Written by Gile Huni., a 3rd degree BJJ black belt and head instructor at Kimura BJJ Serbia
If you have some experience on the mats, then you’re probably well aware that there are no real „shortcuts“ in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It’s all a matter of hard work, persistence, of being focused and eager to learn, practice and use new techniques and setups.
However, just because there aren’t any easy and fast ways for becoming better, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that you can do to improve faster. One of those things, namely, is to focus on exploiting an opponent’s weaker side to gain a competitive edge.
In Jiu-Jitsu, 85 % of practitioners are right handed and traditionally trained to pass the guard to their left or when playing guard, they sweep to their right . This methodical approach, while effective, also leads to predictability. Opponents often become proficient in defending against attacks from this common direction. Here is a shift in this paradigm.
Instead of following the standard practice, practitioners, especially beginners, should concentrate on mastering passing the guard, sweeping or attacking submissions to the opposite side – the side that is typically less defended and practiced by opponents. Some call it the “r*tard side” :D.
By doing so, a practitioner can turn a black belt into a purple belt in a metaphorical sense. This is because while attacking or passing on this unconventional side, the opponent’s ability to defend effectively is significantly reduced.
This strategy is simple yet profound: if you’re facing a higher belt level opponent, go to their weaker side. This side is referred to as the ‘purple belt side’ when facing a black belt. By applying this strategy, one can pass their guard more easily, as the opponent is not as accustomed to defending or escaping from this side.
This will be challenging in the beginning, as you will working on your “weaker side”. So you need to develop this first when rolling against lower belts, so that you start getting good at this. This is a reason to attend the fundamental class more often and roll with white and blue belts.
The author, Gile Huni:
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This strategy is not just about physical techniques, but also about a mental shift in approach. It encourages practitioners to step out of the conventional comfort zone and exploit the lesser-practiced areas of opponents. This approach, can significantly enhance one’s effectiveness and speed in improving in Jiu-Jitsu.
By focusing on an opponent’s weaker side, one can not only surprise them but also find new pathways to success in Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a testament to the depth and strategic nature of Jiu-Jitsu, where even a small shift in approach can lead to significant advancements in skill and performance.
