How to Do Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Techniques and Moves for MMA

Brazilian jiu jitsu is an ultra-effective martial art developed by Carlos and Helio Gracie. Brazilian jiu jitsu embraces the use of style and technique over brute strength to dominate opponents in the ring, making it a perfect technique for mixed martial arts.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Know the various basic jiu jitsu positions such as the guard, half guard, mount, side guard and starting position. Practice transitioning from one position to another so that each time you get into a more advantageous and dominant position than your previous one.

2. Choke your opponents with holds that use the gi, or uniform of Brazilian jiu jitsu, to get a good hold around your opponent's neck. After you master a few basic chokes from the different jiu jitsu positions start to learn how to use your hands and legs together to execute chokes, such as the triangle choke, that don't require a gi.

3. Practice shooting for quick and safe takedowns like the double leg takedown so you can get the fight to the ground as fast as possible. As you learn and practice takedowns start to watch Royce Gracie's early MMA fights where he demonstrates a mastery of quick and devastating takedowns.

4. Get a good inventory of joint locks in your inventory starting with the arm bar, which is the most useful and most used joint lock in the Gracies' playbook. Learn how to snatch joint locks as you roll from one position to a next and practice faking for a choke or joint lock so you can actually go for something stronger and more likely to get you a submission.