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Neutral Starting Position | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202513 min read

Neutral Starting Position

bjjstateneutralstandingfundamental

State Properties

  • State ID: S220
  • Point Value: 0 (No points awarded)
  • Position Type: Neutral
  • Risk Level: Low
  • Energy Cost: Low
  • Time Sustainability: Long

State Description

Neutral Starting Position represents the equal standing state in BJJ where both competitors are upright, facing each other, and neither has established control. This is the beginning position for all BJJ matches and represents a state of complete tactical equality. Both grapplers have full mobility, all options available, and no positional advantage.

This position is characterized by its openness and tactical complexity. Unlike ground positions where physical control dictates the advantage, the neutral standing position is defined by distance management, grip fighting, footwork, and strategic decision-making. Success in this position depends on reading your opponent’s intentions, controlling grips, managing distance, and timing your attacks or defensive reactions.

The neutral position is where matches begin and where they reset after out-of-bounds or stalling calls. It’s a low-risk, low-energy state that allows both competitors to implement their preferred strategies - whether that’s attempting takedowns, pulling guard, or establishing clinch control. The ability to effectively navigate this position determines whether you can implement your game plan or whether you’re forced into your opponent’s preferred positions.

Visual Description

You are standing upright with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent in an athletic stance. Your weight is distributed evenly across both feet with your center of gravity lowered through hip flexion and knee bend. Your hands are positioned between waist and chest height, ready to engage in grip fighting or defend against opponent’s attacks. Your torso is slightly forward with your head up and eyes focused on your opponent’s center of mass.

Your opponent is in a similar standing position facing you, approximately one to two arm’s lengths away. Both of you maintain this dynamic distance, circling and adjusting position constantly. Your hands may be outstretched for grip fighting on sleeves, collar, or pants depending on gi or no-gi context. Neither competitor has established dominant grips or body position control.

The space between you represents tactical potential - close enough to engage but far enough to react and defend. Your stance allows you to quickly shoot for takedowns, defend opponent’s attacks, or transition to guard pulling. This positioning creates a state of equal opportunity where timing, technique, and strategy determine who gains the first positional advantage.

Key Principles

  • Athletic Stance Foundation: Maintain balanced posture with knees bent and weight centered for explosive offense and solid defense
  • Active Grip Fighting: Constantly fight for dominant grips while breaking opponent’s grips to control engagement
  • Distance Management: Control the space between you and opponent to create attacking opportunities while defending against their offense
  • Strategic Initiative: Make deliberate decisions about pulling guard vs. attempting takedowns based on strengths and game plan
  • Dynamic Movement: Circle, change levels, and adjust position constantly to avoid becoming predictable or static
  • Energy Conservation: Recognize neutral position as low-energy state and avoid unnecessary expenditure before engagement

Prerequisites

  • Basic athletic stance and balance
  • Understanding of grip fighting fundamentals
  • Knowledge of takedown and guard pull options
  • Awareness of distance and timing

State Invariants

  • Both competitors standing and facing each other
  • Equal positional advantage with no control established
  • Full mobility and range of motion available

Defensive Responses (When Opponent Has This State Against You)

Offensive Transitions (Available From This State)

Counter Transitions

Expert Insights

John Danaher: “The neutral starting position is deceptively complex because it appears simple. The fundamental principle is that positional advantage begins here through systematic grip fighting and distance control. Modern BJJ has evolved away from traditional takedown emphasis toward guard pulling, but understanding the neutral position remains critical. Those who control grips in the standing phase control which positions the match will flow through. The key is making deliberate decisions about whether to engage in takedown exchanges or to pull guard based on your systematic approach and opponent’s tendencies.”

Gordon Ryan: “In competition, I use the neutral position to implement my game plan immediately. I’m not interested in long grip fighting battles - I either pull guard to my preferred position or I secure grips that allow me to pull guard effectively. The standing phase is about getting to your best positions as efficiently as possible. If you have a strong guard game, there’s no reason to engage in prolonged takedown exchanges where you might give up position. Control the grips you need for your guard pull and execute it immediately.”

Eddie Bravo: “The neutral position in 10th Planet methodology is about getting to the rubber guard or lockdown as quickly as possible. We’re not traditionalists who spend time on elaborate takedown sequences. Pull guard intelligently, establish your preferred guard variation, and start attacking. The beauty of modern BJJ is you can choose not to engage in the wrestling phase if that’s not your strength. Use the neutral position to set up your guard pull with the grips you need, then immediately start your offensive system.”

Common Errors

  • Error: Upright posture without bend

    • Consequence: Makes you vulnerable to takedowns and reduces ability to defend or attack effectively.
    • Correction: Maintain slight knee bend and hip hinge to create athletic stance with explosive potential and defensive stability.
    • Recognition: If you feel off-balance easily or get taken down frequently, check if your stance is too upright.

  • Error: Crossing feet or narrow stance

    • Consequence: Compromises balance and makes you easy to off-balance or take down.
    • Correction: Keep feet shoulder-width apart with toes pointed forward or slightly outward for maximum base and mobility.
    • Recognition: If you stumble or lose balance when opponent pushes or pulls, your stance is likely too narrow.

  • Error: Passive grip fighting

    • Consequence: Allows opponent to dominate grips and control the engagement, putting you at strategic disadvantage.
    • Correction: Actively fight for grips while breaking opponent’s grips, maintaining initiative in the standing phase.
    • Recognition: If opponent consistently gets their preferred grips while you struggle to establish yours, you’re being too passive.

  • Error: Reaching without setup

    • Consequence: Exposes you to counters and creates predictable attack patterns easy to defend.
    • Correction: Use feints, footwork, and grip sequences to set up attacks rather than reaching directly.
    • Recognition: If opponent easily avoids or counters your attempts, you’re likely reaching without proper setup.

  • Error: Static positioning

    • Consequence: Makes you an easy target and reduces your ability to create angles for attacks.
    • Correction: Constantly circle, adjust distance, and change levels to maintain dynamic positioning and create opportunities.
    • Recognition: If you feel stuck in place or opponent is dictating movement, you need more dynamic footwork.

  • Error: Committing too early

    • Consequence: Telegraphs your intentions and allows opponent to prepare defenses or counters.
    • Correction: Maintain multiple threats simultaneously and commit only when clear opening presents itself.
    • Recognition: If opponent consistently defends your attacks before you fully execute them, you’re committing too obviously.

  • Error: Neglecting distance control

    • Consequence: Allows opponent to close distance for takedowns or maintain distance preventing your attacks.
    • Correction: Actively manage distance through footwork, using it as offensive and defensive tool.
    • Recognition: If opponent is always in perfect position to attack while you struggle to engage, your distance control needs work.

Training Drills

  • Athletic Stance Hold: Practice maintaining proper athletic stance for 2-minute intervals with partner applying light pressure from various angles. Focus on balance, knee bend, and quick recovery from off-balancing. Perform 5 rounds with increasing pressure intensity.

  • Grip Fighting Flow: Partner drill alternating between establishing grips and breaking opponent’s grips for 3-minute rounds. Focus on active hand fighting, grip breaking technique, and establishing dominant positions. Rotate partners to experience different grip fighting styles.

  • Distance Management Drill: Practice maintaining optimal distance while partner attempts to close or create space. Focus on footwork, circling, and distance adjustment for 5-minute rounds. Partner should vary their approach speed and direction.

  • Transition Decision Making: Start in neutral position and practice deciding quickly between pulling guard, shooting takedown, or establishing clinch based on partner’s stance and movement. Execute 20 repetitions with partner providing realistic reactions.

  • Live Grip Fighting: Engage in full-speed grip fighting without attempting takedowns or guard pulls, focusing purely on grip dominance for 2-minute rounds. Winner determined by who establishes and maintains dominant grips most consistently.

Decision Tree

If opponent is grip fighting aggressively:

Else if opponent presents takedown opening:

Else if opponent pulls guard:

Else (neutral stance - default):

Position Metrics

  • Position Retention Rate: Beginner 55%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%
  • Advancement Probability: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
  • Submission Probability: Beginner 5%, Intermediate 10%, Advanced 15%
  • Position Loss Probability: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 20%, Advanced 10%
  • Average Time in Position: 30-60 seconds

Optimal Submission Paths

Guard pull to submission path: Neutral Starting Position → Pull Guard → Closed Guard Bottom → Triangle Choke Side → Won by Submission Reasoning: Direct path to preferred guard position allows immediate offensive implementation

Takedown to dominance path: Neutral Starting Position → Takedown Entry → Side Control → Mount → Submission Chains → Won by Submission Reasoning: Establishing top position early creates positional dominance for systematic submission attack

Snap down to back take path: Neutral Starting Position → Snap Down → Front Headlock → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: Exploiting posture creates direct path to most dominant position

Arm drag to back control path: Neutral Starting Position → Arm Drag → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: Fastest route to back control from neutral if executed cleanly

Graph View

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