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Jiu-Jitsu Dictionary: Master The Gentle Art

Fundamental Jiu-Jitsu Terms
  1. Academy: A place where Jiu-Jitsu is taught and practiced, often referred to as a gym or dojo.
  2. Armbar (Juji Gatame): A submission technique that hyperextends the elbow joint, typically performed by isolating and controlling the opponent’s arm.
  3. Back Control: A dominant position where the practitioner is behind the opponent, often with hooks (legs) in, controlling the opponent's upper body.
  4. Base: The ability to maintain balance and stability while in various positions, preventing the opponent from sweeping or taking control.
  5. Belt System: The ranking system in Jiu-Jitsu, typically consisting of white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts, with various stripes denoting progress within each belt.
  6. Berimbolo: A modern Jiu-Jitsu technique used to invert and transition from guard to back control, often associated with the De La Riva guard.
  7. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): A martial art and combat sport focused on ground fighting and submission holds, derived from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.
  8. Breakfall (Ukemi): A technique used to safely fall or absorb impact, minimizing injury during takedowns or throws.
  9. Bridge (Upa): A movement used to create space or escape from bottom positions, involving arching the back and lifting the hips off the ground.
  10. Butterfly Guard: A seated guard position where the practitioner uses their legs, hooked inside the opponent's thighs, to control and sweep them.
  11. Choke (Shime Waza): A submission technique that restricts airflow or blood flow, leading to unconsciousness if not defended.
  12. Closed Guard: A guard position where the practitioner’s legs are wrapped around the opponent's waist, controlling their posture and movement.
  13. Collar Tie: A grip on the opponent’s collar, often used in stand-up grappling to control their posture and initiate takedowns.
  14. Combat Base: A transitional position where one knee is on the ground and the other foot is planted, providing stability for passing guard or defending against attacks.
  15. Cross Collar Choke: A choke performed from guard or mount by gripping the opponent’s collar and crossing the hands to apply pressure to the carotid arteries.
  16. De La Riva Guard: An open guard position where one leg hooks around the outside of the opponent’s leg, controlling their movement and setting up sweeps.
  17. Double Leg Takedown: A fundamental wrestling takedown where the practitioner shoots in to grab both of the opponent’s legs, driving them to the ground.
  18. Escapes: Techniques used to get out of disadvantageous positions, such as mount, side control, or back control.
  19. Gi: The traditional uniform worn in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt.
  20. Guard: A position where the practitioner is on their back but uses their legs and hips to control and attack the opponent.
  21. Guard Pass: The act of moving from inside the opponent’s guard to a more dominant position, such as side control or mount.
  22. Half Guard: A guard position where the practitioner has one leg trapped between the opponent’s legs while using the other leg to control their posture.
  23. Hooks: The practitioner’s legs inserted inside or around the opponent’s legs, commonly used in back control or guard positions.
  24. IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation): The leading organization governing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions worldwide.
  25. Kimura: A shoulder lock submission where the practitioner controls the opponent’s arm and rotates it behind their back, causing pain and potential injury.
  26. Knee on Belly (Knee on Stomach): A dominant position where the practitioner places their knee on the opponent’s stomach, applying pressure and controlling them.
  27. Lapel: The collar or upper part of the Gi jacket, often used for grips and chokes.
  28. Leg Drag: A guard passing technique where the practitioner clears the opponent's leg out of the way, allowing them to transition to side control.
  29. Leg Lock: A category of submission holds that target the legs, including ankle locks, knee bars, and heel hooks.
  30. Lapel Choke: A choke using the opponent’s or practitioner’s lapel, wrapping it around the neck to apply pressure.
  31. Lockdown: A type of half guard where the practitioner entangles the opponent’s leg, controlling their movement and preventing them from passing guard.
  32. Mount: A dominant position where the practitioner is on top of the opponent’s torso, controlling them with their knees and hips.
  33. No-Gi: Jiu Jitsu practiced without the traditional Gi, typically involving rash guards and shorts, with a focus on grips and techniques that don’t rely on the Gi.
  34. North-South Position: A controlling position where the practitioner is on top, with their head near the opponent's hips, often used for submissions or transitions.
  35. Omoplata: A submission that attacks the opponent’s shoulder by using the legs to trap and rotate their arm behind their back.
  36. Open Guard: A guard position where the practitioner’s legs are not locked around the opponent, allowing for more dynamic movement and attacks.
  37. Passing the Guard: The process of moving from within the opponent’s guard to a more dominant position, such as side control or mount.
  38. Pendulum Sweep: A sweep from the guard that uses a swinging motion to off-balance the opponent and reverse the position.
  39. Pressure Passing: A method of passing guard that relies on applying constant pressure to the opponent, wearing them down and forcing openings.
  40. Rear Naked Choke (RNC): A choke applied from back control, where the practitioner uses their arms to constrict the opponent’s neck, leading to unconsciousness.
  41. Reversal: A technique that allows the practitioner to transition from a bottom position to a top position, often through sweeps or escapes.
  42. Rolling: Sparring or practice fighting in Jiu Jitsu, where practitioners apply techniques in a live, dynamic environment.
  43. Rubber Guard: A flexible and high-control guard position where the practitioner uses their legs to control and submit the opponent.
  44. Scarf Hold (Kesa Gatame): A side control variation where the practitioner wraps their arm around the opponent's head or arm, controlling them from the side.
  45. Side Control (Side Mount): A dominant position where the practitioner is perpendicular to the opponent, controlling their upper body with chest pressure and grips.
  46. Single Leg Takedown: A wrestling takedown where the practitioner grabs one of the opponent’s legs and drives them to the ground.
  47. Spider Guard: An open guard position where the practitioner uses their feet on the opponent’s arms or hips to control and off-balance them.
  48. Sprawl: A defensive technique used to counter takedowns, involving sprawling the legs backward and dropping the hips to the ground.
  49. Submission: A technique used to force an opponent to give up, typically through a choke or joint lock.
  50. Sweeps: Techniques used to reverse positions, moving from the bottom to the top by off-balancing the opponent.
  51. Takedown: The act of bringing the opponent to the ground from a standing position, often used to initiate ground fighting.
  52. Triangle Choke: A submission where the practitioner uses their legs to encircle the opponent’s neck and arm, cutting off blood flow to the brain.
  53. Underhook: A grip where the practitioner’s arm is under the opponent’s arm, often used to control and set up takedowns or sweeps.
  54. X-Guard: An open guard position where the practitioner’s legs are entangled around the opponent’s standing leg, controlling their balance and setting up sweeps.
  55. Yoko Shiho Gatame: A Japanese term for side control, a dominant ground position.
  56. Americana: A shoulder lock submission similar to the Kimura but with the arm bent upwards, applying pressure to the shoulder joint.
  57. Anaconda Choke: A choke similar to the D'Arce choke, applied by wrapping the arm around the opponent’s neck and trapping their arm with their own arm.
  58. Banana Split: A painful submission that stretches the opponent's legs apart, targeting the groin and hip muscles.
  59. Baratoplata: A shoulder lock submission similar to the Omoplata but with a different setup, often from a mounted position.
  60. Baseball Bat Choke: A choke that uses the Gi collar, with grips similar to holding a baseball bat, applying pressure to the neck from side control or knee on belly.
  61. Bow and Arrow Choke: A Gi choke where the practitioner pulls the opponent’s collar while controlling their leg, resembling a bow and arrow motion.
  62. Brabo Choke: A choke similar to the D'Arce choke, using the Gi to create a tight grip around the opponent’s neck.
  63. Calf Slicer (Calf Crusher): A painful submission that compresses the calf muscle against the opponent’s shin bone, creating intense pressure.
  64. Clock Choke: A Gi choke where the practitioner circles around the opponent while tightening the choke, similar to the motion of clock hands.
  65. Crucifix: A position where the practitioner traps one of the opponent’s arms with their legs and controls the other arm, often leading to chokes or submissions.
  66. D'Arce Choke: A choke applied from top position or sprawl, where the practitioner threads their arm under the opponent's neck and locks it with their own bicep.
  67. Deep Half Guard: A variation of half guard where the practitioner is deep under the opponent’s hips, allowing for sweeps and transitions.
  68. Donkey Guard: A playful and unconventional guard position where the practitioner turns their back to the opponent, setting up sweeps or submissions.
  69. Ezekiel Choke: A Gi choke often applied from mount or inside the opponent’s guard, using one arm to wrap around the neck and the other to push against the throat.
  70. Gogoplata: A rare and advanced submission where the practitioner uses their shin to choke the opponent, typically from the rubber guard position.
  71. Helicopter Armbar: A flashy armbar performed by elevating the opponent with the legs and transitioning directly into the submission in mid-air.
  72. Inverted Guard: A guard position where the practitioner inverts their body, often setting up sweeps or submissions from unconventional angles.
  73. Knee Bar: A leg lock submission that hyperextends the knee joint, similar to an armbar but applied to the leg.
  74. Leg Reap: A technique used to destabilize the opponent’s leg by hooking or reaping it with the practitioner’s own leg, often leading to a submission or sweep.
  75. Matrix: A modern and complex guard position that involves inverting and attacking the opponent’s back or legs, often used by advanced practitioners.
  76. Monkey Mount: A variation of the mount position where the practitioner sits high on the opponent’s chest, often leading to armbar or choke setups.
  77. Ninja Choke: A choke that can be applied from various positions, often catching the opponent by surprise, using a tight grip around the neck.
  78. North-South Choke: A choke applied from the north-south position, where the practitioner uses their arms to compress the opponent’s neck.
  79. Octopus Guard: A flexible guard position where the practitioner wraps their arms and legs around the opponent, controlling their posture and setting up sweeps or submissions.
  80. Peruvian Necktie: A choke performed from front headlock position, often with the practitioner stepping over the opponent’s head and pulling up on the neck.
  81. Reverse De La Riva Guard: A variation of the De La Riva guard where the practitioner hooks the opponent’s leg from the inside, creating different sweeping opportunities.
  82. Shin Guard: A guard position where the practitioner uses their shin across the opponent’s waist or chest to control distance and posture.
  83. Spider Guard Sweep: A sweep from the spider guard, often involving the practitioner lifting the opponent with their legs and transitioning to a dominant position.
  84. Stack Pass: A guard pass that involves stacking the opponent’s legs over their head and driving forward, breaking their guard and transitioning to side control.
  85. Tornado Guard: A dynamic and advanced guard position that involves inverting and spinning to set up sweeps or submissions.
  86. Truck Position: A back control variation that allows the practitioner to attack the opponent’s legs or transition to other submissions like the twister.
  87. Twister: A spine-twisting submission that involves locking the opponent’s body and rotating their head in the opposite direction.
  88. Von Flue Choke: A choke that counteracts a guillotine by using shoulder pressure on the opponent’s neck, often leading to a submission from top position.
  89. Worm Guard: A modern and innovative guard where the practitioner uses the opponent’s Gi lapel to control and off-balance them, setting up sweeps and submissions.
  90. 50/50 Guard: A neutral guard position where both practitioners have one leg entangled with the other, often leading to leg lock battles.
  91. Ashi Garami: A Japanese term meaning leg entanglement, referring to a position used to set up leg locks.
  92. Back Mount: A dominant position where the practitioner is on the opponent’s back with hooks in, controlling them and setting up chokes.
  93. Deep Half Sweep: A sweep from the deep half guard, often involving rolling or tilting the opponent to reverse positions.
  94. Knee Shield: A variation of half guard where the practitioner uses their knee to create distance and control the opponent’s posture.
  95. Lasso Guard: An open guard position where the practitioner wraps their leg around the opponent’s arm, creating leverage for sweeps and submissions.
  96. Mount Escape: Techniques used to escape from the mount position, such as bridging or shrimping to create space.
  97. Reverse Mount: A variation of the mount position where the practitioner faces the opponent's legs, controlling them from an unconventional angle.
  98. S-Mount: A mount variation where the practitioner sits on the opponent’s chest with one leg angled forward, setting up submissions like the armbar.
  99. Turtle Position: A defensive position where the opponent is on all fours, often used to defend against back attacks or set up sweeps.
  100. X-Pass: A guard pass that involves clearing the opponent’s leg and stepping over it, transitioning to side control or mount.
Jiu-Jitsu Training & Concepts
  1. Belt Promotion: The process of advancing to a higher belt rank, typically based on skill, time, and performance in Jiu-Jitsu.
  2. Chain Attacks: A series of connected submissions or techniques that flow seamlessly from one to the next, overwhelming the opponent.
  3. Conditioning: Physical training to improve endurance, strength, and flexibility, essential for success in Jiu-Jitsu.
  4. Conceptual Learning: An approach to Jiu-Jitsu that emphasizes understanding the underlying principles of techniques rather than just memorizing moves.
  5. Counter: A technique used to defend against or reverse an opponent’s attack, often leading to a dominant position or submission.
  6. Cross Training: Training in multiple martial arts or combat sports to enhance overall skills and versatility in Jiu-Jitsu.
  7. Drilling: Repetitive practice of techniques to build muscle memory and refine execution.
  8. Flow Roll: A light, non-competitive form of sparring where practitioners move fluidly and explore techniques without focusing on winning.
  9. Grip Fighting: The battle for control of grips on the opponent’s Gi or limbs, often determining the outcome of exchanges.
  10. Gym Etiquette: The unwritten rules and behaviors expected in a Jiu-Jitsu academy, such as respecting training partners and instructors.
  11. Incremental Improvement: The concept of making small, consistent improvements in skills and techniques over time.
  12. Injury Prevention: Techniques and practices aimed at minimizing the risk of injury, such as proper warm-ups, stretching, and tapping early.
  13. Learning Curve: The rate at which a practitioner improves or masters techniques, often varying based on experience and natural ability.
  14. Mat Time: The amount of time spent training on the mat, a key factor in progressing in Jiu-Jitsu.
  15. Positional Sparring: A focused form of sparring that begins in a specific position, allowing practitioners to work on specific skills.
  16. Pressure: The application of body weight and control to restrict the opponent’s movement and create openings for submissions.
  17. Shark Tank: A type of training drill where a practitioner continuously rolls with fresh opponents, testing endurance and mental toughness.
  18. Strategy: The overarching plan or approach a practitioner uses during a roll or competition, often based on their strengths and the opponent’s weaknesses.
  19. Submission Chain: A series of submissions linked together, allowing the practitioner to transition from one attack to another seamlessly.
  20. Tapping: The act of surrendering during a submission by tapping the mat or the opponent, signaling the end of the roll or match.
  21. Transition: The movement from one position to another, often involving a shift in control or the application of a new technique.
  22. Visualization: The mental practice of techniques and scenarios, used to improve performance and readiness in Jiu-Jitsu.
  23. Jiu-Jitsu Belts and Ranks
  24. White Belt: The beginner’s rank in Jiu-Jitsu, where the practitioner learns the basic techniques and concepts.
  25. Blue Belt: The second rank in Jiu-Jitsu, signifying a deeper understanding of techniques and the ability to apply them effectively.
  26. Purple Belt: The intermediate rank in Jiu-Jitsu, where the practitioner begins to develop their own style and refine their skills.
  27. Brown Belt: The advanced rank in Jiu-Jitsu, indicating a high level of technical proficiency and the ability to teach and mentor others.
  28. Black Belt: The expert rank in Jiu-Jitsu, representing mastery of the art and the ability to contribute to the Jiu-Jitsu community as an instructor and competitor.
  29. Red Belt: The highest and most prestigious rank in Jiu-Jitsu, awarded to practitioners who have dedicated their lives to the art.
  30. Coral Belt: A rank between black and red belt, typically awarded to practitioners with decades of experience and contributions to the art.
  31. Stripe: A small piece of tape added to the belt to indicate progress within that belt level.
  32. Instructor (Professor): A high-ranking practitioner responsible for teaching and guiding students in their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
  33. Master: A title given to practitioners who have reached the highest levels of expertise and experience in Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu Organizations & Competitions
  1. ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club): A prestigious grappling competition that features no-Gi matches and is considered the pinnacle of submission grappling.
  2. CBJJ (Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu): The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation, one of the leading organizations for Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil.
  3. IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation): The primary organization governing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions worldwide, organizing major events like the World Championship.
  4. JJIF (Ju-Jitsu International Federation): The global organization for traditional Jiu-Jitsu, promoting the sport in its various forms and disciplines.
  5. JJFJ (Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Federation): The organization responsible for promoting and preserving traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu.
  6. Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship: One of the largest and most prestigious Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, organized by the IBJJF.
  7. World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Mundials): The premier annual Jiu-Jitsu competition, attracting the best practitioners from around the globe.
  8. US Grappling: An organization that hosts Jiu-Jitsu and grappling tournaments across the United States, catering to all skill levels.
  9. NAGA (North American Grappling Association): A popular organization that hosts grappling tournaments, including both Gi and No-Gi divisions.
  10. Grappling Industries: A tournament organization that hosts events worldwide, offering a round-robin format to ensure multiple matches for competitors.
  11. Fight to Win: A professional grappling promotion that hosts high-profile matches between top practitioners, often in a submission-only format.
  12. Kasai Pro: A professional grappling promotion that features top-level Jiu-Jitsu athletes in competitive events, often with unique rule sets.
  13. Polaris: A UK-based professional grappling promotion that hosts super fights between elite Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
  14. Metamoris: A now-defunct professional grappling event that popularized submission-only matches and featured high-profile competitors.
  15. SJJIF (Sport Jiu-Jitsu International Federation): An organization that promotes and governs Jiu-Jitsu as a sport, with a focus on standardizing rules and competitions.
  16. Sub Spectrum: A submission-only grappling tournament series that features high-level competitors and a focus on exciting matches.
  17. Third Coast Grappling: A professional grappling promotion known for its innovative rules and exciting matchups, based in Texas.
Slang & Expressions
Break Their Posture: A common instruction to disrupt the opponent’s balance and positioning, making them vulnerable to attacks.
Catch and Release: A training approach where the practitioner secures a submission but releases it before fully applying it, often used to drill technique without risking injury.
Flow: The state of being completely absorbed in the roll, moving smoothly from one technique to another without conscious thought.
Gassing Out: Running out of energy or stamina during a roll or competition, leading to a decrease in performance.
Get the Tap: A phrase encouraging the practitioner to secure a submission and force the opponent to tap out.
Grind: The hard work and dedication required to improve in Jiu-Jitsu, often involving long hours on the mat.
Leg Locker: A practitioner who specializes in leg locks, often focusing on attacks like heel hooks, knee bars, and ankle locks.
Mat Rat: A dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who spends a lot of time on the mat, often training multiple times a day.
Muscle Through: Using strength rather than technique to execute a move, often discouraged in Jiu-Jitsu.
Play Your Game: A phrase encouraging a practitioner to stick to their strengths and preferred techniques during a roll or competition.
Positional Dominance: The strategy of controlling and maintaining superior positions over the opponent, often prioritizing control over submissions.
Pressure Game: A style of Jiu-Jitsu focused on applying constant pressure to the opponent, wearing them down and creating openings.
Scramble: A chaotic exchange where both practitioners are rapidly transitioning between positions, often resulting in a change of control.
Shark Tank: A training drill where a practitioner rolls with multiple fresh opponents one after the other, testing endurance and mental toughness.
Smash Pass: A style of guard passing that uses pressure and strength to crush the opponent's guard and move to a dominant position.
Stay Tight: A phrase reminding practitioners to keep their movements compact and controlled, minimizing space for the opponent to escape or counter.
Tap Early, Tap Often: A phrase encouraging practitioners to tap out before an injury occurs, especially during the learning phase.
Technical Roll: A term for a roll where both practitioners focus on technique and flow rather than intensity or winning.
Top Game: A practitioner’s ability to control and dominate from top positions like mount, side control, or knee on belly.
Train Like a Black Belt: A phrase encouraging practitioners to train with the discipline, focus, and respect typical of a black belt, regardless of their rank.
Turtle Up: A defensive tactic where the practitioner curls into a ball, protecting themselves from attacks while waiting for an opportunity to escape.
Use Your Hips: A common instruction emphasizing the importance of hip movement in generating power and controlling positions in Jiu-Jitsu.
White Belt Spaz: A humorous term for the uncontrolled and frantic movements often exhibited by beginners.
Work the Pass: A phrase encouraging the practitioner to focus on passing the opponent’s guard rather than rushing to a submission.
Wrestle Up: A tactic where the practitioner in guard attempts to stand up and initiate a takedown, often used in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.
Oss: A term commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a greeting, expression of respect, or affirmation. It is used to convey a sense of discipline, commitment, and readiness in training. The term can also represent a practitioner's mindset of enduring hardship, pushing through challenges, and demonstrating perseverance both on and off the mat.

Jiu-Jitsu Concepts & Philosophies
Gentle Art: The translation of Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the art’s focus on technique and leverage over brute strength.
Cerebral Approach: The mindset of analyzing and thinking through techniques and strategies, often leading to a more methodical and effective practice.
Conservation of Energy: The principle of using minimal effort to achieve maximum effect, a key concept in Jiu-Jitsu.
Embrace the Grind: A philosophy of accepting and thriving in the challenging aspects of Jiu-Jitsu training, such as tough rolls and long hours on the mat.
Flow State: The mental state of being fully immersed and focused in a roll, where movements feel effortless and intuitive.
Human Chess: A metaphor describing Jiu-Jitsu as a strategic and intellectual game, where each move has multiple counters and options.
Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle: The concept of living in a way that aligns with the principles of Jiu-Jitsu, including discipline, respect, and continuous learning.
Learning Through Failure: The idea that mistakes and failures are valuable learning opportunities in Jiu-Jitsu, leading to improvement and growth.
Leverage Over Strength: A core principle of Jiu-Jitsu that emphasizes using leverage and technique to overcome stronger or larger opponents.
Martial Arts Philosophy: The broader principles and values that guide martial arts practice, including humility, respect, and perseverance.
No Ego: The philosophy of leaving pride aside in training, being open to learning from others, and not fearing failure.
Patient Aggression: The balance between being assertive in pursuing submissions or positions while remaining calm and methodical.
Progress Over Perfection: The mindset of focusing on continuous improvement rather than expecting flawless execution.
Respect the Mat: A reminder to show respect to the training environment, instructors, and training partners, often by maintaining cleanliness and proper etiquette.
Rolling as Learning: The concept that every roll, whether in training or competition, is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Survival First: The principle of prioritizing defense and survival in Jiu-Jitsu, especially in bad positions, before working on escapes or counters.
Tap as a Tool: Understanding that tapping is not a sign of defeat but a tool for learning and preventing injury, especially in training.
Technique Over Strength: The core belief in Jiu-Jitsu that technique should always take precedence over physical strength in executing moves.
The Path to Black Belt: The journey of learning and growth that every Jiu-Jitsu practitioner undertakes, often marked by personal and technical development.
Use What Works: The philosophy of adapting techniques and strategies to what is effective for the individual, regardless of conventional wisdom.
Warrior Spirit: The inner drive and resilience that pushes practitioners to overcome challenges, both on and off the mat.
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