So you want to build a strong attacking game in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? That’s neat: it means that you won’t turn into one of those BJJ athletes that stall in order to win a match. That wait for their opponents to do something first, so that then they can move into offense themselves. Rather, you’re well on your path to becoming a skilled and versatile submission master – someone whom people will be excited to watch compete.
However, before you become proficient in your attacks, you first have to become excellent in your defense. John Danaher explains why:
When you’re defensively strong, that forms the foundation from which you become offensively strong.
Your long-term goal is to be the best attacking Jiu-Jitsu player in the world. But the pathway to attack is through your confidence in your defense. So your first skill is: never let people control you.
He emphasizes that you have to be able to do everything possible when it comes to defense, so that you can fully impose your game onto your opponents:
You got to be able to get out of any pin. Out of any submission hold. Break any kind of control grip. So no one can ever impose their will upon you. And when they can’t do that, then you can impose your will upon them.
