Three Basic Jiu Jitsu Moves

Jiu Jitsu is a martial art developed in Japan that is quite useful when you are in close quarter combat, the following are three basic moves that you can use when confronted by a threat.

The first move is referred to as the Clinch, in most cases people attack by punching and/or kicking when they have the proper range to accomplish this feat. The easiest way to avoid this is to stay out of the persons range, or be close enough as to prevent them from getting an effective punch in.

In order to make this happen you need to get your head against your opponent’s chest, now you need to get your hands up to you forehead as to avoid a punch to the head. You can close the gap by delivering a kick to his leg and distract him that way.

You can now sweep your hands to block his biceps; you trap his arms by hooking your hands over the triceps and can control his arms by using your forearms. By keeping your forehead buried in his chest and pulling on his arms, you can limit his punching power and limit his movement.

To complete this move reach around the back of the attacker with one of your arms and move your body to that side. Now make sure that his other arm is kept tight under your armpit so that your face is still protected by keeping your face buried in the bicep of the trapped arm. Also make sure you keep your legs in a way as to prevent him from turning and kneeing you in the groin.

If the attacker has overpowered you there are still options available to you to allow you to attack him. You can use a move called the Closed Guard to protect yourself. For this move to work you need to be on the ground facing the attacker, you can then wrap both of your legs around him so that his body is between your thighs.

Once you have accomplished this use your lower body to gain a tight grip on your attacker, try and trap one of his arms, ideally the arm to trap is the one they use to punch with.

Try and hold his head down using your other arm, as this will limit his ability to sit upright, allowing you to use a head butt, this can be done by holding the back of his head or neck.

Where the first move allowed for you to not be hit this move does not protect you from punches so use your elbows and knees to protect yourself from punches.

If your attacker is either too big or too strong then the closed guard will not work, instead try to use the open guard. To accomplish this move it involves thrusting both of your knees into your attacker’s chest.

With the back of your head on the ground, cover your face with your hands while arching your back and pushing the person as far back as you can. If your attacker should stand up then use you feet on his hips.

These Jiu Jitsu moves should be practiced on a regular basis so as to keep your reflexes in top shape.