Principles & Theories
Core Principles
These fundamental principles apply across all positions and techniques in BJJ.
1. Creation and Filling of Space
Concept: All movement in BJJ revolves around space management
Applications:
- 🔓 Offensive: Create space to advance position
- 🔒 Defensive: Fill space to prevent advancement
- Examples: Shrimping creates space; frames fill space
2. Weight Distribution
Concept: Proper weight placement ensures control while maintaining base
Applications:
- In Mount: Distribute weight to prevent bridges
- In Guard: Use weight to break posture
- While Passing: Apply pressure without overcommitting
3. Maintenance of Support
Concept: Always maintain connection points for continuous control
Applications:
- 🤝 Grips: Never have empty hands
- 🪝 Hooks: Maintain contact with feet/legs
- ⚖️ Pressure: Constant connection through weight
Conceptual Theories
These theories provide frameworks for understanding BJJ movements and strategies.
📊 Table Theory
Definition: Maintaining a stable platform with multiple points of contact - like a table needs all legs to be stable
Applications:
- In mount: knees and feet create "table legs"
- In guard: multiple grip points for stability
- While passing: maintaining base while advancing
🌀 Orbital Theory
Definition: Moving around your opponent's center of gravity in circular patterns rather than direct lines
Applications:
- Guard retention uses circular hip movement
- Passing often requires circling around guard
- Submissions follow rotational paths
🧱 Block Theory
Definition: Using your body structure as interconnected frames rather than individual limbs
Applications:
- Arms and legs work together as blocking structures
- Frames connect from hands through core
- Defensive structures use entire body alignment
🔗 Molecular Theory
Definition: Understanding that body parts work as connected units rather than in isolation
Applications:
- When gripping, entire arm/shoulder/core engages
- Leg movements connect through hips to core
- Attacks chain multiple "molecules" together
⛵ Boat Theory
Definition: Rocking and tilting movements to destabilize opponents, similar to a boat on water
Applications:
- Sweep setups use rocking to load weight
- Mount escapes employ bridging "waves"
- Guard uses pendulum movements
Applying Theories Together
These theories work synergistically:
Example in Guard:
- Create stable platform (Table)
- Move in circles to retain (Orbital)
- Connect limbs as units (Molecular)
- Use frames as structures (Block)
- Rock to off-balance (Boat)
Example in Mount:
- Multiple contact points (Table)
- Follow opponent's movement (Orbital)
- Entire body maintains pressure (Molecular)
- Structure prevents escapes (Block)
- Ride movement like waves (Boat)