BJJ 36 moves: the list and how to practice

What the 36-move list means

Gracie Combatives teaches a set of 36 core moves. It groups them into 23 classes. The set covers holds, escapes, and ways to get on top.

This is a guide to that named set. BJJ has many more moves. Ask Sandy how his class plan fits your goals.

Read our Gracie Academy background page and the program's own source. They give context for this approach.

Practice with a coach

These notes tell you what each move is for. Use a coach to learn how to do it. Joint locks and chokes can cause harm.

Tap early to ask for a release. Tap your partner or the mat, or say “tap.” Release a hold at once when a partner taps.

Mount and back moves

Mount means one person sits across the other's body. The top player tries to keep control. The bottom player works to get free.

1. Trap and Roll Escape. A way to get out of mount.
2. Americana Armlock. A shoulder lock from mount.
3. Positional Control. Ways to keep balance in mount.
4. Take the Back. A move from mount to back control.
5. Rear Naked Choke. A choke from back control.
6. Armbar. An arm lock from mount.
7. Elbow Escape. A way to make space and regain guard.
8. Headlock Counters. Ways to respond to a head hold.
9. Twisting Arm Control. A way to control an arm from mount.

Guard moves

In guard, the bottom player uses their legs for control. They can seek a hold or a sweep. A sweep lets them move to the top.

10. Triangle Choke. A choke that uses the legs.
11. Elevator Sweep. A lift and turn to get on top.
12. Armbar from Guard. An arm lock from the bottom.
13. Double Ankle Sweep. A sweep using both ankles.
14. Pull Guard. A move from standing into guard.
15. Guillotine Choke. A choke from a front head hold.
16. Kimura Armlock. A shoulder lock from guard.
17. Hook Sweep. A sweep using a leg hook.
18. Take the Back from Guard. A move to back control.
19. Double Underhook Pass. A guard pass using both arms.

Side control moves

In side control, the top player lies across the body. The bottom player seeks space and an escape. Both players follow the coach's pace.

20. Positional Control in Side Mount. Ways to hold side control.
21. Headlock Escape 1. One path out of a ground head hold.
22. Headlock Escape 2. A second path out of that hold.
23. Shrimp Escape. A hip move used to make space.
24. Elbow Escape from Side Mount. A way to work back to guard.

Standing and self-defense moves

These moves cover clinches, holds, and takedowns. A clinch means close contact while standing. Learn falls and partner care with a coach first.

25. Leg Hook Takedown. A trip from a clinch.
26. Clinch with an Aggressive Opponent. A response to someone moving in.
27. Clinch with a Conservative Opponent. A response to someone holding back.
28. Punch Block Series, Stages 1 to 4. Drills for punch defense.
29. Punch Block Series, Stage 5. The next part of those drills.
30. Haymaker Punch Defense. A drill for a wide, looping punch.
31. Standing Headlock Defense. A response to a standing head hold.
32. Standing Armbar. An arm lock while standing.
33. Body Fold Takedown. A takedown using body control.
34. Double Leg Takedown. A takedown using both legs.
35. Rear Takedown. A takedown from behind.
36. Guillotine Defense. A response to a front head choke.

Why 23 classes cover 36 moves

A class can pair a ground move with a standing move. Some standing skills come up in more than one class. The count of moves differs from the count of classes.

The class map gives a set of tasks to revisit. Ask your coach how to use it. Work on the problem each move is meant to solve.

How to practice

Start with a task you understand. Ask why a grip or frame helps. Try small parts of the move with your coach.

Let the coach choose when to add resistance. A partner can then give you a harder task. Keep a pace that lets both people learn.

Link skills once you can use each one. An escape might lead to guard. A sweep might lead to top control. Your partner's choices help shape your next move.

Common questions

Is this all of BJJ?

It is one core set. BJJ includes many other moves and ways to train. You can build on these skills over time.

Is this sport or self-defense?

Gracie Combatives presents the set as a beginner self-defense course. Sport BJJ also uses many of these moves. Rules and goals can change how you use them.

How long does it take?

You may learn a move's shape before you can use it. Useful skill takes practice, feedback, and safe resistance. Your coach can help you set the next task.

Plan your visit

Meet Sandy in Tannersville in the Catskills. Check the class times and rates. Read the arrival guide.

You can reserve a Free Intro. Tour the room and ask about a first class.