Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that rewards those committed to continuous learning. As you progress from the basics, there’s a whole world of advanced techniques waiting to be explored. While the fundamentals will always be important, dedicated grapplers will want to expand their skills with more advanced moves that can give them a strategic edge on the mat. We’ll break down five advanced Jiu-Jitsu techniques that can elevate your game and give you a deeper understanding of the art.

Key Takeaways:

• Advancing beyond the fundamentals requires practice and precision.
• Focus on mastering timing, transitions, and positioning with advanced techniques.
• Advanced moves offer greater control and submission opportunities.

1. Berimbolo: The Game-Changer for Guard Players

The Berimbolo is a dynamic and complex move often used by top-level competitors, especially in modern Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a guard sweep that transitions into a back take and requires a high degree of flexibility, balance, and timing. To perform the Berimbolo, you need to initiate the move by using your opponent’s lapel, sweeping them to the side, and creating the necessary angle to spin under them. While challenging to master, the Berimbolo can catch your opponent off guard, leading to dominant positions or even a submission.

Pro Tip: Practice your grip control and body positioning to successfully execute this move. The more efficient you are in the transition, the less room there will be for your opponent to escape.

2. X-Guard: Control and Submissions from the Bottom

The X-Guard position allows you to control your opponent’s legs while on your back. This advanced position gives you various attack options, including sweeps and submissions, and is highly effective for reversing dominant positions. With the X-Guard, you can keep your opponent off-balance and maintain a tight grip on their leg, setting up opportunities to transition into sweeps or submissions like the single leg X-take.

Pro Tip: Stay tight to your opponent’s leg and use your own body as a barrier. Practice different sweeps from the X-Guard to improve your versatility in transitions.

3. De La Riva Guard: A Classic with a Modern Twist

The De La Riva guard is a staple in both modern and classic Jiu-Jitsu, offering numerous sweeps, submissions, and transitions. From this open guard position, you control your opponent’s leg with your foot on their hip and your hand gripping their ankle or collar. The versatility of the De La Riva guard lies in its ability to transition into different sweeps and submissions, making it a go-to move for advanced grapplers.

Pro Tip: To maintain control, stay mobile in the De La Riva guard. Use your grips and footwork to shift angles and disrupt your opponent’s balance constantly.

4. Kimura Trap System: From Submission to Control

The Kimura trap system is a sophisticated series of submissions that revolve around the Kimura lock, which is a shoulder lock often seen in Jiu-Jitsu competitions. The system uses the Kimura grip to control your opponent’s arm, setting up a variety of follow-up techniques, including sweeps, submissions, and transitions. It’s particularly useful when your opponent is defending against an armbar or other submission attempts.

Pro Tip: The key to the Kimura trap is maintaining control of your opponent’s arm while staying in a dominant position. The more you flow through the different traps, the harder it becomes for your opponent to escape.

5. Heel Hook: The Leg Lock for Grapplers Ready to Expand Their Game

Heel hooks are a controversial and highly effective submission in advanced Jiu-Jitsu. This leg lock targets the knee joint by twisting the foot and applying pressure to the ligaments. While it requires careful attention to safety due to its potential for injury, it’s an extremely effective technique when used correctly. Heel hooks are especially useful in no-gi competitions, where guard passing and submissions are more common.

Pro Tip: Because heel hooks can be dangerous, it’s important to practice them with a partner who is experienced in leg locks. Focus on precision and control to ensure your training remains safe.

Take Your Jiu-Jitsu to the Next Level At Performance Jiu-Jitsu

Ready to take your Jiu-Jitsu skills to the next level? As you develop your Jiu-Jitsu skills, learning and incorporating these advanced moves will help you take your game to the next level. While mastering the fundamentals is essential, advanced techniques like the Berimbolo, X-Guard, De La Riva guard, Kimura trap, and heel hook provide new opportunities for dominance and submission. Remember, the key to mastering these moves lies in consistency, timing, and proper technique.

Join us at Performance Jiu-Jitsu and start learning these advanced techniques with expert instructors today.