BJJ fundamentals and beginner curriculum training
Beginner Curriculum Guide

BJJ 36 Techniques: The Complete List (and How to Train Them Without Getting Lost)

The full 36-technique foundation set, plus a simple training progression that actually sticks.

Sensei Sandy BJJ | Catskills

If you have been searching for "BJJ 36 techniques," you are probably looking for a tight beginner curriculum that does not feel like drinking from a firehose.

These 36 essential techniques are commonly taught as a structured beginner path, often packaged as Gracie Combatives, built around high-percentage positions and self-defense situations so beginners can progress with less confusion.

What are the "BJJ 36 techniques"?

They are a curated set of 36 core moves that show up repeatedly in real grappling: escapes, controls, takedowns, submissions, and standing self-defense responses.

The idea is simple: master a small set of high-utility tools first, then build outward.

The BJJ 36 Techniques (Full List)

Below is the full list with plain-English notes on what each one is for.

Mount (top + bottom fundamentals)

  1. Trap and Roll Escape (Mount): Escape when someone is sitting heavy on your hips.
  2. Americana Armlock (Mount): Shoulder lock from top mount.
  3. Positional Control (Mount): Stay mounted without getting bucked off.
  4. Take the Back (Mount): Move from mount to back control when they turn.
  5. Rear Naked Choke: High-percentage choke from back control.
  6. Armbar (Mount): Classic arm lock from top mount.
  7. Elbow Escape (Mount): Escape mount by making space and recovering guard.
  8. Headlock Counters: Responses when someone squeezes your head from top.
  9. Twisting Arm Control (Mount): Control an arm to pin or finish safely.

Guard (bottom offense + reversals)

  1. Triangle Choke: Choke using your legs when posture breaks.
  2. Elevator Sweep: Lift-and-tip sweep to reverse position.
  3. Armbar (Guard): Arm lock from closed guard.
  4. Double Ankle Sweep: Off-balance and topple them so you come up on top.
  5. Pull Guard: A safe way to bring the fight to the ground on your terms.
  6. Guillotine Choke: Front-headlock choke when they expose their neck.
  7. Kimura Armlock: Powerful shoulder lock from guard.
  8. Hook Sweep: Use a hook to tilt them and come on top.
  9. Take the Back (Guard): Take the back when they overcommit forward.
  10. Double Underhook Pass: Pass closed guard with pressure and posture.

Side Mount (side control) survival + escapes

  1. Positional Control (Side Mount): Hold side control without losing it.
  2. Headlock Escape 1: Escape a ground headlock situation.
  3. Headlock Escape 2: Second pathway when the first escape is blocked.
  4. Shrimp Escape: Universal hip-escape to recover position.
  5. Elbow Escape (Side Mount): Frame, make space, and recover guard.

Standing: clinch, punches, headlocks, takedowns

  1. Leg Hook Takedown: Trip-style takedown off the clinch.
  2. Clinch (Aggressive Opponent): Close distance safely when someone rushes in.
  3. Clinch (Conservative Opponent): Connect when they refuse to come forward.
  4. Punch Block Series (Stages 1-4): Defend common punches and enter safely.
  5. Punch Block Series (Stage 5): The next layer of punch defense.
  6. Haymaker Punch Defense: Defend big looping punches without panic.
  7. Standing Headlock Defense: Defend a standing headlock.
  8. Standing Armbar: Arm lock from standing control.
  9. Body Fold Takedown: Takedown by folding posture and turning the corner.
  10. Double Leg Takedown: High-percentage wrestling entry adapted for safety.
  11. Rear Takedown: Finish from behind when you secure back position standing.
  12. Guillotine Defense: Survive and clear a front headlock guillotine threat.

Why some programs call it 23 classes and 36 techniques

A common teaching format pairs one ground technique with one standing technique in each session. That is why some standing skills appear alongside multiple ground lessons.

So you will often see this represented as a "23 classes / 36 techniques" curriculum map.

How to train the BJJ 36 techniques so they stick

Here is the simple formula that makes this curriculum work quickly.

  1. Learn the why first: understand the exact problem each move solves.
  2. Drill in slices: start with key frames, grips, and hip position.
  3. Add resistance in steps: cooperative, then semi-live, then live from the same position.
  4. Link combinations: escape to guard to sweep to top control to submission.

FAQ

Are these the only techniques in BJJ?

No. They are a foundation set. BJJ is much bigger, but the point is to build competence before collecting random moves.

Is this sport BJJ or self-defense BJJ?

This 36-technique structure is commonly presented as a beginner self-defense-focused curriculum with a strong emphasis on safety and fundamentals.

How long does it take to learn all 36?

Most people can learn the pattern quickly, but owning the skills takes reps, coaching, and progressive resistance. Think months, not days.

Bottom Line

The value of the BJJ 36 techniques is not novelty. It is clarity. You get a small set of proven tools, repeated enough to build confidence under pressure.