Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is more than just drilling techniques and rolling. Adding games into your practice can make learning smoother and more engaging. These games are designed to focus on specific skills, giving you a chance to improve while having fun. Whether you’re working on guard retention, submissions, or positional control, there’s a game for that. Let’s explore some of the best BJJ training games to sharpen your skills.
Key Takeaways
- BJJ training games are a fun way to improve specific skills.
- Games can help you focus on areas like guard retention, submissions, and control.
- They allow you to practice techniques under realistic but controlled conditions.
- Using games in training can speed up your learning process.
- These activities make training more engaging and less repetitive.
1. Front Headlock Control Live
The "Front Headlock Control Live" drill is a fantastic way to sharpen your control and reaction skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This game focuses on mastering the front headlock position in a live, dynamic setting, where your partner is actively resisting. This is where technique meets adaptability, making it essential for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Key Objectives:
- Learn to maintain a solid grip while staying mobile.
- Practice transitioning into submissions like guillotines or back takes.
- Build confidence in controlling aggressive opponents.
How to Play:
- Start in the front headlock position, with your partner in a turtle or kneeling stance.
- Your goal is to maintain control while your partner tries to escape or reverse the position.
- Switch roles after a set time, ensuring both players get equal practice.
Practicing live scenarios like this not only improves your technique but also helps you stay calm and calculated under pressure.
If you’re in law enforcement or security roles, incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques like these can enhance your ability to handle real-world situations safely. Check out how BJJ supports law enforcement for more insights.
2. Submission Control 5: Omo Plata
Mastering the Omo Plata is a game-changer for any BJJ practitioner. This submission doesn’t just look slick—it’s a versatile and highly effective tool when executed properly. The key to success lies in control, not just the finish.
Steps to Drill the Omo Plata
- Set Up: Begin by isolating your opponent’s arm while maintaining a tight grip around their shoulder. Ensure your hips are mobile to adjust angles as needed.
- Control: Once you’re in position, focus on locking their shoulder and keeping their posture broken down. This is where you establish dominance.
- Finish: Gradually apply pressure by moving your hips forward and downward, forcing the tap.
Tips for Better Execution
- Angle is everything. Adjust your body to a 90-degree angle relative to your opponent for maximum leverage.
- Stay patient. Rushing the submission often gives your opponent a chance to escape.
- Practice transitions. The Omo Plata can seamlessly flow into other attacks, like the straight arm lock or triangle.
Training the Omo Plata isn’t just about submissions—it’s about building a strong positional game. The more you refine your control, the more options you’ll have when your opponent tries to escape.
For a deeper dive into strategic traps and counters, check out effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu traps to elevate your game!
3. Omo Plata Control Live
When it comes to testing your Omo Plata control in live scenarios, this training game is a must-try. It’s all about applying what you’ve learned in real-time, with a partner who’s actively resisting. The goal is simple: maintain control and work your way toward a submission or dominant position.
Here’s how you can structure an Omo Plata Control Live session:
- Start in the Omo Plata position: One person begins locked in the Omo Plata setup, while the other works to escape.
- Set a timer: Each round can be 2-3 minutes, giving both partners a chance to practice attacking and defending.
- Switch roles: After the timer buzzes, swap roles so everyone gets equal practice.
Practicing live with resistance helps you identify weaknesses in your control and adjust your strategy on the fly. It’s where the real growth happens.
If you’re looking to make your training more dynamic and enjoyable, incorporating live games like this can be a game-changer. Plus, it aligns perfectly with game-based learning principles, which emphasize skill-building in a fun, engaging way. Explore the benefits of game-based learning to see how it can elevate your BJJ journey!
4. Back Control 1: Turtle
Mastering back control from the turtle position is one of the most rewarding aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This position is all about staying heavy, maintaining pressure, and looking for openings to advance your control or secure submissions. The turtle position is where your opponent is on all fours, trying to defend against your attacks. Your goal? Break their defenses and dominate.
Key Steps to Work on Back Control from Turtle:
- Establish a Strong Connection: Use your chest to apply pressure on their back while staying balanced. Your hips should stay low to prevent them from escaping.
- Control Their Hips: Use your arms or knees to block their hips from moving. This keeps them stuck in the turtle position and reduces their options.
- Attack Openings: Look for opportunities to insert hooks, secure a seatbelt grip, or set up submissions like a rear-naked choke.
Pro Tips for Sparring in the Turtle Position:
- Stay patient. Rushing can lead to losing control or getting reversed.
- Keep your weight forward but balanced to avoid being rolled.
- Use small adjustments to maintain control rather than big, risky movements.
"The turtle position is a game of patience and precision. If you stay calm and work step by step, you’ll find openings to dominate."
Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, drilling back control from turtle is a fantastic way to improve your positional control and submission setups. If you’re just starting your BJJ journey, check out our essential tips for beginners to get the most out of your training.
5. ADCC Turtle Live
The ADCC Turtle Live drill is a dynamic and engaging way to sharpen your defense and offense in the turtle position. This isn’t just about surviving—it’s about learning to thrive in a high-pressure scenario by turning defense into opportunity. If you want to level up your turtle game, this is the drill to focus on.
Here’s how you can structure the practice:
- Start in Turtle: One partner begins in the turtle position, while the other takes the top position, aiming to attack or control.
- Set a Timer: Work in short, intense rounds—2 to 3 minutes per round is ideal.
- Rotate Roles: Switch roles after each round so both partners get to practice offense and defense.
Key Objectives:
- For the defender: Learn how to protect your neck, block hooks, and create space for an escape.
- For the attacker: Focus on securing back control, applying pressure, and setting up submissions.
| Role | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Defender | Escaping, blocking, creating space |
| Attacker | Maintaining control, submissions |
"Training live in the turtle position teaches you how to stay calm under pressure and find openings even when it feels like there’s no way out."
For a deeper dive into mastering the front headlock (a key aspect of attacking from the turtle), check out Kaynan Duarte’s insights.
6. Back Control 2: With Hooks
When it comes to back control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having your hooks in place is a game-changer. Hooks are your anchor—they lock you onto your opponent, giving you the control needed to stay on their back and dictate the pace of the fight. This position is not just about staying attached; it’s about setting up attacks and maintaining dominance.
Key Tips for Mastering Back Control with Hooks
- Proper Hook Placement: Ensure your legs are tight around your opponent’s hips. Your feet should hook inside their thighs, creating a strong connection.
- Chest-to-Back Contact: Your chest should stay glued to their back. If there’s space, they can escape.
- Control the Upper Body: Use a seatbelt grip (one arm over their shoulder, the other under their arm) to secure their torso.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crossing Your Feet: This can leave you vulnerable to a foot lock.
- Loose Hooks: If your hooks aren’t active, your opponent can shake you off.
- Ignoring Defense: Always be ready to adjust if they try to escape.
"Back control is one of the strongest positions in BJJ, but it’s only as effective as your ability to maintain it. Active hooks and constant adjustments are key to staying dominant."
If you’re looking to sharpen your grappling skills further, incorporating drills like those found in essential MMA grappling drills can help you build a solid foundation for positions like this.
7. Back Hooks Specific Sparring
Back hooks specific sparring is one of the most exciting and effective ways to sharpen your control and finishing skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This drill focuses on maintaining the back position with hooks in, which is often referred to as the "king of positions" in BJJ. Why? Because it offers unmatched control and submission opportunities.
How It Works
- Starting Position: One partner begins with back control, hooks in, and seatbelt grip secured. The other partner starts defending.
- Objective for the Attacker: Maintain back control and work toward a submission—rear-naked choke or armbar, for example.
- Objective for the Defender: Escape the position by removing hooks and turning into the opponent.
Tips for Success
- Stay glued: Keep your chest tight to their back to prevent escapes.
- Use your hooks actively, not just as placeholders, but to control their hips.
- Transition smoothly between submissions and control to keep your opponent guessing.
Practicing this sparring drill regularly builds confidence in controlling one of the most dominant positions in BJJ, while also improving your ability to stay calm under pressure.
For those looking to integrate more techniques into their game, consider incorporating a hook sweep to transition into back control. It’s a great way to set up this position during live rolls.
8. Top Control 1: Mount
The mount position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often referred to as one of the most dominant positions you can achieve. It’s where you’re on top of your opponent, sitting on their torso, and controlling their movement. Mastering the mount is a game-changer because it allows you to apply pressure, maintain control, and set up submissions efficiently.
Key Principles of Mount Control:
- Weight Distribution: Keep your weight centered and balanced. This makes it harder for your opponent to escape.
- Knee and Foot Placement: Your knees should grip their sides, and your feet should hook lightly around their hips to prevent them from bridging or rolling you off.
- Active Hands: Use your hands to control their arms or collar, setting up attacks while maintaining your base.
Common Mount Attacks:
- Armbar: A classic submission where you isolate an arm and apply pressure to the elbow joint.
- Americana: A shoulder lock that’s effective when your opponent tries to push you off.
- Cross Collar Choke: A powerful choke that uses their gi collar to cut off airflow.
The mount isn’t just about staying on top—it’s about dictating the pace of the fight. A solid mount can make your opponent feel trapped and frustrated, giving you the upper hand.
If you’re looking to build confidence in self-defense scenarios, mastering the mount can be a critical step. It’s a position that emphasizes control, allowing you to feel more secure and in charge. For women, in particular, learning how to dominate from this position can be empowering, as it ties directly into self-defense strategies that promote both physical and mental confidence.
9. Mount Live
Practicing "Mount Live" is an incredible way to sharpen your skills in maintaining and escaping one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This game is all about live sparring, where one person starts in the mount position, and the other works to escape or reverse the situation.
Why Focus on Mount Live?
- Real-Time Problem Solving: You’ll face immediate challenges, like defending against submissions or sweeps, which forces you to think fast.
- Positional Awareness: This drill helps you understand balance, weight distribution, and control from the mount.
- Builds endurance and mental toughness as you’re constantly adjusting to your opponent’s moves.
How to Play
- Set a Timer: Each round should last 2-3 minutes.
- Roles: One person starts on top in the mount, and the other begins working to escape.
- Goals: The person on top should aim to maintain control or submit. The person on the bottom tries to escape or sweep.
Scoring Ideas
| Action | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Successful Escape | 2 |
| Submission | 3 |
| Maintaining Mount | 1 per 30 secs |
"Mount Live" is where you’ll truly test your ability to stay calm under pressure while refining your technical game. It’s challenging, but the growth you’ll see is worth it.
By incorporating this drill into your training, you’ll not only improve your mount control but also gain a deeper understanding of how to handle real-life pressure situations. If you’re looking to level up your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, give this a go!
10. Top Control 2: Side Control
Side control is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering a mix of control and submission opportunities. Mastering side control can be a game-changer for your top game. Whether you’re holding an opponent down or setting up submissions, this position is all about precision and pressure.
Key Tips for Effective Side Control
- Weight Distribution Matters: Keep your weight low and centered to make it harder for your opponent to escape.
- Control the Hips: Use your knee or hand to block their hips and prevent them from regaining guard.
- Stay Active: Constantly adjust your grips and positioning to maintain control and stay ahead of your opponent’s movements.
Common Side Control Transitions
- Knee on Belly: A great way to apply pressure and open up submission opportunities.
- North-South Position: Transitioning here can help you maintain control while setting up attacks.
- Mount: A natural progression from side control that gives you even more dominance.
Side control is not just about pinning your opponent—it’s about creating opportunities. With practice, you can turn this position into a hub for submissions and transitions.
If you’re looking to refine your top control and learn no-gi passing techniques, check out the effective top control techniques taught by Rory MacDonald. His approach focuses on practical strategies that work in real situations.
11. Side Control Live
Side Control Live is where things get real. It’s about taking all the theory and drilling you’ve done and putting it into action during live sparring. This is where your ability to maintain or escape side control truly gets tested.
Why Practice Side Control Live?
Practicing live is essential because it simulates real situations you’ll face during rolling or competition. It’s not just about holding the position—it’s about adapting to your partner’s movements and staying one step ahead.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pointers to make the most out of your Side Control Live sessions:
- Focus on pressure: Keep your weight distributed properly. Use your chest to pin your partner, making it harder for them to escape.
- Stay mobile: Don’t get too comfortable in one spot. Adjust your position as needed to counter your partner’s movements.
- Anticipate escapes: Be ready to react when your opponent tries to shrimp or bridge out. Timing is everything.
Common Scenarios to Work On
- Maintaining side control against a resisting opponent.
- Escaping when you’re the one stuck underneath.
- Transitioning smoothly to other dominant positions like mount or north-south.
Live practice is where you sharpen your instincts and learn to stay calm under pressure. It’s not about winning every exchange but about improving each time you roll.
For an even deeper understanding of how to mentally prepare for these situations, visualization techniques can be a game-changer. Learn more about how mental rehearsals can boost your performance on the mats.
Final Thoughts
Side Control Live is all about experimentation and growth. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the process. Keep showing up, and you’ll see your confidence and control improve over time.
12. Top Control 3: Knee Ride
The knee ride position is a fantastic tool for controlling your opponent while staying mobile. This position allows you to apply pressure, set up submissions, or transition to other dominant spots. Mastering knee ride is all about balance and timing.
Key Benefits of Knee Ride
- Mobility: You can quickly switch to mount, side control, or back control.
- Pressure: Properly executed, the knee ride can drain your opponent’s energy.
- Control: Keeps your opponent pinned while you decide your next move.
Tips for Success
- Keep your knee positioned near the opponent’s chest or sternum for maximum control.
- Use your hands to post and maintain balance while applying pressure.
- Stay light on your feet to avoid getting swept.
Knee ride isn’t just about smashing your opponent. It’s about controlling the pace and forcing them to react to your movements. When done right, it’s a game-changer.
For more drills and games to sharpen your knee ride, check out the instructional series that breaks it all down with live sparring examples.
13. Knee Ride Live
Knee Ride Live is all about practicing control and balance while maintaining pressure from the knee-on-belly position. This position is a game-changer in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, especially for those aiming to dominate their opponent without losing mobility.
Why Practice Knee Ride Live?
- Improves Stability: Staying balanced on a moving opponent is no joke. This drill helps you stay solid without overcommitting.
- Sharpens Transitions: Knee Ride Live teaches you how to flow into submissions or other dominant positions.
- Boosts Confidence Under Pressure: You’ll get comfortable holding this position even when your partner is trying to escape.
How to Set Up the Drill
- Start with one partner in the knee-on-belly position.
- The bottom player actively works to escape or sweep.
- The top player focuses on maintaining control, applying measured pressure, and transitioning to submissions or other positions.
- Switch roles after a set time (e.g., 2-3 minutes).
Tips for Success
- Stay Light but Firm: Avoid overloading your weight; instead, use your knee and hips to control.
- Read Your Partner’s Movements: Anticipate their escapes and adjust your positioning quickly.
- Keep Moving: Don’t stay static—flow into submissions or other control positions when the opportunity arises.
"Knee Ride Live isn’t just about control; it’s about learning to adapt quickly and stay ahead of your opponent’s game."
Make this a regular part of your training, and you’ll notice a big difference in your ability to dominate from top positions. Plus, it’s a great way to develop that competitive mindset that’s key for success in any sparring scenario. Success in competitive environments starts with drills like this!
14. Top Control 4: North-South
The north-south position is one of those spots in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) where control can feel almost effortless—if you do it right. It’s all about keeping pressure while staying mobile. This position gives you a solid base to transition into submissions or just maintain dominance over your opponent.
Why Master the North-South Position?
- It’s a great way to neutralize your opponent’s movement.
- Opens up multiple submission options like kimuras and chokes.
- Provides an opportunity to reset if you feel like you’re losing control in side mount.
Key Tips for North-South Control
- Head Placement: Keep your head low and aligned with your opponent’s chest or stomach. This prevents them from bridging out.
- Weight Distribution: Use your chest and hips to apply pressure evenly. Don’t let your weight shift too far forward or backward.
- Hand Positioning: Your hands can frame their hips or block their shoulders to limit their ability to escape.
The north-south position isn’t just about pinning someone down—it’s about owning the space and forcing your opponent to react to you.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Opponent Escapes: If they start shrimping away, adjust your hips and follow their movement.
- Lack of Pressure: Check your posture and make sure your weight is sinking into them, not just hovering.
- Submission Setups: If you’re struggling to find a submission, focus on isolating an arm or controlling their head first.
By drilling this position regularly, you’ll start to see how it connects to other aspects of your game, like transitioning to side control or even mount. And, if you’re into BJJ diagonal control, the north-south position can be a perfect place to start working on managing their upper and lower body simultaneously. It’s all about options!
15. North-South Live
The North-South position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most dynamic and challenging spots for both offense and defense. Practicing it live, with full resistance, is where the real magic happens. This training game is all about testing your ability to maintain control, escape, or even set up submissions while your partner is doing everything to counter you.
Why Train North-South Live?
- Real-time adjustments: You learn to adapt on the fly when your opponent resists.
- Pressure management: It’s a perfect way to refine how you distribute your weight.
- Build endurance: Holding or escaping this position is physically demanding.
How to Play
- Set the timer: Go for 3-5 minute rounds.
- Start in North-South: One person on top, the other on bottom.
- Goals: The top player works to maintain control or attack, while the bottom player focuses on escaping or reversing.
Tips for Success
- Top Player: Keep your hips low and control their head to limit their movement.
- Bottom Player: Focus on creating space and using your legs to recover guard.
"North-South Live is where you truly understand the balance between pressure and mobility. It’s not just about pinning someone down—it’s about staying one step ahead."
For more insights into grappling drills and strategies, check out effective BJJ strategies.
16. Closed Guard
The closed guard is a classic position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and for good reason. It’s a versatile and secure spot that allows you to control your opponent while setting up sweeps, submissions, or transitions. Mastering the closed guard can make a huge difference in your game, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grappler.
Why Focus on Closed Guard?
- Control: It gives you the ability to lock your opponent in place, limiting their mobility.
- Attacks: From the closed guard, you can set up submissions like armbars, triangles, and even sweeps.
- Defense: It’s also a solid position to avoid getting passed or dominated.
Key Drills to Improve Your Closed Guard
- Grip Fighting: Practice breaking your opponent’s grips and establishing your own. This is crucial for setting up attacks.
- Hip Movement: Work on drills that improve your ability to shift your hips, like shrimping or hip escapes.
- Submission Chains: Focus on linking moves together, such as transitioning from an armbar to a triangle.
The closed guard is more than just a position—it’s a strategy. Learning to control and attack effectively from here can change how you approach your BJJ journey.
For those looking to dive deeper into the techniques and strategies of this position, the Closed Guard System offers a detailed breakdown of its nuances. With seven sections of instruction, it’s a must-have for anyone serious about leveling up their guard game.
17. Closed Guard Live
The "Closed Guard Live" game is all about sharpening your instincts and reactions when you’re working from the closed guard position during a live roll. This is where your defensive and offensive skills meet head-on, creating a dynamic and challenging training experience.
Why Focus on Closed Guard Live?
In live training, the closed guard becomes a testing ground for multiple techniques and strategies. Whether you’re looking to sweep, submit, or simply control your opponent, this position gives you endless opportunities to practice under pressure. Plus, it’s a great way to build confidence in one of the most fundamental positions in BJJ.
Key Objectives of Closed Guard Live:
- Maintain control: Learn how to keep your opponent locked in while setting up your next move.
- React to pressure: Develop the ability to adapt quickly when your opponent tries to break your guard or pass.
- Execute submissions: Practice transitioning into arm bars, triangles, or other submissions from the closed guard.
Tips for Effective Closed Guard Live Training:
- Keep your grips strong – Grips are your lifeline in closed guard. Whether it’s on the collar, sleeve, or wrist, secure control before advancing.
- Stay active – Don’t just hold the position. Use hip movement and angles to create opportunities.
- Anticipate your opponent’s moves – The more you train, the better you’ll get at predicting their next step.
Closed Guard Live isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving in a position where you can dictate the flow of the roll. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes to control, sweep, and submit from here.
For a deeper dive into mastering this position, check out this BJJ instructional that offers a guide to effective, low-risk techniques for controlling, submitting, and sweeping from the closed guard.
18. Half Guard
The half guard is one of the most versatile positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a mix of defense and offense, making it a favorite for many practitioners. Whether you’re stalling to catch your breath or setting up a sweep, the half guard has got you covered.
Key Techniques to Master in Half Guard:
- Underhook Battle: Winning the underhook is often the difference between success and failure in half guard. Focus on keeping your arm position strong and tight.
- Knee Shield Position: This is your best friend when you need to create space or defend against pressure. It’s all about keeping your opponent at bay while you figure out your next move.
- Sweeps Galore: The half guard offers a ton of sweep opportunities. Some go-to options include the Old School Sweep, Electric Chair Sweep, and the John Wayne Sweep.
Why Half Guard Matters:
- Control: This position allows you to slow down the pace and dictate the direction of the roll.
- Transition Options: From half guard, you can transition to deep half, full guard, or even take the back.
- Submission Setups: Don’t sleep on the submission potential! Kimuras, guillotines, and leg locks are all on the table.
The half guard isn’t just a stalling position; it’s a gateway to endless possibilities. Master it, and you’ll find yourself dictating the pace more often than not.
19. Half Guard Live
Half guard live training is where the theoretical meets the practical. It’s a chance to test your ability to control, defend, and attack from one of the most dynamic positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This is where you sharpen your instincts and learn what really works under pressure.
Why Half Guard Live Matters
- Real-time feedback: You can instantly see what techniques hold up and which ones need adjusting.
- Builds confidence: Repeated exposure to live situations makes you more comfortable handling pressure.
- Refines transitions: Half guard is all about movement—live training helps you improve your sweeps, escapes, and submissions.
Tips for Effective Half Guard Live Training
- Start with a plan: Focus on one or two techniques you want to refine during each session.
- Don’t fear failure: The goal is to learn. If you get passed or submitted, figure out why and adjust.
- Communicate with your partner: Let them know if you want them to increase or decrease intensity.
Training live in half guard teaches you to stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly to your opponent’s movements. It’s not about winning every exchange—it’s about learning and growing.
For those looking to level up their half guard game, this series is packed with drills and techniques to dominate from this position.
20. Butterfly Guard
The butterfly guard is a versatile and dynamic position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it’s a favorite among many grapplers for its ability to control and sweep opponents. What makes it stand out is the use of hooks—your feet placed inside your opponent’s thighs—to manipulate their balance and create opportunities for attacks.
Key Elements of the Butterfly Guard
- Hooks and Control: Your hooks are your main tools here. They help you lift, off-balance, and sweep your opponent.
- Posture and Grip: Maintaining a strong posture while securing grips, like a collar-and-sleeve or double underhooks, is vital.
- Timing: Success in this position often comes down to knowing when to attack. Wait for your opponent to shift their weight or make a mistake.
Common Techniques from Butterfly Guard
- Basic Sweep: A fundamental move where you use your hooks and upper body control to topple your opponent.
- Arm Drag to Back Take: A slick transition to gain control of your opponent’s back.
- Guillotine Choke: If your opponent leaves their neck exposed, this is a great submission to go for.
"The butterfly guard isn’t just a position; it’s a mindset. You’re constantly looking for angles and opportunities to disrupt your opponent’s base."
Pro Tips
- Keep your opponent’s weight forward to make them easier to sweep.
- Use your hooks actively; don’t just let your feet sit there.
- Combine sweeps with submission threats to keep your opponent guessing.
For those looking to master this position, this product offers over 100 detailed video lessons covering everything from grips to advanced sweeps. It’s a fantastic resource to take your butterfly guard to the next level!
21. Butterfly Guard Live
Practicing the butterfly guard live is where all the theory and drilling come together. This is your chance to test your ability to maintain control, create opportunities, and transition to submissions or sweeps when your opponent is actively resisting. It’s not just about holding the position—it’s about using it dynamically.
Key Tips for Butterfly Guard Live
- Stay active: Constantly adjust your hooks and posture to stay unpredictable.
- Control the distance: Use your arms and legs to manage how close your opponent can get.
- Look for sweeps: Focus on timing and leverage to tilt your opponent off balance.
The butterfly guard is a game of timing and angles. When you find the right moment, it can lead to some of the most effective sweeps and transitions in BJJ.
If you’re looking to sharpen your transitions between half guard and butterfly guard, consider focusing on bodylock entries and pressure passing to maintain control and set up submission threats. This approach not only improves your guard game but also builds a strong foundation for your overall grappling.
22. Open Guards
Open Guard is one of the most versatile positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s where you use your legs to manage distance and control your opponent without locking them in place with hooks or grips. This position keeps you mobile and unpredictable, which is why it’s a favorite for many practitioners. Mastering Open Guard can completely change your game.
Key Variations of Open Guard:
- Spider Guard: Focuses on using your grips on the sleeves and your feet on the opponent’s biceps to control and manipulate their posture.
- De La Riva Guard: A classic choice where one of your legs wraps around the outside of your opponent’s leg, giving you leverage for sweeps and submissions.
- Reverse De La Riva: A slight twist on the De La Riva, offering unique angles for attacks and counters.
Benefits of Training Open Guard:
- Improved Mobility: Open Guard encourages constant movement, which helps build agility and endurance.
- Attack Opportunities: From sweeps to submissions, Open Guard offers a wide range of offensive options.
- Defensive Versatility: It’s easier to reset and recover from Open Guard compared to more static positions.
Tips for Practicing Open Guard Effectively:
- Stay Active: Don’t let your opponent settle into a dominant position. Keep your legs moving and maintain control.
- Focus on Grips: Your grips are your connection to your opponent. Whether it’s their sleeves, collar, or pants, make them count.
- Drill Specific Scenarios: Work on transitioning between Spider, De La Riva, and other variations to find what suits your style best.
Open Guard isn’t just a position—it’s a mindset. It teaches you to be dynamic, adaptable, and always ready to counter your opponent’s moves.
For more insights into improving your guard game, including techniques for Open Guard, check out our Improving your guard game in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) guide.
23. Open Guards Live
Open Guards Live is where the real fun begins. This training game focuses on the dynamic exchanges that happen when you and your partner are both actively working to outmaneuver each other from open guard positions. It’s all about timing, balance, and quick thinking.
Why Practice Open Guards Live?
Practicing live scenarios in open guard helps you:
- Develop a sharper sense of distance management.
- Improve your ability to transition between guards seamlessly.
- Build confidence in breaking grips and countering attacks on the fly.
How to Set Up This Game
- Start with a Clear Goal: Decide beforehand if the focus is on sweeps, submissions, or passing.
- Set a Timer: Keep rounds short (2-3 minutes) to encourage intensity and focus.
- Switch Roles: Alternate between playing as the guard player and the passer to get well-rounded practice.
Pro Tips for Success
- Stay active with your grips and foot placement—don’t let your opponent settle.
- Experiment with different open guards like De La Riva, Spider, or Butterfly to find what works best for your style.
- Keep your posture strong whether you’re attacking or defending.
The beauty of Open Guards Live is that it teaches you to adapt quickly. No two rounds will ever feel the same, and that’s what makes it such a valuable tool for growth.
For more insights on guard passing strategies, check out this comprehensive guide on guard passing.
24. Engagement Phase Game
The Engagement Phase Game is all about setting the stage for control and dominance in a match. This game focuses on the critical moments before grips are established or positions are solidified. It’s where strategy meets instinct. By practicing this, you’ll sharpen your ability to dictate the pace and direction of the fight right from the start.
Why Play the Engagement Phase Game?
- Timing is everything: Learn to recognize openings and act before your opponent.
- Develop confidence in initiating contact without hesitation.
- Practice creating favorable angles and staying balanced under pressure.
How to Play
- Start in a neutral stance with your partner—no grips allowed initially.
- The goal is to secure the first meaningful grip or positional advantage.
- Reset after each successful engagement to keep the intensity high.
Pro Tips
- Stay light on your feet and focus on hand placement.
- Experiment with different approaches, like feints or quick level changes.
- Always keep your center of gravity low to avoid being countered.
"This game is a fantastic way to improve your reaction time and adaptability. The more you play, the more natural these movements will feel."
For those looking to take their training to the next level, incorporating tools like accommodating resistance can further enhance your performance by building explosive strength and control.
25. Collar Tie & Foot Position Game and more
The "Collar Tie & Foot Position Game" is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to sharpen your grappling fundamentals. It’s all about controlling your opponent’s posture and setting up your next move. Mastering this game can dramatically improve your stand-up grappling.
How It Works
- Start in a neutral standing position.
- One partner establishes a collar tie while the other focuses on breaking it.
- The goal is to maintain control while practicing foot placement to counterbalance your partner’s movements.
Tips for Success
- Stay light on your feet: This helps you react quickly.
- Focus on angles rather than brute force.
- Keep your head positioned to avoid counters.
Practicing this game consistently builds muscle memory for both offensive and defensive techniques, making you more adaptable in live sparring.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into collar tie techniques, check out this instructional bundle featuring two videos packed with offensive and defensive strategies.
Wrapping It Up
Alright, so there you have it. Training games in BJJ aren’t just about having fun—they’re a smart way to sharpen your skills and keep things fresh on the mats. Whether you’re a white belt just starting out or a seasoned black belt, these games can help you improve in ways that traditional drills might not. So next time you’re at the gym, give one of these a shot. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite way to train. Happy rolling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are BJJ training games?
BJJ training games are structured drills or exercises designed to help practitioners improve specific skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These games often involve setting rules or constraints to focus on certain techniques or strategies.
Why should I include games in my BJJ training?
Incorporating games into training can make learning more engaging and help you develop skills faster. They allow you to practice techniques in a dynamic, live setting, which better prepares you for real sparring or competitions.
Are these games suitable for beginners?
Yes, many BJJ training games can be adjusted for different skill levels. Beginners can benefit from simplified versions, while advanced practitioners can use more challenging variations.
How often should I practice BJJ training games?
You can incorporate these games into your training sessions a few times a week. Consistency is key, but it’s also important to balance them with other forms of training like sparring and technical drilling.
Can these games help me improve my weak areas?
Absolutely. These games are often designed to target specific skills or positions, making them an excellent way to work on areas where you need improvement.
Do I need a partner for these games?
Most BJJ training games require a partner to simulate real-life scenarios, but some can be modified for solo practice, especially for movements and drills.