Now you’re not the beginner anymore, as you own a white belt. Well, it’s time to learn more advanced knowledge and skills to maintain and upgrade your position in BJJ. By now, you must be aware of all the basics of BJJ that you were not when you entered the first BJJ class. These basics include wearing BJJ gear, basic BJJ skills, time management, eating habits, warm-ups, etc. Now it’s time to check if you already know these 5 fundamental concepts of BJJ if you have a white belt.
Come in A Correct Position Before Submission
Position in BJJ matters a lot and no movement should be made before you’re in a correct position. Especially before making an attempt for submission, establish a dominant position. The rule here is simple, a more dominant position will lead to having a stronger attempt for submission. On the other side, if the dominant position is not achieved and the submission is initiated, there are more chances of being swept by the opponent by a reverse action.
There are many other techniques as well that can help you even if the action has been reversed. However, at this stage being a white belt holder, you cannot perform those techniques. So, at this level focus more on establishing a strong position prior to attempting for submission. A correct position comes from inner confidence, good training, and the comfort level you have on the mat. When we talk about comfort, the importance of wearing comfortable BJJ Gi cannot be neglected. To have a better understanding of the characteristics of the best Gi, click here.
Control the Opponent Firmly
Having control over the opponent is equally important as having a dominant position. Therefore, both the concepts are being discussed separately to shed light on their importance. You might have experienced it many times that even with a strong position, you have been reversed by your opponent. This can be very disturbing as it takes a lot of time to establish a dominant position where you can initiate submission. Furthermore, it takes much more energy as well and if you do not succeed in doing so, it exhausts you with frustration. Also, never lean too far forward as it gives your opponent an opportunity to take you down.
Be Relax and Calm When You’re Being Choked
Staying relax when you’re rolling and being choked is something very difficult for white belts. It is similar to a new swimmer who has been instructed to be calm and hold the breath while drowning. It is actually the best thing you can do, so be calm and relax when you’re being rolled down on the mat. It helps to preserve your energy and then you can move effortlessly later. For better experience, you need to breathe deeply so that more energy can be gained. If you get panic and start breathing fast, it will deplete your energy in the body. So, learn the mastery of being relaxed at such situations during a BJJ fight.
Don’t Allow Your Opponent to Posting
Posting is the best prevention in order to avoid sweeping. It is done by placing the foot or the hand on the mat when someone is trying to sweep you. It develops a barrier between the ground and the body that helps to avoid sweeping. This also helps to regain energy and meanwhile the right posture can be reestablished. This technique must be trained well during practice in order to get rid of sweep during a match.
These 5 basic concepts must be known by every white belt holder to become an expert in BJJ. If you still found any concept that you are not good at, do not worry and start practicing it with your mates. Spare some extra time to master these skills and become pro at BJJ.
