GLOSSARY

Tatame

/tah-TAH-meh/

The mat surface on which BJJ is trained. Borrowed from Japanese (畳, the woven straw mats of judo dojos) and used universally in Brazilian academies.

Japanese 畳 (tatami) via judo

Faixa

/FYE-shah/

Belt. In BJJ context refers to the rank-denoting belt: faixa branca (white), faixa azul (blue), faixa roxa (purple), faixa marrom (brown), faixa preta (black).

Professor

/pro-fes-SOR/

The teacher of a BJJ academy. Title of respect used for black belts (and increasingly brown belts) who lead instruction. In some lineages the term is reserved for those at coral belt rank or above.

Mestre

/MES-treh/

Master. Title of highest respect, reserved for coral belts (7th degree) and red belts (9th and 10th degree) in the IBJJF ranking system, and for individuals of foundational importance in their lineage.

Raspagem

/rahs-PAH-zhem/

Sweep. The act of reversing the opponent from a bottom guard position to a top position, typically scoring two points in IBJJF rulesets.

Passagem (de Guarda)

/pas-SAH-zhem/

Guard pass. The act of moving past the opponent's legs to establish side control, knee on belly, or mount, scoring three points in IBJJF.

Finalização

/fee-nah-lee-zah-SOWN/

Submission. A technique that forces the opponent to tap out via a choke, joint lock, or compression. Ends the match regardless of score.

Pegada

/peh-GAH-dah/

Grip. The handhold on the opponent's gi, body, or wrist that initiates and sustains a technique. The fight for pegada is the constant chess match of every BJJ exchange.

Postura

/pos-TOO-rah/

Posture, especially the upright posture maintained by the top player in closed guard. Loss of postura is the prerequisite for nearly every closed-guard attack.

Base

/BAH-zeh/

Base or balance. The structural stability of the body in any position. A grappler "with base" is hard to sweep; one "without base" is being swept already.

Ponte

/PON-cheh/

Bridge. The hip-extension movement used to elevate the opponent or escape pins. Foundation of the upa escape from mount and of the hip escape.

Fuga de Quadril

/FOO-gah deh kwah-DREEL/

Hip escape, the shrimping movement that is the universal warm-up of every BJJ academy. The foundation of guard recovery and side-control escape.

Guarda

/GWAR-dah/

Guard. The position from which the bottom player attacks using the legs. Includes closed, open, half, spider, lasso, De La Riva, x-guard, butterfly, and dozens of named variations.

Montada

/mohn-TAH-dah/

Mount. The dominant top position where the rider sits on the opponent's torso. Worth four points in IBJJF.

Cento por Cento

/SEN-too por SEN-too/

Side control. Literal translation "one hundred percent," named for the unrestricted pressure available from the position. Worth three points in IBJJF.

Costas / Pegada de Costas

/KOS-tahs/

Back / back control. Worth four points in IBJJF when both hooks are established. The most dominant position in jiu jitsu.

Mata Leão

/MAH-tah leh-OWN/

Rear naked choke. Literal "lion killer." The highest-percentage submission in combat sports.

De La Riva

/deh lah HEE-vah/

Open-guard variant in which the bottom player hooks one leg around the outside of the opponent's same-side leg. Named for Ricardo de la Riva Goded.

Named for Ricardo de la Riva Goded (b. 1957)

Lasso Guard / Guarda Lasso

/LAH-soo/

Open-guard variant in which one of the bottom player's legs threads through and wraps around the opponent's same-side arm, creating a powerful sleeve-and-leg control.

Omoplata

/oh-moh-PLAH-tah/

Shoulder lock executed with the legs trapping the opponent's arm. From the Portuguese word for the scapula.

Portuguese "omoplata" (shoulder blade), itself from Greek ōmos (shoulder) + platē (plate)

Berimbolo

/beh-reem-BOH-loh/

Inverted back-take technique from De La Riva guard. Developed by the Mendes brothers in the late 2000s. The name refers to the spinning capoeira instrument the bottom player's motion resembles.

From the capoeira "berimbolo" spinning motion

Gringo

/GREEN-goh/

Brazilian slang for a foreigner, used in BJJ academies to refer to non-Brazilian visitors and students. Not pejorative in BJJ contexts; often affectionate.

Treinão

/tray-NOWN/

A particularly long or intense training session, typically two hours or more, often involving multiple rounds of live sparring. "Big training."

Soco

/SOH-koh/

Brazilian Portuguese for "punch." Relevant in BJJ history because the soco-no-saco (sandbag punching) era marked the Gracie family's vale tudo conditioning training in the 1980s.

Submission / Finalização

/fee-nah-lee-zah-SOWN/

Any technique that forces an opponent to tap out. The ultimate objective of competitive BJJ in any ruleset that permits sub-only formats.

Absoluto / Absolute Division

/ab-soh-LOO-toh/

Open-weight tournament division where competitors of all weight classes face each other. The most prestigious title in any major BJJ competition.

Monoplata

/moh-noh-PLAH-tah/

Shoulder lock variant of the omoplata executed with only one leg trapping the opponent's arm, leaving the other leg free for additional control. Used when the standard omoplata cannot be set up.

Baratoplata

/bah-rah-toh-PLAH-tah/

Shoulder lock from the kimura position where the attacker rolls forward and locks the opponent's arm against their own back. Named for Rafael Lovato Jr.'s competition success with the technique.

Queda / Takedown

/KEH-dah/

Portuguese for "fall" — used in BJJ contexts to mean a takedown. Worth two points in IBJJF.

Levantada / Stand-Up

/leh-van-TAH-dah/

Standing up from a seated or supine position. The technical stand-up (levantada técnica) is the canonical Gracie self-defense version.

Montar / To Mount

/mon-TAR/

Portuguese verb "to mount" — the act of establishing the mount position. Used as common BJJ vocabulary in Brazilian academies.

Escapar / To Escape

/es-kah-PAR/

Portuguese verb "to escape" — the act of breaking free from a dominant position or submission attempt.

Drilar / To Drill

/dree-LAR/

Brazilian Portuguese verb form of "drill" — the practice of repeating a technique with a compliant partner to build muscle memory.

Graduação / Promotion

/grah-doo-ah-SOWN/

The ceremony or moment of promoting a student to the next belt rank. A significant event in BJJ academy life.

Luta Livre

/LOO-tah LEE-vrey/

Brazilian no-gi submission grappling discipline that developed in parallel to gi BJJ in the 20th century. The rivalry between Gracie BJJ and Luta Livre was a major feature of the Rio de Janeiro grappling scene in the 1980s and 90s.

Estilo / Style

/es-TEE-loh/

Portuguese for "style" — a competitor's personal expression of BJJ technique. Distinct from system (a coach's pedagogical framework) and game (the specific positions a competitor specializes in).

Lapela / Lapel

/lah-PEH-lah/

The collar/lapel of the gi. Used as a control surface, choking blade (via the gi loop or the threaded lapel guards), and grip anchor across the entire gi BJJ technical canon.

Manga / Sleeve

/MAN-gah/

The sleeve of the gi. The sleeve grip (pegada na manga) is one of the most important grip anchors in gi BJJ and underlies the entire spider guard / lasso guard system.

Gogoplata

/goh-goh-PLAH-tah/

Foot-on-throat strangulation executed from rubber guard, with the attacker's shin or foot pressed across the opponent's throat. 10th Planet system signature.

Pull Guard / Puxar Guarda

/POOL GARD / poo-SHAR GARD-ah/

Strategic choice to sit or fall to the back voluntarily rather than engage in a takedown exchange. Penalized in some submission-only formats.

Aluno / Student

/ah-LOO-noh/

Portuguese for "student" — used universally in Brazilian BJJ academies to refer to non-instructor members.

Treinador / Coach

/tray-nah-DOR/

Portuguese for "coach" — used in BJJ contexts for the person who runs competition training sessions, often distinct from the academy professor.

Roleiro

/hoh-LAY-roo/

Brazilian slang for a practitioner who emphasizes free-rolling and live sparring over technique drilling. The literal sense is "roller" — someone who rolls.

Pegueiro

/peh-GAY-roo/

Brazilian slang for a practitioner who specializes in grip-fighting (pegada). Used affectionately to describe gi competitors with exceptional hand-fighting and grip-breaking skill.

Boquilha / Mouthguard

/boh-KEE-lyah/

Mouthguard. Standard safety equipment for BJJ training, particularly important in no-gi and MMA contexts where strikes are part of the practice or scrambles can produce accidental impact.

Mão-de-Vaca

/mow-jee-VAH-kah/

Portuguese for "cow's hand" — the Brazilian name for the top wristlock submission. Reflects the gripping configuration used to apply the lock.

Vale Tudo

/VAH-lay TOO-doo/

Portuguese for "anything goes" — the Brazilian precursor to modern MMA, fought with minimal rules. Foundation of the Gracie family's public reputation pre-UFC.

Corredor

/KOH-heh-dohr/

Portuguese for "corridor" — the Brazilian term for the belt-whipping gauntlet at some promotion ceremonies. Same tradition, regional naming.

Pancadão

/pan-kah-DOW/

Portuguese slang term that featured in the Leandro Lo case — the venue where the killing occurred. Now associated with the tragedy.

Mundial

/mun-dee-AHL/

Portuguese for "World Championship" — the colloquial name for the IBJJF World Championship in Brazilian BJJ culture.

Pêndulo

/PEN-doo-loh/

Portuguese name for the pendulum / flower sweep. Describes the swinging arc of the bottom player's leg.

Tesoura

/teh-ZOH-rah/

Portuguese for "scissors" — the Brazilian name for the scissor sweep.

Brabo Choke

/BRAH-boh chohk/

Portuguese name for the D'Arce choke. Refers to its aggressive finishing pressure.

Preguiça (Felipe Pena)

/preh-GEE-sah/

Felipe Pena's nickname. Means "sloth" — references his deliberate pace and patient submission setups.

Cobrinha

/koh-BREE-nyah/

Rubens Charles' nickname. Means "little snake" — references his flexibility and speed.

Jacaré (Ronaldo Souza)

/zhah-kah-RAY/

Ronaldo Souza's nickname. Means "alligator" — references his aggressive submission style.

Mata Leão

/MAH-tah lay-OW/

Portuguese name for the rear-naked choke. Means "lion killer" — reflects lethal effectiveness.

Marcelinho

/mar-suh-LEE-nyoh/

Marcelo Garcia's diminutive nickname in Portuguese — affectionate form meaning "little Marcelo."

Buchecha

/boo-SHEH-shah/

Marcus Almeida's nickname. Means "chubby cheeks" — most decorated male IBJJF competitor with 13 World titles.

Oss / Osu

/oh-SS/

A multipurpose acknowledgment imported from Japanese martial-arts culture, used in BJJ academies to mean approximately "understood," "yes," or "ready." Overused by some, avoided by others, debated by all.

Japanese 押忍 (osu), karate origin

Kimura

/kee-MOO-rah/

A shoulder lock executed via a figure-four grip on the opponent's wrist. Named for Masahiko Kimura, who broke Helio Gracie's arm with it at Maracanã in 1951.

Named for Masahiko Kimura (1917–1993)

Sankaku

/sahn-KAH-koo/

Triangle. In modern leg-lock usage, refers to a figure-four position with the attacker's legs trapping the opponent's leg. Inside sankaku is the position of the inside heel hook.

Japanese 三角 (sankaku, triangle)

Ashi Garami

/ah-SHEE gah-RAH-mee/

Leg entanglement. The Japanese term for the variety of figure-four leg positions used to set up leg locks. Includes single-leg X, double trouble, 50-50, and inside sankaku.

Japanese 足搦 (ashi-garami, leg entanglement)

Gi / Kimono

/GHEE / kee-MOH-no/

The traditional uniform of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, consisting of a heavy cotton jacket and pants secured by a belt. Borrowed from the Japanese kimono used in judo.

Japanese 着 (gi, "wear") via judogi

Newaza

/neh-WAH-zah/

Japanese term meaning "ground techniques," used in judo and BJJ to refer to all techniques executed on the mat as opposed to standing.

Japanese 寝技 (newaza, "lying-down techniques")

Randori

/ran-DOH-ree/

Japanese term for free-form sparring practice. In BJJ contexts, equivalent to live rolling.

Japanese 乱取り (randori, "chaos-taking")

Dojo / Academia

/DOH-zhoh / ah-kah-DEM-yah/

The training space. In Japanese martial arts, "the place of the way." Most BJJ schools today use the Portuguese "academia" instead, but dojo is still occasionally used.

Japanese 道場 (dōjō, "place of the way")

Ukemi

/oo-KEH-mee/

Japanese term for break-falling — the techniques that allow a thrown grappler to land safely. Foundational to safe training, taught in the first weeks of any judo or BJJ program.

Japanese 受身 (ukemi, "receiving body")

Hadaka-Jime

/hah-DAH-kah-zhee-meh/

Japanese name for the rear naked choke. Literal translation "naked strangle" — i.e., a strangle that requires no gi.

Japanese 裸絞 (hadaka-jime, "naked strangle")

Juji-Gatame

/zhoo-zhee-gah-TAH-meh/

Japanese name for the cross-armlock (armbar). Literal translation "cross hold" — the body forms a cross shape around the trapped arm.

Japanese 十字固 (jūji-gatame, "cross hold")

Ude-Garami

/oo-deh-gah-RAH-mee/

Japanese term covering the figure-four shoulder locks, including both kimura and americana. Literal translation "entangled arm."

Japanese 腕緘 (ude-garami, "entangled arm")

Sankaku-Jime

/sahn-KAH-koo-zhee-meh/

Japanese name for the triangle choke. Literal translation "triangle strangle."

Japanese 三角絞 (sankaku-jime, "triangle strangle")

Kesa-Gatame

/keh-sah-gah-TAH-meh/

Scarf hold. A side-control variant where the attacker sits more upright with one of the opponent's arms trapped under their armpit. Common in judo, occasionally used in BJJ.

Japanese 袈裟固 (kesa-gatame, "scarf hold")

Kata-Gatame

/kah-tah-gah-TAH-meh/

Japanese name for the arm-triangle choke. Literal translation "shoulder hold" — the opponent's own shoulder is one blade of the choke.

Japanese 肩固 (kata-gatame, "shoulder hold")

Judogi

/zhoo-DOH-ghee/

Japanese term for the judo uniform. The BJJ gi is technically a variant of the judogi, with a tighter cut and heavier weave to resist the grip-fighting BJJ requires.

Japanese 柔道着 (jūdōgi, "judo wear")

Obi

/OH-bee/

Japanese term for the belt worn with a gi. Used occasionally in BJJ contexts; "faixa" (Portuguese) is more common in Brazilian academies.

Japanese 帯 (obi, "belt")

Kuzushi

/koo-ZOO-shee/

Japanese term for off-balancing — the moment in which the opponent's base is broken, opening the window for a throw, sweep, or takedown. Foundational concept in judo and increasingly explicit in modern BJJ pedagogy.

Japanese 崩し (kuzushi, "breaking")

Uchi Mata

/oo-chee MAH-tah/

Japanese term for the inner thigh throw — one of the highest-percentage takedowns in judo and a common entry to BJJ standing exchanges.

Japanese 内股 (uchi-mata, "inner thigh")

O-Soto-Gari

/oh-SOH-toh GAH-ree/

Japanese term for the major outer reaping throw — a foot-sweep variant where the attacker reaps the opponent's leg from outside.

Japanese 大外刈 (ō-soto-gari, "major outer reap")

Seoi Nage

/seh-OH-ee NAH-geh/

Japanese term for the shoulder throw — a hip throw where the opponent is loaded onto the attacker's back and thrown over the shoulder.

Japanese 背負投 (seoi-nage, "back-carry throw")

Ouchi-Gari

/oo-CHEE GAH-ree/

Japanese term for the major inner reaping throw. A foot-sweep variant where the attacker reaps the opponent's leg from the inside using their own leg.

Japanese 大内刈 (ō-uchi-gari)

Sumi-Gaeshi

/soo-mee gah-EH-shee/

Japanese term for the corner-reversal throw — a sacrifice throw in which the attacker falls backward while throwing the opponent over their head with a foot in the hip.

Japanese 隅返 (sumi-gaeshi, "corner reversal")

Tani-Otoshi

/tah-nee oh-TOH-shee/

Japanese term for the valley drop — a sacrifice throw used as a counter to forward-moving attackers.

Japanese 谷落 (tani-otoshi, "valley drop")

Inside Sankaku

/in-SYD san-KAH-koo/

Japanese term used in judo and Sambo for the inside-leg-triangle configuration that BJJ now calls saddle or 4-11.

Ashi-Garami

/AH-shee gah-RAH-mee/

Japanese term meaning "entangled leg" — the canonical leg-entanglement family that includes single-leg-X, saddle, and outside ashi.

Kuzushi

/koo-ZOO-shee/

Japanese term meaning "off-balancing." The first phase of any takedown — breaking the opponent's structural balance.

Hiza

/HEE-zah/

Japanese term for "knee." Used in technique names like hiza-guruma (knee-wheel throw) and hiza-jime.

Morote Gari

/moh-ROH-tay GAH-ree/

Japanese name for the double-leg takedown. Means "two-hand reap."

Kesa-Gatame

/keh-SAH gah-TAH-may/

Japanese for "scarf hold" — top-control position with attacker sitting on opponent's chest at 90-degree angle.

Tokei-Jime

/toh-KAY jee-MAY/

Japanese name for the clock choke. Means "clock strangle."

Kata-Gatame

/KAH-tah gah-TAH-may/

Japanese name for the arm triangle choke. Means "shoulder hold."

Tomoe Nage

/toh-MOH-eh NAH-gay/

Judo sacrifice throw flipping opponent over the attacker's head via foot-on-hip leg extension.

Uchi Mata

/OO-chee MAH-tah/

Japanese inner thigh throw — one of the most celebrated judo throws. Lifting leg between opponent's legs.

Osoto Gari

/oh-SOH-toh GAH-ree/

Japanese major outer reap throw — canonical judo reaping technique used in BJJ.

Sankaku-Jime

/SAN-kah-koo jee-MAY/

Japanese name for the triangle choke. Means "triangle strangle."

Tobikan Judan (Aoki)

/toh-bee-KAHN joo-DAHN/

Shinya Aoki's nickname. Means "tenth-degree master of flying submissions."

Ashikan Judan (Imanari)

/AH-shee-kahn joo-DAHN/

Masakazu Imanari's nickname. Translates approximately as "10th-degree leg-lock master."

Breakfalls (Ukemi)

/BRAYK-fawlz/

Falling-safety techniques derived from judo. Distribute impact across body to prevent injury.

Ukemi

/oo-KEH-mee/

Japanese name for breakfalls. Means "receiving with the body" — the art of falling safely.

Armbar / Armlock

/ARM-bar/

A joint lock attacking the elbow by extending the arm against the body. Called juji-gatame in judo. In Portuguese: chave de braço or armlock.

Sweep / Raspagem

/sweep/

Reversal from bottom to top. Worth two points in IBJJF. See raspagem for Portuguese usage.

Frame

/frame/

A rigid structure created with the forearms, elbows, or shins to maintain space against the opponent. Frames are passive (preserving distance) rather than active (creating it).

Shrimp

/shrimp/

The hip escape movement, named for the curled body shape it produces. The universal BJJ warm-up.

No-Gi

/NO-ghee/

Training and competition without the gi, using shorts and a rashguard. The dominant format in ADCC, EBI, and modern submission-grappling promotions.

Tap / Bater

/tap / bah-TER/

The act of conceding a submission by physically tapping the opponent or the mat, or by verbal acknowledgment. Tapping early is the foundation of safe training.

Spider Guard / Guarda Aranha

/SPY-der / GWAR-dah ah-RAH-nyah/

Open-guard variant using sleeve grips and feet on the opponent's biceps to control distance and create sweep angles.

Butterfly Guard / Guarda Borboleta

/BUT-er-fly / bor-bo-LEH-tah/

Seated open-guard with both feet hooked under the opponent's thighs. Marcelo Garcia's signature position.

X-Guard

/X-gard/

Open-guard configuration in which the bottom player wraps both legs in an X-shape around one of the opponent's legs from underneath.

50-50 / Cinquenta-Cinquenta

/fifty-fifty / sin-KWEN-tah/

Leg-entanglement position in which both players have one of each other's legs in a mirrored figure-four. Neutral structurally, with attack and defense identical for both players.

Kneebar / Chave de Joelho

/KNEE-bar/

Joint lock attacking the knee by hyperextending the leg, using the attacker's hips as the fulcrum. Legal in IBJJF nogi at brown belt; legal in gi at brown belt with restrictions.

Toe Hold

/TOH-hold/

Leg-lock rotating the opponent's ankle inward, affecting both the ankle joint and the medial knee structures. Legal in IBJJF nogi at brown belt and above.

Baseball Bat Choke / Bate-Estaca

/bate-es-TAH-kah/

Gi choke from side control or top half guard, using two collar grips opposite to each other to compress both carotids simultaneously, mimicking the grip of a baseball bat.

Cross-Collar Choke / Estrangulamento Cruzado

/CROSS-COL-er/

Blood choke using two opposite collar grips that cross at the wrist to compress both carotid arteries. The canonical gi mount finish.

Rolar / Rolling

/hoh-LAR / ROHL-ing/

Free-form sparring practice in BJJ. Portuguese "rolar" (to roll) is the canonical term and the source of the English "rolling."

Deep Half Guard

/DEEP HALF/

Half-guard variant where the bottom player slides their hips deep under the opponent's body and hugs a single leg, popularized by Roberto Gordo Correa and refined by Bernardo Faria.

Lockdown

/LOCK-down/

Half-guard leg configuration developed by Eddie Bravo where the bottom player traps the opponent's leg with a figure-four of the legs, enabling the electric chair and other 10th Planet techniques.

Electric Chair

/eh-LECK-trick CHAIR/

Sweep and submission from the lockdown half guard where the bottom player splits the opponent's legs and applies pressure on the hip or knee. Signature of the 10th Planet system.

Reverse De La Riva / RDLR

/reh-VERS deh lah HEE-vah/

De La Riva variant where the hook is inverted, with the bottom player's foot wrapped around the inside of the opponent's leg rather than the outside. Used as a counter to torreando-style passes.

Half Butterfly

/HALF BUT-er-fly/

Hybrid position combining half guard's trapped-leg control with butterfly guard's elevation hook. Used as a transitional offensive base.

Peruvian Necktie

/peh-ROO-vee-an NEK-tie/

Front-headlock choke where the attacker rolls forward over the opponent's back, locking the neck with both arms in a tie-like configuration. Named for Tony DeSouza, who popularized it in MMA.

Japanese Necktie / Gravata Japonesa

/gra-VAH-tah zhah-poh-NEH-zah/

Front-headlock blood choke that wraps the neck and one arm with both attacker's arms, finishing perpendicular to the opponent's body. Related to but distinct from the Peruvian necktie.

Hooks

/HOOKS/

The attacker's feet inserted inside the opponent's thighs in back control. Both hooks established is required for the four-point back control score in IBJJF.

Body Triangle

/BAH-dee TRY-ang-gel/

Back-control variant where the attacker's legs form a figure-four around the opponent's torso instead of using hooks. More secure than hooks but slower to establish.

Seatbelt

/SEAT-belt/

Back-control arm configuration where one arm goes over the opponent's shoulder and the other under the opposite armpit, locking the bodies together for choke and control.

Cross-Face

/CROSS-face/

Top-position control where the attacker's arm wraps around the opponent's head and pulls the chin away from the controlling side. Foundational to side control, mount, and pressure passing.

Underhook

/UN-der-hook/

Grip configuration where the attacker's arm passes under the opponent's armpit, providing upper-body lever. Critical in half guard, butterfly guard, and standing exchanges.

Whizzer

/WHIZ-er/

Defensive overhook applied to the opponent's shoulder, typically used to prevent a single-leg takedown or to defend against the dogfight sweep.

Sprawl

/SPRAWL/

Defensive technique against a takedown attempt where the defender drives the hips down and back, flattening the attacker's posture and removing the lifting angle.

Pummeling

/PUM-el-ing/

The constant in-and-out swimming of the arms used in clinch and grappling exchanges to establish or maintain underhook position.

Saddle / Honey Hole / 4-11

/SAD-el/

Leg-entanglement position in which the attacker's legs trap the opponent's leg in a figure-four with the captured knee locked. Primary entry to the inside heel hook in the Danaher system.

Truck Position / 4-11 Back

/TRUK/

Position related to back control where the attacker is perpendicular underneath the opponent. Primary entry to the calf slicer and various leg-lock attacks.

Crab Ride

/KRAB RIDE/

Open-guard control position where the bottom player hooks both legs around the opponent's thighs from behind while sitting up. Used as a back-take entry from inverted positions.

Dogfight

/DOG-fight/

Half-guard scramble position where both players are facing each other on their knees, fighting for underhooks and back-take angle. Eddie Bravo / 10th Planet terminology.

Gable Grip

/GAY-bel grip/

Hand grip where the palms face each other and clasp together without interlacing the fingers. Named for Olympic wrestler Dan Gable. Used in body-lock, headlock, and triangle finishes.

RDLR / Reverse De La Riva

/R-D-L-R/

Reverse De La Riva guard. Open-guard variant where the hook is inverted, with the bottom player's foot wrapped around the inside of the opponent's leg.

Guard Pull

/GARD PULL/

Strategic choice to sit down or fall to the back voluntarily, pulling the opponent into the bottom player's guard rather than engaging in a takedown exchange. Common in sport BJJ but penalized in some submission-only formats.

A-Game

/AY-game/

A competitor's strongest set of techniques and positions, refined through years of training and competition. Distinct from B-game (situational answers) and C-game (defensive fundamentals).

Flow Rolling / Rolar Light

/FLOH ROHL-ing/

Low-intensity sparring practice where both partners move continuously without forcing positions or finishes. Used for technique integration and conditioning rather than competitive pressure.

Open Mat

/OH-pen MAT/

Unstructured training session where practitioners roll freely without formal instruction. Common on Saturdays at most BJJ academies.

Superfight

/SOO-per-fight/

High-profile single match between two elite competitors outside the normal tournament structure. Pioneered by ADCC and now common in WNO, Polaris, and CJI.

Tap Tap Tap

/TAP/

Verbal tap-out when the hands are not available to physically tap. Saying "tap" repeatedly is universally recognized as a submission concession.

Spider Web

/SPY-der WEB/

Submission position popularized by EBI overtime, where the attacker has both legs trapping the opponent in an armbar-like configuration. Resembles a spider's web wrapping the prey.

Connection

/kuh-NEK-shun/

The principle of maintaining continuous physical contact between attacker and opponent during transitions. Foundational to the Rickson Gracie "invisible jiu jitsu" concept.

Tap to Grip

/TAP to GRIP/

Modern submission grappling convention of tapping when a finishing grip is established rather than waiting for joint pain. Standard practice for leg locks where damage precedes pain.

Sambo

/SAM-bo/

Russian grappling art with significant leg-lock and pinning emphasis. The technical influence of sambo on modern BJJ leg-lock systems is substantial; many Danaher-era heel-hook entries derive from sambo prototypes.

Russian САМБО (САМозащита Без Оружия, "self-defense without weapons")

Twister

/TWIST-er/

Spinal lock developed by Eddie Bravo, executed from the truck position. The signature finish of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and one of the few entirely new submissions invented in BJJ in the modern era.

Buggy Choke

/BUG-ee CHOHK/

Defensive blood choke executed from underneath side control, popularized by Kade Ruotolo in the early 2020s.

Estima Lock

/es-TEE-mah LOK/

Foot-lock variant combining toe hold and straight ankle lock mechanics. Developed by the Estima brothers (Victor and Braulio) in the late 2000s.

Suloev Stretch

/soo-LOH-ev STRECH/

Hamstring and lower-back compression lock developed by Russian fighter Amar Suloev. Targets soft tissue rather than joints; illegal in IBJJF.

Mission Control

/MIH-shun kun-TROHL/

Rubber guard grip where the bottom player grips their own foot or ankle to lock the high leg across the opponent's back. 10th Planet terminology.

Chill Dog

/CHIL DOG/

10th Planet rubber guard variant where the bottom player adjusts the high-leg position to create a more sustainable hold. Eddie Bravo coinage.

Jiu Claw

/ZHOO KLAW/

10th Planet grip in which the rubber guard hand grips the opposite ankle rather than the same-side foot. Variant of mission control.

Crackhead Control

/KRAK-hed kun-TROHL/

10th Planet term for an extreme rubber guard position with the high leg pulled very tight against the opponent's neck. Eddie Bravo coinage.

Ringworm Guard

/RING-werm/

Lapel-guard variant developed in the 10th Planet system where the attacker threads the opponent's lapel through a series of wraps that resemble ringworm patterns.

Squid Guard

/SKWID GARD/

Lapel-guard variant where the bottom player threads their own lapel between the opponent's legs to create a control system. Popularized by Keenan Cornelius alongside worm guard.

Octopus Guard

/OK-toh-pus GARD/

Lapel-guard variant featuring multiple lapel threads creating an octopus-like control around the opponent. Modern competitive lapel-guard innovation.

Flying Armbar

/FLY-ing ARM-bar/

Armbar entry from standing where the attacker jumps to wrap the legs over the opponent and falls backward to complete the lock in a single motion.

Flying Triangle

/FLY-ing TRY-ang-gel/

Triangle entry from standing where the attacker jumps onto the opponent and locks the legs around the head and arm mid-air.

Sit-Up Guard

/SIT UP GARD/

Seated open-guard configuration where the bottom player remains upright with one or both hands on the opponent's wrist. Entry point to butterfly, x-guard, and arm-drag systems.

Williams Guard / 93 Guard

/WIL-yumz GARD/

Closed half-guard variant where the bottom player traps the opponent's arm inside their legs. Systematized by Caio Terra.

Body Lock

/BAH-dee LOK/

Grip configuration where both arms wrap around the opponent's hips with hands clasped in Gable grip. Foundation of the modern folding pass.

Instructional / Instrucional

/in-STRUK-shun-ul/

Video-based teaching product (DVD, online stream, or downloadable) typically produced by elite competitors covering specific technique systems. Primary income source for many modern professional grapplers.

Seminar / Seminário

/SEM-i-nar/

Multi-hour teaching session conducted by a visiting instructor at an academy. Common income source for traveling professional competitors.

Gracie Barra

/GRAH-see BAH-rah/

BJJ team founded by Carlos Gracie Jr. (the same Carlos who founded the IBJJF) in 1986 in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. One of the largest global BJJ networks with hundreds of affiliated academies.

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu

/ah-LY-uns/

BJJ team founded by Romero Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel, and Jacare Cavalcanti in 1993. Produced Marcelo Garcia, Fabio Gurgel, and many other elite competitors. One of the most decorated competitive teams in IBJJF history.

Atos Jiu-Jitsu

/AH-tohs/

BJJ team founded by Ramon Lemos in São Paulo in the early 2000s and refined into its modern competitive form by André Galvão in San Diego after 2008. Home to Rafael Mendes, Tainan Dalpra, Mica Galvao, and the modern Atos competitive roster.

Checkmat

/CHEK-mat/

BJJ team founded by Leo Vieira in 2008. Produced Marcus Buchecha, Lucas Hulk Barbosa, and multiple other IBJJF World Champions. One of the dominant competitive teams of the 2010s.

GFTeam

/G-F-TEEM/

Grappling Fight Team — BJJ team founded by Julio Cesar Pereira in 2000 in Rio de Janeiro. Produced Rodolfo Vieira, Theodoro Canal, and other elite heavyweights of the early 2010s competitive era.

New Wave Jiu-Jitsu

/NOO WAYV/

BJJ team founded by John Danaher and Gordon Ryan in Austin, Texas in 2021–2022 after the split from the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York. Home to Gordon Ryan and the modern Danaher competitive roster.

B-Team Jiu-Jitsu

/B-TEEM/

BJJ team founded by Craig Jones in Austin, Texas in the early 2020s as the primary competitive rival to New Wave. Home to Jones, Nick Rodriguez, Damien Anderson, and the broader B-Team competitive roster.

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu

/TENTH PLAN-et/

BJJ system founded by Eddie Bravo in the early 2000s as the first major no-gi-specific BJJ team. Developed the rubber guard, twister, lockdown, and dozens of now-canonical no-gi techniques.

Rashguard

/RASH-gard/

Tight-fitting compression shirt worn for no-gi BJJ training. Designed to prevent mat burn and friction injuries during prolonged contact.

Spats / Grappling Tights

/SPATS/

Tight-fitting compression pants worn for no-gi BJJ training. Similar function to rashguards but for the lower body.

Fight Shorts

/FYTE SHORTS/

Loose-fitting reinforced shorts worn over spats for no-gi BJJ training and MMA. Designed to permit full range of motion while preventing grip exploitation.

Imanari Roll

/ee-mah-NAH-ree ROHL/

Inverted rolling entry to the saddle position popularized by Japanese MMA grappler Masakazu Imanari. The attacker drops to the floor and rolls under the opponent's legs to capture the heel-hook position.

Clock Choke / Gravata Relógio

/KLOK CHOHK/

Gi blood choke applied against a turtled opponent by walking around the body in a clockwise direction while pulling the collar across the neck.

Banana Split

/bah-NAH-nah SPLIT/

Hip-and-groin compression submission applied by spreading the opponent's legs in opposite directions. Illegal in IBJJF due to soft-tissue injury risk.

Mir Lock

/MEER LOK/

Rotational shoulder lock named after MMA heavyweight Frank Mir. Targets the rotator cuff with an axial twist that differs from the conventional kimura direction.

Aoki Lock

/AH-oh-kee LOK/

Wristlock variation named after Japanese MMA specialist Shinya Aoki. Uses a specific angle of wrist rotation distinct from conventional BJJ wristlocks.

Cervical / Neck Crank

/ser-vee-KAHL/

Submission category attacking the cervical spine. Legal restrictions vary by ruleset — IBJJF gi prohibits most variants, IBJJF no-gi permits some at brown belt and above.

Scramble

/SKRAM-bul/

High-pace transitional exchange where neither practitioner has established positional control. Often produces back-takes, front-headlock chains, and submission attempts when one side capitalizes faster than the other.

Setup

/SET-up/

The technical sequence that establishes the position from which a submission, sweep, or pass can be executed. The setup is typically more difficult than the finish itself and is what distinguishes elite-level execution from intermediate-level execution.

Snap Down

/SNAP DOWN/

Wrestling-derived control technique in which the attacker pulls the opponent's head sharply downward to disrupt their posture and create front-headlock or back-take opportunities.

Collar Tie

/KOL-er TY/

Standing control grip in which the attacker grips the back of the opponent's neck with one hand. Used to control posture and set up takedowns.

Inside Trip

/IN-side TRIP/

Standing takedown in which the attacker steps the lead leg inside the opponent's lead leg and uses the body lock to drive the opponent backward over the trip.

Cradle

/KRAY-dul/

Wrestling-derived control position in which the attacker wraps an arm around the opponent's head and the opposite knee, locking the body into a curled position.

Penetration Step

/pen-eh-TRAY-shun STEP/

Wrestling-derived takedown entry in which the attacker steps deep between the opponent's feet with the lead leg, anchoring the body for the takedown finish.

Hand-Fight / Luta de Mãos

/HAND-fyt/

The continuous grip-and-control battle between practitioners, typically referring to standing exchanges or scrambles where neither side has established dominant control.

Lineage / Linhagem

/LIN-ee-uj / lin-YAH-zhem/

The technical and pedagogical chain through which a practitioner traces their training back to the originating instructors, typically through Mitsuyo Maeda and Kodokan judo.

Affiliation

/uh-fil-ee-AY-shun/

Formal membership of a BJJ academy with a larger team or federation. Includes shared branding, technical pedagogy, and competitive eligibility.

Lineage Tree

/LIN-ee-uj TREE/

Visual or narrative representation of a practitioner's technical descent from earlier generations, typically tracing back through Mitsuyo Maeda to Jigoro Kano.

Recovery

/ree-KUV-er-ee/

The process of physical and mental restoration after training. Includes active recovery, sleep, nutrition, and stretching.

Flow

/FLOH/

The continuous, mentally immersive movement state that elite grapplers describe during high-level matches.

Gas Tank

/GAS TANK/

Slang for cardiovascular conditioning and endurance. A "big gas tank" describes a practitioner who can maintain technique and intensity for long durations.

Rolls / Rolagens

/ROHLS / hoh-LAH-zhens/

Sparring rounds, typically 5–7 minutes each, that constitute the core of most BJJ training sessions.

Lapel Guard

/lah-PEL GARD/

Category of gi-specific guard variants that use the opponent's own gi lapels as control surfaces. Includes worm guard, squid guard, and octopus guard.

Framework / Framing

/FRAYM-werk/

The use of rigid structures (forearms, elbows, shins) to maintain space and prevent the opponent from establishing chest-to-chest contact.

Guard Retention

/GARD reh-TEN-shun/

The technical category of techniques used to prevent a guard pass from being completed. Includes hip movement, leg framing, grip retention, and inversion-based recoveries.

Submeta

/SUB-meh-tah/

Streaming BJJ instructional platform founded by Lachlan Giles. Features long-form technical instruction and analytical content.

BJJ Fanatics

/B-J-J fan-AT-iks/

Largest BJJ instructional content platform globally, founded by Michael Zenga in 2017. Distributes DVD-and-streaming products from elite instructors.

MGinAction

/M-G-in-AK-shun/

First major BJJ-specific streaming platform, launched by Marcelo Garcia in 2010. Established the subscription-based streaming model that subsequent platforms follow.

Lockdown

/LOK-down/

The figure-four leg configuration in half guard developed by Eddie Bravo. Extends the opponent's trapped leg downward to immobilize the hip.

Electric Chair

/eh-LEK-trik chair/

Signature 10th Planet sweep from the lockdown half-guard position. Combines underhook and lockdown stretch to dump the opponent backward.

Dogfight

/DOG-fyt/

The transitional scramble position from half guard with both players on knees battling underhooks. Resolves to sweep, pass, or stalemate.

Spider Web

/SPY-der web/

The juji-gatame armbar control position with the attacker perpendicular to the opponent on the ground. Legs across head and torso.

Top Wristlock (TWL)

/top RIST-lok/

The canonical wristlock submission, also called mão-de-vaca in Portuguese. Rotates the wrist past its normal range of motion.

Loop Choke

/loop chohk/

Gi-specific lapel choke that wraps the opponent's lapel around the back of the neck. Frequently set up during posture-breaking sequences.

Anaconda

/ah-nuh-KON-dah/

Front-headlock blood choke applied from a sprawled position. Mirror configuration of the D'Arce choke, finished by rolling onto the captured-arm side.

Mantis Guard

/MAN-tis gard/

Open guard variant where the bottom player operates from the knees with the opponent standing. Named for the praying mantis grip-and-strike posture.

Reverse Mount

/ree-VURS mownt/

Mount position rotated 180 degrees so the attacker faces the opponent's feet. Used as a setup for leg locks from the top.

Sprawl

/sprawl/

The takedown defense in which the defender extends the legs back and drops the hips to neutralize an opponent's shoot. Foundation of front-headlock attacks.

Shoot

/shoot/

Wrestling-derived takedown attempt in which the attacker drops the level and drives into the opponent's legs. Foundation of single-leg and double-leg takedowns.

Level Change

/LEV-ul chaynj/

The vertical drop of the hips to set up a takedown shot. Essential mechanical component of wrestling-derived takedowns.

Penetration Step

/PEN-uh-tray-shun step/

The forward driving step that follows a level change during a takedown shot. Drives the attacker through the opponent's base.

Whizzer

/WIZ-er/

Overhook grip used to defend underhook attempts, particularly during dogfight exchanges and half-guard scrambles.

Underhook

/UN-der-hook/

Arm position threading under the opponent's armpit. Provides upper-body control and is essential for many sweep, pass, and takedown mechanics.

Overhook

/OH-ver-hook/

Arm position threading over the opponent's shoulder. Used defensively against underhooks and offensively to set up kimuras and gogoplatas.

Crucifix

/KROO-suh-fix/

Control position with one of the opponent's arms trapped between the attacker's legs. Produces chokes, bow-and-arrow, and kimuras.

Far Side

/far syd/

The side of the opponent's body away from the attacker. Far-side attacks (far-side armbar, far-side kimura) target the opponent's far arm or far leg.

Near Side

/neer syd/

The side of the opponent's body closest to the attacker. Near-side attacks target the closer arm or leg.

Frame

/fraym/

Use of straight arms or shins to create structural distance between the attacker and the opponent. Foundation of guard retention and escape mechanics.

Post

/pohst/

The use of a hand or foot planted on the mat or opponent's body to maintain balance or create rotational leverage. Essential for sweep and pass mechanics.

Bridge

/brij/

The hip-thrust movement used to escape mount, side control, and other bottom positions. Foundation of the upa escape.

Shrimp

/shrimp/

The hip-escape movement used to create space underneath an opponent. Named for the curled body shape during execution. Foundational solo drill.

Technical Stand-Up

/TEK-ni-kal stand up/

The fundamental method of returning to standing from a seated position while maintaining defensive frames. Standard self-defense and competitive technique.

Pummel

/PUM-ul/

The hand-fighting motion of swimming the inside arm to convert from outside arm position to underhook. Foundation of clinch exchanges.

Pride FC

/pryd F-C/

Pride Fighting Championships — the Japanese MMA promotion that ran from 1997 to 2007 and served as the primary commercial venue for BJJ fighters of the era.

Shoot Wrestling

/shoot RES-ling/

Japanese hybrid grappling tradition emerging in the 1980s that combined wrestling, judo, and submission grappling. Precursor to Pride and modern Japanese MMA.

Belt Whipping

/belt WIP-ing/

The hazing tradition at some BJJ academies where the newly promoted student runs a gauntlet of teammates wielding old belts. Practiced at some lineages, not others.

Headquarters (HQ)

/HED-kwor-terz/

The canonical knee-hover control position from which most modern open-guard passes are launched. Systematized by John Danaher.

Long Step

/lawng step/

The pass from headquarters in which the passer steps the rear leg across the opponent's hip line in one long stride.

Knee Cut

/nee kut/

The fundamental open-guard pass that slides the passer's near knee across the bottom player's far leg.

Over-Under Pass

/OH-ver UN-der/

Pressure pass in which the passer threads one arm over and one arm under the opponent's leg, locking the leg in a smash configuration.

Stack Pass

/stak pas/

Fundamental closed-guard pass that lifts the bottom player's hips vertically into a stacked position before stepping over.

Saddle

/SAD-ul/

Modern leg-entanglement position used as the structural foundation for inside heel hooks. Also called 4-11, honey hole, or inside sankaku.

Honey Hole

/HUN-ee hohl/

Eddie Cummings' original term for the saddle position before John Danaher's clinical naming convention took over.

4-11

/for-uh-LEV-en/

Numerical name for the saddle position, referencing the 4 o'clock and 11 o'clock angles between attacker and opponent.

K-Guard

/K-gard/

Modern inverted open-guard variant developed by the Danaher Death Squad. Primary no-gi leg-lock entry. Named for the K-shape of the body.

Rubber Guard

/RUB-er gard/

High-guard system developed by Eddie Bravo. Uses leg-over-shoulder configuration to control the opponent's posture.

Mission Control

/MISH-un kun-TROHL/

Eddie Bravo's name for a key control configuration in the rubber-guard system. Sets up gogoplata, omoplata, and back-take chains.

Twister

/TWIS-ter/

Signature 10th Planet submission combining a neck crank with spinal compression from the truck position. Illegal in IBJJF gi competition.

Truck

/truk/

Back-control variant from the 10th Planet system. Structural entry to the twister submission.

Gogoplata

/goh-goh-PLAH-tah/

Rare submission using the attacker's own shin to choke the opponent's throat. Signature 10th Planet finish.

Inside Heel Hook

/in-SYD heel hook/

Highest-percentage modern no-gi submission. Attacks the knee by rotating the captured heel laterally from the saddle position.

Outside Heel Hook

/OWT-syd heel hook/

Heel hook variant rotating the captured heel toward the body's midline. Less common than inside heel hook in modern competition.

Calf Crush

/kaf krush/

Compression-lock that crushes the calf muscle into the back of the knee. Variant of calf slicer used from leg-entanglement positions.

Sambo

/SAHM-boh/

Soviet-developed grappling discipline. Combines wrestling, judo, and submission grappling. Major influence on modern BJJ leg locks.

Combat Sambo

/KOM-bat SAHM-boh/

MMA-style variant of sambo permitting strikes. Influential in Russian and Caucasian MMA traditions.

Sport Sambo

/sport SAHM-boh/

Judo-like variant of sambo with throws and pins. Olympic recognition through FIAS (International Sambo Federation).

Frame Escape

/fraym es-KAYP/

Fundamental mount escape using elbow-and-knee frames to create space for hip-escape and knee insertion.

Sit-Up Escape

/sit-up es-KAYP/

Fundamental side-control escape combining frame, sit-up motion, and knee insertion to recover half guard.

Hip Bump

/hip bump/

Fundamental closed-guard sweep combining wrist-grip post-removal with lateral hip motion. Chains to kimura attack if defended.

Inverted Guard

/in-VERT-ed gard/

Open guard variant where the bottom player operates from a head-and-shoulders-down inversion. Includes tornado guard and granby roll geometries.

Granby Roll

/GRAN-bee rohl/

Inverted roll used to escape from front-headlock and turtle positions. Originated in collegiate wrestling.

Streaming Event

/STREEM-ing ee-VENT/

Modern competitive grappling event format optimized for streaming distribution. Polaris, Who's Number One, and Quintet are examples.

Scissor Sweep

/SIS-er sweep/

Foundational closed-guard sweep using a scissoring leg motion to topple the opponent sideways.

Flower Sweep

/FLOW-er sweep/

Foundational closed-guard sweep using a pendulum-style swinging motion of the leg. Also called pendulum sweep.

Ankle Pick

/AN-kul pik/

High-percentage takedown that breaks the opponent's posture forward then captures the near ankle while driving the upper body back.

Monoplata

/mon-oh-PLAH-tah/

Single-leg variation of the omoplata shoulder lock applied from mount or side control.

Mounted Triangle

/MOWN-ted TRY-an-gul/

Triangle choke executed from a top mount position rather than from guard. Common attack from S-mount.

Banana Split

/buh-NAN-uh split/

Compression-lock submission forcing the opponent into a hyperextended leg split. Signature 10th Planet submission.

North-South

/north-sowth/

Top control position with attacker head-to-head with opponent. Scores 3 points in IBJJF (same as side control).

North-South Choke

/north-sowth chohk/

Blood choke from the north-south position. Marcelo Garcia signature submission.

S-Mount

/ES-mownt/

Mount variation forming an S-shape over the opponent. Direct entry to spider-web armbar and inverted triangle.

Technical Mount

/TEK-ni-kul mownt/

Mount variation with one knee posted up. Anchors against lateral bridges and sets up cross-collar choke.

High Mount

/hy mownt/

Mount variation with attacker climbed forward, chest against the opponent's face. Highest-control mount variant.

Mounted Crucifix

/MOWN-ted KROO-suh-fix/

Rare control position with both opponent arms trapped from a mounted position. Submission hub for chokes and armbars.

Paper Cutter Choke

/PAY-per KUT-er chohk/

Gi-specific lapel choke from side control using lapel-and-forearm scissor compression on the neck.

Baseball Bat Choke

/BAYS-bawl bat chohk/

Gi-specific choke with both hands gripping the same lapel in opposing wrist directions. High-percentage from turtle-top.

Ezekiel from Back

/ee-ZEE-kee-ul/

Sleeve-on-sleeve choke applied from back control. Frequent follow-up when the rear-naked choke is defended.

Sprawl Drill

/sprawl dril/

Foundational takedown-defense conditioning drill. Trains the reflexive legs-back, hips-down sprawl response.

Guard Pull

/gard pul/

Tactical choice to drop to the back and engage open guard rather than initiating a takedown. Common in IBJJF competition.

Gracie Humaitá

/GRAY-see oo-mah-ee-TAH/

Historic Gracie academy in Rio de Janeiro. Produced Royler Gracie, Leticia Ribeiro, and many champions.

Cicero Costha

/see-SAY-roh KOH-shtah/

Brazilian BJJ instructor who founded PSLPB academy. Coached Leandro Lo, the Miyao brothers, and other champions.

Dream Art

/dreem art/

Brazilian BJJ academy founded by Isaque Bahiense. Coached by Marcio Andre and produces elite young competitors like Diogo Reis.

Cross Grip

/kross grip/

Grip configuration where the attacker's hand crosses the opponent's body to grip the far-side lapel or sleeve.

Gable Grip

/GAY-bul grip/

Two-hand grip with palms together (not interlocked fingers). Used in submissions, chokes, and clinch control.

S-Grip

/ES-grip/

Two-hand grip configuration with hands clasped in an S-shape. Used as alternative to gable grip.

Cross-Face

/kross-fays/

Forearm pressure applied across the opponent's face or jaw. Used in side control to deny head movement.

Double-Leg

/DUB-ul leg/

Wrestling-derived takedown capturing both of the opponent's legs. One of the highest-percentage MMA takedowns.

Body Lock

/BAH-dee lok/

Tight clasp around opponent's torso with both arms. Gordon Ryan signature passing system.

Leg Drag

/leg drag/

Modern open-guard pass dragging one of the opponent's legs across the body. Rafael Mendes signature.

X-Pass

/EKS-pas/

Standing open-guard pass using lateral X-pattern footwork around the opponent's legs.

Tornado Pass

/tor-NAY-doh pas/

Dynamic spinning open-guard pass using rotational momentum to defeat guard recovery.

Collar Drag

/KOL-er drag/

Gi-specific takedown using cross-collar grip to break posture and drive behind for back take.

Kneebar

/NEE-bar/

Hyperextension lock on the knee joint using hip-extension force. Restricted to brown belt and above in IBJJF no-gi.

50/50

/FIF-tee FIF-tee/

Symmetric mirror-image leg entanglement. Both competitors have equal leverage and equal submission access.

Outside Ashi

/OWT-syd AH-shee/

Leg-entanglement position with attacker's body outside the captured leg. Setup for outside heel hook and ankle lock.

Turtle

/TUR-tul/

Defensive position on hands and knees with head tucked. Alternative to giving up the back when guard cannot be recovered.

Clock Choke

/klok chohk/

Gi-specific blood choke applied to opponent in turtle. Walking-around-the-turtle motion tightens the collar.

Baratoplata

/bah-RAH-toh-PLAH-tah/

Shoulder-lock from mount developed by Rafael "Barata" Freitas. Modified omoplata-style configuration.

Gogoplata from Mount

/goh-goh-PLAH-tah/

Rare variation of gogoplata from mounted position. Shin-on-throat air choke with head-pull mechanics.

Far-Side Armbar

/far-syd ARM-bar/

Armbar attacking the far arm from side control. Particularly effective against opponents who frame extended.

Half-Butterfly Guard

/haf-BUT-er-fly gard/

Hybrid guard with one butterfly hook and the other leg in half-guard or knee-shield position.

Alliance

/uh-LY-uns/

Major BJJ team founded by Romero Cavalcanti in 1993. Produced Cobrinha, Lucas Lepri, Buchecha, and many champions.

Atos

/AH-tohs/

Major BJJ team co-founded by the Mendes brothers and Ramon Lemos. Produced Mica Galvao, Tainan Dalpra, and many modern champions.

Art of Jiu Jitsu (AOJ)

/art uv joo-JIT-soo/

BJJ academy in Costa Mesa, California founded by the Mendes brothers. Major modern pedagogical influence.

Death Squad

/deth skwod/

Informal name for John Danaher's Renzo Gracie Academy team that drove the modern leg-lock revolution.

New Wave Jiu-Jitsu

/noo wayv joo-JIT-soo/

BJJ team formed by John Danaher and senior students in Puerto Rico after departure from Renzo Gracie Academy.

B-Team

/BEE-teem/

BJJ team formed by Craig Jones, Nicky Ryan, and others in Austin, Texas. Splinter from the Danaher Death Squad.

Fight to Win Pro

/fyt too win pro/

Professional BJJ promotion founded in 2015 by Seth Daniels. Paid superfights between elite competitors.

Polaris

/poh-LAH-ris/

UK-based professional grappling promotion founded in 2015. Premium streaming-event format.

WNO (Who's Number One)

/W-N-O/

ADCC-affiliated professional grappling event series launched 2020. Showcases elite competitors in superfight format.

Quintet

/kwin-TET/

Japan-based team-format submission-only grappling event founded by Sakuraba in 2018.

CJI (Craig Jones Invitational)

/C-J-I/

Professional grappling tournament founded by Craig Jones in 2024 with major prize money structure.

ONE Submission Grappling

/wun sub-MIH-shun GRAP-ling/

Professional submission grappling division of ONE Championship introduced 2023. Integrates grappling into MMA promotion.

Tesoura Sweep

/teh-ZOH-rah sweep/

English transliteration of the Brazilian name for the scissor sweep.

Spider Tripod

/SPY-der TRY-pod/

Canonical sweep from spider guard using foot-on-hip to topple opponent backward onto tripod base.

Kimura Trap

/kee-MOO-rah trap/

David Avellan's systematic approach to the kimura grip as a control hub for multiple outcomes.

Knee-Shield Pass

/nee-sheeld pas/

Pass against the knee-shield half-guard configuration using head pressure and hip rotation.

Peruvian Necktie

/peh-ROO-vee-un NEK-ty/

Front-headlock submission combining neck and arm control with a forward-rolling finishing motion.

X-Guard Entry

/EKS-gard EN-tree/

Threading legs under and around opponent's legs to form X-shape control configuration.

Bow-and-Arrow Choke

/boh and AIR-oh chohk/

Gi-specific blood choke from back control using lapel grip combined with leg-pull in opposite directions.

Shoulder Pin

/SHOLE-der pin/

Pressure-pass technique using shoulder pressure on jaw to deny head movement during the pass.

Shoulder of Justice

/SHOLE-der uv JUS-tis/

Joking name for the shoulder pin pass technique. Describes the discomfort the jaw pressure produces.

Kiss of the Dragon (KOTD)

/kis uv duh DRAG-un/

Inverted back-take from De La Riva guard. Famous Miyao brothers and Rafael Mendes technique.

Wrestler Up

/RES-ler up/

Wrestling-derived escape from bottom half-guard using underhook and coming-to-knees motion to stand up.

Waiter Position

/WAY-ter/

Open-guard configuration scooping one of opponent's legs with both hands like carrying a tray.

Reverse De La Riva (RDLR)

/ree-VURS day lah REE-vah/

Open-guard variant with hook on inside of opponent's same-side leg. Primary entry to K-guard and leg-lock system.

Shin-on-Shin

/shin on shin/

Open-guard variant with bottom player's shin pressed against opponent's same-side shin.

Omoplata Control

/oh-moh-PLAH-tah/

Control configuration with opponent's arm trapped in figure-four from leg-over-shoulder position.

Estima Lock

/es-TEE-mah lok/

Rare foot-lock variant developed by Victor Estima using modified figure-four grip on the foot.

Arm Triangle from Mount

/arm TRY-an-gul/

Kata-gatame blood choke applied from mount. Uses opponent's own arm against the carotid.

Bicep Slicer

/BY-sep SLY-ser/

Compression-lock submission attacking the bicep muscle by forcing it against the forearm or external object.

Cross Choke

/kross chohk/

Foundational gi-specific choke from closed guard using both collars in X-shape configuration.

Open Mat

/OH-pen mat/

Extended live-training session outside formal class structure. Standard weekend BJJ academy practice.

Rolling

/ROHL-ing/

BJJ term for live training — sparring against a resisting partner. Foundation of skill development.

Flow Rolling

/floh ROHL-ing/

Cooperative live-training style without competitive intent. Used for technical refinement.

Crucifix Position

/KROO-suh-fix/

Top control position with opponent's arms trapped in cross-shape configuration. 10th Planet submission hub.

Coral Belt

/KOR-ul belt/

BJJ belt rank — red-and-black (7th degree) or red-and-white (8th degree). Senior recognition above standard black belt.

Red Belt

/red belt/

Highest BJJ rank, awarded at 9th and 10th degree. Reserved for foundational figures and senior contributors.

Arm Drag

/arm drag/

Wrestling-derived technique pulling opponent's arm across their body to take the back. Marcelo Garcia signature from butterfly.

Helicopter Armbar

/HEL-i-kop-ter ARM-bar/

Inverted armbar variation using rotational body geometry to attack the arm from beneath.

Sit-Up Guard

/sit-up gard/

Seated open-guard configuration with bottom player upright. Default modern no-gi open-guard variant.

Deep Half-Guard

/deep haf gard/

Half-guard variant with bottom player burrowed under opponent's hips. Bernardo Faria specialty.

Collar-and-Sleeve

/KOL-er and sleev/

Foundational gi-specific closed-guard grip configuration. Cross-grip on collar plus same-side sleeve grip.

Omoplata Finish

/oh-moh-PLAH-tah FIN-ish/

Canonical shoulder-lock submission completing the omoplata attack via hip-forward rotation.

Lasso System

/LAS-oh SIS-tum/

Gi-specific open-guard system threading foot through opponent's arm at the bicep.

Ankle Pick from Knees

/AN-kul pik/

Sweep against combat-base opponent capturing grounded-side ankle while pushing standing knee outward.

Kneebar from Saddle

/NEE-bar/

Kneebar variation entered from the saddle leg-entanglement position. Common heel-hook follow-up.

Standing Clinch

/STAN-ding klinch/

Engagement position with both competitors having upper-body grips established. Hub for takedown setups.

Combat Base

/KOM-bat bays/

Kneeling posture with one knee up, one knee down. Top position against open guard.

High-Elbow Guillotine

/hy EL-boh GIL-uh-teen/

Marcelo Garcia's modern guillotine variation with closed grip on opposite shoulder and high elbow.

Wristlock from Guard

/RIST-lok/

Wristlock applied from closed guard against opponent who has posted a hand. IBJJF restricted to brown+.

Mounted Cross-Collar

/MOWN-ted/

Cross-collar choke from mount. Roger Gracie signature finish in multiple IBJJF Mundial finals.

D'Arce

/DARS/

Front-headlock blood choke. Mirror-image of anaconda. Same-side entry through near armpit.

Arm Triangle from Side

/arm TRY-an-gul/

Kata-gatame blood choke from side control. Push opponent's arm across their own neck.

Fadda Lineage

/FAH-dah/

Non-Gracie BJJ lineage descending from Luiz França via Oswaldo Fadda. Defeated Gracie Academy 1950s.

França Lineage

/FRAN-sah/

Non-Gracie BJJ lineage descending from Luiz França, one of Maeda's documented students outside the Gracie family.

Rolls Gracie

/rolz GRAY-see/

Foundational figure of modern BJJ pedagogy. Died 1982 in hang-gliding accident at age 30.

Ruotolo Twins

/roo-OH-toh-loh twinz/

Tye and Kade Ruotolo, twin brothers and 2022 ADCC champions at welterweight and lightweight.

Darth Rigatoni

/darth ri-gah-TOH-nee/

Mikey Musumeci's nickname. Self-deprecating reference to his Italian-American heritage.

Wolverine (Eddie Cummings)

/WUL-ver-een/

Eddie Cummings' nickname. References his heel-hook attack ferocity.

Lion Killer (Garry Tonon)

/LY-un KIL-er/

Garry Tonon's nickname. References his willingness to engage with significantly larger opponents in absolute divisions.

Decahedron (Andre Galvao)

/DEK-uh-hee-drun/

Andre Galvao's nickname. Mathematical reference to his all-around technical sophistication.

Imanari Roll

/ee-MAH-nah-ree rohl/

Standing-to-leg-lock entry developed by Masakazu Imanari. Forward roll capturing opponent's leg.

Over-Under Clinch

/OH-ver UN-der klinch/

Neutral standing grip with each competitor having one overhook and one underhook.

Lapel Guard

/luh-PEL gard/

Gi-specific open-guard family using opponent's own lapels for structural control. Worm, squid, ella variations.

Worm Guard

/wurm gard/

Lapel-through-leg open-guard variant developed by Keenan Cornelius.

RDLR Sweep

/R-D-L-R sweep/

Canonical sweep from Reverse De La Riva using inside hook to topple opponent backward.

Tornado Guard Sweep

/tor-NAY-doh/

Inverted sweep from tornado guard using rotational spinning motion. Eduardo Telles signature.

Standing Guillotine

/STAN-ding GIL-uh-teen/

Guillotine choke applied while both competitors are standing. Counter-takedown finish for head-inside shoots.

Butterfly Half

/BUT-er-fly haf/

Hybrid guard combining butterfly hook with half-guard trapped leg.

Arm-In Guillotine

/arm-in GIL-uh-teen/

Guillotine variation with opponent's arm trapped alongside head. Additional carotid compression.

Wristlock from Mount

/RIST-lok mownt/

Wristlock applied from mounted position against opponent's defensive frame.

Standing RNC

/STAN-ding R-N-C/

Rear-naked choke applied while both competitors are standing, after back-take.

Leg Triangle

/leg TRY-an-gul/

Canonical triangle choke using figure-four leg configuration. Japanese sankaku-jime.

Shoulder of Justice

/SHOLE-der uv JUS-tis/

Pressure-passing position with shoulder driven into opponent's jaw. Joking name for the discomfort.

Body Triangle Back Control

/BAH-dee TRY-an-gul/

Back control with figure-four leg configuration around opponent's body. Stronger than conventional hooks.

Inverted Guard

/in-VERT-ed gard/

Open-guard category with bottom player inverted (shoulders pressed, hips elevated, head-down orientation).

Marcelo Garcia Academy

/mar-SAY-loh GAR-see-ah/

BJJ academy in New York City founded by Marcelo Garcia. Major modern American competitive program.

Legion American Jiu-Jitsu

/LEE-jun/

BJJ academy in San Diego founded by Keenan Cornelius. Modern American competitive program.

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu

/tenth PLAN-et/

No-gi-specific BJJ system founded by Eddie Bravo. Includes rubber guard, lockdown, twister, truck systems.

Evolve MMA

/ee-VOLV M-M-A/

Major Singapore-based MMA gym. Houses many ONE Championship fighters and BJJ instructors.

Royler Gracie

/ROY-ler GRAY-see/

Gracie family black belt and 3x IBJJF World Champion. Famously submitted by Eddie Bravo at ADCC 2003.

Machado Brothers

/mah-SHAH-doh/

Cousins of the Gracie family who established BJJ in California. Jean Jacques Machado was Eddie Bravo's instructor.

Lloyd Irvin

/loyd UR-vin/

American BJJ instructor. Trained Keenan Cornelius and various early American competitive practitioners.

Snap Down

/snap down/

Wrestling-derived technique pulling opponent's head down via collar tie to break posture for follow-up attacks.

Pummeling

/PUM-ul-ing/

Hand-fighting drill swimming arms between underhook and overhook positions to convert grips.

Shrimping

/SHRIM-ping/

Lateral hip-escape motion, foundation of bottom-game escape mechanics. Practiced as solo conditioning drill.

Guard Retention

/gard ree-TEN-shun/

Defensive technique category of preventing guard passes through framing and hip movement.

Positional Sparring

/puh-ZIH-shun-ul SPAR-ing/

Training methodology starting from specific position with goal of consolidating or escaping.

Flow Rolling

/floh ROHL-ing/

Cooperative live-training style with continuous exchange at reduced intensity for technical refinement.

Situational Drilling

/sich-oo-AY-shun-ul DRIL-ing/

Training methodology starting from specific mid-roll scenarios that arise frequently in competition.

Visualization Training

/vizh-oo-uh-luh-ZAY-shun/

Mental rehearsal of techniques and scenarios. Sports-psychology methodology adopted in modern BJJ.

BJJ Conditioning

/kun-DI-shun-ing/

Sport-specific conditioning using BJJ-related movements in circuit format.

Collar Tie

/KOL-er ty/

Hand position on back of opponent's neck for upper-body control. Foundation of clinch and snap-down techniques.

Seatbelt Grip

/SEET-belt grip/

Upper-body control from back with one arm under armpit and other over shoulder.

Harness Grip

/HAR-nes grip/

Gi-specific variant of seatbelt grip using lapel and gi material for back control.

Mounted Back Control

/MOWN-ted bak/

Back control variation with attacker on top of face-down opponent. Emerges when opponent rolls to defend.

Turtle Top

/TUR-tul top/

Top-control position above opponent in turtle defense. Gateway to back control and submissions.

Knee on Belly (KoB)

/nee on BEH-lee/

Top-control position with one knee on opponent's abdomen. Scores 2 IBJJF points.

Far-Side Kimura Side

/far-syd kee-MOO-rah/

Kimura applied to far arm from side control. Bernardo Faria signature attack.

Closed Guard Omoplata

/oh-moh-PLAH-tah/

Shoulder-lock from closed guard via leg-over-shoulder and hip rotation.

Baseball Bat from Turtle

/BAYS-bawl bat/

Gi-specific blood choke from turtle-top using opposing-wrist lapel grip configuration.

Half-Guard Kimura

/haf gard kee-MOO-rah/

Shoulder-lock attack from bottom half-guard using figure-four grip.

Lucas Lepri

/LOO-kus LEH-pree/

6x IBJJF World Champion at lightweight. Alliance black belt and modern lightweight competitive specialist.

Romulo Barral

/ROH-moo-loh bah-HAHL/

4x IBJJF World Champion at medium-heavyweight. Gracie Barra black belt.

Nicholas Meregali

/mer-uh-GAH-lee/

Multiple IBJJF World Champion at heavyweight. New Wave Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

Gordon "The King" Ryan

/GOR-dun ryan/

Most decorated no-gi competitor of modern era. Multiple ADCC World Champion at heavyweight and absolute.

New Wave Jiu-Jitsu

/noo wayv/

BJJ team founded by John Danaher and senior Death Squad alumni after departing Renzo Gracie Academy.

Checkmat

/chek-MAT/

Major BJJ team founded by Leo Vieira. Produces multiple elite competitors including Michelle Nicolini.

Gracie Barra

/GRAY-see BAR-ah/

Major BJJ team and global academy network. Produces Romulo Barral and many competitive practitioners.

One Submission Title

/wun/

ONE Championship's grappling and MMA titles. Major commercial venue for BJJ-to-MMA crossover.

IBJJF

/I-B-J-J-F/

International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The largest gi-jiu-jitsu governing body, founded by Carlos Gracie Jr. in 2002. Runs the Worlds (Mundial), Pans, Europeans, and a global rankings system.

ADCC

/A-D-C-C/

Abu Dhabi Combat Club. The premier no-gi submission-grappling tournament, held biennially. The most prestigious title in modern submission grappling.

Advantage / Vantagem

/ad-VAN-tij / van-TAH-zhem/

IBJJF tiebreaker score awarded for technique attempts that almost score but do not complete. The aggregate advantage count decides matches tied on points.

Penalty / Punição

/pun-i-SOWN/

IBJJF rules infraction (stalling, illegal grips, fleeing the mat) that results in a warning, then an advantage or point to the opponent, then disqualification.

Sub-Only / Submission-Only

/SUB-only/

Competition format where matches end only via submission (or time limit) with no points awarded for position. Popular in EBI, ADCC absolute formats, and modern superfights.

EBI Overtime

/E-B-I OH-ver-time/

Eddie Bravo Invitational overtime format: tied matches go to a series of one-minute back-control and spider-web positions where the first competitor to submit or escape fastest wins.

Faixa Cinza / Gray Belt

/FYE-shah SEEN-zah/

IBJJF kids belt rank between white and yellow. The kids belt progression goes white → gray → yellow → orange → green before transitioning to the adult ranks.

Faixa Coral / Coral Belt

/FYE-shah co-RAL/

Red-and-black belt awarded at 7th degree, signifying decades of contribution to BJJ. The "coral" name comes from the color combination resembling a coral snake.

Faixa Vermelha / Red Belt

/FYE-shah ver-MEH-lyah/

Highest belt in BJJ, awarded at 9th and 10th degree. Reserved for those with the most significant contributions to the art and only achievable after a lifetime of practice.

Submission-Only

/sub-MIH-shun OWN-lee/

Competition format where matches end only via submission, with time limits resolved through draws, overtime, or referee decision. Pioneered by EBI and now standard in most modern grappling promotions.

EBI / Eddie Bravo Invitational

/E-B-I/

Submission-only grappling tournament founded by Eddie Bravo. Pioneered the EBI overtime format where tied matches resolve through back-control and spider-web submission attempts.

CJI / Craig Jones Invitational

/C-J-I/

High-purse submission-only grappling tournament founded by Craig Jones in 2024. The 2024 event paid $1 million to the absolute champion and signaled a new commercial era for the sport.

WNO / Who's Number One

/W-N-O/

Submission-only grappling promotion under Flograppling. Features superfights and championship matches with weight-class titles. Active 2020 onward.

Polaris

/poh-LAH-ris/

British submission grappling promotion. One of the longest-running European no-gi events, featuring superfights and championship cards.

ONE Championship

/WUN CHAM-pee-un-ship/

Asian-based combat sports promotion. Features both MMA and submission grappling divisions, with Mikey Musumeci as the flagship grappling competitor.

Reaping

/REEP-ing/

IBJJF rules infraction where a leg crosses the opponent's centerline above the knee, creating illegal pressure on the knee joint. Cause for disqualification in gi competition.

Mundial / IBJJF World Championship

/moon-dee-AHL/

The annual IBJJF World Championship, the most prestigious title in gi BJJ competition. Held since 1996, originally in Rio de Janeiro and currently in Long Beach, California.

Pan / Pan-American Championship

/PAN/

The IBJJF Pan-American Championship, the second-most-prestigious annual IBJJF tournament after the Mundial. Held in the United States since 1995.

Europeu / IBJJF Europeans

/eh-roo-PEH-oo/

The IBJJF European Open Championship, the most prestigious annual European BJJ tournament. Held in Lisbon, Portugal each January.

Brasileiro / Brazilian Nationals

/brah-zee-LAY-roo/

The Brazilian National Championship — the IBJJF tournament held in Brazil and featuring the largest domestic Brazilian competitive field. Historically the proving ground for emerging Brazilian competitors.

Faixa Amarela / Yellow Belt

/FYE-shah ah-mah-REH-lah/

IBJJF kids belt rank above gray and below orange. Awarded to children aged 7+ with demonstrated technical proficiency. Part of the IBJJF kids belt progression: white → gray → yellow → orange → green.

Faixa Laranja / Orange Belt

/FYE-shah lah-RAHN-zhah/

IBJJF kids belt rank above yellow and below green. The fourth belt in the IBJJF kids progression.

Faixa Verde / Green Belt

/FYE-shah VER-deh/

IBJJF kids belt rank — the highest belt in the kids progression before transitioning to adult ranks at age 16. Equivalent in approximate skill to a senior blue-belt at adult level.

Sandbagging

/SAND-bag-ing/

The practice of competing in a lower belt or weight division than one's actual skill or weight justifies. Heavily penalized by IBJJF when discovered.

Master Division

/MAS-ter/

IBJJF competitive division for practitioners aged 30 and above, subdivided into Master 1 (30–35) through Master 7 (66+).

Adult Division

/AD-ult/

IBJJF competitive division for practitioners aged 18–29. The most competitive division of the IBJJF age structure.

Juvenile Division

/JOO-vuh-nyl/

IBJJF competitive division for practitioners aged 16–17. The bridge between the kids belt system and the adult ranks.

Weight Cut

/WAYT KUT/

The practice of intentionally reducing body weight before a competition to qualify for a lower weight class.

Open Weight / Peso Aberto

/OH-pen WAYT/

Competition division with no weight class restrictions. The IBJJF absolute division and ADCC absolute are the most prestigious open-weight categories.

Match Clock

/MACH KLOK/

IBJJF black-belt matches are 10 minutes; brown belt 8 minutes; purple belt 7 minutes; blue belt 6 minutes; white belt 5 minutes.

Disqualification (DQ)

/dis-kwal-i-fi-KAY-shun/

Automatic loss of a match for committing an illegal technique or rules violation. Common DQ causes: reaping, illegal submissions for the belt level, slamming.

Slam

/SLAM/

IBJJF rules infraction in which the bottom player is lifted off the mat and forcefully dropped. Illegal in all IBJJF competition. Cause for automatic disqualification.

Point System (IBJJF)

/point SIS-tum/

IBJJF scoring: takedowns 2, guard passes 3, sweeps 2, knee-on-belly 2, mount 4, back control 4. Determines outcomes without submissions.

Advantage

/ad-VAN-tij/

IBJJF secondary scoring for near-completions. Breaks ties when primary point totals are equal.

Penalty

/PEN-ul-tee/

IBJJF disciplinary scoring for stalling, false grips, and other rules violations. Accumulating penalties causes disqualification.

Absolute Division

/AB-soh-loot di-VIH-zhun/

Open-weight tournament division where competitors of any weight class compete. Most prestigious in IBJJF and ADCC.

EBI Overtime

/E-B-I OH-ver-tym/

EBI submission-only overtime format. Position-priority sudden-death rounds that determine winners after regulation.

Submission Only

/sub-MIH-shun OHN-lee/

Competitive format where only submissions produce decisive results. EBI and Polaris pioneer formats.

Sweep Points

/sweep points/

IBJJF awards 2 points for a successful sweep. The position must be held for 3 seconds to score.

Quadril / Hip

/kwah-DREEL/

Portuguese for "hip" — the most-used anatomical term in BJJ instruction, since hip movement is foundational to nearly every technique.

Joelho / Knee

/zhoh-EL-yoh/

Portuguese for "knee." Used in technique names (joelho na barriga, joelho cortado) and in instruction for joint-protection cues.

Cotovelo / Elbow

/koh-toh-VEH-loh/

Portuguese for "elbow." Targeted by the armbar (chave de braço) and used as a frame in nearly every defensive system in BJJ.

Punho / Wrist

/POON-yoh/

Portuguese for "wrist" or "fist." The wrist is the target of wristlocks and the critical grip point in nearly every gi technique.

Pé / Foot

/PEH/

Portuguese for "foot." Targeted by ankle locks, toe holds, and Estima locks; used as a hook in butterfly guard, de la riva, and x-guard.

Pescoço / Neck

/pes-KOH-soh/

Portuguese for "neck." Target of every choke and strangulation in the BJJ submission library. The carotid arteries (carótidas) run along the neck and are the structural target of most chokes.

Ombro / Shoulder

/OWM-broh/

Portuguese for "shoulder." Targeted by the kimura, americana, omoplata, and various other shoulder locks. The shoulder is structurally one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it both vulnerable to hyperextension and difficult to lock at the exact range of motion limit.