The Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Why They Matter and How to Get Started
If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), you’ve probably heard people talk about "the fundamentals" over and over again. There’s a good reason for that—without a solid grasp of the basics, everything else you learn in BJJ won’t be nearly as effective. The fundamentals are what help smaller, weaker people defend themselves against bigger, stronger opponents using technique and leverage. But here’s the thing: whether you’re a total beginner or someone who's been training for years, these core principles will always be the backbone of your game.
In this post, we’re going to break down why learning the fundamentals is so important and how you can start mastering them right away. Plus, we'll share some free resources—including our Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Jiu Jitsu and the beginner video series in the Jiu Jitsu Five-O app—to help you fast-track your learning and hit the mats with confidence.
Why the Fundamentals Are Essential
When you first step onto the mats, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the complexity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. There are countless techniques, variations, and positions to learn. But at the heart of all of it lies a core set of concepts and principles that form the foundation of the art.
Here’s why mastering the fundamentals is so important:
1. They Give You a Strong Foundation
Just like a house needs a solid foundation, your BJJ game needs a stable base. The fundamentals teach you how to control your body, move efficiently, and defend yourself in any situation. Without a strong foundation, you’ll struggle to progress as you move into more advanced techniques.
2. They Help You Understand the Big Picture
By focusing on the basics, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of BJJ’s principles—leverage, timing, and positioning. These are universal truths that apply to every technique, whether you're escaping a bad position or setting up a submission.
3. They’re Always Relevant
No matter how advanced you become, the fundamentals never lose their importance. Even black belts continue to drill the basics, refining their technique and ensuring that their foundation remains solid. In BJJ, there’s no “outgrowing” the fundamentals.
4. They Improve Your Ability to Learn
When you have a deep understanding of the fundamentals, learning new techniques becomes easier. You'll be able to see how everything connects and fits together, making it easier to adapt, improvise, and problem-solve on the mats.
The Most Important BJJ Fundamentals for Beginners
So what exactly are the fundamentals you should focus on as a beginner? Here’s a brief overview of some of the most essential techniques and concepts you’ll encounter:
- Guard Basics: Get familiar with the closed guard, open guard, and basic guard retention principles. The guard is one of the most important positions in BJJ, allowing you to attack and defend from your back.
- Positional Control: These dominant positions will give you control over your opponent. Focus on maintaining them and applying pressure.
- Defense: Before learning fancy submissions, focus on defending yourself from bad positions. Our best advice to new grapplers is; Train to be the person who can't be submitted. Remember, defense wins championships.
- Movements One of the most important aspects of Jiu Jitsu is learning to move efficiently on the ground. You can improve your movements through simple warmup and drills.
How to Fast-Track Your Learning
As a beginner, there’s no better way to start mastering these fundamentals than with structured guidance. That's why we've created a the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Jiu Jitsu, which outlines everything you need to know to start your journey the right way.
Here’s how you can take advantage of our free resources to speed up your progress:
1. Download the Guide
Our free guide covers everything from the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to detailed breakdowns of key techniques. It’s designed to give you a strong foundation and help you feel more confident on the mats. Download your free copy here and start learning today!
2. Access the Beginner Video Series in the App
In addition to the free guide, we offer a full video series in the Jiu Jitsu Five-O app that walks you through the most important beginner techniques. Each video breaks down movements step-by-step, so you can follow along and practice at your own pace. If you’re serious about learning BJJ, this is the perfect companion to your training. Start your free trial and access the beginner series today.
3. Join Our Community of Learners
At Jiu Jitsu Five-O, we’re more than just an online training platform—we’re a community. Whether you’re looking for support, guidance, or a place to share your progress, you’ll find it with us. Download the app and connect with other learners who share your passion for Jiu Jitsu.
Start Building Your BJJ Foundation Today
There are no shortcuts to improving your grappling skills, but focusing on the fundamentals is the best way to set yourself up for long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing skills, remember that everything you do on the mats begins with a solid foundation.
Ready to take the next step? Download our free Ultimate Guide to Jiu Jitsu and start your trial of the Jiu Jitsu Five-O app to access the complete beginner video series. With the right guidance and commitment, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Jiu Jitsu.
