Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ for short, has earned a reputation as one of the most practical martial arts for real-life self-defense. Learning the basics of BJJ gives you the tools to stay calm and in control when situations get intense. Instead of relying on strength or striking, BJJ focuses on technique, leverage, and body positioning to help you stay safe and neutralize threats without causing harm.
Unlike other combat sports, BJJ equips you to defend yourself even if a situation ends up on the ground. That is why many law enforcement agencies and military groups worldwide include BJJ in their training. The good news? You do not have to be a professional fighter to use these techniques. They are designed to help regular people of all ages and sizes defend themselves effectively.
Here are seven essential BJJ techniques you should know when it comes to self-defense.
1) Technical Stand-Up
This is the foundation of BJJ self-defense. The technical stand-up teaches you how to safely get back on your feet without exposing yourself to strikes or leaving your body vulnerable. If you ever fall or are knocked down, this movement helps you create distance and stand up in a strong position. You stay protected while still able to defend or disengage.
Many beginners are surprised at how effective this one movement is. It becomes second nature once practiced, and it’s one of the first things you will learn in a BJJ class.
2) Closed Guard
The closed guard is a powerful position for controlling an opponent from the ground. In a self-defense situation, if someone ends up on top of you, the closed guard allows you to trap them between your legs and control their posture. From there, you can manage their movement, limit their ability to strike, and look for sweeps or submissions.
It might not seem like a strong position at first glance, but the closed guard puts you in charge even when you’re on your back. You’ll see it taught early on in any BJJ gym because of how effective and simple it is to apply.
3) Hip Escape
Also called a shrimp, the hip escape is one of the most important movements in all of BJJ. It teaches you how to create space and shift your body out from under an opponent’s pressure. In self-defense, space is key. If you’re pinned or held down, the hip escape helps you move out of danger and reset your position.
This movement not only builds flexibility and control but also trains your body to stay calm and mobile when under stress. It is a core part of almost every BJJ class.
4) Mount Position
If you are in a situation where you have to control someone until help arrives, the mount position offers excellent control. It allows you to sit on top of your opponent’s torso with your legs pinning their hips. From here, you can stay balanced and avoid being rolled while staying in complete control.
The mount is also a position where you can apply submissions if necessary. But more importantly, it teaches you how to keep a dominant position without needing to strike or use excessive force.
5) Back Control With Seatbelt Grip
Taking the back is one of the safest and strongest positions in BJJ. When you have your opponent’s back, you are behind their arms and can avoid any potential attacks. The seatbelt grip, which involves wrapping one arm over the shoulder and one under the armpit, keeps you secure and tight to their upper body.
From this position, you can calmly control your opponent or transition into a submission like the rear naked choke if absolutely necessary. It’s a favorite for law enforcement and also a core part of BJJ for self-defense.
6) Guillotine Choke
Sometimes, an attacker may try to grab your neck or tackle you to the ground. The guillotine choke is an excellent way to counter this type of aggression. It involves wrapping your arm around the attacker’s neck and applying pressure to cause them to release the hold or stop advancing.
It is important to learn how to apply it safely, and under the supervision of a coach, this becomes a great way to neutralize an attacker without needing to escalate the situation.
7) Frame And Post
Not every self-defense technique is about attacking. Framing and posting teach you how to use your arms and legs to build barriers between you and your opponent. This helps prevent them from advancing or grabbing you. You use your forearms, hands, or shins to create strong structures that maintain space.
This defensive skill makes a big difference in both standing and ground situations. It is subtle, but it is powerful. The ability to frame correctly often determines whether you stay safe or end up in a worse position.
Why These Techniques Matter
BJJ is not about fighting fire with fire. It is about staying calm, controlled, and confident when pressure rises. These seven techniques build the foundation of self-defense by helping you protect yourself, control an opponent, and stay safe without relying on brute force.
Whether you are a beginner or someone looking to refresh your skills, these movements will prepare you for real-life scenarios. Many students say that BJJ has given them more awareness, confidence, and peace of mind, not just in the gym, but in everyday life.
Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just about mastering submissions. It is about gaining the skills to stay safe and composed in uncomfortable situations. These seven techniques are simple enough to learn at any level and useful enough to apply when it matters most.
Ready To Try BJJ?
If you are ready to explore these techniques in a supportive, professional environment, Evolve MMA offers world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for all levels. From beginners to experienced practitioners, it is one of the top places for BJJ in Singapore!
Come roll with us and discover how BJJ can help you build strength, sharpen your focus, and learn one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense today!
Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!
If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:
Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road
#06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Phone: (65) 6539 9590
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