Principles versus techniques in BJJ

Principles versus techniques in BJJ is probably something you heard your instructor speak of often. When it come to principles versus techniques in BJJ, here at Savarese BJJ Academy (www.njbjj.com), we are very big on the underlying principles of Jiu-Jitsu. This thought process was taught and drilled into me by my first BJJ instructors, The great David Adiv (gracienewjersey.com) and the Legend Royler Gracie. Once you learn the PRINCIPLES of Jiu-Jitsu, everything else becomes easier to learn. The principles of BJJ and indeed, all combat sports, are as fixed and permanent as the night sky. Because they are rooted in the unchanging strengths and weaknesses of the human body. The TECHNIQUES of Jiu-Jitsu on the other hand, change with the speed and fluidity of the waters of a river, as they are based upon the minds of men who forever seek competitive advantage over each other through insight, study and innovation. Accordingly, stay true to the basic principles at all times, they will give you sound direction with the reliability of a compass. But recognize that techniques must be in flux, with constant change and innovation in response to a changing landscape. Your foundation in Jiu-Jitsu is most important. Hopefully, your school has a clear path for you at whitebelt as to what needs to be learned as ours does. Like the great Rickson Gracie teaches, you you don’t have the proper foundation, the house will fall down, same with your Jiu-Jitsu. White belt is the most important belt, because everything you learn at that belt will guide you through your BJJ journey.