I’ve wanted to write this article for a long time, as many BJJ white belts don’t know where to start, which is completely natural. We’re here, however, to solve this issue for you. If you’re a novice grappler, this article is perhaps one of the most important ones you’ll stumble upon in your stage.
Knowing what to learn and when—is critical for your BJJ progression. You want to invest a lot of time learning, but learning the right things.
The last thing you want is to spend weeks learning a technique or a submission you’ll not use in the near future. On the other hand, you can learn moves that will serve you in the short and long term, such as the ones I’ll list in the following part.
Focusing on the moves I’ll list in this article will help you (1) start winning more fights right now and (2) focus on the right things, which will help you progress faster.
You’ll likely stay consistent with your BJJ training if you learn the right things since you’ll see more results sooner. In addition, that will give you a motivation hit, allowing you to dedicate yourself to this excellent, practical martial art continuously.
We’re up for a bumpy ride, so let’s get straight to the point!
#11 – Butterfly Sweep
The first move we’ll discuss is actually a sweep. While it’s not a technique that’ll necessarily help you win a fight by forcing the opponent to tap (not a submission), it’s a setup for such techniques. And you’ll learn to combine these in the following parts of the article, so stay tuned!
So what is the Butterfly Sweep, and how do I perform it?
You want to start in the Butterfly Guard (we’ll cover what it is later) to perform the Butterfly Sweep. Then, you underhook the opponent’s arm while gripping the other-side elbow. Next, you’re going to pull his elbow toward your body. Then, finally, you bring your foot across while falling and kicking your other leg upward.
Here’s how it looks:
If you’re unfamiliar with the Butterfly Guard, it’s a type of guard that allows you a lot of control over the opponent. You want to stick each of your legs to the opponent’s other leg (your left to his right, and your right to his left.)
That will allow you to disable his maneuverability and force the opponent into an inferior position.
Read about the Butterfly Sweep in greater detail by following this link.
#10 – Full Mount
#10 in BJJ’s best beginner moves is the Full Mount. Whether you’re familiar with it or not, you want to keep your eyes and ears open for this one—as it might just be the most superior position in martial arts (MMA & BJJ.)
The Full Mount position is when you’re on top of the opponent’s belly and control him with your feet. It’s a superior position because you can go for a wide range of techniques from this position, including leg locks, Americana, switching to another superior position, and finishing the fight.
It’s also used in MMA almost as much as in BJJ because it’s practical and allows you to control the fight. Unless the opponent can escape, which he should have difficulty doing, you will emerge victorious.
A tip you want to implement while in the Full Mount is to keep your body and head low. You want to be as tight to the opponent as possible. If you follow this tip—the opponent will be incapable of escaping your dominant position, as you’ll exert more pressure.
Likewise, your goal is to control the opponent’s hips. Ensure you use your legs and pinch them inside. Then, you can underhook your feet around the opponent’s ankles to get even more control.
The point here is to experiment with this position. See what gives you more control and start investing more time into it.
If you want to learn everything about the Full Mount and its proper execution, follow this link.
#9 – Toreando Pass
In the 9th place: we have the Toreando Pass! I hope you’re ready to hear about BJJ’s best guard pass, as it’s one you definitely want to learn and master early on in your journey. When you’re a white belt, you might find it more than difficult to pass the opponent’s guard; here’s the simplest and most effective way you should go for.
To perform the Toreando Pass, you want to start standing while the opponent is in the open guard; you want to keep your legs straight and duck forward. Next up, you step forward while controlling the opponent’s legs. Finally, you step to the side and attain Side Control.
We’ll examine Side Control in the following section, don’t worry!
What’s so attractive about the Toreando Pass is that it’s effective both against novice and advanced grapplers. In addition, you can use it whenever you want and attain Side Control, one of BJJ’s most sought positions.
The primary mistake novice grapplers make with the Toreando Pass is keeping their distance from the opponent. So please don’t be afraid to show you’re OK with stepping forward and getting into the opponent’s comfort zone.
And if you want to learn more Toreando Pass ninja tips, follow this link!
#8 – Side Control
Side Control is one of BJJ’s most common positions you’ll learn. This is because it allows you endless options. I always say that BJJ is like chess since there are endless options you can go for. We see that clearly with Side Control, so let’s see what it is and what you can do from it.
The Side Control position in BJJ allows you a lot of control and options, such as going for a submission. It’s when you’re perpendicular to the opponent and control his lower and upper body. Some submissions you can go for from it are the Loop Choke, Baseball Choke, and Lapel Choke.
If you want to learn how to finish from side control (complete guide), follow this link.
Another option is transitioning to another superior position, such as Back Mount or Full Mount. These will allow you more control, thus, help you finish the fight quickly.
Something you want to keep in mind when in Side Control is to control the opponent’s arm, hips, and head. If you do so—the opponent will have no choice but to let you do your thing. You can finish the fight quickly if you control these 3 body parts.
But there’s much more to cover about the Side Control position than in one part of this article. Follow this link to read a comprehensive guide on Side Control.
#7 – Americana
Next up is the Americana. You’ve likely heard of it, primarily if you’ve attended a few BJJ classes already. Anyways, if it’s the first time you hear about this widespread submission, let’s examine what it is and why you want to learn it as a white belt.
The Americana is a shoulder manipulation submission. It’s typically performed from the Full Mount and Side Control, but other variations exist. You want to start by isolating the opponent’s arm and then locking it (using a Kimura grip.) Finally, you apply pressure by pulling it backward and waiting for the tap.
The first step is to isolate the opponent’s arm. BJJ is all about control, as I previously stated. How can you expect to manipulate someone’s arm if you don’t isolate it first? Next, you must ensure the opponent cannot resist your submission because that’ll give you the tap much quicker.
After isolating the arm, grab the opponent’s wrist. Next, you insert your other arm below the same hand and grab your wrist. You’re in the Kimura grip, which is one of BJJ’s most superior locks.
You now need to manipulate his arm and apply pressure slowly. Soon after doing so, the opponent will tap.
Performing the Americana really isn’t difficult. You want to learn this submission in your first weeks of BJJ training because it’s straightforward and practical. It won’t be long before you master it, so you better start early and get some wins.
And if you want to master the Americana, follow this link.
#6 – Closed Guard
In the 6th place, we have another superior position: the Closed Guard. This is perhaps the most critical to understand when you’re starting. Having a solid guard position will help you achieve 2 things: (1) you’ll better your offense, and (2) you’ll better your defense. Let’s see how it’s done.
The Closed Guard is when you’re at the bottom and have your legs wrapped around the opponent’s lower back. Your legs should be locked, allowing you more control over the opponent. You can go for many submissions from this position, such as the Kimura, Triangle Choke, and Guillotine Choke.
No words exist to express the urgency you want to feel if you don’t know how to use the Closed Guard position. You must learn it in your first few BJJ sessions, as it’s the basic of the basic of grappling.
You can sweep the opponent from the Closed Guard, allowing you to transition into more dominant positions. For instance, many Closed Guard sweeps will enable you to attain Side Control, which we’ve discussed previously.
If there’s one position you must learn first—it’s the Closed Guard. That’s why I’ve listed it so far down the list. You must do anything in your ability to learn it as quickly as possible, especially if you want to get your first win.
You probably expect it already, but here it goes: Follow this link to read a comprehensive guide on the Closed Guard and how to start mastering it faster!
#5 – Triangle Choke
Next up, we’re going to cover the Triangle Choke. If you’ve never heard of it, are you living under a rock? Seriously though, it’s one of the most popular chokes in the world of martial arts and self-defense. Non-BJJ trainees learn and master it because of its effectiveness and simplicity.
So let’s see how to perform it effectively:
You want to start in the Closed Guard and isolate the opponent’s head and arm. You then trap both with your legs, using the Triangle Lock. Hence, wrapping one arm and locking the other using the other shin. The last step is to squeeze and apply pressure by twisting your knee and tightening your lock.
It’s an exceptionally practical submission, as once you get the lock, your training partners stand no chance other than to tap out.
You can perform the Triangle Choke from many other positions, such as Side Control. There are, of course, many other variants you want to experiment with.
Follow this link to read about all the variations of the Triangle Choke and how to perform each one flawlessly.
Eventually, the Triangle should be one of the first chokes you learn. It’ll be worth it—because it’ll provide a solid basis as we advance in your BJJ journey.
#4 – Armbar
The Armbar is one of BJJ’s most vital groups of submissions you can learn. You can perform them from all superior positions, as they’re versatile and can be used in many ways. Therefore, they’re worth learning in your couple of first BJJ sessions. So, let’s see how to perform the Armbar.
To perform the armbar submission, you must first control the opponent’s posture, whether from the mount or closed guard position. Then, you want to get into a top lock position if you’re in guard. Or the S-mount if you’re in mount. What’s left is to hyperextend the opponent’s elbow, and you’re done.
Learning this submission will allow you to start winning fights early on. It’s not as complicated as it might seem. And it’s hard to defend. These are two traits you want to utilize when you’re first starting your BJJ journey.
Your primary focus should be on learning what’s simple and effective. Although you might think that these two don’t link, they do. And not only that, but they’re also closely correlated.
It’s not a myth that simple is best. Simple really is best. You want to prioritize uncomplicated techniques over complicated ones. You must do so if you’re interested in progressing faster.
Simple is best.
Follow this link to read about the Armbar and what makes it so effective.
#3 – Scissor Sweep
#3 is the Scissor Sweep. This sweep will allow you to transition from your Closed Guard to Full Mount. Again, you’ll be able to finish fights quickly if you’re capable of performing this sweep properly. So here’s how it goes:
You start in the Closed Guard position to perform the Scissor Sweep. Then, you grip the opponent’s wrist and break his posture forward. You then grab the opponent’s head while placing your right leg on the floor. Next, your left leg goes below the opponent’s elbow. Finally, you scissor your legs and get to Full Mount.
While it’s more complicated than all the other techniques here, the Scissor Sweep is a technique you want to learn first. After that, you’ll suddenly become capable of transitioning between different positions, especially to Full Mount.
And as you know, your options to submit the opponent from the Full Mount—are endless. You’ll become more threatening to your opponents, as they’ll know you can sweep them.
The following sentence might save you a lot of time not understanding how things work. Are you ready?
The more you know, the more threatening you are. You want to be as dynamic as possible, especially if you desire to be a solid grappler. That’s why you must always strive to learn as much as possible and from as many different coaches as possible.
Follow this link to learn more about the Scissor Sweep in far greater detail.
#2 – Guillotine Choke
We’re approaching the end; I hope you’re excited as I am. This article has been a blast to research and write, as knowing what to focus on is highly beneficial. And you want to focus on what matters, which is simple but most effective. The Guillotine Choke is one of these techniques.
You want to start in the Full Mount position to perform this variant of the Guillotine Choke. Then, you want to grab the back of the opponent’s head and lift. You then raise your other hand while you bring his arm. Finally, when the opponent pushes his arm, you grab his head (from the outside), lock your hands, and squeeze.
The Guillotine Choke has many variations, and you want to learn all of them. But, again, knowing more—is a critical factor in BJJ fights. Like chess, there are endless moves and options you can go for. As a result, the more entries and escapes you know, the more threatening and wise you’ll be in your BJJ rolls.
The Guillotine Choke is one of BJJ’s most effective chokes. However, it’s also taught in MMA and other grappling-based martial arts, as it’s exceptionally effective and straightforward.
You don’t need much strength to use this choke effectively to submit your opponent. However, you’ll be able to apply a lot of pressure if you do it correctly.
So if you want to learn to perform the Guillotine Choke the right way, follow this link.
#1 – Kimura
#1, we’ve made it!
Like the Americana, the Kimura is a shoulder and arm manipulation submission. It allows you to quickly submit the opponent by applying a lot of pressure on the opponent’s shoulder. So, what’s the difference between the Kimura and Americana, and how do you perform it?
You want to start in the Guard position and grab the opponent’s wrist to perform the Kimura. Then, you create space by going forward, overhooking the opponent’s arm, and grabbing your wrist, making the Kimura lock. Finally, you lean back and apply outward pressure on the shoulder.
You can cause serious damage with the Kimura, so you must always pay as much attention to the opponent as possible to ensure you’re not causing permanent damage.
The Kimura is perhaps the best submission you want to learn, especially if you want to learn everything in order. First and foremost, it’s simple. You’ll be able to master it in no time, allowing you to submit your opponent from many positions, primarily from Closed Guard and Side Control.
Secondly and finally, it’s extremely effective. You’ll be able to perform it quickly and without your opponents expecting it, which is critical in determining the good and the inadequate submissions.
This is why you must learn the Kimura as one of the first submissions you learn. I assure you this will be the case if you attend a high-quality BJJ gym.
Read more about the Kimura and how to perfect your execution by following this link.
Here’s a great visual aid of the Kimura from a few positions:
Which BJJ submission is best for beginners?
The Kimura is BJJ’s best submission for beginners, as it’s the simplest yet highly effective technique. You’ll be able to learn to use it effectively shortly after learning it, as it’s pretty straightforward. It’s a shoulder manipulation submission, allowing you the ability to apply much pressure on the opponent.
How can a beginner improve in BJJ?
Learning as much as possible is best for beginners to improve quickly in BJJ. However, they have to keep in mind that learning the right things is a critical factor in their progression. If you focus on learning submission, which will not help you win fights right now, you won’t see a lot of progression.
How to memorize Jiu-Jitsu moves?
Memorizing BJJ moves is done by practice, not reading or watching YouTube instructional BJJ videos. You want to get on the mat and start rolling. Practice slowly at first and then amp up the pace. That way—you’ll build muscle memory, helping you memorize complicated Jiu-Jitsu moves.
/
Final Words
This has been this article. You want to focus on learning these effective techniques if you’re a white belt. They will help you (1) finish more fights early on in your BJJ journey and (2) build a solid foundation in the future.
It can be easy to be attracted to all the complicated and fancy variations. However, it would be best to focus on the essential, simple positions, submissions, sweeps, and guard passes—to ensure you’re building a solid foundation.
That will shorten the time until you become a competent grappler. And this happens suddenly; you’ll attend one training session in the near future and notice you’ve become an excellent fighter. That’s the beauty of learning things the right way.
And you’ll experience this feeling sooner if you focus on these moves instead of all the fancy, complicated, and not-as-effective moves.
If you want to keep on improving your martial arts journey, sign up for our newsletter to keep up with all our latest blog posts: