How to Beat a Wrestler in a Jiu Jitsu Match

Grappling competitions bring together athletes from different martial arts backgrounds including wrestling, Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. When a Jiu Jitsu competitor faces off against a wrestler, the two styles appear to be similar. The Jiu Jitsu competitor must know how to create space and movement to be able to use his techniques against the wrestler whose goal is to hold his opponent down while scoring points.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin in a wrestler's stance. You do not want to be caught standing straight up because the wrestler can attack your legs and take you down to the mat. Instead, stand with your right or left foot forward, depending on your dominant side. Place your opposite foot slightly wider than shoulder width and half a step behind you. Bend your knees to get low to the ground and keep your hands up for protection.

    • 2

      Circle around the wrestler to position yourself closer. Do not move straight backwards because that gives the wrestler the opportunity to rush you with a takedown attempt. Get in close enough that you can reach out to touch the wrestler with the hand that is furthest away from him.

    • 3

      Initiate a clinch with the wrestler. If you are competing wearing a martial arts uniform, grab your opponent's collar. If you are not wearing a uniform, grab the opponent's bicep on one arm and the wrist on the other arm.

    • 4

      Pull guard to bring your opponent down to the ground. While controlling your oppoent's hands, place one foot directly into his hip and extend that leg as far as possible. Bend your other leg to lower youself down to the ground and pull your opponent towards you. Place your opposite foot behind your opponent's knee. You should land on your back with your opponent standing directly over you, bending at the waist. Pulling guard will help you get the match to the ground without allowing the wrestler to score points on a takedown attempt.

    • 5

      Reach with your hand to grab the your opponent's ankle. Pull on this ankle while pushing your opponent with the foot that is in his hip. You should off balance your opponent enough where you can cause him to fall backwards, allowing you to quickly get on top. In Jiu Jitsu competitions, getting off your back and on top of your opponent is worth two points.

    • 6

      Maintain close position to your opponent by getting chest to chest. Reach one arm under his head and grab his far shoulder to keep his head off the mat. This position keeps him from being able to bridge your body away.

    • 7

      Work to position your body in side control by bringing both knees to one side of your opponent's body. Reaching this position is worth three points in a grappling competition. Continue keeping your body close to your opponent to limit his ability to move.

    • 8

      Continue to work to improve your position on the opponent. Your goal is to keep the wrestler grounded and not allow him to move. Too much movement creates scrambles in which his wrestling abilities place you in a bad spot. Stay tight to maintain your lead in points until the timer sounds.