Mastering Jiu-Jitsu Defense: The Key to Controlling Space

The Fundamental Principle of Jiu-Jitsu Defense

In jiu-jitsu, the key to effective defense lies in a simple yet powerful concept: controlling the space between your knees and armpits. This fundamental principle applies to virtually every aspect of the sport, from guard passes to submissions. By understanding and applying this concept, practitioners can dramatically improve their defensive capabilities.

Defining Control in Jiu-Jitsu

Control in jiu-jitsu is often defined as the ability to exist between your opponent's knees and armpits. The person who occupies this space is generally considered to be in control. This definition provides a clear framework for both offensive and defensive strategies.

The Defensive Mindset

Unlike some traditional martial arts that focus on specific techniques for each scenario, effective jiu-jitsu defense is more about maintaining a defensive posture and fighting from it. This approach is similar to boxing, where the primary focus is on protecting the chin rather than memorizing countless combinations.

Applying the Principle to Guard Play

When playing guard, the goal is to prevent your opponent from entering the space between your knees and armpits. This can be achieved by:

1. Keeping your knees close to your shoulders
2. Maintaining awareness of the distance between your knees and body
3. Quickly closing any gaps that open up

The Concept of Risk Appetite

Every time you open your guard or extend your legs, you're increasing your "appetite for risk." Being aware of this risk allows you to make informed decisions about when to attack and when to prioritize defense.

The Running Man Position

The "running man" position is a powerful defensive posture that embodies the principle of controlling space. Key elements of this position include:

1. Bottom leg at a right angle to the body
2. Top leg covering the knee
3. Elbow positioned slightly outside the leg
4. Shoulder and chest angled to prevent being rolled

This position makes it extremely difficult for an opponent to establish control or initiate attacks.

Defending Against Submissions

The same principle of controlling space applies to submission defense. For example:

Choke Defense

Chokes, whether gi or no-gi, require the attacker to control the space between your armpit and knee. By denying this control, you can effectively neutralize most choke attempts.

Joint Lock Defense

Joint locks target the extremities (wrists and ankles) but require control of the next joint up (elbows and knees). By protecting these secondary joints, you can prevent your opponent from successfully applying joint locks.

Passing the Guard

When passing guard, the objective is to remove your opponent from the space between your knees and armpits, or from behind your knees. Understanding this concept allows for more efficient and effective guard passing strategies.

Practical Application and Training

To improve your defensive skills based on this principle:

1. Practice maintaining a defensive posture during rolls
2. Focus on quickly closing gaps when they appear
3. Analyze your rolls, looking for moments where you lost control of the critical space
4. Train specific drills that reinforce this concept

Conclusion

By focusing on the fundamental principle of controlling the space between your knees and armpits, you can develop a robust defensive game in jiu-jitsu. This approach simplifies defense, making it more about timing and awareness rather than memorizing countless techniques. As you internalize this concept, you'll find yourself better equipped to handle a wide range of attacks and positions, ultimately becoming a more well-rounded practitioner.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWitv9AKoNU