Sensei Sandy BJJ · Plain-English Mat Dictionary

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Terms in Plain English

Learn the words you hear in BJJ. BJJ is a way to grapple. You learn to move with a partner. Start with these plain guides. Read our guide to Basic Jiu Jitsu Terms for Beginners or explore individual terms below.

Day 1 Essentials:

Start with your class

Pick a term to learn.

Choose a short list. Open a word to read more.

For kids and parents

Start with safety and class words.

Read youth terms

Bully Proof Safety First Beginner Lane

For new adults

Learn words for key positions.

Learn guard

Guard Mount Side Control

For teens

Learn how to move with care.

Learn grip

Grip Frame Underhook

For all new students

Learn the tap and class rules.

Read common questions

Safety Beginner Lane The Tap

Start here

7 Words You’ll Hear On Day One

These are the words that help a beginner feel safer, calmer, and less lost during a first class.

Tap

The safe way to reset.

Guard

Use your legs to stay safe from bottom.

Frame

Make space with strong body shape.

Shrimp / Hip Escape

Move your hips away to make room.

Mount

A top position beginners hear early.

Side Control

A common top control position from the side.

Control

The big idea behind safe Jiu-Jitsu.

Begin with these seven foundational words for your first class.

Reserve Free Intro

The Sensei Sandy Learning Flywheel

From Plain-English Vocabulary to Mat Confidence

Read a word. Watch how it works. Try it in class with Sandy. Ask for help as you learn.

Step 01

Learn the Language

Demystify Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu terminology before stepping onto the mat. Plain-English definitions, coach cues, and safety guidelines give you clear understanding from day one.

Free Day-One Glossary Blueprint

Step 02

Walk the Mats

Meet Sandy. See the room and learn the rules. Ask which class fits your week. Sandy guides your first class at your pace.

Reserve Free First Visit →

Step 03

12-Week Core Culture

See the class plans and what each includes. Ask Sandy which plan fits you.

Explore Grand Slam Stack →

Included with Enrollment

Async Practice Vault Video Companion ($150 Value)

Every core position in this glossary is backed by 2-minute coached video breakdowns and home practice drills in our student portal.

Practice Vault companion — coming soon View 12-Week Tuition Tracks

Sensei Sandy BJJ Glossary Learn the words before class

Day-one language

Learn the words you will hear before you step on the mat.

Start with plain-English explanations for tap, guard, mount, side control, frames, shrimp, and connection.

Reserve Your Free First Visit This Week’s Focus Visit Student Hub

Ready to see the words in class?

Reserve Free Intro See the class schedule Adult beginner Jiu-Jitsu Kids Jiu-Jitsu Teen Jiu-Jitsu Private BJJ lessons

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