BJJ Game Plans: What Works at Every Belt Level in Competition

Competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can be one of the most rewarding—and nerve-wracking—experiences in your martial arts journey. Success on the mat isn’t just about athleticism or talent; it’s about preparation, strategy, and having a solid game plan tailored to your belt level and skill set.

At ROLLBLISS, we’re all about helping athletes level up. Whether stepping into your first tournament or chasing gold at the black belt level, having a targeted plan can make the difference between a quick exit and standing on the podium. Let’s break down how to build an effective game plan for competition—belt by belt.

Key Takeaways

• A good game plan evolves as you move up in belt rank—start simple, add complexity.
• Each belt level brings different priorities: white belts survive, blue belts connect, purple belts specialize, and upper belts dominate.
• Know your preferred positions, transitions, and how to pivot when your plan fails.
• Success in competition comes from repetition, mental calm, and clarity of movement.
• With the right gear—like ROLLBLISS—you can confidently train and compete.

Why You Need a Game Plan

A game plan gives you a clear roadmap for each match phase: standing, passing, sweeping, controlling, and submitting. Rather than relying on instincts or “going with the flow,” you’re executing rehearsed sequences designed to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

Having a plan:

• Reduces anxiety and mental fatigue
• Gives structure under pressure
• Helps you dictate the pace and direction of the match

Just like you wouldn’t wear random gear to train (which is why you trust ROLLBLISS for premium grappling wear), you shouldn’t walk into a match without a strategy.

WHITE BELT: SIMPLICITY AND SURVIVAL

At white belt, your goal isn’t to be flashy—it’s to survive, stay calm, and control the chaos. Your game plan should focus on just a few fundamental techniques that are reliable and easy to remember under stress.

Standing Strategy:

• Grip and base—learn to break grips and maintain posture.
• A basic takedown like a double leg or Osoto Gari can be your go-to.

Guard Strategy:

• Pick one guard: Closed guard or half guard.
• Master one sweep and one submission from that guard.

Top Game:

• Focus on guard passing, particularly knee slice or over-under pass.
• From side control or mount, hold position and aim for a basic submission like Americana or cross-collar choke.

🧠 White Belt Tip: Practice your “get out of jail” moves—like bridging from mount or shrimping from side control.

BLUE BELT: TRANSITIONS AND CONSISTENCY

Now that you’ve got the basics down, your blue belt game plan should focus on linking moves together and developing both a top and bottom game.

Standing Strategy:

• Add a couple more takedowns or guard pulls to your arsenal.
• Begin developing a sense of timing and level changes.

Guard Strategy:

• Explore open guards like De La Riva, X-guard, or Spider guard.
• Have two sweeps and two submissions from your primary guard.

Top Game:

• Continue refining your passing game.
• Focus on position retention and linking pass → side control → mount → back take.

🧠 Blue Belt Tip: Be the one who moves first—take the initiative. At this level, being proactive often wins matches.

PURPLE BELT: SPECIALIZATION AND PREDICTABILITY (FOR THEM, NOT YOU)

Purple belt is where your game starts to get sharper and more defined. You should have a signature style emerging, with preferred positions and sequences you can hit against resistance.

Standing Strategy:

• Sharpen your best takedown or guard pull.
• Develop counters to common grips and throws.

Guard Strategy:

• Choose a primary guard (like lasso or single-leg X) and master 3–4 sweeps and 2–3 submissions.
• Understand transitions between guards if your opponent shuts down your first option.

Top Game:

• You should be dictating pace from top.
• Develop combo passing: e.g., knee slice → leg drag → back take.
• Lock in control-based submissions like the kimura or bow and arrow choke.

🧠 Purple Belt Tip: Make your game a web—each move should naturally lead into another.

BROWN BELT: STRATEGIC DEPTH AND CONTROL

At brown belt, matches become more tactical and strategic. Competitors are experienced, and mistakes are rare. Your game plan must be adaptive while remaining focused.

Standing Strategy:

• You should be comfortable in stand-up exchanges.
• Start exploiting reactions: fake shots → snap-downs, or grip breaks → foot sweeps.

Guard Strategy:

• Play guards that slow opponents down and allow for grip control and attacks (e.g., collar-sleeve, reverse De La Riva).
• Begin integrating leg lock entries as a threat to open up sweeps or submissions.

Top Game:

• Your passing style should be fluid—pressure and speed when needed.
• Have backup plans: if your pass is defended, transition to mount or back control seamlessly.

🧠 Brown Belt Tip: Focus on forcing your game, but stay mentally agile enough to pivot when needed.

BLACK BELT: MASTER LEVEL FLOW AND TACTICAL GRIT

Black belt competition is a game of inches. The best grapplers are relaxed, tactical, and efficient. Your game plan is deeply ingrained—you don’t need to think, you just execute.

Standing Strategy:

• You know your best takedown and how to time it.
• You also know when to pull guard or disengage to reset on your terms.

Guard Strategy:

• You use layers of guard to trap, tire, and then submit or sweep your opponent.
• You bait reactions and capitalize on micro-movements.

Top Game:

• You impose your will and drown your opponent with control.
• Submissions are often the result of slow accumulation of pressure, not scrambles.

🧠 Black Belt Tip: Your mindset matters more than your moves. Trust your instincts, and treat each match like a story you’re writing—move by move.

Bonus: Game Plan Checklist

Regardless of your belt, ask yourself:

 What is my ideal position?
 What’s my go-to takedown or guard pull?
 What guard do I play, and what are my 2 main sweeps/submissions?
 How do I pass the guard?
 What do I do if my plan A fails?

Write it down. Drill it. Live it.

How ROLLBLISS Helps You Compete Better

Every competitor knows that mindset, preparation, and gear all play a role in performance. At ROLLBLISS, we create apparel that’s built to handle every takedown, guard pass, and gritty scramble. Designed with mobility, durability, and comfort in mind, our gear is trusted by athletes chasing the podium—and those building their way up to it.

Whether you're hitting the mats at white belt or refining your championship game at black belt, ROLLBLISS has your back. Literally.

FAQs

1. How often should I change my game plan as I move up in belt?

Your core strategies will evolve naturally with experience. Aim to review and refine your game plan every few months or after major tournaments, especially as you improve.

2. What if my opponent shuts down my main strategy in competition?

Have a plan B or plan C for each phase of the match. Learn how to pivot without panicking. Flexibility is just as important as preparation.

3. Do I need a different game plan for gi vs. no-gi competitions?

Yes. While principles stay the same, grips, takedowns, and guard styles differ. Create separate but overlapping strategies for both formats.