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Standing Station

Quick Introduction​

The standing station is where every BJJ match begins - the crucial bridge between distance management and ground engagement. Whether you choose to take your opponent down or pull to guard, success in the standing phase sets the tone for the entire match. This station combines grip fighting intelligence, takedown mechanics, and strategic decision-making to establish dominance before the ground fight even begins.

Position Overview​

Station: Standing Station

Achieved from: Match start, referee restart (standing), successful stand-up escapes

Leads to: Guard positions, Immobilizations, Turtle

Standing Strategy Approaches (3 Main Options)​

🎯 Takedown Focused (Offensive Wrestling)​

Objective

Take the fight to the ground while landing in a dominant top position; establish control from the start

Main Characteristic

Aggressive forward pressure with level changes and penetration steps toward opponent's legs or hips

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish dominant grips through grip fighting
  2. Create openings with feints and grip breaks
  3. Level change explosively (drop stance)
  4. Penetrate toward target (legs or hips)
  5. Finish takedown with technique-specific mechanics
  6. Land in top position (guard pass, side control, or opponent in turtle)
  7. Secure position for 3 seconds before advancing

Technical Details

  • Requires explosive power and timing
  • Best against opponents with weak wrestling base
  • Scores 2 points in competition (IBJJF)
  • Natural for athletes with wrestling/judo background
  • Demands excellent balance and coordination

Tactical Advantage

Immediate point advantage; starts you in top position; controls where fight goes; psychological dominance; forces opponent to play defense

🛡️ Guard Pull Focused (Strategic Bottom)​

Objective

Safely bring the fight to the ground while establishing your preferred guard position

Main Characteristic

Controlled descent to ground with immediate guard establishment (closed, butterfly, spider, etc.)

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish grips for your preferred guard type
  2. Maintain strong posture and grip control
  3. Step back slightly to create pulling space
  4. Sit down with control (not jumping or falling)
  5. Immediately establish guard position
  6. Break opponent's posture if possible
  7. Begin attacking from guard

When to Use

  • You have superior guard game
  • Opponent is better wrestler/takedown artist
  • Competition strategy (no penalty for pulling guard in most rulesets)
  • You want to dictate pace and position
  • Conservative approach to avoid takedown counters

Tactical Advantage

Starts you in familiar position; avoids risky takedown exchanges; controls pacing; preserves energy; negates opponent's wrestling advantage

⚔️ Hybrid Approach (Adaptable Fighter)​

Objective

Remain flexible to both takedown and guard pull options based on opportunity and opponent reactions

Main Characteristic

Active grip fighting with readiness to attack takedowns OR pull guard based on situation

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Enter strong grip fighting engagement
  2. Probe with both takedown threats and guard pull setups
  3. Read opponent's reactions and weaknesses
  4. Commit to takedown when opening appears
  5. Or pull guard if opponent overcommits to defense
  6. Maintain unpredictability throughout
  7. Make opponent defend multiple threats

Competition Strategy

  • Most versatile approach for high-level competition
  • Requires proficiency in both takedowns and guard pulls
  • Excellent for controlling match tempo
  • Forces opponent to respect both options
  • Natural for well-rounded grapplers

Tactical Advantage

Maximum adaptability; opponent must defend everything; creates more openings; allows strategic choice based on situation; demonstrates complete game

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Grip fighting wins the standing exchange - Superior grips dictate who controls the engagement; first to establish dominant grips controls the outcome
  2. 💪 Posture and balance are fundamental - Maintain upright posture and solid base; broken posture leads to being thrown or taken down
  3. ⏱️ Timing beats strength - Explosive timing on opponent's movement creates easier finishes than muscling through technique
  4. 🔄 Strategy selection matters - Choose approach based on:
    • Your strengths → Takedown background vs guard specialist
    • Opponent's weaknesses → Poor takedown defense vs weak guard passing
    • Competition context → Points situation, time remaining, ruleset
  5. 🎮 Action prevents stalling - Modern rulesets penalize standing inactivity; maintain active engagement

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Space Management: Create space for level changes; fill space to prevent opponent's attacks
  • Weight Distribution: Off-balancing opponent through grip control; maintaining your own base
  • Structural Relations: Breaking opponent's posture line while maintaining yours
  • Movement Adaptation: Reacting to opponent's stance changes and grip adjustments
  • Support Maintenance: Constant grip connection; never have empty hands

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Passive grip fighting - Allowing opponent to establish their grips first; letting them control the engagement

⚠️ Poor posture management - Standing too upright or bent over; exposing yourself to throws or takedowns

⚠️ Telegraphing attacks - Making obvious level changes or pull setups; opponent can defend easily

⚠️ Neglecting balance - Overcommitting to attacks without maintaining base; easy to counter

⚠️ Fear-based pulling - Jumping or falling to guard unsafely; creates scrambles instead of control

⚠️ Ignoring grips - Starting takedowns without grip control; low success percentage

⚠️ Stalling in stalemate - Refusing to engage; leads to penalties and referee intervention

🥋 Essential Standing Techniques​

The standing station has three primary skill areas that work together:

Grip Fighting - The Foundation​

Strategic battle for hand and sleeve control before techniques begin. Grip fighting determines who controls the engagement and creates opportunities for both takedowns and guard pulls.

Core Skills:

  • Establishing dominant grips
  • Breaking opponent's grips
  • Grip strategy for gi vs no-gi
  • Creating offensive opportunities through grips

When to Focus: Essential for all standing strategies; must be learned before effective takedowns or guard pulls

Takedowns - The Offensive Option​

Techniques to bring opponent to ground while landing in top position. Takedowns score points and establish immediate dominance.

Primary Techniques:

  • Single leg takedown
  • Double leg takedown
  • Body lock takedown
  • Throws and trips (judo-based)

When to Focus: If you prefer top position; have wrestling/judo background; want to score points

Guard Pulls - The Strategic Option​

Controlled methods to bring fight to ground while establishing your guard. Guard pulls allow you to start in your strongest position.

Primary Methods:

  • Closed guard pull
  • Butterfly guard pull
  • Sitting guard pull
  • Open guard pull variations

When to Focus: If you prefer guard; opponent has superior wrestling; strategic competition approach

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. Stance and Movement (5 minutes)

    • Practice BJJ stance (weight on balls of feet)
    • Move forward, backward, lateral
    • Build footwork and balance
    • Foundation for all standing work

  2. Level Change Practice (10 reps each side)

    • Drop stance explosively
    • Return to standing position
    • Practice penetration step
    • Essential for takedown entries

  3. Grip Fighting Shadow (5 minutes)

    • Simulate grip fighting with invisible opponent
    • Practice grip breaks and establishments
    • Build hand speed and reaction
    • Develop grip fighting patterns

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Basic Mechanics (Cooperative)

  • Partner allows you to establish grips
  • Practice takedown entries slowly
  • Practice guard pull mechanics
  • 10 reps each technique
  • Focus on proper form

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

  • Partner provides basic defense
  • Practice finishing takedowns
  • Practice guard pull variations
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Focus on timing and technique

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start standing with grip fighting
  • Work to takedown or guard pull
  • Reset after each successful technique
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Focus on creating opportunities

Level 4: Live Standing (100%)

  • Full resistance standing engagement
  • Apply all techniques learned
  • Focus on grip fighting and finishing
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Competition simulation

Common Drill Sequences​

Drill 1: Grip to Takedown Flow

  1. Establish dominant grips
  2. Create opening with feint
  3. Enter single leg takedown
  4. Finish to top position
  5. 10 reps for complete sequence

Drill 2: Guard Pull Chain

  1. Establish guard pull grips
  2. Attempt closed guard pull
  3. If defended, switch to butterfly pull
  4. If defended, switch to sitting guard
  5. Flow through all options

Drill 3: Hybrid Decision Making

  1. Enter grip fighting exchange
  2. Probe with takedown entry
  3. If defended strongly, pull guard
  4. Practice reading situations
  5. 5-minute flow

See grip fighting details

Progression Timeline​

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Stance, movement, basic grip fighting
  • Week 3-4: Single technique focus (one takedown or guard pull)
  • Week 5-8: Multiple takedowns or guard pull variations
  • Month 3-6: Live application, combining with grip fighting
  • Month 6+: Competition application, teaching others

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: Can't Establish Grips​

Solutions:

  1. Study grip fighting fundamentals
  2. Be more aggressive in initial grip engagement
  3. Use grip breaks to clear opponent's grips first
  4. Practice hand fighting speed drills
  5. Watch for opponent's grip patterns

Problem: Takedowns Keep Getting Defended​

Solutions:

  1. Improve grip fighting before attempting takedowns
  2. Add feints to create reactions
  3. Chain multiple takedown attempts together
  4. Practice explosive level changes
  5. Study takedown mechanics in detail

Problem: Guard Pulls Feel Unsafe​

Solutions:

  1. Establish strong grips before pulling
  2. Sit down controlled, don't jump or fall
  3. Immediately establish guard position
  4. Study safe guard pulling mechanics
  5. Practice with cooperative partner first

Problem: Getting Stalling Penalties​

Solutions:

  1. Maintain constant grip fighting activity
  2. Attempt techniques even if unsure
  3. Create fake attacks to show engagement
  4. Pull guard if can't finish takedowns
  5. Understand ruleset stalling criteria

Problem: Losing Grip Battles​

Solutions:

  1. Strengthen grip through dedicated training
  2. Learn grip breaking techniques
  3. Establish grips earlier and more aggressively
  4. Study grip strategy in grip fighting
  5. Practice grip fighting specific positional sparring

💡 Advanced Concepts​

Stance and Movement​

BJJ Stance Fundamentals:

  • Weight on balls of feet (mobile, ready)
  • Knees slightly bent (can level change)
  • Hands up and active (grip fighting ready)
  • Head up, eyes on opponent (awareness)
  • Upright posture (balance and base)

Movement Patterns:

  • Circular footwork around opponent
  • Level changes up and down
  • Penetration steps forward
  • Retreat steps to create space
  • Lateral movement to create angles

Grip Strategy by Style​

Offensive Wrestler:

  • Collar and elbow control (classic wrestling)
  • Underhooks for body locks
  • Two-on-one for arm drag setups
  • Wrist control for single leg entries

Guard Puller:

  • Sleeve and collar (closed guard setup)
  • Double sleeve (butterfly/spider setup)
  • Collar and sleeve (triangle/armbar threats)
  • Pants and sleeve (modern open guard)

Hybrid Fighter:

  • Adaptable grip selection
  • Quick switching between styles
  • Reading opponent's grip preferences
  • Countering their strategy with grips

See detailed grip strategy

Competition Strategy​

Points Consideration:

  • Takedown scores 2 points (IBJJF)
  • Guard pull scores 0 points
  • Failed takedown may give opponent advantage
  • Time wasted standing reduces submission opportunities
  • Some rulesets penalize guard pulling

Tactical Approach:

  • Know your strengths (takedown vs guard)
  • Scout opponent's standing game
  • Have plan A and plan B ready
  • Don't waste time in stalemate
  • Adapt based on match situation

Gi vs No-Gi Standing​

Gi Standing:

  • Extensive grip fighting options
  • Collar and sleeve grips dominant
  • Judo-style throws more available
  • Grip strength more important
  • More control through fabric grips

No-Gi Standing:

  • Body lock and underhook focus
  • Wrestling techniques more common
  • Faster, more dynamic exchanges
  • Less grip control, more timing
  • Emphasis on positional control over grips

Energy Management​

Standing Energy Costs:

  • Grip fighting is surprisingly tiring
  • Failed takedown attempts drain energy
  • Constant level changes tax legs
  • Balance and base require core engagement
  • Strategic guard pull can preserve energy

Smart Approach:

  • Don't waste energy in stalemate
  • Commit to technique with purpose
  • Pull guard if takedowns too costly
  • Rest intelligently during grip fighting
  • Know when to push and when to conserve

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand basic BJJ stance (Month 1-2)
  • Basic grip fighting concepts
  • One reliable takedown OR guard pull
  • Safe falling mechanics
  • Not getting thrown or dominated standing

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Multiple takedown options OR strong guard pull game
  • Proficient grip fighting
  • Competition-ready standing strategy
  • Adaptability in standing exchanges
  • Teaching ability for basic techniques

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Complete standing game (both takedowns and guard pulls)
  • Advanced grip fighting strategy
  • Competition specialization
  • Teaching advanced concepts
  • Seamless integration with ground game
  • High success rate in standing exchanges

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding standing fundamentals:

  1. Master grip fighting → Grip Fighting is foundation for everything
  2. Choose primary path → Develop takedowns OR guard pulls first
  3. Practice safe falling → Ukemi (breakfalls) prevent injuries
  4. Learn your secondary option → Complete game includes both paths
  5. Study competition strategy → Understand ruleset and scoring
  6. Integrate with ground game → Connect standing to your positions

🔗 Related Resources​

Standing Station Components​

Fundamental Concepts​

Transitions From Standing​

  • Guillotine - Can be caught during takedown attempts
  • Triangle - Threat from guard after pull
  • Kimura - Grip fighting can lead to kimura

Theoretical Foundation​

Progress Tracking​