Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - 4 Fundamental Defensive Rules

One of the greatest things about Brazilian jiu jitsu is that it is so decisive. The submission in particular creates very clear winners and losers. Tapping out is a definitive admission of defeat and if you don't have good defense you are going to be doing a lot of tapping. Listed below are four defensive rules that will see you getting submitted a lot less in the gym.

1) Face Your Opponent

This one might seem obvious but it is one of the fundamental rules that is most commonly broken by those new to Brazilian jiu jitsu. Always face your opponent. Even if your opponent mounts you and you feel as if your arms or face are exposed face your opponent. What commonly happens is that a person will panic when they find themselves in bad position and will turn onto their stomach in an attempt to escape. If you find yourself mounted or being held in side position make sure to turn into your opponent while you attempt to push their hips below yours.

2) Good Posture

Good posture, especially from inside of your opponent's guard is one of the best ways to protect yourself while training Brazilian jiu jitsu. The basic position from inside your opponent's guard is called base position. Here you want to sit with your knees wide, feet together, hips down and keeping a straight back. What you are trying to do here is prevent your training partner from breaking you down into their guard or sitting up and bumping you over.

3) Stay Tight

Staying tight, as its referred to in Brazilian jiu jitsu, will protect you from many submissions. Staying tight can mean a lot of thing but mostly what it means is that when you find yourself in bad position that you ball up. A good way to implement this rule is to remember to pull your limbs close to your body. Elbows should be tucked into your sides, knees tucked into your chest and chin held down to your sternum.

4) Find Your Comfort Zone

The rules listed above are good rules when it comes to simple body positioning. However, finding your comfort zone will do more to improve your defense than any other single approach. Finding your comfort zone means finding a position where you feel comfortable or safe. This could be on your back with your opponent in your guard or any other position. Wherever it may be, work on being very good at this position and have a variety of techniques you use to get back to this point. Use this position anytime you start to tire or feel like you are losing your composure.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gonzalez