Fundamentals Jiu Jitsu Techniques that All White Belts Should Know

There are some techniques that are considered basic moves in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. These are some techniques that are crucial to know to develop a good all-around grappling game. The following moves are building blocks that you can build from. 

1. Bridging and Shrimping: Bridging is pushing your hips up in hopes you can push the opponent off your. Shrimping is moving like a shrimp to remove yourself from your opponent. 

2. Side Mount: The side mount is an intermediate position prior to taking the mount. The technique requires you to hold you opponent down while you are on one side of them rather than mounting them. 

3. Mount: Mount is when you are completely on top of your opponent. You are simply resting all your weight on your opponents stomach or chest. 

4. Closed Guard: It locks your opponent between your legs, offering great control, preventing the opponent from improving position and providing you an opportunity to attack with sweeps and submissions.

5. Knee on Belly: It is exactly like it sounds. You hold you opponent down by putting your knee and all your body weight on their belly. 

6. Turtle: To avoid getting your back taken you can go into turtle. Going into turtle is when you are on your knees with you head and arms tucked in. Like a turtle tucked into its shell. 

All these positions are important in developing your Jiu-Jitsu game. These techniques are like building blocks. 

Gracie Barra Northridge also offers a variety of programs such as adult’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu, women’s self defense, no-gi training, advanced gi, and Muay Thai. Our programs focus on Anti-Bullying/Self-Defense techniques for both adults and children. We offer classes 6x a week and are one of the few schools in the San Fernando Valley that offers 6AM adults Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes. Come in to our location to try a FREE introductory lesson. We are currently offering 30 days for free*, you do not want to miss out!

*Must purchase Gracie Barra Uniform for free trial.

Fitness Class At Northridge Ca

Maybe you’ve been meaning to start but just haven’t found the right routine. Maybe you want to start working out but just haven’t found time for yourself yet. Whatever your excuse, I’m here to tell you that today is the day to start working out. We are here to make this process easier for you! You can now exercise while your children are training Jiu-Jitsu. This is much better than just sitting on the bench while your children train, isn’t it? By the time you leave our academy both you and your child will have their workout for the day done. 

Fitness is important for your physical and mental health. That’s because the benefits of exercise are far more than just losing weight or achieving that “bikini body.” Exercise benefits everything from your sleep quality to your energy level, and even your memory. From making you happier to helping you live longer, regular exercise is key to living a healthy, balanced life. You also need time for yourself! It is easy to loose ourselves when we have so many responsibilities. It is time to invest in yourself so you could be the best version of yourself.
Gracie Barra Northridge also offers a variety of programs such as adult’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu, women’s self defense, no-gi training, advanced gi, and Muay Thai. Our programs focus on Anti-Bullying/Self-Defense techniques for both adults and children. We offer classes 6x a week and are one of the few schools in the San Fernando Valley that offers 6AM adults Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes. Come in to our location to try a FREE introductory lesson. We are currently offering 30 days for free*, you do not want to miss out!

*Must purchase Gracie Barra Uniform for free trial.

BJJ Tips for Staters

Are you looking interested in martial arts but unsure where to start? Here are some of Gracie Barra Northridge’s tips for martial arts beginners. First and foremost, you must find the martial arts you are interested in. There are several kinds of martial arts. At our academy we offer two martial arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. Once you find the martial arts you are interested in you can go on google and search up schools nearby to you. We are located in Northridge and are close to any persons living in the San Fernando Valley or greater Los Angeles area. After you find a school that you are interested in you can give them a call or send an email. Inquiry about any offers or promotions going on. At Gracie Barra Northridge we offer a FREE introductory lesson. When you come in for your introductory lesson be sure to bring comfortable clothing, water, and sandals for easy transportation. At our academy we loan a Gi for the first introductory lesson. After you introductory lesson you can take some time to decide if this is the martial arts you would like to continue. If all goes well, you sign up. Once you sign up there are some important tips to remember. Be sure to follow the gym rules such as go policies, proper hygiene, and unspoken rules such as wearing a shirt/rashguard under your gi, moving for high belts while training, moving for ladies while training, and lining up based on ranking. If you have any questions feel free to ask any higher belts as they are always willing to help new students or anyone working in the offices. 

Gracie Barra Northridge also offers a variety of programs such as adult’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu, women’s self defense, no-gi training, advanced gi, and Muay Thai. Our programs focus on Anti-Bullying/Self-Defense techniques for both adults and children. We offer classes 6x a week and are one of the few schools in the San Fernando Valley that offers 6AM adults Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes. Come in to our location to try a FREE introductory lesson. We are currently offering 30 days for free*, you do not want to miss out!

*Must purchase Gracie Barra Uniform for free trial. 

A Childs Guide To Handling Bullying


No, it’s not just boys being boys, or kids being kids. Bullies are made not born. Bullying is a big problem that affects a lot of kids. 3 out of 4 kids say they have been bullied or teased before. Here our some strategies we teach our students here at Gracie Barra Northridge to defend themselves against bullying. Our children Jiu-Jitsu’s program focuses on anti-bullying techniques which boost confidence as well teaches self-defense. The first step we teach our students is WALK AWAY. When the bully comes up to you grab your belonging and walk away. If you are able to successfully walk away then find the nearest adult in charge and tell them what happened. Find someone you trust and talk about what is happening to you. Tell your teacher, parent, principal, or any adult in charge. Sometimes bullies stop as soon as a teacher finds out because they’re afraid that they will be punished by parents. Walking away could also mean avoiding the bully. Step 2: If you cannot successfully walk away from the bully then stand up for your self. This does not mean you have to fight or hurt the bully. When you’re scared of another person, you’re probably not feeling your bravest. But sometimes just acting brave is enough to stop a bully. Make sure you have a good posture, maintain eye contact with the bully, and in a loud stern voice tell them “leave me alone”. Step 3: If the bullying keeps persisting and becomes physical this is the time to use the techniques you have learned in class. To deescalate the situation you can take the bully down using a take down and pin them to the ground using either mount or side mount. Do not choke, punch, or kick the bully. Our martial arts program focuses on anti-bullying techniques. Aside from our kids program Gracie Barra Northridge also offers a variety of programs such as adult’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu, women’s self defense, no-gi training, advanced gi, and Muay Thai. We offer classes 6x a week and are one of the few schools in the San Fernando Valley that offers 6AM adults Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes. Come in to our location to try a FREE introductory lesson. We are currently offering 30 days for free*, you do not want to miss out!

*Must purchase Gracie Barra Uniform for free trial