Photo by Daria Kochetkova Photography. IG: Tebezvonu.

Don’t react to your opponent. Make your opponent react to you. Reactions can be predicted, and taken advantage of.

Guest post by Belgian BJJ black belt Wim Deputter, head instructor at Brasa Team Belgium.  https://www.instagram.com/wimdeputterbjj/

The Four Threats

In Jiu Jitsu there are four main ways to make your opponent react to you. A properly executed threat, should in general leave your opponent only two options.

Listed from weakest to strongest:

1) Off balancing:

An opponent out of balance has the choice to let you come on top, or recovering his balance by posting and pushing back against the force pushing him out of balance.

(2) Pressure:

Bernardo Faria putting intense pressure on Leandro Lo:

Pressure, when not adressed, will drain your opponent of his stamina. The opponent has to create space either by pushing (bad) or framing, bridging and hipescaping.

(3) A lock:

The threat of a lock blocks your opponent from moving in one direction and gradually forces him into the opposite direction.
The opponent has the choice between going with the direction of the force or possibly injurying a limb.

(4) A choke:

Nicholas Meregali opens up the pass against Lucas Leite with a loop choke from top half

The choke is the king of the threats.
While a lock can be ignored at the price of possible injury, a properly executed choke has to be adressed. The opponent has the choice between defending his neck, with his hands or be turning his chin in, or passing out.
In a roll outside of a competition environment, were time and points act as an external oppressor, the threat of a sweep or takedown can be largely ignored. You only lose position.
Pressure can be ignored for a good amount of time, until you are completely drained.
With a lock you still have the ‘choice’ of risking your limb.
A properly executed choke is the only threat were all choice is taken away.

Like I remember Chris Haueter @ChrisHaueterArt saying at the @BjjGlobetrotter camp last year in Belgium: “When possible, always be choking”.

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.