Skip to main content

The Four Combat Fundamentals

Quick Introduction​

Before diving into the complex map of combat stations, beginners should understand the four fundamental phases that define any BJJ match or self-defense situation. These fundamentals represent the natural progression of combat from standing to submission.

For Beginners

This page explains the basic combat phases in simple terms. For the complete technical map of positions, see Map of Combat (Fight Stations).

The Four Fundamentals​

1️⃣ Distance Management​

What it is: The space between you and your opponent when neither person has made contact yet.

Key Concepts:

  • Safe distance: Too far for opponent to strike or grab without stepping forward
  • Striking distance: Close enough to hit but not grapple
  • Entering distance: The moment you close gap to initiate contact

In BJJ Context:

  • Matches start at distance
  • You must safely close distance to engage
  • Poor distance management leads to being struck or taken down unexpectedly

Basic Options from Distance:

  • Stay out of range (defensive)
  • Close distance for takedown (offensive)
  • Pull guard (BJJ-specific strategy)

2️⃣ Standing Clinch​

What it is: When both fighters are standing and have established grips on each other.

Key Concepts:

  • Grips: Control points on opponent's gi, body, or limbs
  • Posture: Keeping balanced while breaking opponent's balance
  • Control: Using grips to limit opponent's options

Common Positions:

  • Collar tie: Hand behind opponent's neck
  • Underhooks: Arms under opponent's arms
  • Overhooks: Arms over opponent's arms
  • Double collar grip: Both hands on gi collar

Basic Goals:

  • Execute takedown to achieve top position
  • Pull guard to go to ground on your terms
  • Break away to reset distance

3️⃣ Ground Clinch​

What it is: The transitional phase when the fight goes to ground but before establishing clear position.

Key Concepts:

  • Scrambles: Chaotic transitions where both fight for position
  • Guard recovery: Bottom person trying to establish guard
  • Passing attempts: Top person trying to get past legs

This Phase Includes:

  • Initial moments after takedown
  • Guard passing attempts
  • Sweep attempts and recoveries
  • Transitions between positions

Critical Understanding: Ground clinch is where most position battles occur. It's the bridge between:

4️⃣ Submissions​

What it is: Techniques that force opponent to surrender (tap out) through joint locks or chokes.

Two Main Categories:

Joint Locks:

  • Attack joints beyond natural range
  • Common targets: elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle
  • Examples: Armbar 🚧, Kimura 🚧

Chokes/Strangles:

  • Blood chokes: Restrict blood flow to brain
  • Air chokes: Restrict breathing
  • Examples: Rear Naked Choke 🚧, Triangle 🚧

The Ultimate Goal: All positioning in BJJ ultimately serves to achieve submissions. Better position = easier submissions.

How These Connect​

Natural Flow of Combat​

Distance → Standing Clinch → Ground Clinch → Position → Submission
  1. Start at distance - Fighters begin separated
  2. Close to standing clinch - Establish grips and control
  3. Transition through ground clinch - Fight hits the ground
  4. Establish position - Achieve guard or dominant control
  5. Hunt for submission - Use position to force tap out

Alternative Paths​

Guard Pull:

Distance → Directly to Guard (skip standing clinch)

Submission from Scramble:

Ground Clinch → Direct Submission (during transition)

Reset:

Any Phase → Back to Distance (referee reset or escape)

Connection to Fight Stations​

These four fundamentals simplify what happens across the complete map of combat:

FundamentalRelated Fight Stations
DistancePart of Standing Station - see details
Standing ClinchPart of Standing Station - see details
Ground ClinchTransitions between all ground stations
SubmissionsAvailable from all positions

Training Focus by Experience​

Complete Beginner (Weeks 1-4)​

  • Understand safe distance
  • Learn basic breakfall when taken down
  • Recognize what submissions look like
  • Feel difference between positions

Early Student (Months 1-3)​

  • Basic takedown defense
  • Simple guard establishment
  • Escape from bad positions
  • One or two basic submissions

Developing Student (Months 3-12)​

  • Takedown entries
  • Guard passing concepts
  • Position maintenance
  • Submission chains

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding these fundamentals:

  1. Study positions in detail → Map of Combat
  2. Learn specific guards → Guard System
  3. Understand control positions → Immobilizations
  4. Study submission mechanics → Submissions

🔗 Quick Reference​