Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

"In my opinion there are no basic techniques in BJJ. Just BJJ techniques. All BJJ techniques can be used in the proper circumstances no matter how high the level of competition. Even techniques like the cross choke from the guard, which are not considered high percentage against high level competition, can be used to cause a reaction to set up another technique. If you underestimate these ""basic techniques"" in competition, you will pay for it. The guillotine, for example, is a basic technique and most matches in ADCC finish with this submission. If you get in to the habit on working only in the fancy techniques you enjoy, then you will not acquire a balanced set of abilities. I have seen BJJ practitioners who can do flying armbars yet they cannot escape from side control. Invest in these basic techniques and learn them properly. In order to do so you need to get the correct details and that means asking questions. Specialized training and complex techniques are important at later stages of BJJ, but as a beginner you have to trust your instructor. Keep in mind that he or she will judge you and promote you to the next belt if he feels that you respect him/her and appreciate his/her teachings. There is no greater form of flattery than when you teach a certain technique and you see your student apply this technique in rolling. This is what the trainer-student relationship is all about. Trust and the passing of knowledge."