The Prime Rules

-An uncontested Under Hook is among the most valuable steps to advancing from any position







Move and act with intent 

-When Jiu-Jitsu reaches the ground, it is played in asymmetry

-The Guard Player has the advantage of two additional limbs to be used as frames and or wedges

-The Guard Passer has the advantage over mobility and distance management   

The combatants, must work to turn this asymmetry into an advantage, or turn their opponents asymmetry into a disadvantage. The moment a combatant engages, their intent should be gain as much asymmetrical advantage as possible, while avoidant incurring negative cost (Lesser position, physical exertion).

There are further two strategic contests

-The battle over Atrophy 

    Actions which cause your opponent to deplete themselves more than you--both of their physical resources, and  their mental determination--can           materialize as unforced errors, or leave them ineffectual, defensively and offensively

-The battle for Opportunity 

Where opportunity arises, in lapse in defensive responsibility, or reactivity, openings that are capitalized on will lead to asymmetrical advantage

Thus, act with the intent to create  cumulative asymmetrical advantage, successively  exhausting and or provoking unforced errors 


Control the Upper Body, control the action

        -In most situations, whether Standing, Passing, or Guard; obtaining Head/Upper Body Control will force your opponent into a defensive cycle



He who controls the inside position, controls the contest 

  -The combatant who controls the inside position, has domain over that spatial position.


Get out of the way of your body

-Positional Transitions,  require awareness of your bodies mechanical structure. Frequent failure in positional navigation resulting from awkward           overlap in Tori's alignment, often are the primary cause of Uki's escape or counter. Awareness of your bodies proprioception, and the ability to              move limbs interdependently are key to solidfying your ability to continue control of a resisting, fully grown adult. 


A Guard that doesn't guard isn't a Guard 

As its name implies, a Guard's purpose is to protect your upper body from domination by your opponent. Succumbing to an Upper Body submission while in a guard, means that Guard failed to achieve its original purpose, for any Control Guard (Closed, Half), to be sustainable, one must be capable of keeping their Upper Body out of reach of their opponent. 


If you can push, you  can  escape

Where escaping and  positional recovery is concerned, the ability to  successfully break out of a pin, is primarily a consideration of your ability to create pushing forces  against your opponent, and against physical barriers.

-on the path to success you must become aware of when extension exposes you to risk, and where and whether it is a necessary risk.