Why BJJ White Belts Should Focus on Fundamentals 1st

In BJJ, if you're really flexible, should you focus on the basics of BJJ or should you move towards the more advanced position and techniques?

This is a question I received recently.

And I'll say this. I think it's always worth exploring different positions and techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Regardless of whether or not you think you can use them yet or not.

But in the beginning I think it is wise to focus on the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiujitsu.

I compare it to a home.

When you walk into a home do you pay much attention to the foundation?

For most people the answer is "No." For most people they notice all the aesthetics that make the house attractive and enjoyable to live inside.

But if the foundation is falling apart, you can kiss all of that stuff goodbye.

And it's the same in BJJ.

You can get into the more advanced techniques. But without a solid foundation in grappling. Your game will fall apart eventually.

If you're a BJJ White Belt or someone who is curious about the basics and fundamentals in BJJ. I hope this video is useful to you.
-Chewy
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If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.

[dereksather]

This is why I'm glad the Jiu-Jitsu school I attend offers intro classes. I did them for 4 months and they helped tremendously.

[KA-bdmc]

This is the truth. Don’t get ahead of yourself. The basics make all the difference.

[scottauger]

chewy, I wish you would have told me this before I bought my house a few years back.... great floors but the basement leaks ... bjj even helps you buy a house better lol

[funkyparchment]

As a black belt trying to convince white belts the basics are generally the best is more frustrating than it should be. I rarely if ever try to get fancy knowing how it can end

[tomiibarrientos]

I would like to see a video about what fundamentals and basics are. If you read me chewy, just wanna say that your videos are helping me a lot. Thank you for that !!

[briananders]

If it wasn't for your videos I would have quit 8 months ago and I wouldn't have lost 75lbs and found the love of my life...BJJ! Thanks!

[domedome]

Amen, I’ve had 3 private lessons on the same move and have learned something new about it every single time. This is in addition to my regular group training.

[ToddsDiscGolf]

Hard to focus on fundamentals when the bjj gym I went to just throws all levels and belts together and teaches them all whatever move they’re working on that day. Would have really appreciated a class that taught step by step the most important things to know and laid a foundation to build on.

[grimaldus]

3 months in to my BJJ journey & I love your thought train... subbed!!

[blockmasterscott]

I’m a stand up fighter. When teaching I normally teach white belts 90% straight basics and maybe 10% something advanced as a sort of carrot on a stick to keep them interested. Like a spinning back fist for example on pads.

I then explain that the basics are essential in doing that spinning backlist correctly.

[maddenptofficial]

Shrimping, breaking grips, framing, pin escapes...what are some other good fundamentals to focus on in year 1?

[hussler]

Hey Chewy - Have bought a couple of your instructional series and I absolutely love them! Could you put together a list of the 'basics' white belts should know? It would be great to get your insight.

[cearbhaillblain]

This is soooo true!! Everytime we go over the techniques there us always something i never saw as important before. They are not called fundamentals for no reason!!!

[impulsive]

Greatness comes from mastery of the fundamentals.

[Thwobbler]

Roger gracie is the perfect example. The fundamentals masterd

[Melanie-kenu]

I have the same question as @Mr Wizzykin! At class we learn what I'm assuming are fundamental moves and I try to retain them as much as possible, but it would be nice to have a list of fundamentals to study and practice outside of class as well (I expect this would also help me retain more from class even if they aren't the sames moves, since it would make my brain more accustom to the terms and concepts). The most effective way that I've found works for me, when practicing ANYTHING, has been to learn the principles and to learn how to do "simple" really well.

[michachalikesyou]

Even your basics are basics for a reason. You’ll never get to that fancy inverted flying arm bar in a real roll if you have all these missing pieces

[marcsubia]

Not going to lie, I walk into homes and look at the foundation because my job is supplying the forms for the foundations haha.

[UAANC]

Chewy what are the actual fundamentals?

[jdta]

Going to a new BJJ gym next Friday. Have a little experience over 12 years ago. As a contractor this advice is excellent and I will be emptying my cup and focusing on building my foundation. Thank you 😎👊🙏