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Fight Stations

For Beginners

If you're just starting, first read The Four Combat Fundamentals for a simpler introduction to Distance, Standing Clinch, Ground Clinch, and Submissions.

Introduction​

Each station represents a major position category in BJJ. Understanding these stations and their connections is fundamental to developing your game.

1. Standing 🏃​

Overview​

This is where everything begins - the first station. Here, before contact is made, neither side is more dominant than the other.

Objectives​

We seek to take the fight to the ground through two methods:

  • Taking down (throwing)
  • Pulling to guard

Both lead to positions where we can control and attack the opponent.

✅ Important: Neither path is superior to the other; choose based on your technical preferences and the specific context of the fight.

Transitions​

2. Guard 🛡️​

Overview​

As the second station of combat, guards are positions adopted by the person on the bottom, using limbs (legs and arms) as the main tools of defense and control.

💡 Why Guard Matters: Unlike other martial arts where being on bottom means losing, BJJ's guard transforms the bottom position into an offensive platform. This revolutionary concept is what makes BJJ unique.

Primary Guard Types​

  • Closed guard 🚧 - Full leg wrap around opponent's waist
  • Half guard 🚧 - Single leg entanglement controlling one leg
  • Spider guard - Grips on sleeves with feet on biceps
  • De la Riva - Hook-based open guard (named after Ricardo De la Riva)
  • Arm guard - Frames and distance management
  • Butterfly guard 🚧 - Hook-based sweeping guard
  • Open guard 🚧 - Modern guard variations

Objectives​

  • Defensive: Prevent passes and submissions
  • Offensive: Create sweep and submission opportunities

Deep dive: Complete Guard System →

3. Immobilizations 🎯​

Overview​

The third station consists of positions used to dominate the opponent almost completely, creating clear opportunities for submissions.

Main Positions​

⬆️ Front Mount

Top position sitting on opponent's torso

🔄 Back Mount 🚧

Control from behind with hooks

↔️ Side Control 🚧

Lateral control (commonly called "hundred kilos")

Key Principle​

The biomechanical advantage obtained by separating the opponent's upper and lower limbs greatly reduces their offensive capacity.

Stabilization Rule​

💡 Competition Standard: Hold position for 3 seconds (IBJJF rules) to score points before attempting submissions or transitions. This patience creates pressure and forces defensive reactions.

4. Submissions 🏆​

Overview​

Submissions are the ultimate objective and often occur after immobilizations or from the guard.

Classification​

🔒 Joint Locks

Attacks on joints:

  • Arms - Armbar 🚧, Kimura 🚧, Americana 🚧
  • Shoulders (omoplata)
  • Legs (kneebar, heel hook)
  • Ankles (ankle lock)

💨 Strangulations

Deep dive: All Submissions →

Key Insight​

✅ Remember: A submission can occur at any moment, even without clear positional dominance, creating possibilities for both the dominant and dominated player.