Using Your Head in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Head Control and Using the Head Offensively in BJJ
Jun 2, 2009
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is one of the most cerebral of the combat sports. Because of the dizzying array of positions, submissions, counters, and recounters at a fighter’s disposal, BJJ is like a game of physical chess. So it’s obvious that a fighter has to use their head to be effective against an opponent. But not just intellectually. Whether you’re fighting in gi or no-gi. Using the head physically is one of the most important concepts to master in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Using the Head for Takedowns
In BJJ, head control is vital right from the start of a match. Where the head goes, the body follows. For this reason, fighting for the right grip during the stand-up portion of a BJJ match is important. Try to get a collar grip (for no-gi, grab behind the neck or cup the back of the head) so that you can yank the opponent’s head around. This will throw off their balance and make them easier to throw. Having control over their head will also neutralize their throws and takedowns.
Head Control From Guard - Breaking Posture
For a BJJ fighter who’s on the bottom in guard, controlling an opponent’s head is imperative. Grab their collar (or behind the neck for no-gi) and pull their head down to your chest. Once their posture is broken, they’re more vulnerable to submissions and sweeps. They also won’t be attacking because their first priority is to get themselves out of the danger zone by regaining their posture.
Using the Head in Mount
When mounted on an opponent, the head functions beautifully as an extra stabilizer. While the hands are busy working towards a submission like a choke or an armlock, posting with the head is a great way to block a bridge (or “upa”) reversal.
Using the Head From Top Guard
The head is an indispensable tool/weapon for a BJJ fighter who is inside an opponent’s guard. While using the hands to control the opponent’s hips or wrists while working towards a guard pass, the head can act like a third arm. Every time they try to sit up to launch an attack like a kimura or a sweep, push your head into their chest, drive forward with the legs, and pin them back to the mat.
Head Control for Turtle and Half Guard
When on top of a turtled opponent, push their head to the mat. Almost every Brazilian jiu-jitsu technique possible from turtle, whether it’s a sweep, single-leg takedown, wrestler’s sit-out, or rolling kneebar, requires mobility - something your opponent won’t have if their head is pinned to the mat. Pinning the head to the mat is also effective on a BJJ opponent who likes to fight from half guard.
Using the Head for Submissions
The head can even be used to help secure a submission in BJJ. A few examples:
- If working towards an Americana armlock (udegarami in judo) from mount, using your head to pin the opponent’s wrist to the mat makes the position much more secure
- The head is an integral element of securing a straight armlock from guard, which involves trapping the opponent’s wrist with your chin and applying pressure to the elbow.
- When applying a kneebar, the most secure position is to make a foot sandwich (term borrowed from Stephan Kesting of Grapple Arts). You’re on your side with their leg trapped and you pin the opponent’s foot between your head and the mat.
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