Skills Every Best Jiu Jitsu Fighter Should Master

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most essential forms of martial arts. It basically is one of those few things which provides strength to your body and enhances confidence. Hence no matter if you are a beginner or someone who wants to be the best jiu jitsu fighter, it is essential to polish your skills. The same is why in this blog, we will explore some of the best and most important skills you as the BJJ fighter must attain. Let’s begin.

1. Strong Fundamentals

Before learning advanced moves every fighter must understand the basics. These fundamentals become the building blocks of your entire fighting style.

Key Basic Skills:

•  Proper stance
  
•  Correct grips and control
  
•  Basic escapes
  
•  Simple submissions
  
•  Understanding positions
  

A fighter who knows the basics well will always have an advantage over someone with who only has mere flashy techniques but poor foundation.

2. Mastering Position Control

In Jiu Jitsu, position is everything. How you place your body can decide if you win or lose. Hence it is mandatory to know what body posture you are currently at and what body postures you should make in certain situations. Here are some of the essential positions to learn from an expert:

Essential Positions to Learn:

•  Guard – controlling an opponent from your back
  
•  Side control – holding an opponent sideways
  
•  Mount – sitting on top of your opponent
  
•  Back control – taking the opponent’s back
  

The best fighters learn how to hold these positions and transition smoothly between them. Good control leads to better opportunities for submissions.

3. Escapes and Defensive Skills

Even the strongest fighters get caught in bad positions. What makes someone the best jiu jitsu fighter is the ability to stay calm and escape safely.

Important Escape Techniques:

•  Shrimp escape
  
•  Bridge escape
  
•  Guard recovery
  
•  Side control escape
  
•  Mount escape

Remember that escaping builds confidence. It teaches you that you can survive pressure and still turn the match around.

4. Submissions Every Fighter Should Know

Submissions are finishing moves. They help you win a fight without causing harm. Every fighter should know basic and effective submissions. It might take a few months or even a year to master this technique but once you own it, no one would be able to beat you with ease. Some of the must-know submissions include: Rear naked choke, Triangle choke, Armbar, Kimura, and Guillotine choke. These moves work in both sports and self-defense situations. Learning them gives you a complete offensive skillset.

5. Good Takedown Techniques

A fight often starts with both athletes standing. To bring your opponent to the ground safely and effectively, you need strong takedown skills. Useful takedowns for BJJ fighters includes: Single-leg takedown, Double-leg takedown, Hip throw and Foot sweep. Remember the takedowns give you control early in the match and help you choose how the fight begins.

6. Flexibility and Body Awareness

Flexibility helps your body move smoothly on the mat. BJJ requires bending, twisting, rolling, and adjusting your body constantly.

Flexibility Benefits:

•  Better guard retention
  
•  Easier transitions
  
•  Safer training
  
•  Lower risk of injury
  

Simple stretching daily can make big improvements in your performance.

7. Grip Strength

Grip strength is one of the most underrated skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Your grip helps you control your opponent’s body, uniform, or arms.

Ways Grip Strength Helps:

•  Stronger holds
  
•  Better control
  
•  Tighter submissions
  
•  Improved balance and pressure
  

Practicing grip drills or simply using a gi for training naturally improves this skill.

8. Timing and Speed

Technique is important, but knowing when to use it is even more important. Timing helps you react fast and take advantage of openings.

How to Improve Timing:

•  Slow drills for accuracy
  
•  Rolling with partners of different skill levels
  
•  Practicing reaction movements
  

Good timing can make simple moves work perfectly.

9. Mental Strength

The mind plays a huge role in martial arts. A calm and focused mind helps you stay patient, think clearly, and make smart choices.

Mental Qualities of the Best Fighters:

•  Patience
  
•  Confidence
  
•  Problem-solving
  
•  Staying calm under pressure
  
•  Respect for opponents
  

Training your mind is just as important as training your body.

10. Good Communication With Training Partners

Every fighter improves faster when practicing with others. Being respectful, clear, and helpful during training benefits everyone. Why Communication Matters: Helps avoid injuries, builds teamwork, improves technique, and creates a positive training environment. Strong communication makes learning more enjoyable and effective.

Conclusion

Becoming the best jiu-jitsu fighter is not about being the strongest person on the mat. It is also about mastering the right skills one step at a time. This includes the fundamentals, escapes, submissions, control, timing, and discipline. However, with little focus and practice, you can master it within a minimal possible time frame.