Position Roadmap
Where Does This Position Go Next?
A beginner-friendly map of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu positions: what usually happens next, how Gi and No-Gi differ, and what it means for you.
The percentages are evidence-informed coaching estimates from the Simplex Motus Position Transition Roadmap, not directly measured position-by-position rates. Each position lists its supporting references and limitations.
The Positional System
See how the positions connect.
Arrows show next positions explicitly named in the roadmap outcomes. Double arrows mean both directions are named. Outcomes without a specific destination are not drawn.
Swipe sideways to see the full map.
Standing
- Standing / Neutral
→ Goes to: Half Guard, Front Headlock, Back Control
← Arrives from: Front Headlock
- Front Headlock
→ Goes to: Back Control, Turtle, Side Control, Standing / Neutral
← Arrives from: Butterfly Guard, Standing / Neutral
Guards
- Closed Guard
→ Goes to: Turtle, Back Control
- Open Guard
→ Goes to: Turtle, Leg Entanglement / Ashi Garami, Back Control, Half Guard
- Butterfly Guard
→ Goes to: Half Guard, Turtle, Front Headlock, Leg Entanglement / Ashi Garami
- Half Guard
→ Goes to: Turtle, Mount, Leg Entanglement / Ashi Garami, Back Control
← Arrives from: Mount, Open Guard, Butterfly Guard, North-South, Standing / Neutral
- Leg Entanglement / Ashi Garami
→ Goes to: Back Control
← Arrives from: Half Guard, Open Guard, Butterfly Guard
Top control
- Side Control
→ Goes to: Mount, Knee on Belly, Turtle
← Arrives from: Knee on Belly, Mount, Turtle, Back Control, North-South, Front Headlock
- North-South
→ Goes to: Side Control, Turtle, Mount, Back Control, Half Guard
- Knee on Belly
→ Goes to: Mount, Side Control, Turtle
← Arrives from: Side Control, Mount
- Mount
→ Goes to: Back Control, Side Control, Knee on Belly, Turtle, Half Guard
← Arrives from: Side Control, Half Guard, Knee on Belly, Turtle, Back Control, North-South
- Turtle
→ Goes to: Back Control, Side Control, Mount
← Arrives from: Closed Guard, Side Control, Half Guard, Knee on Belly, Mount, Back Control, Open Guard, Butterfly Guard, North-South, Front Headlock
Back
- Back Control
→ Goes to: Mount, Turtle, Side Control
← Arrives from: Closed Guard, Half Guard, Mount, Turtle, Open Guard, North-South, Standing / Neutral, Front Headlock, Leg Entanglement / Ashi Garami
Volume 1
View Volume 1 PDF ↗Closed Guard
Bottom player has both legs locked around the top player's torso, limiting posture and mobility.
Side Control
Top player pins across the chest from the side with the legs cleared.
Half Guard
Bottom player traps one of the top player's legs. It sits between guard and a completed pass.
Knee on Belly
Top player controls from the side with a knee or shin across the torso while staying mobile.
Mount
Top player sits astride the torso. Mount scores 4 points under IBJJF rules.
Turtle
Bottom player is on knees and elbows or hands with the back facing the top player.
Back Control
Top player controls from behind with chest-to-back connection and hooks or equivalent control.
Volume 2
View Volume 2 PDF ↗Open Guard
Bottom player controls distance with legs and grips without locking closed guard, including DLR, RDLR, spider, lasso, and single-leg X.
Butterfly Guard
Bottom player is seated with inside hooks under the top player's thighs, usually with upper-body connection.
North-South
Top player pins from above the head, chest to chest, facing the bottom player's legs. It is part of the side-control family.
Standing / Neutral
Both athletes are on their feet. There is no top or bottom yet, so the roles are Scorer, Defender, and Neutral.
Front Headlock
Controller holds the head, often with an arm, while the defender is bent over or turtled. It sits between standing, turtle, and the back.
Leg Entanglement / Ashi Garami
The legs are connected in a control system such as ashi garami, outside ashi, saddle/411, or 50-50. Top and bottom labels do not apply.