Enhancing Skills: The Best BJJ Training Games for All Levels

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is more than just a martial art; it’s a journey of constant learning and improvement. One of the most effective ways to sharpen your skills, no matter your level, is through BJJ training games. These games are designed to make learning fun while helping you build essential techniques in a focused way. Whether you’re a white belt or a seasoned black belt, there’s something here for everyone.

Key Takeaways

BJJ training games are a fun way to improve your skills.
They work for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced.
Games focus on specific techniques, making learning efficient.
You can practice with anyone, regardless of their skill level.
These games encourage creativity and adaptability on the mat.

1. ADCC Turtle Live

The "ADCC Turtle Live" drill is a powerful training game that focuses on one of the most dynamic and challenging positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: the turtle. This drill is inspired by the ADCC ruleset, where controlling and attacking a turtled opponent can be a game-changer. Mastering this position can give you a serious edge in competition.

Why Practice Turtle Live?

Realistic Scenarios: This drill mimics the intensity and unpredictability of live matches.
Versatility: Whether you’re attacking or defending, the turtle position is a critical skillset.
Endurance and Strategy: Build both cardio and tactical awareness while transitioning between moves.

How It Works

One partner starts in the turtle position, while the other begins on top.
The top player’s goal: secure back control, a submission, or transition to a dominant position.
The turtled player focuses on escaping or reversing the position.
Drill rounds last 2-3 minutes, then partners switch roles.

Tips for Success

Top Player: Use pressure and control to prevent the bottom player from escaping. Stay tight and look for openings like hooks or submissions.
Turtled Player: Stay compact and protect your neck. Look for openings to roll or scramble back to guard.

"Turtle Live" is more than just a drill—it’s a test of your ability to adapt under pressure. It’s also a fantastic way to sharpen your reactions and improve your positional awareness.

For those preparing for tournaments, incorporating this drill into your training aligns perfectly with ADCC camp strategies. It’s tailored to simulate the high-stakes scenarios you’ll encounter in competition.

2. Back Control 2: With Hooks

When it comes to back control, adding hooks is a game-changer. It’s not just about holding the position; it’s about maintaining control and opening up opportunities for submissions. Hooks are your anchors, keeping you glued to your opponent so you can dictate the pace of the roll.

Key Benefits of Training Back Control with Hooks

Improved Stability: Hooks help prevent your opponent from escaping by anchoring your legs around their hips.
Submission Opportunities: With proper hooks, transitions to submissions like the rear-naked choke become smoother.
Control Mastery: You’ll learn how to adjust your weight and positioning to maintain dominance.

Training Tips for Back Control with Hooks

Focus on keeping your knees pinched while your hooks are in. This limits your opponent’s movement.
Practice switching between single and double hooks during drilling sessions.
Combine hooks with upper body grips, like seatbelt control, for maximum effectiveness.

Back control isn’t just about holding on—it’s about controlling where the fight goes next. With hooks, you’re always one step ahead.

For an in-depth guide on mastering back control and finishing submissions, check out Felipe Pena’s instructional. His insights as an ADCC champion are invaluable for practitioners at all levels.

3. Back Hooks Specific Sparring

Back hooks specific sparring is a focused drill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu designed to improve your ability to control and maintain dominant positions when taking the back. This drill is a game-changer for refining your precision and timing when working from one of the most advantageous positions in BJJ.

Why Practice Back Hooks Specific Sparring?

Enhances your understanding of back control mechanics, including maintaining hooks and preventing escapes.
Builds confidence in transitioning between offensive and defensive strategies while on the back.
Develops the skill to set up submissions like rear-naked chokes or bow-and-arrow chokes.

How to Set It Up

Start with one partner in back control, ensuring both hooks are in and the seatbelt grip is secured.
The goal for the top player is to maintain control and work towards a submission.
The bottom player focuses on escaping, either by removing hooks, turning into the guard, or standing up.

Key Tips for Success

Stay tight: Keep your chest glued to your partner’s back to avoid losing control.
Use your hooks actively, not just to hold position but to adjust and counter the opponent’s movements.
Drill with varying levels of resistance to simulate real sparring scenarios.

Practicing specific sparring like this not only sharpens your technical skills but also helps you understand the nuances of controlling an opponent who is actively trying to escape. It’s a test of patience, precision, and adaptability.

4. Top Control 1: Mount

Mastering the mount position is a game-changer in BJJ. It’s not just about pinning your opponent—it’s about maintaining control while setting up submissions or transitioning to other dominant positions. The mount is often considered one of the most dominant positions in grappling.

Key Concepts for Maintaining Mount:

Balance: Keep your weight centered to avoid being easily swept.
Pressure: Use your hips to apply consistent pressure on your opponent’s chest.
Hooks: Use your feet to hook around your opponent’s legs, preventing them from creating space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Sitting too high on the chest, which can lead to losing balance.
Not controlling the opponent’s arms, allowing them to frame and escape.
Overcommitting to a submission without proper control, risking a reversal.

The mount is not just a position—it’s a mindset. Stay calm, stay heavy, and let your opponent make the mistakes.

If you find yourself struggling to maintain the mount, consider drilling escape scenarios like bridging and shrimping. These techniques will not only help you escape when you’re on the bottom but also give you insights into what your opponent might try. For example, learning five effective techniques to escape the technical mount can help you anticipate your opponent’s moves and counter them effectively.

Drills to Improve Mount Control:

Mount Retention Drill: Have a partner try to push you off or shrimp out while you focus on staying glued to them.
Submission Chain Drill: Practice transitioning between submissions like armbar, Americana, and cross-collar choke.
Escape Awareness Drill: Start in mount and let your partner attempt escapes while you work on countering their movements.

By consistently practicing these drills, you’ll not only improve your ability to maintain mount but also sharpen your submission setups and defensive awareness. Keep at it, and soon the mount will feel like second nature!

5. Mount Live

Mount Live is where the theoretical meets reality. This training game is all about pressure testing your mount control and escapes in a dynamic, live setting. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned grappler, Mount Live offers a chance to refine your skills under real resistance.

Why Play Mount Live?

Realistic Practice: It simulates the intensity of a real match, helping you prepare for competition or self-defense.
Builds Confidence: The more you practice maintaining or escaping the mount, the more comfortable you’ll feel in this critical position.
Develops Timing: Learn when to apply pressure, transition, or escape effectively.

How It Works

Set a Timer: Matches are typically 2-3 minutes long.
Start in Mount: One person begins in the mount position, and the other starts defending.
Goals:
- Top player: Maintain mount or transition to a submission.
- Bottom player: Escape to a neutral or dominant position.

Tips for Success

For the Top Player:
- Focus on keeping your hips low and staying balanced.
- Use your hooks and grips to maintain control.
- Be patient; don’t rush submissions.
For the Bottom Player:
- Bridge and shrimp to create space.
- Protect your arms and neck at all times.
- Look for opportunities to sweep or escape.

"Mount Live is more than just a drill—it’s a test of your ability to adapt and stay composed under pressure."

Progress Tracking

Skill	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Maintaining Mount	✅	✅✅	✅✅✅
Escaping Mount	✅	✅✅	✅✅✅
Submissions from Mount	✅	✅✅	✅✅✅

Practicing Mount Live regularly will sharpen your instincts and improve your overall game. It might be tough at first, but stick with it—progress comes with persistence!

6. Top Control 2: Side Control

Side control is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it’s a game-changer when done right. Mastering this position allows you to control your opponent’s movements while setting up submissions or transitions. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Key Principles for Side Control

Keep your weight low: The lower your center of gravity, the harder it is for your opponent to escape.
Control their head and hips: These are the two main points of leverage your opponent will use to escape. Shut them down.
Stay active! Constant pressure and small adjustments will keep you one step ahead.

Drills to Improve Side Control

Pinning with Frames and Wedges: Practice keeping your opponent pinned using your forearms and knees for maximum control.
Weight Distribution Shifts: Work on smoothly shifting your weight to block escape attempts.
Transition Reps: Move between side control, north-south, and mount to improve fluidity.

Side control isn’t just about holding your opponent down—it’s about making them feel like they have no way out. Once you’ve got that, submissions become much easier to land.

For those looking to refine their skills, check out effective no-gi side control submissions to add to your arsenal. These techniques can help you dominate the position and finish fights efficiently.

7. Side Control Live

Side Control Live is where things get exciting. This drill is all about applying your side control skills in a live, dynamic setting. You’re not just holding a position—you’re reacting, adjusting, and staying one step ahead of your partner. It’s the ultimate test of your ability to control and dominate from the side.

Why Practice Side Control Live?

It sharpens your ability to maintain control under pressure.
You’ll learn how to adapt to your partner’s movements and counters.
It’s a great way to develop transitions to submissions or other positions.

How to Set It Up

Start with one person in side control and the other defending.
The goal for the top player is to maintain control and work towards submissions.
The bottom player’s job is to escape or reverse the position.
Set a timer (e.g., 3 minutes) and switch roles after each round.

"This drill isn’t just about brute strength—it’s about timing, strategy, and feeling the flow of the roll."

Tips for Success

Keep your weight distributed properly—don’t let your partner create space.
Use your frames and grips to maintain control.
Stay relaxed but focused; overexertion can lead to mistakes.

Side Control Live is part of a broader approach to game-based learning. If you’re looking to make your training more instinctive and fluid, check out this instructional series that integrates games and live drills into your practice.

8. Top Control 3: Knee Ride

Knee ride is one of those positions that can feel like a nightmare for the person on bottom but a goldmine for the one on top. The key here is pressure, control, and mobility. It’s not just about smashing your knee into their chest; it’s about understanding how to balance pressure and movement to maintain dominance while staying ready to attack or transition.

Why Practice Knee Ride?

It teaches you how to control your opponent without committing too much weight.
It’s a great position to set up submissions like arm locks or even transitions to mount.
It forces the person on bottom to work on their escapes and frames, which is invaluable.

How to Drill Knee Ride Effectively:

Start with light pressure: If you’re drilling with a partner, start by applying just enough pressure to stay balanced but not so much that you’re crushing them.
Focus on transitions: Practice moving from side control to knee ride and back. This helps you stay fluid and ready to react.
Add resistance gradually: As you get more comfortable, have your partner actively try to escape, forcing you to adjust and maintain control.

Knee ride isn’t just about pressure; it’s about being dynamic. Staying too static makes it easier for your opponent to escape. Keep moving, keep adjusting.

For those looking to master no-gi passing strategies, Rory MacDonald’s insights on maintaining top control and finishing techniques are a must-read. His approach to outmaneuvering opponents can elevate your knee ride game to the next level.

9. Knee Ride Live

Knee Ride Live drills are an awesome way to sharpen your control and balance while keeping the pressure on your training partner. This game is all about transitioning smoothly, maintaining dominance, and reacting to your opponent’s movements. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, practicing live from this position can make a huge difference in your top game.

Key Benefits of Knee Ride Live:

Improves your ability to control an opponent under pressure.
Develops quick transitions to other dominant positions like mount or side control.
Builds confidence in maintaining balance while applying constant pressure.

How to Structure Knee Ride Live:

Set the Timer – Start with 2-3 minute rounds to keep the intensity manageable.
Define Objectives – For the top player, focus on staying in the knee ride position or transitioning to mount. For the bottom player, work on escapes like bridging or shrimping.
Rotate Partners – Switch roles every round to experience both perspectives.

"Knee Ride Live is one of those drills that teaches you to be relentless while also staying adaptable. It’s a real test of your control and creativity."

For more tips on no-gi passing strategies, check out Rory Macdonald’s insights to enhance your ability to outmaneuver opponents and finish strong.

10. Top Control 4: North-South

The North-South position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a unique and powerful top control technique. This position allows you to maintain dominance while keeping your opponent’s movements limited. What makes North-South so effective is the ability to pressure your opponent’s breathing and limit their visibility, creating the perfect setup for submissions.

Here are some key tips for mastering the North-South position:

Head Positioning: Keep your head low and centered to maintain balance and stability.
Weight Distribution: Spread your weight evenly across your opponent’s torso to maximize control.
Arm Placement: Use your arms to control their hips and prevent escapes.

The beauty of North-South lies in its versatility. Whether you’re transitioning to a submission or simply holding the position, it offers a level of control that can frustrate even the most experienced opponents.

For those looking to improve their escapes from this position, mastering the top seven powerful BJJ pin escapes can provide a significant advantage. Check out Mastering the top seven powerful BJJ pin escapes to learn more about escaping dominant positions like North-South.

Practice is key, so don’t hesitate to drill this position during your training sessions. With time, you’ll find it becoming a reliable part of your top control game.

11. North-South Live

The North-South position is one of those spots in BJJ that often gets overlooked, but it can be a game-changer when practiced live. North-South Live drills are all about sharpening your ability to control, escape, or attack from this position under live, unpredictable conditions. Here’s what makes it so effective:

Dynamic Movement: You’ll learn to stay heavy while moving fluidly to maintain control.
Escape Mastery: Training live helps you practice breaking free from tight North-South pins.
Submission Opportunities: This is the perfect time to test out kimuras, arm locks, or even sneaky chokes.

Key Tips for North-South Live Training:

Focus on Weight Distribution: Keep your weight centered and heavy to make it harder for your partner to escape.
Stay Active: Don’t just hold the position—look for transitions to mount or side control.
Communicate: After each round, talk to your partner about what worked and what didn’t.

"Training live in the North-South position sharpens your instincts and makes you more confident in controlling tough spots."

If you want to dive deeper into positional control concepts, you might find a 4-week course on essential leg locking concepts a useful complement to your training. While it focuses on leg locks, the principles of movement and control apply universally.

12. Closed Guard

The closed guard is a fundamental position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that every practitioner, from beginner to black belt, should master. It’s a position where you’re on your back with your legs wrapped around your opponent’s waist, locking them in place. This allows for both control and a wide variety of offensive options.

Why the Closed Guard is Important

Control: You can neutralize an opponent’s movement, buying you time to plan your next move.
Offensive Potential: It’s a launching pad for sweeps, submissions, and transitions.
Defensive Safety: When done correctly, it’s tough for your opponent to pass your guard.

Key Techniques to Practice

Cross Choke: A classic submission that uses the opponent’s collar to apply pressure.
Armbar: Transitioning from closed guard to isolate and attack the arm.
Hip Bump Sweep: A simple yet effective way to reverse the position.

Drilling Tips

To get the most out of your closed guard training, try:

Repeating each technique slowly, focusing on proper form.
Adding resistance gradually to simulate real sparring.
Practicing transitions between techniques to build fluidity.

"The closed guard is like a chessboard. Every grip, movement, and shift of your hips can set up a checkmate. Take your time to explore it."

For those looking to refine their skills, understanding the BJJ cross choke grip is a game-changer. It’s a small detail that can make your submissions far more effective.

13. Closed Guard Live

Closed guard live drills are where you really get to test your closed guard skills under pressure. This isn’t just about holding someone in place—it’s about controlling, attacking, and defending when things get dynamic. This is where your technique meets real resistance.

Why Practice Closed Guard Live?

It simulates real sparring scenarios. You’ll learn how to keep your opponent in your guard while they actively try to pass.
It forces you to sharpen your sweeps, submissions, and transitions.
Builds endurance and mental focus under pressure.

Key Tips for Success

Stay active: Don’t just hold on for dear life. Use your grips and hips to attack or set up sweeps.
Be patient: Sometimes, the best move is to wait for the right moment to strike.
Communicate with your partner: Let them know if you’re focusing on offense, defense, or a mix of both.

Practicing live from closed guard is like sharpening a blade—you’re constantly refining your timing, precision, and reactions.

For a deeper dive into mastering this position, check out The Closed Guard System. This instructional breaks down low-risk techniques for controlling, submitting, and sweeping from the closed guard.

14. Half Guard

The half guard is one of the most versatile positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering both defensive and offensive opportunities. Whether you’re looking to slow down an aggressive opponent or set up sweeps and submissions, half guard is a position that every practitioner should understand and refine.

Why Half Guard Matters

Control: Half guard allows you to manage the distance and control your opponent’s movement.
Sweeping Potential: This position is a gateway to numerous sweeps, like the old school sweep and the deep half guard sweep.
Escape Options: It’s a great starting point for transitioning back to full guard or escaping altogether.

Key Techniques to Practice

Old School Sweep: Focuses on trapping your opponent’s leg and shifting their balance to execute a clean sweep.
Deep Half Guard Sweep: A more advanced maneuver that lets you get under your opponent for effective transitions or escapes.
Knee Shield Variations: Use your shin as a barrier to create space or control.

Tips for Success

Always maintain a strong grip on your opponent to prevent them from passing.
Keep your movements tight and deliberate—loose positioning can lead to easy passes.
Drill specific sparring rounds starting from half guard to sharpen your reactions.

"Mastering the half guard isn’t just about defense—it’s a launching pad for offense and control."

For more on techniques like the old school sweep or the deep half guard sweep, dive into the fundamentals of this position and watch your game evolve.

15. Half Guard Live

Half guard live sparring is where things get exciting. This is your chance to test your half guard skills in real-time, with a resisting opponent. It’s not just about survival; it’s about learning how to thrive in one of BJJ’s most versatile positions.

Why Half Guard Live Matters

Pressure Management: You’ll learn how to handle an opponent who’s actively trying to smash through your guard.
Timing and Sweeps: This is the perfect setting to figure out when to go for sweeps or reversals.
Positional Awareness: You’ll get a better sense of where your body should be to maintain control or regain it if you lose it.

Tips for Success

Stay Calm: Don’t panic if you’re under pressure. Focus on your breathing and stay composed.
Use Frames: Your arms and legs are your tools to create space and control distance.
Look for Underhooks: This is often your ticket to sweeping or transitioning to a better position.

Live sparring in half guard is where theory meets practice. You’ll quickly discover what works and what doesn’t, and that’s the beauty of it—it’s raw, real, and incredibly rewarding.

For those looking to sharpen their half guard game, this series offers strategies to dominate, control, and submit opponents effectively. It’s a must-try for anyone serious about improving their BJJ.

16. Butterfly Guard

The butterfly guard is one of the most versatile and effective positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s all about using your legs like hooks to control your opponent while staying mobile and ready to attack. Mastering this guard can transform your game, giving you tools to sweep, submit, and even defend against larger opponents.

Why Train Butterfly Guard?

Control and Mobility: The butterfly guard allows you to control your opponent’s posture while staying dynamic.
Sweeps Galore: From basic hook sweeps to advanced flips, the options are endless.
Transition Opportunities: This guard is a gateway to other positions, like X-guard or half guard.

Key Concepts to Focus On:

Grip Fighting: Secure grips like the collar and sleeve, or go for a 2-on-1 grip for maximum control.
Leg Positioning: Keep your hooks active and your knees flared to maintain control and create leverage.
Posture and Balance: Stay upright and balanced to avoid getting flattened.

Suggested Drills:

Drill Name	Focus Area	Difficulty Level
Hook Sweep Drill	Timing and leverage	Beginner
2-on-1 Elevation Drill	Grip control and elevation	Intermediate
Butterfly to X-Guard Transition	Positional awareness	Advanced

Training butterfly guard isn’t just about the moves; it’s about understanding how to stay one step ahead. The position forces you to think strategically, making it a favorite among both beginners and advanced practitioners.

For an in-depth breakdown of techniques like hook flips and sweeps, check out the 22-module butterfly guard course. It’s packed with everything you need to level up your game.

17. Butterfly Guard Live

Butterfly Guard Live is one of the most dynamic and engaging training games you can incorporate into your BJJ practice. It’s all about maintaining control, creating angles, and timing your sweeps against a resisting opponent. This drill is perfect for sharpening your ability to react quickly and stay balanced under pressure.

Key Benefits of Butterfly Guard Live

Improves timing and precision for sweeps and transitions.
Builds core strength and stability while in a seated position.
Enhances your understanding of leverage and hooks in real-time scenarios.

How to Play

Start in the Butterfly Guard Position: The person on the bottom begins seated with their hooks in (feet inside their partner’s thighs) and grips on their opponent’s sleeves, collar, or body.
Top Player Applies Pressure: The top player’s goal is to pass the guard using pressure or speed, while the bottom player works to maintain control and execute sweeps.
Set a Timer: Work in short, intense rounds (e.g., 2-3 minutes), then switch roles.

Pro Tips

Focus on creating angles by using your hooks and upper body to twist your opponent off balance.
Don’t forget to keep your posture upright—slouching makes it easier for your partner to flatten you out.
Use this game to experiment with different grips and see what works best for your sweeps.

Practicing Butterfly Guard Live regularly will skyrocket your ability to transition between positions fluidly. It’s a must-have drill for anyone serious about improving their guard game.

For a deeper dive into transitioning between half guard and butterfly guard, including bodylock entries and pressure passing, check out this guide.

18. Open Guards

Open guards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are like a chess game with your legs. They allow you to control your opponent from a distance, setting up sweeps, submissions, or transitions while keeping yourself out of immediate danger. Mastering open guards can be a game-changer for your BJJ journey.

What Makes Open Guards Special?

Flexibility: Open guards adapt to different opponents and situations.
Control from Distance: You use leverage and angles instead of brute force.
Endless Variations: From Spider Guard to De La Riva, there’s always something new to explore.

Popular Types of Open Guards

Spider Guard: Uses grips on your opponent’s sleeves and pressure from your feet to control their upper body.
De La Riva Guard: Involves hooking one leg around your opponent’s, giving you strong control and sweep options.
Lasso Guard: Focuses on wrapping your leg around their arm for tight control.

Tips for Training Open Guards

Start with drills that focus on grip strength and leg dexterity.
Practice transitioning between different open guards to stay unpredictable.
Work with a partner to simulate real sparring scenarios.

Open guards aren’t just about defense; they’re a platform for creativity. Play around with different setups and see what clicks for your style.

For those looking to dive deeper into this topic, Improving your guard game in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers excellent insights into mastering open guard variations like Spider Guard and De La Riva.

19. Open Guards Live

When it comes to "live" training, Open Guards Live is where things get really interesting. This is the perfect opportunity to test your ability to control distance, maintain posture, and execute sweeps or submissions under pressure. It’s a dynamic way to truly understand the nuances of open guard positions.

Why Practice Open Guards Live?

Open guard positions are all about adaptability. They give you freedom of movement but also require sharp timing and awareness. Practicing live means you’ll:

Learn to react to your opponent’s movements in real-time.
Develop better grips and foot placement.
Improve your transitions to other guards or attacks.

Tips for Success

Start Slow: If you’re new, begin with a specific goal, like maintaining the guard for 30 seconds.
Experiment: Try different open guard styles, like De La Riva, Spider, or Lasso.
Communicate: After each round, discuss what worked and what didn’t with your partner.

Open Guards Live isn’t just about winning a roll; it’s about refining your ability to control and adjust. The more you engage in this drill, the more confident you’ll feel in unpredictable scenarios.

20. Introduction to BJJ Minigames

BJJ minigames are a fun and super effective way to shake up your training routine. They’re not just for kids or beginners—everyone from white belts to seasoned black belts can benefit. Think of them as bite-sized, focused challenges that help you hone specific skills in a way that’s approachable and engaging.

What Are BJJ Minigames?

At their core, these games are structured drills with clear rules and objectives. They’re designed to mimic real-life grappling scenarios, but with added constraints that make you think and adapt on the fly. For example, you might play a game where you’re only allowed to use one hand to defend your guard. Sounds tricky, right? That’s the point! The idea is to isolate certain movements or decisions and improve them without the pressure of full sparring.

Why Add Games to Your Training?

Here’s why BJJ minigames are a game-changer:

Focused Skill Development: Each game targets a specific skill, like guard retention, balance, or grip fighting.
Less Pressure, More Learning: By removing the “win or lose” mindset, you can experiment and take risks.
Inclusive for All Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, these games can be scaled to your skill level.

Examples of Popular Minigames

Here are a few examples to get you started:

The No Hands Guard Game: Try defending your guard without using your hands. This helps build strong hip movement and leg dexterity.
The Underhook Game: Focus entirely on gaining and maintaining underhook control.
Float Like a Butterfly Game: Work on staying light and mobile while maintaining positional control.

Training doesn’t always have to be serious or repetitive. Minigames bring a sense of playfulness back to the mats, and that’s where the magic happens.

If you want to explore how systems like these fit into broader grappling strategies, check out a conversation with Andy from the School of Grappling, where systems theory and chaos in training are discussed. It’s a fascinating way to rethink your approach to improvement.

21. Mindset for Game-Based Learning

Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with game-based methods isn’t just about having fun on the mats—though that’s a bonus. It’s about creating an environment where you and your training partners can grow together. The right mindset transforms these games into powerful tools for improvement. Here’s how to approach it:

Why Focus on Mindset?

Exploration Over Perfection: The goal isn’t to win every game but to learn. Experiment with techniques, even if they don’t always succeed.
Build Mental Toughness: Facing challenges in a playful setting helps you stay calm and focused under pressure, especially during competitions like the Orlando Jiu-Jitsu events.
Mutual Growth: These games aren’t solo efforts. You’re helping your partner improve while sharpening your own skills.

Key Principles for Success

Stay Open-Minded: Enter each game with the willingness to try new strategies.
Focus on Movement: Instead of obsessing over submissions or dominance, pay attention to fluid transitions and control.
Embrace Constraints: Many BJJ games introduce specific rules or limitations. These aren’t obstacles—they’re opportunities to refine specific aspects of your game.

Think of game-based learning as a laboratory for your BJJ. You’re testing ideas, refining techniques, and discovering what works for you in a low-pressure setting.

Practical Tips for Adopting the Right Mindset

Set Small Goals: For example, aim to maintain top control for 30 seconds rather than submitting your partner.
Communicate: Talk with your training partners about what you’re both hoping to work on.
Reflect: After training, think about what went well and what could be improved.

Whether you’re preparing for a competition or just looking to sharpen your skills, adopting a game-based mindset will make your training more effective and engaging. Remember, it’s not about winning the game—it’s about becoming a better grappler every time you play.

22. Engagement Phase Game

The Engagement Phase Game is all about sharpening your initial contact and reactions during a roll. This phase is where the match starts to take shape—it’s the foundation for everything that follows. Mastering this phase can make a huge difference in your overall game.

Why It’s Important

Timing: Learn to anticipate your opponent’s moves right from the start.
Control: Establish your grips, frames, or ties early.
Confidence: A strong engagement phase sets the tone for the rest of the roll.

How to Play

Set the Rules: Both players start standing or in a neutral position.
Define the Goal: Focus on securing a dominant grip, tie, or position.
Time It: Keep rounds short—about 1-2 minutes—to encourage quick decision-making.

Tips for Success

Be Patient: Don’t rush. Let your opponent reveal their intentions.
Stay Balanced: Maintain a solid base to avoid being swept or taken down.
Experiment: Try different grips or angles to see what works best for you.

"The Engagement Phase Game is like a chess opening—it’s not about winning immediately but setting yourself up for success later."

For those looking to train like the pros, integrating concepts from Westside Barbell BJJ athletes into this game can elevate your strength and conditioning alongside your technique. It’s a great way to combine strategy with physicality.

23. Engagement Phase Game Live

The Engagement Phase Game Live is where things really start to click for most practitioners. This game focuses on the dynamic entry into grappling exchanges, sharpening your ability to control distance and initiate meaningful engagements. It’s all about creating opportunities while staying safe from counters.

Key Objectives:

Practice maintaining balance while entering exchanges.
Develop timing for grips and foot positioning.
Improve reactions to your opponent’s movements.

How It Works:

Set the Stage: Start with both players standing, maintaining a light bounce to stay mobile.
Limit the Scope: The goal is to achieve a dominant grip or position without completing a takedown.
Time It: Each round lasts about 2-3 minutes, ensuring high intensity without burnout.

Rules:

No takedowns allowed—focus on grip fighting and positioning.
If either player is pushed out of the designated mat area, the other scores a point.
Reset to neutral after every successful grip or positional advantage.

"This game is perfect for building the confidence to engage without hesitation. It’s like sparring, but way more focused on the critical first moments."

For those looking to take their self-defense skills to the next level, this kind of drill can be a game-changer. Check out this self-defense course to see how these principles apply in real-life scenarios.

Pro Tip:

Keep your posture strong and your movements deliberate. Rushing in without a plan can leave you vulnerable, so think of each step as a calculated move in a chess game.

24. Collar Tie & Foot Position Game

The Collar Tie & Foot Position Game is a fantastic drill for grapplers looking to sharpen their stand-up game. This game emphasizes controlling the collar tie and managing footwork to maintain balance and positioning. It’s simple but incredibly effective for developing skills that transition seamlessly into live sparring or competition.

Key Objectives:

Control the Collar Tie: Focus on securing a strong collar tie while preventing your partner from dominating yours.
Footwork Awareness: Maintain proper foot positioning to stay balanced and ready to react.
Reaction Speed: Quickly adapt to your partner’s movements and counter effectively.

How to Play:

Start in a neutral stance with your partner.
Engage in a collar tie battle. The goal is to secure control without losing your balance or getting outmaneuvered.
Incorporate footwork drills, such as stepping and circling, to simulate real-world scenarios.
Set a timer for 2-3 minutes per round, then switch partners or roles.

Pro Tips:

Keep your knees bent and stay light on your feet. This helps you react faster.
Use your free hand to monitor your partner’s movements and block potential attacks.
Focus on grip strength and posture to avoid getting pulled off balance.

Practicing this game regularly will give you a massive edge in scrambles and takedown setups. It’s not just about strength—it’s about timing and precision.

For those interested in refining their takedown and scrambling abilities, this game pairs excellently with resources that emphasize integrating wrestling techniques into Jiu-Jitsu, such as mastering scrambles.

25. Collar Tie & Foot Position Game Live and more

The "Collar Tie & Foot Position Game Live" is a dynamic and interactive way to sharpen your stand-up grappling skills. It’s all about combining movement and strategy in real-time, focusing on controlling your opponent’s posture and maintaining superior positioning. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your training:

Why This Game Works

Live Feedback: Practicing in a live setting allows you to instantly adjust and refine your techniques.
Focus on Fundamentals: It emphasizes essential stand-up principles like balance, posture, and grip control.
Adaptability: This game mimics real scenarios, making it perfect for all levels of practitioners.

How to Play

Start in a neutral standing position with your partner.
The goal is to establish a strong collar tie while maintaining dominant foot positioning.
Use footwork to circle, pivot, and counter your partner’s movements.
Points can be awarded for achieving control or forcing your partner into a defensive posture.

Tips for Success

Stay Light on Your Feet: Avoid being flat-footed to maintain mobility.
Read Your Partner: Watch their hips and shoulders to anticipate movements.
Mix It Up: Alternate between aggressive and defensive strategies to keep your partner guessing.

"The Collar Tie & Foot Position Game Live" is not just about winning—it’s about learning to flow with your partner and building confidence in your stand-up game.

For anyone looking to refine their wrestling techniques, consider checking out precision foot sweeps to complement this game. It’s a fantastic way to round out your stand-up skills and become a more versatile grappler.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it—some of the best BJJ training games to level up your skills, no matter where you’re starting from. These games aren’t just about having fun (though that’s a big part of it); they’re a smart way to focus on specific areas of your game while keeping things fresh. Whether you’re a white belt figuring out the basics or a seasoned black belt looking to refine your craft, there’s something here for everyone. Give these a try during your next session, and who knows? You might just discover a new favorite way to train. Happy rolling!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of BJJ training games?

BJJ training games help you develop specific skills in a fun and focused way. They allow you to improve areas like guard retention, balance, and transitions while keeping the training engaging.

Are these games suitable for beginners?

Yes, these games are designed for all levels. Beginners can use them to build foundational skills, while advanced practitioners can refine their techniques.

Do I need a partner to play these games?

Most BJJ games require a partner to simulate real-life scenarios. However, some drills can be done solo to improve movement and coordination.

How do these games differ from regular rolling?

Unlike regular rolling, these games focus on specific situations or techniques. They give you a chance to repeatedly practice and improve in a controlled setting.

Can I use these games to prepare for competitions?

Absolutely! These games simulate common positions and situations you’ll encounter in competitions, making them great for preparation.

What equipment do I need to start?

All you need is a mat and a willing training partner. Some games may require a gi, but many can be done in no-gi as well.

How often should I include games in my training?

You can include games in every training session or a few times a week. They’re flexible and can be adapted to fit your schedule.

Are there games for specific positions like guard or mount?

Yes, there are games tailored for various positions, such as guard, mount, side control, and more. Each game focuses on improving your skills in that particular area.