Jiujitsu Drills

Hey fellow BJJ enthusiasts! If you're like me and love rolling but also happen to have long hair, you know the unique challenges it brings. And let's be real, mastering effective grappling drills, especially back takes, is key to leveling up your game. I've spent countless hours on the mats, and I'm excited to share my personal insights on managing long hair while drilling and some essential back take drills that have significantly improved my jiu jitsu. First, let's tackle the hair dilemma. There's nothing worse than getting your hair pulled, caught, or having it whip into your face mid-roll. It's distracting and painful! Over time, I've found a few strategies that truly make a difference. Braids are your best friend – a tight French braid or Dutch braid keeps everything secure. If your hair is too short for a single braid, try two pigtail braids. I also swear by a good thick hair tie and occasionally a headband to catch any stray wisps around my face. Some people even use a scrunchie over their hair tie for extra security and to prevent breakage. For me, it's about finding that sweet spot between comfort and security. I also make sure my hair is clean and conditioned, as healthy hair is less prone to breakage and knots, which helps a lot after a tough grappling session. This attention to detail contributes to overall fitness and being ready for drills. Now, onto the fun part: grappling drills! The original post briefly mentioned 'back take,' and honestly, it's one of the most powerful positions in jiu jitsu. Being able to secure the back gives you dominant control and opens up a plethora of submission opportunities. I’ve incorporated several jiujitsu drills into my routine to make back takes almost second nature. One of my go-to back take drills starts from side control. My partner lies on their back, and I'm in side control. The goal is to transition to their back. I start by getting a cross-face and underhook, then look to slide my knee across their belly to trap their arm, creating space. As they try to escape, I shrimp out, using my hooks to secure their hips, eventually getting both hooks in and establishing seatbelt control. We drill this slowly, focusing on each step and the correct weight distribution. It's not just about speed; it's about precision. Another essential drill is the "shrimp to back take" from guard. When my partner is in my open guard, and I feel them posture up, I shrimp out aggressively, creating an angle. From there, I can attack their back by sliding my outside hook in and then using my other leg to elevate them, securing the second hook. This drill really emphasizes hip movement and using your legs to create leverage, which is crucial in grappling. We often do this as a flow drill, alternating sides to become ambidextrous. Consistency with these jiujitsu drills is what really makes a difference. Don't just do them once; repeat them until the movements become muscle memory. And remember, communicate with your training partners. Give each other feedback. These grappling drills aren't just about the physical movement; they also build your timing and sensitivity. Combine smart hair management with dedicated drilling, and you'll find yourself much more confident and effective on the mats. Keep training hard, and I hope these tips help you on your BJJ journey!