Common dangerous situations in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
By Leonardo Correa
May 09, 2023 - (5 min read)
We have our 9-to-5 job and have BJJ as a hobby. At the same time, we want to train hard and have longevity. Most people quit BJJ because of injuries. They can be avoided if you recognize and familiarize yourself with the situations.
Some of these dangerous moves are illegal according to the IBJJF rules. Some are allowed in other tournament organizations. Don't expect your opponents to know and follow the rules. Never put your safety in someone else's hands. It is not worth the risk. You may win by disqualification and may not train for a while.
It's better to do everything you can to prevent the consequences of any dangerous situation.
Situation & mistakes
Straight Foot lock
You turn to the wrong side. You should only turn to the side of the attacked foot, not to the other side.
Straight Foot lock turns into an Aoki Lock
This happens when the heel slips inside the rib cage. As a result, there is an inwards knee rotation just like an inside heel hook. Aoki lock is disallowed by IBJJF GI and allowed in NOGI brown and black adults. Consider tapping when you find yourself in a situation like that.
Takedowns
Several people get injured with takedowns. Don't try to stop the takedown with your arms. You should do a break fall. Make sure your chin is against your chest to prevent a whiplash effect. Be careful with scissors takedown. They apply sideways force on your knees. They usually come when the opponent is defending a single-leg.
Knee on belly
Beginners would use both arms to escape the knee ride. You may be able to escape but you are leaving your floating ribs exposed. During training, unfortunately, some higher belts may use the knee ride as a form of punishment. They would stay there for a long time just to prove a point. Most of the time, to tell you that you are using too much strength. I am not saying I agree or disagree but that's the reality I've seen over the years. Don't try to push their knee or do a powerful bridge and forget that the knee is right on your floating ribs. It's your job to protect your floating ribs.
North/south Kimura
This is usually a quick move and can hurt the shoulder before you have time to tap. You would be usually holding the belt or the pants. Your opponent would rip the arm and perform the shoulder lock quickly.
Getting stacked
It can happen with double-under or single-arm-under passes, also triangles. Be ready to do a back roll over your shoulder - never over your head.
Standing Guillotine
Your opponent is not allowed to throw you to the side of your head (IBJJF rules). Again, don't expect people to follow the rules.
Ear injury
Some would not consider this an injury but I do. It keeps you away from training for up to two weeks. Most of us have plenty of professional reasons to not desire a cauliflower ear. However, I understand that's part of doing BJJ. Ear damage can be minimized when you use the correct escape techniques.
It usually happens when you try to escape a triangle or guillotine by pulling the head out using strength.
Slam
It can happen in closed guard, back control, or triangle. The easiest thing is to let it go. It is not worth the risk. If you really want to get the tap for a triangle, try to hold the opposite leg so your opponent can't stand up for the slam.
Jumping guard
This technique is allowed for blue belts and above (IBJJF rules). When you start to roll standing, make sure you have your knees always slightly bent to prevent overextension.
Knee reaping
When someone knee reaps you, don't try to fight back against the reap. You are going to hurt your knee. You should be able to identify the position and decide what to do, including tapping.
If you practice NOGI, knee reaping is a lot more common these days as Grappling has become more and more popular.
For GI practitioners, you should understand and know how to be safe inside the position.
Notice that knee reaping is not necessarily prohibited. It's ok to reap as long as the foot is free. My goal here is not to explain the knee-reaping rules but to bring to your awareness the potential dangers of the position.
Knee reaping is a legit way to get a sweep or a submission on the non-reaping foot.
Heel Hooks, kneebar, Aoki lock, and Toe Holds
Apart from the straight foot lock, all other leg attacks are not allowed until the brown belt. However, if you find yourself on the receiving end of any of these leg attacks, consider tapping.
Most of the leg injuries happen when the person is not familiar with the position. Sometimes they wait for the pain to tap. Unfortunately, for some leg submissions, when you have pain your ligaments are already ripped.
I recommend training leg locks from the early stages of your BJJ journey so you get familiar with the position. You should be able to identify the potential submission and refrain from doing any "intuitive" moves. You could do the proper escape or just know the time to tap. This awareness comes with training and feeling the position with reliable training partners.
Passing the half-guard lockdown
The lockdown puts rotation pressure on your knees. You should identify and respect the position. Don't try to pass using strength or intuitive movements. You are going to hurt your knee. The worth-case scenario is to accept the sweep and figure out later a way to counter the lockdown.
Tournament Rules
You are probably thinking you never going to compete on ADCC so I don't need to care about it. Well, don't forget people watch these Grappling tournaments. They may try the moves with you.
Don't put your safety in someone else's hands.
Tweet to @LeonardoBrAu