Are you thinking of switching from BJJ to Grappling?

If you're here, you're probably asking yourself questions like:

1. How different is Grappling from BJJ?
2. Will my kimono skills help me in No-Gi?
3. How can I improve my grip if there are no more flaps or sleeves?
4. Do I really need to learn leg locks now?

The transition from BJJ to Grappling may seem simple at first glance—after all, it's still submission and control techniques, right? —but the reality is that it's a whole different ball game.

And here comes the big mistake: many believe that by taking off their kimono and putting on a rashguard they are ready to compete in Grappling… and that is not the case.

Grappling has its own rhythm, rules and specific techniques. So, if you really want to advance and not get stuck, avoiding these common mistakes is crucial and how to correct them to improve from day one .

 

Grappling is not just BJJ without a kimono

This is the first thing you need to understand:

➡️ Grappling is not BJJ without a kimono.

It may sound similar, but the change is much deeper.

• In Jiu Jitsu , you wear a kimono and the lapels, sleeves, and pants offer multiple points of control. You can slow down the pace, work chokes with the lapels, and play a more tactical game.
• In No-Gi Grappling , those holds disappear. The game becomes more dynamic and fast-paced because you no longer have "anchors" to hold onto your opponent.

Common question:
But isn't it basically the same thing?

Answer: Not exactly. In Grappling, direct body control—through underhooks, overhooks, and wrist holds—takes center stage, while classic BJJ strategies lose effectiveness.

✅ Solution:

• Change your mindset: don't think that you are just "without a kimono", visualize Grappling as a separate sport, with its own techniques and dynamics.
• Start practicing drills without wearing lapels or sleeves, even when training in a kimono.

 

Adapt your grips to No-Gi

One of the first problems you'll notice when moving into Grappling is this:

How do I control someone without grabbing their clothes?

Without a kimono, traditional grips disappear and if you don't adapt, your controls will be ineffective.

➡️ Instead of using lapels and sleeves, grappling holds focus on:

• Underhooks and overhooks
• Wrist grips (wrist control)
• Collar ties (neck grip)
• Ankle and knee grips

Common question:
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping if there is no cloth to grab?

Answer: Use an approach based more on direct body pressure and structural control . Learn to master positions such as the body lock or arm drags.

✅ Solution:

• Add No-Gi grip drills to your daily training.
• Practice specific exercises to strengthen your wrists and forearms, because now you will rely more on direct grip.

Leg locks are important

Here comes a mistake that many regret late:

➡️ Not learning to attack or defend leg locks.

In BJJ with a gi, heel hooks and other leg locks are prohibited for most lower belts.

In Grappling, they are a fundamental weapon .

Common question:
Do I really need to learn heel hooks from the beginning?

Answer: Absolutely. It doesn't matter if you don't plan on using them yet, you should learn to defend them as soon as possible .

✅ Solution:

• Dedicate specific sessions to the defense of leg locks.
• Learn key positions like ashi garami, 50/50 and saddle .
• Don't ignore transitions! Legs are a direct route to ending or losing a fight.

💥 Protect yourself: If you want to take care of your knees while training these techniques, our Tenace knee pads are perfect for maintaining safety without losing mobility.

Differences in competition rules

This is fundamental. The rules in Grappling and BJJ can be radically different.

For example:

• In BJJ (IBJJF), certain leg attacks are prohibited, such as heel hooks until the advanced categories.
• In Grappling (ADCC), leg attacks—such as ankle, knee, and heel locks —are completely legal.

Advice:
Before competing, be sure to study the specific rules of the tournament. You don't want to lose due to ignorance of the rules.

Common question: "What if I was never taught heel hooks at my BJJ academy?"
Answer : Many traditional BJJ gyms limit leg submissions, but if you plan on competing in Grappling, it is crucial to learn them.

Develop a solid foot game

Do you have a habit of sitting straight on guard?

➡️ In Grappling, stand-up play is vital .

Unlike in BJJ with a gi, where you can "drop" into guard without consequences, in Grappling losing foot control can be a costly mistake, especially in competitions like ADCC, where points and takedowns count more.

Common question:
How do I start improving my stand-up wrestling if I've never wrestled before?

Answer: Focus on the basics:

• Double leg and single leg takedowns
• Sprawls to defend takedowns
• Collar ties and arm drags

✅ Solution:

• Add 1-2 weekly wrestling sessions to your routine.
• Practice entry drills and scrambles until you automate the movement.

Update your training equipment

Trust me, your old kimono is not going to cut it for Grappling.

➡️ The team matters more than you think .

No-Gi requires clothing specifically designed to withstand the demands of the sport.

Common question:
Can't I just wear my regular shorts and an old t-shirt?

Answer: You could… but that’s a mistake. The wrong clothes restrict your movement, cause discomfort and can even injure you.

✅ What you need:

• Rashguards : protect your skin and keep your muscles warm.
• Shorts without pockets : Pockets can catch and cause injury.
• Knee pads : essential for protecting the joints, especially during quick transitions.

💥 Explore our collection of rashguards, shorts and knee pads designed specifically for Grappling.

20 Most Common Mistakes When Switching from BJJ to Grappling and How to Correct Them

1. Relying too much on grab guards (such as the spider guard or lapel guard)

❌ Error: These guards need the kimono to function.

✅ Solution: Train No-Gi adapted guards such as butterfly guard, single leg X, K-guard or the reverse loop guard . Include drills for quick entries and off-balances without grips.

2. Do not work explosive leaks

❌ Mistake: In BJJ with a kimono, you can take an extra second to create frames thanks to the grips, but in Grappling, everything happens faster.

✅ Solution: Practice dynamic escapes from side control, mounted, and 50/50. Add specific rounds with time limits to force quick movements.

3. Ignore leg submissions

❌ Mistake: If you focus only on armbars and chokes, you become vulnerable to leg attacks.

✅ Solution: Spend time learning heel hooks, toe holds, kneebars, and basic defenses. Start with slow drills to understand the positions (ashi garami, saddle, etc.).

4. Underestimating the clinch and standing positions

❌ Mistake: Training only from the ground position.

✅ Solution: Add pummeling sessions , snap downs, arm drags , and takedown drills. Practice getting into a low, strong stance.

5. Forgetting that the rules change depending on the competition

❌ Error: Not all techniques are allowed in all tournaments.

✅ Solution: Read the specific rules for each tournament (ADCC, IBJJF, Polaris). Make a personal summary of what you can and cannot do.

6. Not having a clear plan when doing guard pull

❌ Mistake: Sitting on the floor without purpose, remaining passive.

✅ Solution: Develop combinations for your guard pulls: for example, pull to single leg X or pull to arm drag .

7. Neglecting to defend against heel hooks

❌ Mistake: Not recognizing the danger signs (when someone hooks your heel).

✅ Solution: Learn to identify the saddle entry (cross ashi garami) and work on escapes from leg lock positions. The key: keep your knees together and turn towards the free leg.

8. Relying too much on the knee shield

❌ Mistake: Believing that the knee shield will save you without a kimono.

✅ Solution: Use the dynamic knee shield : combine frames with lateral movements, butterfly entries and lifts to unbalance.

9. Not training specific situations (positional sparring)

❌ Mistake: Doing only free sparring without resolving weak points.

✅ Solution: Dedicate at least 15-20 minutes per class to specific situations: leg lock escapes, clinch defenses, etc.

10. Wearing inappropriate clothing

❌ Mistake: Training No-Gi with cotton t-shirts or shorts with pockets.

✅ Solution: Wear tight-fitting rashguards and shorts without pockets . At our Tenace store, we have equipment designed for maximum performance and comfort.

11. Lack of pressure when controlling from above

❌ Error: Not applying enough pressure because there is not enough grip.

✅ Solution: Work on cross face techniques , shoulder pressure and low stances. Rolling with advanced grapplers will help you understand how to apply pressure without a kimono.

12. Not working on quick transitions

❌ Mistake: Taking unnecessary breaks when changing positions.

✅ Solution: Do chained drills: mounted to back take, back to leg lock . Your goal is to make the transitions automatic.

13. Assuming that closed guard attacks are equal

❌ Mistake: Trying closed guard attacks without a kimono without adapting them.

✅ Solution: Use more offensive setups, such as arm drag from closed guard or quick entries to guillotines and kimuras .

14. Not strengthening your legs and core

❌ Error: A weak core affects defenses and escapes.

✅ Solution: Add functional exercises: Bulgarian squats, leg curls, dynamic planks , and resistance band training.

15. Do not practice leg lock escapes

❌ Mistake: Knowing how to attack legs but not how to escape.

✅ Solution: Spend time on heel hook escape drills . Practice rotating your knee outward and prioritizing releasing your knee before your foot.

16. Neglecting physical conditioning

❌ Mistake: Not being prepared for the more explosive pace of Grappling.

✅ Solution: Include HIIT, sprints and resistance exercises twice a week.

17. Not studying MMA transitions

❌ Mistake: If you plan to move to MMA, forget about Ground and Pound.

✅ Solution: Add sessions where you simulate hits from side or back control.

18. Not learning guard entries

❌ Mistake: Expecting to be allowed to play guard without answering.

✅ Solution: Practice active entries to single leg X, K-guard or quick changes to leg locks.

19. Avoid awkward positions

❌ Mistake: Running away from situations where you are not in control.

✅ Solution: Dedicate specific rounds to starting from a disadvantage (side control, saddle, etc.) to strengthen weak points.

20. Not asking for feedback from experienced Grappling partners

❌ Mistake: Not taking advantage of the experience of others.

✅ Solution: After each class, ask your advanced classmates: How did you break my guard? What could I improve in my escapes?

Your evolution depends on avoiding these mistakes

The switch from BJJ to Grappling isn't just a fad. It's an evolution that can take your game to the next level… if you do it right .

Remember:

✔ Adapt your grips
✔ Master leg locks
✔ Work on your footwork
✔ Equip yourself correctly

And above all… enjoy the process .

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