Introduction
If you’re just starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it’s easy to feel lost. With so many moves and techniques, most beginners wonder: What should I focus on first? The answer is mastering the basic BJJ positions. These positions are the foundation of the art and will help you survive, defend, and eventually control your training partners.
By learning the six basic BJJ positions—closed guard, open guard, half guard, side control, mount, and back control—you’ll develop the structure every white belt needs. This guide will walk you through each one step by step so you can feel confident in class and start building real progress on the mats.
For more in-depth lessons and resources, check out our White Belt Jiu Jitsu Online Program, where we break down techniques for beginners just like you.
1. Closed Guard – The First Basic BJJ Position
Closed guard is often the starting point for many white belts. It’s one of the basic BJJ positions where you can defend while setting up attacks. With your legs wrapped around your opponent’s waist, you control distance and keep yourself safe.
From here, beginners learn posture control, grip fighting, and simple sweeps. In self-defense, closed guard protects you from strikes and creates openings to escape or submit.
2. Open Guard – Expanding Your Options
Open guard is the next step in understanding basic BJJ positions. When your legs aren’t locked, you use hooks and grips to maintain control. While it feels less secure than closed guard at first, it teaches white belts how to transition and create space.
Open guard is also the doorway to many advanced styles of Jiu Jitsu—but the foundation begins with learning how to balance distance and posture as a beginner.
3. Half Guard – The Hidden Gem of Basic BJJ Positions
Half guard is one of the most common basic BJJ positions you’ll face as a white belt. When one of your opponent’s legs is trapped between yours, you might feel stuck, but it’s actually a great learning spot.
In half guard, you’ll develop hip escapes, underhooks, and sweeps that can turn a bad position into an opportunity. It’s also where you’ll start to understand the “positional hierarchy” of BJJ—knowing what’s dominant and what’s dangerous.
4. Side Control – A Dominant Top Position
Side control is one of the most powerful basic BJJ positions from the top. Pinning your opponent chest-to-chest keeps them controlled and allows you to attack with submissions or move to mount.
White belts often struggle here by rushing to finish. The key lesson: stay heavy, use pressure, and focus on control before attacking.
5. Mount – Building Control and Confidence
The mount is one of the ultimate basic BJJ positions for beginners. Sitting on top of your opponent’s torso gives you stability and options—whether in sport, self-defense, or MMA.
White belts should practice staying balanced, using their hips for pressure, and avoiding common mistakes like leaning too far forward. From mount, you’ll begin to feel what real control in Jiu Jitsu is all about.
6. Back Control – The King of Basic BJJ Positions
Back control is considered the strongest of all basic BJJ positions. With your hooks in and chest to your opponent’s shoulder, you gain maximum control while staying safe from counters.
It’s here that beginners often learn the rear naked choke—one of the most famous and effective submissions in Jiu Jitsu. For white belts, back control is both a finishing position and a lesson in how powerful good positioning can be.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Mastering the basic BJJ positions is the first step in your journey from white belt to blue belt. By understanding closed guard, open guard, half guard, side control, mount, and back control, you’ll develop confidence in both offense and defense.
Ready to put these lessons into action?
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📖 Continue your learning with The Ultimate BJJ White Belt Blog.
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🎓 Visit our White Belt Jiu Jitsu Online Program for weekly lessons and flowcharts.
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🥋 If you’re local, sign up for a free trial at Next Generation Martial Arts in Thibodaux and start building real experience on the mats.
Every black belt started as a white belt—your journey begins with the basics. Stay consistent, and these six positions will become the foundation of your BJJ success.