Self-Defense Tactics
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Rules of engagement
When engaging an opponent, Brazilian Jujitsu uses four rules of engagement:
- Defend. For example, when grappling, you first defend, keeping your base, fighting off chokes, arm bars, sweep attacks, etc.
- Escape. Then you try to escape by breaking the closed guard and passing the open guard
- Dominate. Once you pass the guard and escape, you try to dominate by keeping your opponent on his back by using the a side mount.
- Attack. After you can successfully keep your opponent on his back and dominate him, you attack by trying various chokes, arm bars, etc.
When your attack works and the opponent submits, you win. If you do not follow the order of the rules of engagement, such as trying to submit your opponent when you are in his guard, you invite problems. While trying to defend, if you skip trying to escape and trying to dominate, and instead try to attack, your opponent will capitalize on your mistake.