Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym

Learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can feel like stepping into a world where everyone already knows the secret code. As a white belt, you’re still figuring out how to survive, breathe, and maybe even escape a few submissions. This is completely normal. In fact, everyone who’s trained in Jiu Jitsu classes has been there. This guide breaks down how to defend against the most common submissions you’ll face early on. You’ll also learn how to stay calm, think strategically, and make every roll in your Jiu Jitsu gym a chance to grow. Understanding Submission Defense in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Defending submissions isn’t about muscling out of holds. It’s about staying one step ahead. When you learn to recognize danger early, you can react before it’s too late. In martial arts, defense begins with awareness. When you know what’s coming, you don’t panic. You create space, manage distance, and keep your posture strong. That’s what separates a beginner who gets tapped ten times a round from one who starts escaping. In Jiu Jitsu classes, you’ll often hear instructors say, “Position before submission.” That’s key. Good defense starts with maintaining solid positions so you never end up trapped in the first place. The Importance of Staying Calm Under Pressure Panic is the enemy in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. When you tense up, your breathing shortens, and you make mistakes. The best defense begins with composure. Whenever someone locks in a submission, slow things down. Ask yourself, “Where’s the pressure?” Then, think about how to create space or change your angle. This mindset helps you stay focused, even when things look bad. Many white belts hold their breath or fight with strength. Instead, try to breathe deeply. Stay relaxed. You’ll find more room to move, and you’ll see opportunities to escape. Common Submissions Every White Belt Should Know White belts usually face the same group of submissions over and over. Understanding them will help you prepare your defenses. Here are a few you’ll meet often in any Jiu Jitsu gym: Armbar Triangle choke Rear naked choke Guillotine choke Kimura Each attack targets a specific part of the body, but the defensive principles are similar. You want to protect your posture, control the attacker’s grip, and create space before the submission gets locked in. How to Defend the Armbar The armbar is one of the first submissions you’ll face in Jiu Jitsu classes. It targets your elbow joint by extending your arm past its limit. To defend early, keep your elbows close to your body. Don’t let your opponent isolate one arm. If they manage to swing their leg over your head, stack your weight forward to relieve pressure. Then, grip your hands together tightly and move your trapped arm toward their knee line to escape. Never try to yank your arm free with force. That can lead to injury. Instead, use angles and weight to slowly free your elbow. How to Defend the Triangle Choke The triangle choke happens when your opponent traps your head and one arm between their legs. It’s a classic submission in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and can come on fast. Your first goal is to keep good posture. Don’t leave one arm inside and one arm outside their legs. If you feel the setup, pull both arms back and posture up immediately. When caught deeper, drive your trapped arm across their body and look up to relieve pressure. If you’re stuck, use your free hand to push on their knee and create space to escape. Timing is everything, so recognize the setup before it tightens. How to Defend the Rear Naked Choke Getting your back taken is tough for any white belt. The rear naked choke can end matches quickly if you don’t react fast. Start by protecting your neck. Keep your chin tucked and your hands fighting to control their choking arm. Try to bring your shoulders to the mat to escape one hook at a time. If they start locking the choke, use both hands to peel their top arm. Don’t waste energy pulling their bottom arm, as that doesn’t help. Once you’ve freed the grip, turn into them to face your opponent. That small turn can save you. How to Defend the Guillotine Choke The guillotine is another common submission you’ll meet during sparring in martial arts training. It usually happens when you shoot for a takedown with your head low or leave your neck exposed. To defend, posture up right away. Don’t let them wrap your head deeply. If they’ve already got the grip, move to the side opposite their choking arm and push their elbow to create space. Stay patient and avoid pulling back, which only tightens the choke. Once free, control their hips to stop a follow-up attack. How to Defend the Kimura The Kimura is a shoulder lock that catches many beginners off guard. It often starts from guard or side control. When you feel your opponent grab your wrist, don’t let them complete the figure-four grip. Keep your elbow close to your ribs and straighten your back. If the grip’s locked, walk your body toward their head to reduce the pressure. From there, grab your belt or pants to keep your arm safe. Slowly work your arm back inside for defense. Remember, your posture and timing are everything here. Building Smart Habits for Better Submission Defense Good defense doesn’t come from memorizing moves. It comes from habits that keep you safe in every position. Here are some habits that help you defend better: Keep your elbows close to your body. Always protect your neck and posture. Learn to recognize setups early. Breathe calmly under pressure. Focus on escaping the position before the submission. When you train consistently at your Jiu Jitsu gym, these habits become automatic. That’s when defense starts feeling natural instead of forced. Why Position Matters More Than Strength Beginners often try to muscle their way out of submissions. But strength fades fast, and technique always wins in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. When you’re caught, think about your position first. Are your hips low or high? Is your spine straight? Adjust these small details before trying to power out. Strong posture makes it harder for your opponent to attack. With time, you’ll learn how to use leverage instead of muscle, which is one of the greatest lessons martial arts can teach. How to Train Submission Defense in Jiu Jitsu Classes You can improve your defense with targeted training drills. Most Jiu Jitsu classes include positional sparring, where you start in bad spots. This helps you practice staying calm and working your escapes. When rolling, ask higher belts to start from dominant positions. Let them attack submissions, and practice defending instead of escaping immediately. You’ll build awareness and learn how to manage pressure. Another great drill is called “escape only rounds.” You let your partner control and attack while your only job is to stay safe and escape. It’s tough but helps you grow fast. The Mental Side of Submission Defense Submission defense isn’t only physical. It’s mental. The ability to stay patient and think under stress defines progress in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. You’ll get tapped many times. That’s normal. What matters is how you respond. Treat each submission as feedback. Ask your training partner what you missed or how they set it up. This mindset builds resilience. Over time, you’ll notice that fewer submissions land because your awareness improves. Answering a Common Question: How Can I Stop Getting Tapped So Often? New white belts often ask this question. The short answer is: focus on defense first. Instead of trying to win every roll, try to survive longer. Learn how to keep your posture, escape bad positions, and breathe under pressure. You’ll start lasting longer, and soon you’ll spot openings for offense too. Think of it like building a foundation. Once your defense is solid, everything else becomes easier. Learning From Every Submission Every time you tap, you learn. That’s part of why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is so rewarding. Even the best practitioners in the world started where you are. After class, take notes on what caught you. Maybe it was leaving your arm extended, or maybe your posture broke down. Write it down, and ask your coach for tips. Over time, you’ll notice patterns. Fixing those small habits leads to huge improvements. Why Training at a Quality Jiu Jitsu Gym Matters Training environment plays a huge role in your progress. A good Jiu Jitsu gym offers structured classes, helpful instructors, and safe training partners. If you’re searching for guidance, try visiting the best BJJ gym near me and see what kind of instruction they provide. You’ll notice how good coaching improves your defense faster. Look for gyms that focus on both offense and defense. A balanced approach helps you understand the art as a whole. Staying Motivated as a White Belt White belt is the toughest belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Everything feels new, and progress seems slow. But every class you attend builds your skill bit by bit. Celebrate small wins, like escaping a choke or lasting longer during sparring. Those moments show real progress. Keep training, keep asking questions, and stay consistent. Every black belt once stood where you are now. Conclusion Defending against common submissions takes time, awareness, and steady practice. As a white belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, your goal isn’t to win every round but to survive, learn, and grow. Remember, good defense starts with posture, calm breathing, and attention to detail. The more you train in your Jiu Jitsu classes, the more your reactions become automatic.