Movement: What, Why, and When

One of the biggest concepts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is movement. It seems like almost every place you go, you hear someone shouting to hip escape or adjust. But what is this movement that we speak of, and why do we need to do it? Simply put, movement is actively engaging during a roll and it needs to be done in order to succeed. 

All too often we see newer students flat on their backs or using too much strength when escaping and attacking. From improper technique, results may vary, and when results are inconsistent, a practitioner may become discouraged or lack confidence in the technique itself. It is important to keep in mind that having active hips will create the angles and power needed to setup an attack or create the necessary space to escape.

Constant movement also puts you in a more offensive position. By always staying on offense, your opponent is forced to play your game and be more cautious in their own movements. A defending opponent is also more likely to fall into a trap from an expected reaction. This is why many people associate jiu jitsu as human chess.

Movement with the addition of gravity can be extremely effective. When a person is playing guard, gravity is always there for the assist. Creating angles and off-balancing the opponent creates chain-reactions, and from here the possibilities can be endless. Gravity can also work against you if your lacking in angle, so it is great skill to have spatial awareness.

It is important to keep in mind that the same principle applies when you are defending as well. Staying steps ahead of your opponent to redirect the way the match is going is key to a successful roll. If your hips are dead, you will eventually be passed. If you stall to think of a solution, a new problem has already trumped the old one. Be cautious in the amount of time spent in a position but excessive stalling during a transition will cause you to lose the scramble. Timing is everything when it comes to moving.

Between the reasons when to move and the reasons why you do so in that situation, it can seem a bit overwhelming at first. Through persistence, this skill is learned from hours of trial and error on the mats. Whether you drill it or live roll, always try to keep movement in mind. A moving target is harder to hit than a stationary one.