How to tap in BJJ
To tap, pat your partner or the mat firmly two or more times, or say the word tap out loud. Your partner lets go at once. Tap early, before it hurts.
What a tap is
A tap is how you say stop. It means you give up this round. Everyone taps, from new students to black belts. A tap is how you learn, not a failure. Read the full guide: the tap.
Three ways to tap
| Way | How | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Hand tap | Tap your partner's body, firmly, two or more times | The best way, when one hand is free |
| Mat tap | Tap the mat hard so your partner can hear it | When you cannot reach their body |
| Say tap | Say tap loudly | When your hands are trapped |
If your hands are trapped, you can also tap with a foot. Saying tap always counts.
When to tap
- A joint lock is on and you cannot escape. Tap before it hurts.
- A choke is on and you cannot stop it.
- Something hurts in a strange way, like a cramp or a twist.
- You feel stuck and unsafe. You do not need a reason.
Loading 3D view
Look at the straight, trapped arm: an armbar is on, so tap now. The Tap in the library ›
When your partner taps
- Let go at once, all the way.
- Check that your partner is all right.
- Reset and start again when you are both ready.
Leo's partner catches an armbar. Leo thinks he can escape, so he waits. His arm straightens too far and he feels a pop in the elbow. He misses six weeks of training. An early tap would have cost him nothing. He could have reset and kept rolling.
Is it bad to tap a lot?
No. Every beginner taps many times. Each tap shows you a mistake you can fix.
What if my partner does not feel my tap?
Tap harder and faster, on their body, and say the word tap out loud at the same time.
Can I tap if nothing hurts yet?
Yes. You can tap at any time, for any reason. Your partner must let go.
Your partner has a choke and both your arms are trapped. What do you do?
Train it on the Path
The Before you roll unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.