BJJ Mental Models

Mini Ep. 29: Alignment Over Position

Nov 21, 2024
Discover the concept of 'alignment over position' in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, emphasizing the importance of base, posture, and structure. Learn how strong alignment can enhance your control and effectiveness on the mat. Real-life examples illustrate the struggle between positional advantages and actual control. This approach reveals that prioritizing alignment can lead to greater success in grappling, proving that sometimes it’s not just about where you are, but how you’re aligned.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Position vs. Control

  • It's possible to have a dominant position on paper but lack actual control.
  • This often happens when you haven't broken the opponent's alignment (base, posture, and structure).
ANECDOTE

White/Blue Belt Experience

  • Lower belts often feel like they have a good position (e.g., mount) on higher belts, yet have no real control.
  • Higher belts maintain alignment, making the lower belt's position ineffective.
ADVICE

Avoid Myopic Position Holding

  • Don't get fixated on maintaining a position if your opponent is escaping and you haven't broken their alignment.
  • Holding on too long can lead to a worse position.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app