practitioner's legs, forming a triangle shape.
Turtle Position
Categories: Position
A position where the opponent is on their knees and hands, with their back facing their opponent. A defensive ground position where you tuck in your arms, legs and head like a turtle hiding in its shell.
Ude Garami
((Japanese pronunciation))
Categories: Submission
All kinds of locks aimed against the adversary's arm joints, done through the rotation of their shoulder.
Ude Gatame
((Japanese pronunciation))
Categories: Submission
All kinds of locks aimed against the adversary's arm joints, done through the hyperextension of their elbow joint.
Upa
Categories: Escape
A technique use to “buck” off or dislodge an opponent who is in the mount position. Sometimes called a bridge-and-roll, this technique is used as an escape method by lifting your hips off of the ground when when being mounted.
Wrist Lock
Categories: Submission
A submission that applies pressure on the wrist joint.
X-Guard
Categories: Position
A guard used to control the opponent using a leg inside their legs.
If One Then Two
Categories: Concept
If one guy can hold you down then two guys can rape you. In theory it demonstrates to people who think BJJ is gay that it may be possible that not taking BJJ is just as gay. It leads to the idea that if you chose to not escape then you are ok with the outcome of two guys holding you down. If you are ok with that then you might be gay. It could also be a theory to demonstrate the importance of learning to escape.
Dominant
Categories: Position
You want to hold the position to give you control and dictate the outcome.
Tea Bag
Categories: Position, Slang and Foreign Terms, Concept
Putting someone in a submission where you are literally sitting on their head. Normally done by school instructors as an initiation and welcome into a school.