Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Theory

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylists have developed several in depth theory’s regarding hand to hand combat.

Range Theory
Positional Control Theory

Theory of Range All unarmed hand to hand combat can be divided into three primary ranges. Range 1 – Free Movement: Both fighters on their feet, with no grip on each other. The lack of contact allows each opponent to move freely. This freedom of movement allows fast footwork, shooting and striking.             Range 2 – The Clinch: When one or both fighters are restricting the others movement by controlling a portion of their body. In this range it is very important to be able to attain a dominant grip on your opponent, be able to break your opponent’s dominant grip, maintaining your own balance, while breaking your opponent’s balance, and attacking your opponent with strikes or takedowns. Range 3 – Ground Fighting: Most fights don’t begin here, but almost all of them end up here. Once one or both opponents are prone on the ground.A great amount of control can be attained on the ground because ones body weight can be used to confine an opponent’s movements. Key skills are escaping inferior positions, controlling dominant positions, and applying submission holds.

Theory of Positional Control The Brazilian’s found it very difficult to finish a fight with strikes or submission holds on the ground without first attaining some form of control. Through experience the Brazilians discovered different forms of control on the ground. Through experimentation they found that not all positions are equal, some positions afford more control then others, and some positions make it easier to strike or transition to submission holds. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Pins/Control Positions

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