From the top perspective, defending against the Matrix back take represents one of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s most crucial defensive skills. As the Matrix has become increasingly common in contemporary competition, top players must develop sophisticated awareness and counter-strategies to prevent this dynamic back take from succeeding.
The fundamental defensive concept involves recognizing the early indicators of Matrix entry—hip elevation, shoulder posting, grip changes, and weight shifts—then responding with immediate base adjustments, weight distribution changes, or offensive counters that prevent the rotation from gaining momentum. Unlike defending against linear attacks where simply maintaining base suffices, defending the Matrix requires active, dynamic responses to rotational threats.
Positionally, top players facing Matrix-proficient opponents must constantly monitor the bottom player’s hip position and shoulder placement. The moment hips begin to elevate above the normal turtle or guard level, this signals potential Matrix entry. Similarly, when the bottom player posts their shoulder and begins shifting weight, the rotation is imminent. These microseconds of recognition time determine whether the top player can successfully defend.
Mechanically, Matrix defense requires widening base, distributing weight to prevent easy rotation, and sometimes matching the opponent’s movement with counter-rotations or position changes. Static defense against Matrix attempts typically fails because the rotational momentum overcomes fixed positioning. Instead, top players must move dynamically, adjusting base continuously and threatening their own attacks to occupy the bottom player’s attention.
Strategically, the best Matrix defense is offensive pressure. When constantly threatening passes, submissions, or advancing position, bottom players have fewer opportunities to set up the complex timing and positioning the Matrix requires. Top players who sit static in turtle top or consolidated positions create ideal Matrix entry opportunities. Maintaining active, aggressive top positioning naturally prevents most Matrix attempts.
The position also requires understanding the relationship between Matrix defense and overall top game strategy. Defending the Matrix often requires base widening and weight distribution that can compromise passing efficiency. Top players must balance Matrix defense with their offensive objectives, sometimes accepting slightly slower passing progressions to maintain security against back take attempts.
Physically, Matrix defense demands excellent balance, responsive base adjustments, and sometimes explosive counter-movements. Top players must develop the ability to rapidly widen base, shift weight distribution, and maintain stability against rotational forces. This requires specific conditioning focused on lateral stability and reactive movement patterns.
Position Definition
- Wide base with knees and hands positioned outside shoulder width creates lateral stability against rotational forces—narrow base allows bottom player’s rotation to easily overcome top player’s structure and complete the back take
- Weight distribution actively adjusted in response to bottom player’s hip movement prevents them from generating sufficient rotational momentum—static weight positioning allows bottom player to use that fixed point as leverage for their rotation
- Constant monitoring of bottom player’s shoulder position and hip elevation provides early warning of Matrix entry attempts—failing to track these indicators means reacting after rotation has already begun, which is typically too late to defend effectively
Prerequisites
- Top position relative to opponent (turtle top, passing position, or consolidated top control)
- Awareness of opponent’s Matrix proficiency and rotational attack tendencies
- Understanding of Matrix entry mechanics and timing requirements
- Ability to rapidly adjust base width and weight distribution
- Active offensive pressure or advancing position
Key Offensive Principles
- Recognition of early Matrix indicators (hip elevation, shoulder posting) enables preventative defense
- Wide base with dynamic adjustment prevents rotational momentum from overcoming structure
- Offensive pressure reduces opportunities for opponent to establish Matrix entry positioning
- Weight distribution must be responsive, not static, to counter rotational attacks
- Matching opponent’s movement with counter-rotations can neutralize Matrix attempts
- Grip fighting to prevent opponent’s connection points disrupts Matrix mechanics
- Transitional movement (passing, advancing) naturally defends against static Matrix setups
Available Attacks
Sprawl Defense → Turtle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Crossface Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Back Step → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Knee Slice Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Turtle to Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Darce from Turtle → D’arce Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Guillotine from Turtle → Guillotine Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Decision Making from This Position
Bottom player begins hip elevation for Matrix entry:
- Execute Sprawl Defense → Turtle (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Back Step → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
Bottom player posts shoulder and initiates rotation:
- Execute Base Widening → Turtle (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Weight Distribution Adjustment → Turtle (Probability: 55%)
Matrix rotation blocked successfully, opponent momentarily vulnerable:
- Execute Crossface Pass → Side Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Turtle to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
Opponent actively threatening Matrix, defensive posture required:
- Execute Darce from Turtle → D’arce Control (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Guillotine from Turtle → Guillotine Control (Probability: 45%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Matrix Defense to Darce
Matrix Top → Darce from Turtle → D'arce Control → Darce Choke
Matrix Defense to Guillotine
Matrix Top → Guillotine from Turtle → Guillotine Control → Guillotine Choke
Matrix Defense to Back Attack
Matrix Top → Back Step → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Matrix Defense to Pass and Submit
Matrix Top → Crossface Pass → Side Control → Americana from Side Control
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 40% | 35% | 20% |
| Intermediate | 60% | 55% | 35% |
| Advanced | 80% | 70% | 50% |
Average Time in Position: 1-3 seconds to recognize and defend Matrix entry, 5-8 seconds total to reestablish offensive position
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Defending the Matrix effectively requires understanding the biomechanics that make it successful, then systematically removing those elements. The technique relies on three mechanical prerequisites: a fixed pivot point (the shoulder), rotational momentum from hip elevation, and connection to the opponent’s position. Your defense must target at least one of these elements. The most reliable approach is preventing the shoulder pivot from stabilizing by forcing opponent movement—if they cannot establish a fixed shoulder post, the rotation lacks its mechanical foundation. This is accomplished through maintaining offensive pressure and transitional movement rather than static positioning. The second layer of defense involves base width—your lateral stability must exceed their rotational force. Biomechanically, this requires base width beyond shoulder width with active weight distribution adjustments. The error most practitioners make is defending reactively after rotation begins; effective Matrix defense is preventative, recognizing hip elevation and shoulder posting as immediate threats requiring base adjustment before the rotation gains momentum.
Gordon Ryan
In high-level competition, I’ve learned that the best Matrix defense is never giving them the setup in the first place. When I’m in turtle top or passing positions against Matrix-proficient opponents, I’m constantly moving and threatening attacks. The Matrix requires a moment of stillness to set up the timing properly—if you’re constantly advancing, threatening darces, threatening back takes, they never get that moment. When I do see the setup starting, my immediate response is base widening combined with an offensive threat. Usually I’ll widen my base while simultaneously threatening a darce or guillotine, which forces them to defend rather than complete their rotation. The psychological component matters too—if opponents know you recognize Matrix setups early and counter aggressively, they’re less likely to attempt it, which opens up your other attacks. Against elite grapplers, I also use grip fighting more actively when I sense Matrix setups, breaking their connection to my hips or belt immediately because those grips are crucial for them to control my position during their rotation.
Eddie Bravo
The Matrix is such a powerful technique that defending it has become a critical skill in modern jiu-jitsu, especially no-gi where there’s less to grab onto. What I teach students is that Matrix defense starts way before the actual rotation—it’s about your entire approach to turtle top and passing positions. If you’re sitting static, you’re dead. The key is constant movement and offensive pressure. When we drill Matrix defense, we focus heavily on base width and dynamic weight distribution. Your base can’t be fixed; it has to respond to their hip movement. The moment you feel their hips elevating, you need to widen base and shift weight laterally away from their rotation direction. We also drill a lot of counter-attacks from Matrix defense because the best defense is offense. When they commit to a Matrix attempt and you block it, they’re often vulnerable to darces, guillotines, or back steps. That two-way threat makes them hesitate on their Matrix attempts, which gives you more control over the engagement. The technique has also made us rethink turtle top strategy entirely—we now teach more transitional turtle attacks rather than static consolidation.