The importance of the first stripe in jiu-jitsu cannot be overstated. For many, it will be the
first stripe that leads them on a path to a black belt, a way forward to success. For others, it may be a good effort that falls short as the student quits. In either case, the result must be the same to teach the most important lesson possible as it pertains to the purpose of jiu-jitsu.

As a modern-day martial art, the perspective of most new students is that jiu-jitsu is for
winning street fights, a way for a smaller person to win an encounter against a larger attacker, or that fighting thing from mixed martial arts shows. In all cases, the uneducated potential student sees jiu-jitsu as a fighting art. This is why we must always ensure that the new student is steeped in the knowledge of the most fundamental self-defence techniques in both classic and modern jiu-jitsu. If they choose to continue training or not, they will have great instruction in potentially life-saving techniques and also gain incredible insight into leverage and the future breadth of jiu-jitsu positions and techniques.

In these first lessons, the student will focus solely on standing self-defence-styled techniques. These moves are perfect for displaying leverage, positioning, and defensive strategies against would-be aggressors. From the standing positions, the new students will learn how jiu-jitsu uses submission holds to end encounters, how jiu-jitsu students transition to the ground for incredible control, and how to counter common scenarios like standing punches, kicks, locks, and varying grips.

At the end of this first stripe, the students are ready to apply this newfound knowledge to
fundamental ground attacks; many of which will feel much more familiar after completing the first stripe.

Week 5

Self Defence Day 4

In this video, you will understand more about:

1-SHOULDER LOCK/COP LOCK: This shoulder lock control or Cop lock is an excellent self-defence technique to control a resisting opponent. In this situation, you will incorporate an arm-drag manoeuvre to get to the kimura trap to control while focusing on the key jiu-jitsu principle opening up your opponent’s elbow to create angles of attack.

***Pay attention to all details. It’s a must to know it!

2-WRIST LOCK FOLD/MAO DE VACA

In this video, you will understand more about:

The wrist lock is an excellent counter-submission to your opponent’s strong lapel grip. The focal point here is immobilizing the arm to prevent a rearward escape, breaking the wrist inward or outward, and compressing the wrist into the chest to affect the wrist joint. You should take special care when practising this movement because it does tend to come on very fast, especially when done at speed, and your opponent needs to be ready to tap!

3-SINGLE-HAND COLAR DRAG DEFENSE (PALM UP)

In this video, you will understand more about:

The single-handed collar drag defence is an excellent self-defence style move that is also practical in everyday training. This manoeuvre combines a wrist-turning action with a Tai-Otoshi-style hand throw to propel your opponent over your leg into an excellent standing control situation.

4- THE STANDING ARMBAR

In this video, you will understand more about:

This is a standing armbar that comes on quickly while standing. You must be very careful when practising this technique as with all techniques. 

Week 6

Self Defence Day 5

In this video, you will understand more about:

1-DOUBLE COLLAR GRAB DEFENSE – HANDS APART: The double collar control is often used by a strong opponent hoping to slow the fight and prevent your entry into the hip, shoulder, or leg throws. This defensive counter beautifully uses this control to trap both of the opponent’s arms, close the distance and set up a clean Tai-Otoshi forward-tripping throw. As with all finishes, be sure to secure the arm to later continue toward the knee-on-belly armbar.

In this video, you will understand more about:

2- SHOULDER GRAB DEFENSE -ARM BENT: The same side shoulder grab defence utilizes the circling action of the previous technique, but this time your focus is wrapping only one arm and trapping his elbow in front of your body. In doing so, you can pull his elbow upward while keeping his hand trapped behind you for a devastating Ude-Garami standing bent armlock.

PAY ATTENTION TO ALL DETAILS!

In this video, you will understand more about:

3- SHOULDER GRAB DEFENSE – ARM STRAIGHT: This shoulder grab defence uses the circling action of the previous techniques, and you do the same set-up to trap his arm as the technique before this. This time, the finish will be a straight armlock instead of a bent one. Sometimes, a very strong opponent will be able to straighten his arm to keep you from finishing the bent armlock so you can switch it up with a leg trip to take advantage of his straight arm!

Week 7 

Self-defence DAY 6

In this video, you will understand more about:

1- HEADLOCK DEFENSE: The headlock defence is an important self-defence technique because many inexperienced attackers will grab your head, thinking they can hold you there, and even punch you. In this technique, reach around your partner to trap is arm and keep him from throwing punches to your face, then posture up and out to free your head and gain control over your partner’s arm.

2- HEADLOCK DEFENSE WHEN OPPONENT STANDS UP STRAIGHT: In this headlock defence you will use your nearside hand to push your opponent's head away and off-axis, therefore taking the weight off his near leg and making it easy to get your hips under and then lift his leg and body vertically for a massive counter throw.


Week 8

Self-defence DAY 7

In this video, you will understand more about:

1- HEADLOCK DEFENSE WHEN OPPONENT IS BENT OVER: This Ura-Nage style back arch takedown works great as a defence against the bent-over headlock. To be successful, focus on your base being strong around your opponent’s nearside leg and then combining a pulling action with your backhand as you sit and then arch to topple him rearward.

In this video, you will understand more about:

2- HEADLOCK DEFENSE WHEN OPPONENT HAS WIDE STANCE: This lateral drop style counter to the headlock is simple and effective. By dropping your opponent immediately, you arrive in a great position to mount, use your positional leverage to pry your head out of the headlock and then set up for the armbar finish.

In this video, you will understand more about:

3- HEADLOCK DEFENSE WITH NOSE PRESSURE: As with the previous head-pushing headlock defence, this move drives your opponent away from his headlock. In this technique, the pressure against the nose is so strong that he is forced to turn away from you turning his former headlock into your guillotine headlock submission