BJJ TALK: THE A-Z BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU ALPHABET (PART 1)

Do you understand the language of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Are you confused by the sheer number of crazy names that come in several different languages, from Japanese to Portuguese? Well, you’re not alone. Jiu-Jitsu is vast, and we like to name things. So, you get plenty of different names for just about everything that happens. Yet, if you are a beginner, you shouldn’t worry too much about all the BJJ talk. Instead, focus on learning the Jiu-Jitsu alphabet first, so that you can converse in the language fluently one yourself.

The concept of the BJJ alphabet is a really cool one. For beginners, it may prove to be the bridge they need to start understanding exactly what older students are talking about most of the time. With that in mind, we connected each letter of the English alphabet to a corresponding BJJ phrase, word, move, etc. in order to help beginners find sense in the Gentle Art. It may turn out to help even older students though.

How To Talk The BJJ Talk
It often happens at BJJ seminars, or camps, that people can’t talk to each other because of language barriers. And still, they can train together, they understand what’s going on at the seminar and can communicate perfectly through BJJ. Jiu-Jitsu is a language in itself, one that helps people who know it has some of the most meaningful “conversations” they will ever have.

And still, if we take a look at the more practical side of Jiu-Jitsu as a language, you’ll see that there’s too much stuff in there to be able to categorize in any meaningful way. The freedom of BJJJ allows people to constantly name things in ways that make sense to them. While at a gym level that’s not a big deal, for those that have a huge influence on the sport, coming out with original nomenclature can have worldwide consequences. Just look at Eddie Bravo as the perfect example. Half the time nobody knows what 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu folks are talking about, with everything having its own (weird and funny) name.

The same holds true for others, like Danaher for example. He just likes to use old-school Japanese terms much more than crazy names that make people laugh. As BJJ evolves, people keep adding to the language, both in terms of moves and names that correspond with them. However, just like any other language, BJJ talk is based on some common foundations. Those are the letters of the BJJ alphabet. And, since it is really hard to categorize BJJ in any sort of way, we took the alphabet format to try and make things make more sense for people that are just starting out in the art.

THE BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU ALPHABET FOR BEGINNERS

What exactly is the BJJ alphabet? Who knows. It may be different for everyone out there. However, in terms of the alphabet we all know and use every day, we can offer you 26 BJJ talk phrases and terms, that will help you understand just what is happening on those mats. After all, you only need the basics – you’ll start speaking Jiu-Jitsu in a short time for yourself, and you’ll be able to understand literally every grappler in the world.

A: Armbar

The armbar is a classic grappling move and a staple of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a joint lock that attacks the elbow joint and can cause serious damage. Can be done from a bunch of positions and is one of the first things you’ll learn in JIu-JItsu. Moreover, the armbar is a weapon you’ll be bel to use at every belt level.

B: Bridge

A fundamental BJJ motion that you’ll hear about over and over again. From having it explained in training to having it shouted at you while you’re competing. One of the three fundamental defensive BJJ movements, you’ll be bridging in every direction as long as you train Jiu-Jitsu.

C: Choke

One of the most used words in BJJ talk. It refers to every submission that attacks the neck, whether it is done with just your hands, or using the collars and lapels of the Gi. The best and ultimate way of winning a match, with the rear-naked choke being the one you’ll hear about the most (probably).

D: Defense

Absolutely necessary. How do you approach Jiu-Jitsu in a smart way? Learn to defend every position, before you learn to attack from them. Easy. Thinking about defense will make you better at offense too because you’ll know the walls you need to tear down in order to get that choke or armbar.

E: Enjoy

The one thing everyone should do is enjoy Jiu-Jitsu. The moment you walk through the academy doors, it should all be about positive experiences and enjoyment. Have fun, find satisfaction in everything, from tapping people out to tapping out yourself.

F: Fail

You’ll often hear instructors and more experienced belts talk about failing. One thing is for certain, you will fail with plenty of things you give a try in BJJ. That’s how you get better at it. The lessons failure brings about are some of the bet you’ll learn in Brazilian JIu-Jitsu and life.

G: Grips

Another staple of BJJ talk that you’ll never stop hearing. You can’t grapple with someone if you don’t hold them. Grips are a way of connecting to your opponent, and there are plenty of variations in Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’ll be breaking grips or looking for grips, you’ll need to learn as many as you can.

H: Hips

Try doing any physical activity without engaging your hips. You can’t, right? Hips in Jiu-Jitsu have the most crucial role of all – to help you move through space. Hip escapes, hip heists, hip switching, stand-ups, hip pressure… the list goes on and on. Be mindful of your hips and what they’re doing at all times.

I: Invent

The one thing about Jiu-Jitsu that I probably love the most (along with rolling, of course). Unlike traditional martial arts, BJJ encourages people to invent things and constantly move the borders on what can and can not be done.

J: Ju-Jitsu

A tribute to the origins of the art. Japanese Ju-Jitsu, the art of the Samurai is what gave birth to the BJJ we train today. Of course, it was Judo first, and then Gracie Jiu-Jitsu / BJJ, but it all started with Ju-Jitsu. Some Japanese terms are still a big part of BJJ talk, like Kimura. For example.

K: Kneebar

One of the best joint locks you can do in Jiu-Jitsu. The kneebar is akin to the armbar, just done on the leg. It is a move you can do in all sorts of competitions, In some, though, you’ll have to wait until you’re at a more advanced belt level until you’re allowed. However, it is never too early to start learning kneebars, so you might as well start now.

L: Lifestyle

As you’ll soon figure out, BJJ is more than a sport or martial art. It is an entire lifestyle that almost everyone who gets into the art adopts. Jiu-Jitsu will take over your life even before you learn all the BJJ talk, and you’ll soon look, talk, walk and live the act. And it is going to be the best thing that has happened to you.

M: Movement

This is a simple word but it holds within the essence of Jiu-Jitsu. In order to accomplish anything in BJJ, you need movement. However, you do not just need to move around You either need specific movement, or you need no movement at all. Once you understand which fits where Jiu-Jitsu will open up crazy new perspectives for you.

N: Neck

Protect it, attack it, control it, bend it, crank it. There are so many things you can do with the neck in Jiu-Jitsu, regardless if it si you own, or that of your opponent. If the hips are the driving force of everything in Jiu-Jitsu, the neck is the target you need to protect or look for at all times.

To be continued.

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