BJJ Rolling Guide for Beginners

[Balto]

Originally Posted by Waxwingslain

Perhaps add something like the below to the tap section:

You must pay attention to your training partner and let go of any hold or position if they tap you, tap the mat, say tap or make a yelping noise. Note that some people will tap with their leg against the mat if they cannot use their arms or voice to tap (e.g. caught in a collar choke from the crucifix).

Also, if you have an issue with something your training partner is doing, stop the roll and talk to them about it.

Good idea.

I updated the tapping section to include the possibility of tapping the mat with your feet when both hands are trapped. I also added a reminder to pay close attention to your partner and stop immediately when he taps.

[Balto]

Originally Posted by Goldenhand

Heel hooks/twisting leg locks (grabbing the foot and twisting it)
Slamming (picking your partner up off the ground and throwing him hard back to the ground)
Small joint manipulation (grabbing individual fingers and toes)


I will admit I haven't read the whole thread yet, but my school allows all these. (Small joint depends on the roll) Are they really that uncommon?

Do you train in BJJ? What school do you go to?

Slamming and small joint manipulation are illegal in all of the major grappling arts (BJJ, Judo, Wrestling, Sambo, and Submission Grappling). If your school allows those, it is definitely not normal.

[Graunie]

Digging an elbow into someone's thigh to break a guard open isn't jiu-jitsu. That's what Saulo says so who am I to disagree?

[DirectDrive]

Originally Posted by pittfrog

I'm not opposed to elbows in the thighs being allowed for rolling. That said, it is annoying, and doesn't work for opening guard vs anyone decent.

exactly. i don't know what all the uproar is about.

digging you elbows in is not a good practice. people shouldn't be doing it. it doesn't work and might get you triangle.

[kenban judan]

what about typing something up for those guys who are not-so-beginners, specifically, where i train (this doesn't happen anywhere else?), i have noticed way too many non-white-belts who still have not quite grasped the following:

• rolling in BJJ is not usually done with 100% effort.; focus on relaxing and applying technique properly.
• rolling is not usually considered to be competitive; expect to trade taps with your partner and flow back and forth.
• if your skill level is much greater than your partner it will probably be a great time to work your weak positions.
• rolling isn't about winning or losing; if you tap out, you didn't "lose".

yes, these are quotes from various posts in this thread

[Balto]

Originally Posted by kenban judan

what about typing something up for those guys who are not-so-beginners, specifically, where i train (this doesn't happen anywhere else?), i have noticed way too many non-white-belts who still have not quite grasped the following:

• rolling in BJJ is not usually done with 100% effort.; focus on relaxing and applying technique properly.
• rolling is not usually considered to be competitive; expect to trade taps with your partner and flow back and forth.
• if your skill level is much greater than your partner it will probably be a great time to work your weak positions.
• rolling isn't about winning or losing; if you tap out, you didn't "lose".

yes, these are quotes from various posts in this thread

Unfortunately, if someone is a blue belt and has not yet grasped these things, I don't think a written guide would be of much use either. I think that is an issue the instructor would need to deal with.