BJJ wrestle-up scramble training
Wrestle-Up Guide

Gravity Is a Suggestion

BJJ wrestle-ups | Kingston & Tannersville

Three high-percentage stand-ups to win the scramble.

  • Close distance without lunging
  • Angles that beat the sprawl
  • Drills and fixes you can use now
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Updated December 2025 | Sensei Sandy BJJ | Kingston & Tannersville, NY

Gravity Is a Suggestion: 3 Wrestle-Ups to Win the Scramble

Getting up is not just a scramble. It is a weapon.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a sweep is not your only currency. Sometimes the highest-percentage move is standing up and taking top - fast, clean, and connected to the legs.

TL;DR (15-second version)

If you reach, you get sprawled on. If you stay compact, you conquer.

The Golden Rule: Structure Over Speed

  • Stay compact: limbs close to your core.
  • Load your hips: get your weight under you.
  • Connect early: grab a leg as soon as you are in range.

Pick your situation (jump links)

1) Opponent far away: Combat Base Entry

Best for: when they disengage, hesitate, or back up.

Goal: cover distance safely without giving them your head or hips.

Think: Track them down, do not lunge.

Steps

  1. Fold and load: from seated, fold one leg underneath you.
  2. Combat base: plant that heel tight to your glute. Drive up to one knee up, one knee down.
  3. Knee-walk: if they retreat, drop the raised knee, step the other leg up, repeat.
  4. Connect: the moment you are in range, lock a single or double leg grip.

Common mistake (and the fix)

Mistake: reaching for the legs while your hips are still far away.

Fix: get your heel under your hip first, then connect.

Mini-drill (30 seconds)

Seated -> Combat Base -> Knee-walk 6 steps -> Back 6 steps. Keep your head level steady like you are gliding, not bobbing.

2) Opponent crowding you: Double-Leg Fold

Best for: close quarters, when they are pressuring you hard.

Goal: build your base without needing space.

Think: Bunker up, then explode.

Steps

  1. Tuck and cover: fold both legs underneath at the same time.
  2. Build the base: rise straight to two knees (no drifting backward).
  3. Hips engaged: glutes active, hips slightly forward.
  4. Hand fight: elbows glued to ribs, protect your neck.
  5. Attack: blast double or snap them down into a front headlock.

Common mistake (and the fix)

Mistake: coming up tall with elbows flared.

Fix: elbows to ribs, chin tucked, eyes forward.

Mini-drill (10 reps)

Seated -> Double knees -> Posture up -> Back to seated. No hands on the floor if you can help it.

3) You need an angle: Hip Heist + Drag

Best for: using an arm drag or two-on-one to create a flank.

Goal: do not attack a wall - go around it.

Think: Angle beats sprawl.

Steps

  1. Post strong: one hand on the mat behind you for a solid base.
  2. Hip heist: lift hips and swivel or kick your legs out to the side. Do not come up square.
  3. Drag: pull their arm across your centerline as you rise.
  4. Flank: land on your feet at a 45-degree angle, facing their side.
  5. Finish: leg attack or back take - your choice.

Common mistake (and the fix)

Mistake: standing up square in front of them.

Fix: blade your stance - show them your shoulder, not your chest.

Mini-drill (8 per side)

Post -> Hips up -> Swivel -> Stand bladed. Explosive, but controlled.

Troubleshooting: why you are getting stopped

Problem Diagnosis Fix
Getting sprawled on Hips too far away Get your heels under your hips before rising
Head getting snapped You are reaching Elbows tight. Post on mat or legs, not the air
Getting stuffed head-on Attacking the center line Use Hip Heist to cut an angle

Homework: your 3-drill week

Do this before next class. Do not just read it - rep it.

  • The Knee-Walker (Distance): Seated -> Combat Base -> Knee-walk 6 steps -> Retreat 6 steps. Goal: head level stays constant.
  • The Base Builder (Crowded): Seated -> Fold to double knees -> Posture up -> Return to seated (10 reps). Goal: smooth reps, no panic hands.
  • The Hip Heist (Angles): Post -> Hips up -> Swivel -> Stand bladed (8 reps per side). Goal: land at 45 degrees, ready to connect.

Ready to wrestle up for real?

Theory is cute. Mat time is the truth.

If you are near Tannersville or Kingston, come drill these in a structured, beginner-safe room.

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FAQ

What is a wrestle up in BJJ?

It is the tactical choice to transition from guard into a standing wrestling attack (like a single leg) instead of trying to sweep to top.

Is this just a technical stand-up?

Yes and no. Technical stand-up is often defensive. Wrestling up is the offensive version, built to close distance and connect to legs.

Do I need wrestling shoes?

No. These are adapted for barefoot BJJ. Focus on active toes (dig into the mat) for drive.

Reader challenge

Which one do you hit most right now - Distance, Crowded, or Angle? Comment your situation and I will tell you the first adjustment to make.