Jiu-Jitsu

Coach Larry Clay Lonis - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training involves both basic and advanced moves. Often times, movie watchers observe Hollywood celebrities performing complex fighting moves and think, "I wish I could do that." Basic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training teaches beginner fighters some basic moves that nearly anyone can perform. The best part about these moves is beginners use them for basic defense against an attacker.

The first basic submission technique we will discuss for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training is the "Kimura" from your back. This technique requires the guard position where the fighter lies down on the ground with his or her knees elevated above the rest of the body. Once the fighter is in the guard position, he or she takes his or her hand and clamps down on the opponent's wrist, immobilizing the opponent. Next, the fighter opens his or her legs (at the knees) to elevate off the ground. The relaxed knees and lower legs position the fighter to place his or her free hand around the opponent's arm, grabbing his or her own wrist. Once the fighter grabs his or her wrist, he or she then uses their lower body strength to lie down again, bringing the right leg into the opponent's back. After the right leg pins down the opponent, the fighter takes the opponent's free arm and raises his or her right arm to the back of the opponent's neck. At this point, the opponent feels the pressure and "taps out."

The next basic submission technique for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is "The Americana." The fighter goes to the mount position, which requires the knees on the ground (the fighter halfway standing on top of the opponent). Often, the opponent has his or her hands before the face, attempting to ward off attack. In this situation, the fighter cups his or her hands (without using thumbs) and applies pressure to the left hand of the opponent (at this point, the opponent still has both hands in his or her face). He or she presses the opponent's left hand to the ground (with hand still cupped), and, making sure his or her elbow is close to the opponent's head (to ensure immobility), takes the right arm, brings it under the opponent's pinned arm (the fighter grabs his or her own left wrist with the right hand), and elevates the opponent's pinned arm. At this point, the opponent, again feeling the pressure, "taps out."

The Kimura and The Americana are two basic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu submission moves that both professionals and beginners alike can perform. Despite the level ease of these basic techniques implementing these moves requires time and patience.

Coach Larry Clay Lonis