Why One Solid Move Per Position Is All You Really Need
If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or even if you’ve been training for a while, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There’s an ocean of techniques, endless YouTube videos, and every roll feels like a test you forgot to study for. One day it’s berimbolos, the next it’s buggy chokes, and meanwhile you’re still trying to figure out how to pass closed guard without getting swept into orbit.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need a hundred moves. You need a handful that you actually understand.
At Archimedes Jiu-Jitsu, we believe that simplicity is power. If you can build a strong, go-to move in each of the major positions, you’ll not only survive but thrive. Whether you’re a white belt looking to find your footing or a blue belt aiming to tighten things up, having just one effective move per position can make you feel more confident, more dangerous, and way less overwhelmed.
Why One Move Per Position Works
The truth is, the best in the world often stick to a few high-percentage techniques. Think about Hodger Gracie’s cross choke from mount. Marcelo Garcia’s arm drag to back take. They didn’t build their game on complexity; they built it on clarity and execution.
By narrowing your focus to one solid option per position, you develop:
- Clarity: You know what to do, so you do it faster.
- Confidence: You’re not hesitating or second-guessing.
- Consistency: You’re refining one move instead of dabbling in ten.
What Positions Are We Talking About?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the core positions where you should aim to have a go-to move:
- Bottom full guard
- Top closed guard
- Bottom half guard
- Top half guard
- Mount
- Side control top
- Side control bottom
- Back control (your back, their back)
- Standing (you and your opponent both standing)
- Your opponent is standing, and you’re on your back (open guard)
These don’t cover every scenario, but they cover most. Having one reliable move from each of these spots gives you a strong foundation to build from.
So What Should You Work On?
You don’t have to be flashy. You just have to be functional. Maybe it’s a knee shield sweep from half guard. A smash pass from top half. A collar drag from standing. Whatever it is, commit to it. Rep it. Ask your coaches for feedback. Use it in every roll until it becomes part of your muscle memory.
We tell our students: don’t just collect moves—build a system. And that system starts with one move per position.
Final Thoughts
Jiu-Jitsu is deep, but that doesn’t mean it has to be confusing. The more you simplify, the faster you progress. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath and ask yourself: “Do I have one move I trust from each major position?”
If not, that’s your new goal. And if you need help choosing them, we’re here to help.
See you on the mats.
- The Archimedes Jiu-Jitsu Team
