BJJ Transitions: The Skill of Connecting Your Game

What Are BJJ Transitions, Really?

In plain language, transitions are the moments you move from one position, control, or attack to the next without losing pressure or giving the opponent a clear escape. Think knee cut to side control to mount, or De La Riva to X-guard to technical stand-up sweep. They include hand fighting, grip changes, hip switches, angle shifts, and timing choices that connect phases of a fight.

Transitions show up everywhere: passing to mount, mount to back, turtle to front headlock, half guard to smash pass, berimbolo to back, takedown to immediate pin, and even escape sequences like side control to turtle to guard recovery. The better your transitions, the less time you spend stuck, stalled, or defending—and the more you control the pace.

Transitions Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)

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Tricks from starting on the knees! The humbler!

52s · Matt Arroyo

The video is an instructional lesson by Matt Arroyo on how-to execute a transition technique called "The Humbler" from starting on the knees. Arroyo begins by positioning his foot near the opponent's knee to block knee movement and destabilize them. He then transitions into a knee-on-belly, steps over the opponent, pulls them on top, and goes for an armbar submission. This technique is clever as it enables one to control and submit an opponent within the first moments of rolling, potentially undermining the opponent's confidence.

Position: Knees Category: Transitions

Moves You Should Have Learned As Jiu Jitsu White Belt!

33s · Malachy Friedman

This video is a BJJ tutorial by instructor Malachy Friedman detailing the transition into the Mount position. He offers techniques to prevent common mistakes made when trying to transition from kneon belly position. The key element he introduces is the "reverse casing atomic" method, where the practitioner's weight is controlled to prevent easy turnovers. The technique involves sitting on the hip, controlling the opponent's arm, then throwing one's leg over the top to secure the mount position.

Position: Mount Category: Transitions

PREMIUM

Connected Reaction Bundle by Paul Schreiner

$1176.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, Paul Schreiner teaches his revolutionary Pistol Grip System from Half Guard. This gripping system provides a strong platform to launch a variety of attacks including submissions, sweeps and back takes. Schreiner details strategies to use the side control position as a "second guard," as well as high-percentage armlock techniques from top positions. The system also includes ways to take the back, utilizing different configurations of control and a variety of submission techniques.

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Oliveira's Brilliant Jiu Jitsu 🥋 | Technique Breakdown #ufc #breakdown

1m · Not Mapped

The video provides a detailed breakdown of Charles Olivera's brilliant foot sweep technique and closed guard transitions. It explains how Olivera uses pulling and blocking to attempt a sweep, and how he manages the closed guard position to maintain distance and control. The video particularly focuses on the technical standup technique executed by Olivera to move from ground to standing position. This standup allows him to have a strong base and wrestle up effectively.

Position: Closed Guard Category: Transitions

ARM DRAG TO BACK TAKE - GORDON RYAN

1m · Gordon Ryan

This YouTube video features BJJ black belt Gordon Ryan demonstrating the "Arm Drag to Back Take" technique. After obtaining a high armpit grip on the partner's arm, Gordon elevates his elbow and pushes his partner's arm underneath it. Then, he simultaneously pulls across the hands and over the right shoulder to position his partner's arm across the center line, achieving a tight grip. Subsequently, with a pendulum action of his left leg, he tucks in the right elbow while hanging off his partner's body, gaining control over his partner's posture and successfully taking their back. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high grip on the armpit for better control and grip retention.

Technique: Back Take Position: Back Control Category: Transitions

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The Complete Bundle by Marcelo Garcia

$747.00 • BJJ Fanatics

Marcelo Garcia's masterclass video covers in-depth techniques on passing the no-gi guard, navigating to dominant positions, and specifically applying the North-South choke. Lessons also include strategies to dominate from the side control, even against larger opponents, using attacking techniques for better positioning and submissions. Marcelo further explains how to completely control the mount and break down the opponent for a submission.

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BJJ Techniques: Arm Drag to Back Take by Gordon Ryan

5m · Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan, a renowned BJJ grappler, presents an instructional video on the technique of transitioning from a Closed Guard position to a Back Take using an Arm Drag. Highlighting the importance of gripping, he demonstrates multiple scenarios where an arm drag could be employed and elaborates the process of performing it. Ryan emphasizes the need for an excellent grip, precise movements, and maintaining offensive control from the very beginning to ensure success. He discusses the significance of putting weight on the partner's arm and turning the chest downwards to maintain control and thwart the opponent's attempts to regain posture.

Technique: Back Take Position: Closed Guard Category: Transitions

Easiest Back Take In Jiu Jitsu

11s · Tyler Spangler

The video is an instructional piece by Tyler Spangler teaching viewers the easiest way to transition to the back take position in Jiu-Jitsu. He instructs to place one arm on the back of the opponent's neck and the other under their arm, using a gable grip to control pressure. This is followed by falling over their shoulder while throwing the second hook for control.

Technique: Grip Fighting / Hand Fighting Position: Back Control Category: Transitions

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Essential Connections Bundle by Giancarlo Bodoni

$677.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video is a compilation of four instructionals by Giancarlo Bodoni, teaching various techniques for transitions, pinning, submission, and guard passing. The first part focuses on chest to chest submissions and pin transitions. The second part is dedicated to chest to chest half guard passing. The third and the fourth part are designed to improve the ability to take the back from different angles and defeat opponents from the front headlock position. Each part contains multiple techniques and strategies for each scenario.

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Deep Lasso Invert Omoplata to Matrix

23s · Jon Thomas

In this instructional video, Jon Thomas demonstrates a sequence transitioning from a Deep Lasso position to an Invert Omoplata, and finally to a Matrix. He emphasizes the need to clear the near-side leg after securing a deep lasso when the opponent is low. Jon also provides a solution for the potential issue of the opponent posturing out of the Omoplata. This involves quickly grabbing the hip to come around and execute the Matrix, thus profiling both an old-school and a modern attack.

Technique: Omoplata Position: Lasso Guard Category: Transitions

23 BJJ Transitions, Scrambles, and Counters in Less Than 8 Min - Jason Scully

8m · Jason Scully

This video, by Jason Scully, is a high-paced instructional on numerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) transitions, counters, and scrambles. It illustrates how to maintain top position during hip bump sweep, how to recover guard when caught in a turtle position, a grip break to attack the back, and a counter to a kimura attempt. The video highlights that drilling each technique repeatedly is crucial for execution, while also demonstrating moves from different angles to enhance viewer understanding.

Position: Various Category: Transitions

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The Berimbolo System Bundle by Mikey Musumeci

$647.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, Mikey Musumeci provides a comprehensive guide on executing his top-selling berimbolo system. Over 10 hours of content, he uncovers the subtleties and secrets of high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing particularly on the berimbolo transition. The system includes part 1: the foundation, leg drags, back takes, crab rides, submissions, and more. He emphasizes that anyone can learn this system; flexibility is not a prerequisite.

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Can't pass the guard? 🤔 Go for the ROLLING FRONT HEADLOCK! 🙂 #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu…

17s · Jordan

This instructional video by Jordan teaches transitions from the guard position using a technique known as the Rolling Front Headlock. The instructor explains that when having trouble passing the guard, one effective strategy can be to roll through, catch the opponent's chin, and hook their arm simultaneously. From this position, it's possible to transition to the guillotine or begin attacking Anaconda or DARS.

Position: Guard Generic Category: Transitions

BJJ Technique - Octopus Half Guard Attacks - Coach Zahabi

12m · Firas Zahabi

The video provides instruction on how to execute attacks from the 'Octopus Half Guard' position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Coach Zahabi explains and demonstrates techniques such as the hip bump sweep and taking the back from the Octopus Half Guard when the opponent tries to pass or counter. Moreover, he highlights the importance of going "negative," or facing the same direction as your opponent, in response to the opponent attempting to pass in the negative direction. Lastly, he points out the effectiveness and simple nature of these techniques, asserting them as the only three needed from this position.

Position: Half Guard Category: Transitions

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Turtle & Back Attacks Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$419.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features Gordon Ryan teaching his specialized turtle position transitions and back attacks. Gordon demonstrates key fundamentals, hand fighting systems, and techniques for securing hooks and achieving back control. The instruction is broken down with footage of Gordon rolling, highlighting these transitions and attacks in real-life grappling scenarios. Throughout, Gordon emphasizes the strategic use of these techniques, sharing the same skills that have helped him become a successful no-gi black belt champion.

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This is Why Danaher's Students Control EVERYONE in No-Gi

15m · John Danaher

In the video, premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor John Danaher introduces the Shoulder Crunch System, a No-Gi control system he developed. He explains how this system allows a practitioner to maintain control over the opponent's posture from the guard position, countering the common issue of loss of control experienced when transitioning from Gi to No-Gi combat. The system revolves around a particular variation of Sumi Gaeshi, a sweeping technique John's students, including Gordon Ryan, have successfully used in high-level competition. He demonstrates key concepts like the "Locked Hands" principle, exploring how to manage opponent's reactions and leverage them into sweeps, upper body submissions, and leg lock entries.

Technique: Concepts / Systems Position: Open Guard Category: Transitions

Craig Jones: Power Ride Retrospective - Wrestling Controls for BJJ

24m · Craig Jones

The video is a detailed overview of Craig Jones' grappling technique known as Power Ride. The video discusses how Jones conceptualized and developed the Power Ride strategy, its evolution and how it can be adapted into current BJJ systems. It differentiates between points and control in Jiu-Jitsu, arguing that the ability to restrict the opponent's movement and generate power is the true determinant of control. The video also discusses the historical context and origins of the original back position in BJJ and how the Power Ride technique enables a practitioner to maintain control over their opponent.

Position: Half Guard Category: Transitions

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Systematically Attacking the Scrimmage: Securing The Score by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, renowned no-gi grappler, Gordon Ryan, provides a comprehensive breakdown of "the scrimmage". The scrimmage refers to the chaotic transitions that occur following a takedown, sweep, or positional exchange. He offers viewers his complete system for converting these transitions into powerful scoring opportunities. This includes strategies on how to stabilize, re-attack, counter opponent reactions, and consistently come out ahead in the most critical moments of a match.

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Destroy your opponent’s confidence in Jiu Jitsu with the turtle attack!

44s · Malachy Friedman

The video tutorial is presented by Malachy Friedman who teaches how to transition from a turtle position to the back using a turtle attack strategy. He starts by reaching under the opponent's gi with his far arm and grabs it, then walks around to the other side while also opening the opponent's knee. He places his head inside facing upwards and rolls to his back, flipping the opponent over him. After maintaining grip on the collar and knee to prevent escape, he then throws his leg over and slides up to take the back, releasing his grip once he gets there.

Technique: Back Take Position: Turtle Category: Transitions

4 X-GUARD ENTRIES that you need to know! 💥 #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu

47s · Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu

This YouTube video by Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu offers instruction on 4 different entries into the X-Guard position. The entries are demonstrated from various guard positions and scenarios including when the opponent steps close to your head, from half guard butterfly, from a failed butterfly sweep, and from butterfly guard with double underhooks. These techniques employ the use of underhooks and butterfly hooks to successfully transition into the X-Guard. The instructor emphasizes the importance of getting underneath the opponent’s hips for each entry.

Position: X Guard Category: Transitions

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My Evolution Your Revolution: ADCC 2019 Analysis by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video is part of an unprecedented series where Gordon Ryan breaks down his dominant performance at the ADCC 2019. He shares step-by-step instructions on the major techniques he used during his matches. The focus of this video is on the back attacks that helped him secure five victories over elite opponents. Through this series, viewers can learn the systems that have made Gordon Ryan the best no-gi grappler on Earth.

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Getting Out of Turtle Postion | Jiu-Jitsu Transitions

10m · Eli Knight

The video, by instructor Eli Knight, teaches multiple techniques to transition out of the turtle position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The turtle position is integral to the sport, providing substantial defense mechanisms. Eli Knight first explains the turtle position's defensive posture and then demonstrates techniques such as the "Sit Out" and "Reverse", which help one to transition out of this position safely. The instructor also provides advice on how to maneuver depending on your opponent's specific grips and movements.

Position: Turtle Category: Transitions

The Difference Between The BJJ Berimbolo With Gi And No Gi by Gordon Ryan

10m · Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan shows and explains the difference between performing the Berimbolo technique with a Gi and No-Gi in this instructional video. He demonstrates that when performing a Berimbolo in Gi, it's easy to create upper back exposure due to the availability of grips on the fabric. However, without a Gi, creating upper back exposure can be challenging because there aren't as many grip options. Ryan further demonstrates that without the Gi, you're left primarily with the choice of sweeping your opponent or going for leg attacks. He concludes the tutorial by demonstrating a transition from the Berimbolo into a leg attack.

Technique: Berimbolo Position: Berimbolo Category: Transitions

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Heisting: Making Your Jiu Jitsu Multidimensional by Garry Tonon

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, Garry Tonon teaches how to make your Jiu-Jitsu multidimensional by blending standing and ground techniques. The video will instruct learners on how to transition smoothly from guard to takedown, and vice versa, as well as between submissions and takedowns in either direction. Garry's dynamic approach to combining guard, takedowns, submissions and other techniques is demonstrated, taking note of how it gives him a competitive edge in a scramble. The video aims to help viewers become complete fighters that can see and understand scrambles everywhere and blend their game.

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Linking attacks from Single leg X guard (Lachlan Giles)

8m · Lachlan Giles

Lachlan Giles instructs on how to link attacks from Single Leg X Guard position in BJJ. He starts by explaining the importance of the control position, with your outside foot on the opponent's hip and your knee touching your heel. He presents three different sweep options depending on your opponent's responses. Firstly, if you can reach the far leg, you can square up and sweep your opponent directly back. Secondly, if the far leg is out of reach, you can apply a twisting motion while keeping your legs tightly around theirs to off-balance and sweep them. Lastly, if the opponent drops their knee to the mat, you can loop under their leg to off-balance them and come up on top.

Position: Single Leg X Guard Category: Transitions

Spladle from top position #grappling #wrestling #ufc #mma #jiujitsu #bjj #nogi #spladle #…

37s · Brett Houghton

In the video, Coach Brett Houghton explains how to transition to the spladle technique from the top position. He describes the process in detail with each step, starting from securing a position under the opponent's arms to getting the pin by sliding down the back. He emphasizes the importance of driving the leg into the opponent and dropping to the knee or hip while attacking the heel. It concludes with the instructor demonstrating the roll through and reminding viewers of the importance of the heel post and hip engagement.

Position: Top Control Category: Transitions

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Master The Move: Arm Drags by John Danaher

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, John Danaher, a renowned BJJ coach, provides a comprehensive guide on how to execute Arm Drags from the Half Butterfly position. The technique is presented from various angles, along with its application and execution. It covers how to perform Arm Drags from different positions such as supine, seated, standing, and how to use it defensively. It's an in-depth course designed for those looking to enhance their grappling game.

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Z Guard to Williams Guard to Triangle Sequence (Lachlan Giles)

12m · Lachlan Giles

This video is an instructional content by Lachlan Giles wherein he teaches a complex transition between three positions: Z Guard, Williams Guard, and finalizing it with a Triangle submission. He begins by demonstrating the initial position, the Z Guard, before showing how to transition to the Williams Guard. From the Williams Guard position, he then shows how to execute a Triangle submission. Lachlan emphasizes on the necessity of flexibility in these movements, and the video offers clear, step-by-step instructions to precisely execute the whole sequence.

Technique: Triangle Choke Position: Z Guard Category: Transitions

John Danaher on one of the most important moves in BJJ #bjj #johndanaher #kingsway

1m · John Danaher

This video is a short tutorial on the armbar technique, presented by John Danaher. He emphasizes the effectiveness of the move, stating that there's no other move that can change the tide of a match so quickly, with less effort and risk. However, it's essential to execute the armbar properly to make it a significant threat to the opponent. Considering this, he argues the armbar is one of the most important moves in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Technique: Armbar Category: Transitions

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The Daisy Fresh Curriculum: No-Gi Purple Belt Stripe Two by Heath Pedigo

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video teaches viewers about strengthening their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills at the no-gi purple belt level. The presenter, Heath Pedigo, explains the importance of this belt level as an opportunity for exponential growth rather than plateauing, and emphasises on refining strategies, mastering control, improving decision-making and transitions. The video content is a part of Heath's Daisy Fresh Curriculum, a systematic module designed to help BJJ practitioners overcome the unique challenges at the purple belt level. Health Pedigo's methods, honed for decades, have helped many athletes break through their plateaus.

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Why Transitions Win Matches

Good jiu jitsu transitions create momentum. Small advantages stack: a pause after a sweep gives the opponent a frame; a clean transition beats their frame before it forms. Scoring systems reward this: sweep to top control, pass to mount, mount to back—these chains earn points and break opponents mentally.

Technically, strong transitions minimize gaps. You replace grips before you release old ones, you shift your hips before weight comes off the opponent, and you threaten submissions while advancing position so they must choose the lesser evil. At higher levels, victories often come from winning the in-betweens, not from single, isolated moves.

Key Concepts, Decisions, and Common Mistakes

Lead the dance: enter transitions on your terms. Frame, off-balance, or threat-stack first. Make the opponent react, then change direction.

Connection before movement: keep chest-to-chest or strong tethering grips (collar-sleeve, underhook-head control, two-on-one, ankle-knee clamps) so space never opens for their escape.

Wedges and levers: insert knees, shins, elbows, and hooks as wedges; control elbows, knees, and heels as levers. Every transition improves your wedges or lever control.

Head and hip alignment: your head leads the angle, your hips follow. Passing, taking the back, or inverting all depend on how quickly you realign your head-hips relative to theirs.

Threat stacking: pair positional advancement with submission threats—knee cut with crossface/near-side underhook, mount climb with head-arm trap, turtle spin with seatbelt.

Tempo shifts: slow to stick control, then spike speed to jump the next layer. Predictable tempo equals predictable defense.

Common mistakes: letting go before you have the next grip; chasing the top position without controlling elbows and head; transitioning in a straight line instead of circling; pausing after a sweep; trying fancy berimbolos or scrambles without first understanding grips and inside position.

What to Study First

Start from universal hubs you reach every round. Build A-to-B chains you can hit daily:

1. 1Guard pass chains: half guard knee shield to knee cut; knee cut to hip switch to side control; side control to mount; mount to back. Learn crossface/underhook mechanics, head position, and hip windshield-wipers.
2. 2Sweep-to-top stabilization: DLR to X-guard to technical stand-up; single-leg X to off-balance to back take or ankle pick. Practice posting hand changes, foot pummeling, and immediate chest connection on top.
3. 3Turtle and back transitions: seatbelt entries from turtle, chair sit and spiral ride; front headlock to snap, spin, and back exposure. Prioritize hooks after seatbelt, not before.
4. 4Escape transitions: side control frames to hip escape to guard; mount knee-elbow to single leg half guard to underhook get-up. Treat escapes as forward progress, not resets.
5. 5Submission-forward pathways: arm drag to back, knee cut to far-side armbar, mount to head-and-arm choke. Attack while advancing, not after you arrive.

Drill ideas: short rounds focused only on connecting two positions; 30-second burst passes where you must change direction twice; positional sparring where you only score by chaining at least two advancements. Film your rounds to see where you pause and lose the grip exchange.

Training Jiu Jitsu Transitions Across Styles

Gi focus: prioritize sleeve-collar chains, pant grips for steering knees, and lapel feeds that survive scrambles. Learn to replace a sleeve with a pant grip during knee cuts and to maintain collar control during mount climbs.

No-gi focus: hunt head control, underhooks, and two-on-ones. Emphasize body locks, ankle rides, and shin wedges. Your stickiness comes from chest pressure, head position, and hip-to-hip connections.

Top vs bottom: on top, your rule is pressure before progress. On bottom, your rule is kuzushi before connection—off-balance first, then transition to elevation, angles, or stand-ups.

Athletic variance: faster athletes can chain with tempo spikes and direction changes; methodical players should build clamp-based systems that don’t rely on speed. Either way, grips first, hips second, movement third.

Use BJJ University To Study, Compare, and Drill

BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub for jiu jitsu transitions. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, short clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. You can quickly compare teaching styles and systems for common connections like half guard to knee cut, DLR to X-guard, turtle to back, front headlock to back takes, and guard retention to counter-attacks.

Start with the Transitions category to see organized playlists and lesson threads. Then branch to positions like guard passing, sweeps, back takes, and escapes to round out your chains. Bookmark the site and share it with teammates or friends who want more free BJJ learning resources—the more perspectives you study, the faster your transitions improve. Browse this page on BJJ University.

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Related BJJ University Pages

• 1Transitions main page: Direct access to curated videos and lesson threads for transition chains across positions.
• 2All BJJ categorys: Browse related categories like guard passing, sweeps, back takes, escapes, and drills to build complete chains.
• 3Takedowns Stand Up Category Guide: Compare related BJJ University category study guides.
• 4Concepts Strategy Category Guide: Compare related BJJ University category study guides.