Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym

BJJ Gym Lingo: A Glossary for New Students

If you’ve just started training Brazilian jiu jitsu, you’ve probably noticed something right away. Everyone at the gym seems to speak a different language. Words like “roll,” “shrimp,” and “guard pass” are thrown around, and you might be wondering what they all mean. This guide will help you understand the essential BJJ gym lingo so you can step on the mats with confidence.

Whether you’re preparing for your first class or just curious about how Brazilian jiu jitsu students communicate, this glossary will make things clearer. Let’s go over the most common phrases and terms you’ll hear in a Brazilian jiu jitsu gym and what they actually mean.

What Is BJJ Gym Lingo and Why It Matters

Learning the language of BJJ helps you feel comfortable in class. It allows you to follow instructions, communicate with training partners, and connect with your teammates. Brazilian jiu jitsu isn’t only about techniques and submissions. It’s also about understanding the community and culture that make it unique.

The terms you’ll find below are used by beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Once you get familiar with them, you’ll feel more confident during training sessions and sparring rounds.

Common Phrases You’ll Hear in a BJJ Gym1. Oss

You’ll hear “Oss” every day in a BJJ gym. It’s a simple word with many meanings. It’s used to show respect, acknowledgment, or agreement. Students often say it after receiving instructions or at the end of class.

“Oss” can also mean good job or thank you. It’s a versatile term that shows you respect your coach and fellow teammates. When in doubt, a simple “Oss” always fits.

2. Roll

When someone asks, “Wanna roll?”, they’re inviting you to spar. Rolling means live training, where both partners try to apply techniques while defending themselves. It’s not about fighting hard; it’s about learning through movement.

Rolling helps you test what you’ve learned and build real skill. Always respect your partner’s pace, especially when you’re new.

3. Tap or Tap Out

“Tapping out” means you surrender or give up during a roll to avoid injury. You can tap your opponent, the mat, or even say “tap” out loud.

In BJJ, tapping out isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of learning. It shows maturity, respect, and awareness of your safety.

4. Gi

The gi is the traditional uniform worn in Brazilian jiu jitsu. It’s made of a thick jacket and pants, designed for gripping and control. Many gyms have specific rules about gi color and fit.

Training in a gi helps you understand leverage, grips, and positional control better. It’s also the foundation for learning self-defense and competition techniques.

5. No-Gi

No-gi training happens without the traditional uniform. Instead, students wear rash guards and shorts. The pace is usually faster, and grips rely on body control rather than fabric.

Both gi and no-gi styles improve your grappling skills. Some students prefer one, while others enjoy training both for versatility.

6. Guard

The guard is a key position in BJJ. It’s when you’re on your back but still controlling your opponent using your legs and hips. There are many types of guard, like closed guard, open guard, and butterfly guard.

The guard allows smaller practitioners to control and submit stronger opponents. Mastering it takes time and patience, but it’s central to the art of Brazilian jiu jitsu.

7. Mount

Mount is one of the most dominant positions in BJJ. It’s when you sit on your opponent’s torso, controlling their movements and posture. From here, you can attack with chokes or joint locks.

Maintaining mount shows strong control. It’s also an important position for self-defense and competition.

8. Side Control

Side control is when you’re on top of your opponent, chest-to-chest, perpendicular to them. It’s a strong control position where you can apply pressure and look for transitions or submissions.

To escape, you need good hip movement and timing. Coaches often say, “Control first, then attack.”

9. Shrimp

“Shrimping” is a movement used to escape bad positions. It involves pushing off your feet and moving your hips away from your opponent.

You’ll do it often during warm-ups. Shrimping improves your mobility and helps you create space when trapped.

10. Sweep

A sweep happens when you reverse your opponent’s position from the bottom to the top. Sweeps are often used from guard to gain control.

The goal is to improve your position and prepare for a pass or submission. It’s a key part of every grappler’s strategy.

11. Pass the Guard

Passing the guard means moving from your opponent’s guard to a more dominant position, like side control or mount. It’s a fundamental skill in every class.

A clean guard pass earns points in competition and shows strong control during training.

12. Submission

A submission is a technique that forces your opponent to tap out. It can be a choke, arm lock, or leg lock.

In BJJ, submissions are the ultimate goal of a roll. Learning them safely is essential to protect yourself and your partners.

13. Rolling Partner or Training Partner

Your training partner is the person you practice with during drills or sparring. They’re not your opponent; they’re your teammate helping you improve.

Good communication builds trust. Always be respectful, controlled, and supportive when rolling.

14. Coach or Professor

The coach, sometimes called “Professor,” is your instructor. In Brazilian jiu jitsu, this title is a sign of respect for someone who has achieved a black belt or a higher rank.

Your coach guides your progress, corrects your techniques, and ensures safety on the mats. Listening carefully to their advice helps you grow faster.

15. White Belt to Black Belt

BJJ has a belt ranking system that shows your skill level. Most gyms use white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts. Each belt takes years of dedication to earn.

Promotions aren’t only about skill. They reflect your consistency, mindset, and attitude on the mats.

Important Movements and Techniques16. Posture

Posture means keeping your body balanced and strong, especially inside your opponent’s guard. A good posture prevents sweeps and submissions.

You’ll often hear coaches say, “Fix your posture!” It’s a reminder to stay stable and alert during every roll.

17. Base

Base refers to your balance and foundation. Without a solid base, you’ll get swept or lose control.

Keeping a wide stance and low center of gravity helps you maintain stability in most positions.

18. Breakfall

A breakfall is the way you protect yourself when falling or being thrown. It absorbs impact and keeps you safe.

You’ll practice breakfalls often at the start of class. They’re essential for preventing injuries during takedowns.

19. Pressure

Pressure means controlling your opponent’s body using your weight and positioning. It doesn’t mean crushing them; it means applying smart, consistent force.

Good pressure can make your opponent tired and create openings for attacks.

20. Flow Roll

A flow roll is a light, smooth sparring session where both partners focus on movement and transitions instead of strength.

It’s great for learning and improving your timing without the intensity of full sparring.

Common Equipment and Gym Terms21. Rash Guard

A rash guard is a tight-fitting shirt used in no-gi training. It prevents mat burns and keeps you comfortable during rolls.

Many gyms also require rash guards under the gi for hygiene reasons.

22. Mat Etiquette

Mat etiquette is a big part of BJJ culture. It includes bowing before entering the mats, keeping nails trimmed, and maintaining personal hygiene.

Respecting the mats and your teammates keeps the environment safe and welcoming for everyone.

23. Open Mat

An open mat is an unstructured training session where students can drill, roll, or ask questions. It’s a relaxed time to experiment with techniques or review what you’ve learned.

Most BJJ students find open mats useful for refining their skills and building community connections.

Advanced Terms You’ll Hear Later24. Kimura

The Kimura is a shoulder lock submission used from multiple positions. It’s one of the first joint locks you’ll learn.

It teaches control and precision rather than strength.

25. Armbar

An armbar targets your opponent’s elbow joint. You’ll see it in competitions and classes often.

It’s a classic BJJ move that combines leverage, control, and timing.

26. Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a powerful submission using your legs to cut off blood flow to the opponent’s neck.

It’s effective from the guard and teaches coordination between your hips and legs.

Common Reader Question: What Should I Learn First in BJJ?

Most beginners should start with movement and posture. Focus on learning how to shrimp, bridge, and maintain guard. These basics help you survive and stay safe on the mats. Submissions come later, once your fundamentals are strong.

Ask your coach for guidance, and don’t rush. Consistency matters more than complexity at the start.

How to Adapt Quickly to BJJ Gym Lingo

You’ll learn most terms naturally over time. However, a few tips make the process smoother:

• Listen carefully during drills and watch how advanced students communicate.
• Ask your coach if you’re unsure about a word or movement.
• Keep a small notebook or phone list of new terms.
• Review them after class to reinforce learning.

Language becomes natural with repetition, just like techniques.

Respect, Patience, and Consistency

The most important thing to remember in BJJ is respect. Every student, from white belt to black belt, started as a beginner. Everyone makes mistakes and learns at their own pace.

Be patient with yourself and others. Focus on progress, not perfection. Consistency and humility will always take you further than ego.

Conclusion

Learning BJJ gym lingo might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s part of the journey. These words connect you to the roots of Brazilian jiu jitsu, helping you understand not just what to do, but why it matters.

Soon, phrases like “roll,” “shrimp,” and “Oss” will become second nature. Every time you step on the mat, you’ll feel more confident and connected to the culture that makes BJJ special.