What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport built around the idea that a smaller, weaker person can defend themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent using technique. It focuses on taking the fight to the ground and using leverage, body positioning, and submission holds such as chokes and joint locks to control and submit an opponent.

What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi BJJ?

Gi BJJ is practised in a traditional kimono (gi), which allows grip-based techniques and tends to develop a slower, more methodical game. No-Gi BJJ uses shorts and a rash guard with no fabric to grip, making the game faster and more dynamic. Most practitioners train both formats.

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu right for me?

BJJ is designed for people of all sizes, ages, and fitness levels. You don't need to be fit, strong, or athletic to start. BJJ attracts people who want a physical and mental challenge, a genuine self-defence skill, a community rather than just a workout, and a structured environment to build confidence and discipline.

Is BJJ safe for beginners?

In a well-run BJJ gym, the injury rate is low. Sparring is done with control, partners tap to signal submission, and experienced coaches manage intensity carefully, especially for beginners. The culture of a good BJJ gym is cooperative, not combative.

Where does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu come from?

BJJ traces back to Japanese judo, brought to Brazil in the early 20th century by Mitsuyo Maeda. The Gracie family in Rio de Janeiro adapted and refined the techniques with a heavier emphasis on ground fighting and submissions. It gained global recognition when Royce Gracie won the inaugural UFC in 1993.

Why is Geneva a good place to train BJJ?

Geneva's international character creates a multicultural, technically diverse, and welcoming mat culture. The city has a large population of diplomats, NGO workers, and professionals who have trained elsewhere and arrive looking for a club. Regular local competitions and a growing Swiss BJJ community add momentum.

How do I get started with BJJ in Geneva?

The best way to start is to walk through the door. You don't need to be fit or have any gear. SOL Grappling offers a free trial class with no experience necessary, no commitment, and no pressure.

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BJJ glossary: the words to know before your first class

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its own vocabulary, borrowed from English, Portuguese and Japanese. In your first class you might hear that someone passed your guard, took your back and finished with a choke, and wonder what just happened. You do not need to learn any of this before you start, but knowing the core terms makes everything easier to follow. Here are the words you will hear most.

Training and the room

Gi. The heavy cotton uniform worn in traditional BJJ, with a jacket, trousers and belt. Its collar and sleeves can be gripped.
No-gi. Training in shorts and a rash guard, without grips on clothing. Faster and more scrambly. See our gi vs no-gi guide.
Rolling. Live sparring, where both partners try to apply what they know against full resistance.
Drilling. Repeating a technique with a cooperative partner until it becomes natural.
Positional sparring. Live rounds that start from a set position, such as one person in guard, with a specific goal.
Open mat. A less structured session to drill, roll or work on your own game.
Oss. A greeting and acknowledgement used in many clubs, meaning roughly yes, understood or respect.

Positions

Guard. You are on your back with your legs between you and your partner. It is a position to attack from, not just defend. Closed guard has your legs locked around their waist, open guard does not, and half guard traps one of their legs.
Mount. Sitting on top of your partner's torso. One of the strongest positions in BJJ.
Side control. Lying across your partner from the side, chest to chest, past their legs.
Back control. Behind your partner with your legs hooked in around their hips. Often considered the most dominant position.
Base and posture. How stable and upright you are. Good base stops you being swept, good posture stops you being pulled down.

Movements

Shrimp, or hip escape. Moving your hips away from your partner on your side to create space. The most important movement in BJJ.
Bridge. Lifting your hips explosively from your back to unbalance someone on top of you.
Sweep. Reversing the position from guard so you end up on top.
Guard pass. Getting past your partner's legs to reach side control or mount.
Takedown. Bringing a standing partner to the ground. Borrowed largely from judo and wrestling.

Submissions

Submission. A choke or joint lock that makes your partner tap.
Tap. Tapping your partner or the mat, or saying tap, to signal that you give up. Your partner releases straight away. Tapping is how everyone learns safely.
Armbar. Straightening the arm against the elbow joint.
Triangle. A choke using your legs around your partner's neck and one arm.
Rear naked choke. A choke from back control using the arms, without the gi.
Kimura. A shoulder lock that rotates the arm behind the back.

Belts and progress

Adult belts go from white to blue, purple, brown and black, and each belt has up to four stripes that mark progress between belts. Promotions take time, and that is part of the appeal. Our article on the BJJ belt system explains how it works.

You will pick it up fast

Nobody expects you to know any of this on day one. Coaches explain as they teach, and after a few weeks the vocabulary becomes second nature. At SOL, classes are taught in French and English, and the 6-week Beginners Programme introduces the positions and movements step by step.