Hip Bump Series in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A Detailed Guide

Introduction

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that emphasizes technique, leverage, and strategic thinking. One of the fundamental series every beginner should master is the Hip Bump Series from the closed guard. This series includes three essential techniques: the Hip Bump Sweep, the Kimura, and the Guillotine. Each of these moves can significantly enhance your BJJ game, providing you with versatile options from the closed guard. At Good Tree MMA in Dunmore, PA, just outside of Scranton, PA, we emphasize mastering these techniques early in your training to build a strong foundation.

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1. Hip Bump Sweep from Closed Guard

Overview:

The Hip Bump Sweep is a foundational sweep that leverages a strong hip movement to off-balance and topple your opponent. It’s an excellent technique to transition from the bottom to a dominant position on top.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Setup:
   • Begin in the closed guard with your opponent’s hands on the mat or your torso.
   • Open your guard and place both feet on the mat.
   • Sit up quickly, posting one hand on the mat for support while the other arm wraps around your opponent’s arm or shoulder.
2. Execute the Sweep:
   • Drive your hips forward and upward, aiming to elevate them higher than your opponent’s.
   • Simultaneously, use your free arm to push your opponent’s upper body backward.
   • Utilize your posted hand to pivot and assist in the sweeping motion.
3. Finish:
   • Follow through with the sweep, turning your body and landing on top of your opponent in mount position.

Key Details:

1. Hip Elevation: Ensure your hips rise higher than your opponent’s to generate enough force for the sweep.
2. Arm Position: Secure your opponent’s arm or shoulder firmly to prevent them from posting and countering your sweep.
3. Timing: Coordinate your hip movement with the push from your arm to maximize the effectiveness of the sweep.

Principles and Key Elements:

• Leverage: Utilize your body’s leverage by elevating your hips and using your core muscles to drive the sweep.
• Angle and Momentum: Angle your body correctly to create the momentum needed to off-balance your opponent.
• Post and Pivot: Properly post your hand and pivot your body to create a smooth and effective sweeping motion.

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2. Kimura from Closed Guard

Overview:

The Kimura from closed guard is a powerful shoulder lock that isolates your opponent’s arm, applying rotational pressure to force a submission. This technique is effective for controlling and submitting your opponent.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Setup:
   • Start in closed guard and control your opponent’s wrist with both hands.
   • Open your guard and sit up slightly to reach over your opponent’s shoulder.
2. Lock the Kimura:
   • Wrap your arm over your opponent’s shoulder and grasp your own wrist, creating a figure-four lock.
   • Pull your opponent’s arm across their body while maintaining control of their wrist.
3. Apply the Submission:
   • Fall back to the mat, trapping your opponent’s arm between your chest and their body.
   • Use your legs to keep their posture broken down.
   • Rotate their arm behind their back, keeping their elbow bent at a 90-degree angle to apply the submission.

Key Details:

1. Wrist Control: Firmly control your opponent’s wrist to prevent them from escaping the lock.
2. Figure-Four Grip: Ensure a strong figure-four grip to maintain control and leverage.
3. Body Position: Keep your opponent’s posture broken down to limit their ability to defend.

Principles and Key Elements:

• Isolation: Effectively isolate your opponent’s arm by controlling their wrist and securing the figure-four grip.
• Body Mechanics: Use your entire body to control and apply pressure, not just your arms.
• Pressure and Control: Maintain consistent pressure on your opponent’s arm and shoulder to prevent them from escaping or countering.

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3. Guillotine from Closed Guard

Overview:

The Guillotine from closed guard is a choke that applies pressure to your opponent’s neck, forcing them to submit. It’s a versatile and effective submission that can be executed quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Setup:
   • Start in closed guard with your opponent postured up or attempting to pass.
   • Sit up and wrap one arm around their neck, placing your hand on their throat.
2. Lock the Guillotine:
   • Grip your own wrist with the other hand, forming a solid grip around your opponent’s neck.
   • Open your guard and adjust your legs to control their posture, often transitioning to a high guard or butterfly guard.
3. Apply the Choke:
   • Squeeze your arms together and pull up while simultaneously using your legs to pull their body towards you.
   • Elevate your hips to increase the pressure on their neck.

Key Details:

1. Arm Position: Ensure your arm wraps deep around your opponent’s neck for an effective choke.
2. Grip Strength: Maintain a firm grip on your wrist to prevent your opponent from escaping.
3. Hip Elevation: Use your hips to drive the choke and increase the pressure on your opponent’s neck.

Principles and Key Elements:

• Control and Tightness: Ensure a tight grip and maintain control over your opponent’s posture.
• Proper Angle: Achieve the correct angle to maximize the choke’s effectiveness.
• Synchronization: Synchronize the squeeze of your arms and the elevation of your hips to apply maximum pressure.

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Conclusion

Mastering the Hip Bump Series from the closed guard can significantly enhance your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game. By understanding and practicing the Hip Bump Sweep, the Kimura, and the Guillotine, you’ll develop a versatile skill set that allows you to transition, control, and submit your opponents effectively. At Good Tree MMA in Dunmore, PA, just outside of Scranton, PA, we emphasize the importance of mastering these techniques early in your training. Remember to focus on the key details and principles of each technique, as these nuances can make a significant difference in your execution and success. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey of improving your BJJ skills.