BJJ concepts
There are 28 concepts in Rolla's library. A concept is an idea, not a single move. These ideas help every technique work.
A concept is a simple rule you can use in many positions. Learn a few, and many moves start to make sense.
Safety and the gym
The TapHow you say stop: pat your partner or the mat, or say "tap".
Chokes and Joint LocksEvery submission is a choke or a joint lock. Know which one is on you.
Mat RulesClean kit, short nails, no shoes on the mat, tap early, let go at once.
How a Class WorksWarm-up, technique, drilling, positional sparring, then rolling.
Types of SparringFrom easy drilling to full live rolling. Use each one on purpose.
Hygiene and Skin InfectionsHow to spot and stop ringworm, staph and other skin problems.
Leg Lock SafetyWhy only the straight ankle lock is taught here, and how to tap early.
Rules, points and belts
Points and ScoringTakedown 2, sweep 2, knee on belly 2, pass 3, mount 4, back 4.
Escapes, Sweeps, Passes, Takedowns and SubmissionsEscape, sweep, reversal, pass, takedown and submission, and what each is worth.
Sweeps and ReversalsBoth put you on top. A sweep scores 2, a reversal scores 0.
Legal at White BeltThe submissions a white belt may use, and the ones that are illegal.
Illegal Moves by BeltWhich moves are legal at each belt, and which stay illegal for everyone.
Belt System and StripesWhite, blue, purple, brown and black, with stripes. Your coach decides.
Gi vs No-GiTraining in a jacket you can grab, or in shorts and a rash guard.
Body mechanics
BaseStaying balanced: wide feet or knees, hips low.
PostureSpine straight, head above hips. Your protection inside the guard.
FramesArms and legs used like poles to hold space.
PressureWeight placed where it is hardest to carry, with no space between you.
ConnectionA foot, knee or grip that keeps your guard attached to them.
Inside PositionYour hands, elbows and knees inside theirs. Inside controls outside.
Survival PostureA safe shape in a bad position: elbows in, chin down, on your side.
Grips and hands
GripsThe handles you hold: collar, sleeve and trousers in the gi; wrists and neck in no-gi.
Grip BreakingTake their grip off before they can use it.
Hand FightingThe fight to clear the hands that defend a choke.
The big picture
Positional HierarchyThe positions ranked from best to worst. Position before submission.
GuardYour legs between you and them. Being on your back is not losing.
Guard PassingThe top player's job: get past the legs to a pin.
Guard Retention and RecoveryKeep your guard, or get it back after a pass.
Try itPick an answer. No sign-in needed.
What does "position before submission" mean?
Train it on the Path
The language of control unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.
The Path goes in order: start free from lesson one and you reach The language of control on the way. With Rolla Plus you can jump straight here.