System Building

System Building is a high complexity BJJ principle applicable at the Intermediate level. Develop over Intermediate to Expert.

Principle ID: Application Level: Intermediate Complexity: High Development Timeline: Intermediate to Expert

What is System Building?

System Building represents the strategic framework for developing interconnected technical sequences that form cohesive game plans in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rather than learning isolated techniques, practitioners construct systematic approaches where each technique connects to multiple others, creating decision trees and contingency plans that adapt to opponent responses. This principle transforms random technical knowledge into organized, strategic frameworks that maximize efficiency and effectiveness. System Building emphasizes the relationships between positions, transitions, and submissions, creating networks of techniques that flow naturally from one to another. The practitioner develops the ability to recognize patterns, anticipate opponent reactions, and chain techniques in ways that create multiple attacking opportunities from single entries. This approach distinguishes advanced practitioners who can maintain offensive pressure through systematic progression from beginners who rely on disconnected techniques. Effective system building requires deep technical knowledge, understanding of positional hierarchies, recognition of common defensive patterns, and the ability to create dilemmas where every defensive choice opens new offensive opportunities.

Core Components

• Interconnected technique sequences create multiple pathways to success
• Every position should connect to at least three offensive options
• Defensive responses should be anticipated and countered within the system
• Systems must balance offensive progression with positional security
• Entry mechanics determine available follow-up techniques
• Technique chains should increase control and reduce opponent options progressively
• Effective systems create dilemmas where all defensive choices lead to disadvantage
• Regular drilling of system connections builds automatic recognition and execution
• System depth matters more than system breadth in competitive application

Component Skills

Position Mapping: The ability to identify and catalog all available offensive options from any given position, including submissions, sweeps, transitions, and control improvements. This requires comprehensive technical knowledge and understanding of how body positioning creates opportunities.

Transition Linking: Connecting individual techniques into flowing sequences where each movement naturally sets up the next. Practitioners learn to recognize how one technique’s completion position becomes another technique’s starting position, creating seamless chains.

Defensive Pattern Recognition: Identifying common defensive reactions and understanding how opponent responses create predictable opportunities. This involves studying how defenders typically respond to specific attacks and preparing appropriate counters for each response pattern.

Entry Optimization: Developing reliable methods to reach the starting positions of your system from neutral or disadvantageous positions. Entry mechanics determine system accessibility and must be practiced until they become high-percentage under resistance.

Contingency Planning: Creating backup options and alternative pathways when primary techniques are defended. Every technique in the system should have at least two connected follow-ups that maintain offensive pressure when the initial attack fails.

System Integration: Combining multiple sub-systems into a cohesive overall game plan where upper body attacks connect with lower body attacks, guard systems link to passing systems, and offensive systems incorporate defensive recovery protocols.

Progressive Complexity Development: Building systems gradually by starting with core technique relationships and progressively adding layers of complexity. Practitioners master fundamental connections before incorporating advanced variations and counter-responses.

System Testing and Refinement: Systematically pressure-testing system components against resisting opponents, identifying weaknesses, and refining techniques or connections that fail under competition conditions. This iterative process ensures system reliability.

Related Principles

• Position-Over-Submission Approach (Prerequisite): System Building requires understanding positional hierarchy as systems must progress through dominant positions before attempting finishes, ensuring safety and maximizing success probability.
• Positional Hierarchy (Prerequisite): Understanding positional value determines system structure, as effective systems prioritize positional improvement and use hierarchy to guide transition selection during live application.
• Game Planning (Complementary): Game Planning provides the strategic framework that System Building implements, translating opponent analysis and tactical goals into specific technical sequences and system selection.
• Concepts vs Techniques (Complementary): System Building balances conceptual understanding with technical execution, using concepts to guide system design while techniques provide the concrete actions that implement systematic strategy.
• Dilemma Creation (Extension): Advanced System Building specifically designs technique relationships to create dilemmas where every defensive option opens new attacking opportunities, maximizing offensive pressure through strategic branching.
• Position Chains (Complementary): Position Chains represent the structural backbone of systems, defining how practitioners move through position sequences, and System Building organizes these chains into comprehensive frameworks.
• Submission Chains (Complementary): Submission Chains form the finishing components of offensive systems, and System Building integrates these chains with positional progression to create complete attacking frameworks.
• Transition Sequences (Complementary): Transition Sequences provide the connective tissue between system components, and System Building organizes these sequences into logical progressions that maximize efficiency and control.
• Guard Retention (Complementary): Defensive systems built around Guard Retention principles provide the framework for bottom game systems, ensuring practitioners can maintain guard while executing offensive sequences.
• Guard Passing (Complementary): Top game systems integrate Guard Passing principles as the entry mechanism, and System Building connects passing approaches with subsequent control and submission strategies.
• Energy Management System (Complementary): Effective systems incorporate Energy Management principles to ensure sustainable offensive pressure, balancing high-intensity techniques with efficient control positions that allow recovery.
• Match Strategy (Extension): Match Strategy applies System Building principles in competitive contexts, adapting pre-built systems to specific opponents and match conditions for optimal competitive performance.

Application Contexts

Closed Guard: Build offensive systems connecting posture breaking, angle creation, sweeps, and submissions where each technique naturally flows to others based on opponent defensive reactions.

Half Guard: Develop interconnected pathways between underhook control, lockdown mechanics, dogfight transitions, sweep sequences, and back take opportunities that adapt to top player pressure styles.

Mount: Create systematic progression from mount consolidation through arm isolation, collar control, and submission attacks where defensive frames and escape attempts open predictable finishing opportunities.

Back Control: Construct system linking initial back entry, hook maintenance, seatbelt control, hand fighting, and choke sequences where each defensive response creates alternative submission paths.

Side Control: Establish systems connecting initial pin, crossface control, underhook battles, transition options to mount and north-south, and submission attacks from each control position variation.

Open Guard: Build modular systems where specific guard types connect through retention principles, allowing smooth transitions between spider, de la riva, and other open guards while maintaining offensive pressure.

Butterfly Guard: Develop integrated sequences combining hook control, underhook fighting, sweep mechanics, and guillotine opportunities where failed sweeps transition to alternative guard structures.

De La Riva Guard: Create system architectures connecting initial hook entry, berimbolo options, back take sequences, sweep variations, and kisses of the dragon where each technique chains based on opponent base reactions.

X-Guard: Construct systematic approaches linking X-guard entries, sweep executions, leg entanglement transitions, and technical standup sequences that adapt to opponent posture and base distribution.

Ashi Garami: Build comprehensive leg lock systems connecting various ashi variations, heel hook mechanics, transition options between inside and outside positions, and submission sequences that address common defenses.

Turtle: Develop defensive recovery systems for bottom player connecting granby mechanics, guard recovery options, and safe escape pathways while building offensive systems for top player including various back take entries.

North-South: Establish transition systems connecting north-south entry from side control, kimura opportunities, choke mechanics, and transition options to mount or back control based on escape attempts.

Knee on Belly: Create offensive frameworks linking knee on belly establishment, submission attacks, transition options to mount, and recapture mechanics when opponent initiates escape sequences.

Spider Guard: Build systems integrating grip fighting, collar and sleeve control variations, sweep options, triangle and omoplata setups where each technique connects through common grip configurations.

Standing Position: Develop takedown systems connecting stance fighting, grip fighting sequences, shot entries, throw mechanics, and guard pull options that flow based on opponent stance and reaction patterns.

Decision Framework

1. Identify Core Position or Technique: Select the central position or technique around which you will build your system. Choose based on physical attributes, technical proficiency, and positions you naturally reach most frequently during rolling.
2. Map Primary Offensive Options: Catalog all available attacks from your core position including submissions, sweeps, and positional advances. Identify which techniques you execute most successfully and which create the strongest control.
3. Identify Common Defensive Patterns: Observe how training partners typically defend your primary attacks. Document 3-5 most common defensive reactions that occur when you attempt your highest-percentage techniques from the core position.
4. Connect Techniques to Defensive Responses: Match specific follow-up techniques to each identified defensive pattern. Ensure each primary technique has at least two connected options that address different defensive reactions, creating branching pathways.
5. Develop Reliable Entry Mechanics: Create and refine methods to reach your core position from neutral, standing, or common positions you encounter frequently. Entry reliability determines system accessibility under competitive pressure.
6. Establish Positional Maintenance Protocols: Define specific control details and recovery methods that keep you within your system when opponents defend successfully. Every position in your system should have clear controls and recapture mechanics.
7. Integrate Submission Finishes: Connect high-percentage finishing techniques to your positional control sequences. Ensure submissions arise naturally from control positions within your system rather than requiring separate, disconnected entries.
8. Test and Refine Through Progressive Resistance: Systematically pressure-test system components against increasingly resistant opponents. Identify weak connections, low-percentage techniques, or missing contingencies, then refine or replace problematic elements until system reliability meets competition standards.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Building systems around low-percentage techniques or positions rarely achieved in live training
  • Consequence: System remains theoretical and inaccessible under competitive pressure, leading to fragmented game with no reliable offensive framework
  • Correction: Begin system development from positions you naturally reach most frequently during live training, then expand to connected positions that arise from successful technique execution
• Mistake: Attempting to learn too many techniques simultaneously without establishing clear connections between them
  • Consequence: Technical knowledge remains disconnected, preventing flow between techniques and causing hesitation when primary attacks are defended
  • Correction: Start with 3-4 core techniques from one position, master their connections and defensive variations, then progressively add connected techniques that arise from these initial options
• Mistake: Neglecting to identify and prepare for common defensive patterns within the system
  • Consequence: System breaks down when opponents defend predictably, leaving practitioner without clear follow-up options and forcing abandonment of positional advantages
  • Correction: Study opponent defensive reactions during drilling and rolling, catalog the 3-5 most common responses to each attack, and develop specific counters that maintain system connectivity
• Mistake: Building purely offensive systems without integrating defensive recovery protocols
  • Consequence: Single defensive successes by opponents completely disrupt practitioner’s game, requiring restart from neutral rather than smooth recovery back into offensive system
  • Correction: Incorporate guard retention, re-guard sequences, and defensive position recovery into system architecture so failed attacks or opponent counters lead back to familiar positions
• Mistake: Focusing exclusively on submission techniques without developing positional control foundations
  • Consequence: Submission attempts fail due to insufficient control, opponents escape easily, and practitioner must constantly restart offensive sequences from inferior positions
  • Correction: Prioritize positional dominance and control maintenance within system design, ensuring submissions arise from positions of strong control rather than requiring desperate attempts
• Mistake: Copying expert systems without adapting to personal physical attributes and skill level
  • Consequence: System requires physical attributes or technical proficiency practitioner doesn’t possess, leading to low success rates and abandonment of systematic approach
  • Correction: Study expert systems for conceptual frameworks and connection principles, but select specific techniques based on your body type, flexibility, strength, and current skill level
• Mistake: Never pressure-testing system components under full resistance before competition
  • Consequence: System collapses under competitive pressure when opponent intensity exceeds training preparation, revealing untested weaknesses during matches rather than training
  • Correction: Implement progressive resistance testing where specific system components face increasing opponent resistance, identifying and fixing weaknesses in controlled training before competition

Training Methods

Position-Based System Drilling (Focus: Building automatic recognition of defensive patterns and smooth execution of connected technique sequences) Start from your core position and flow through all connected techniques based on partner’s defensive reactions. Partner provides realistic but controlled resistance, allowing you to execute technique chains and identify connection points.

Situational System Sparring (Focus: Pressure-testing system reliability under competitive conditions while maintaining ability to recognize and execute system pathways) Begin rounds from specific system entry positions with goals of reaching target positions or submissions within your system. Use progressive resistance where partner gradually increases defensive intensity as your system proficiency improves.

Defensive Pattern Study (Focus: Data-driven system refinement based on actual opponent behavior patterns rather than theoretical technique connections) Record training footage or mentally catalog opponent defensive reactions during rolling. After training, analyze patterns and identify which defenses occur most frequently, then develop specific technical responses for integration into system.

System Mapping and Visualization (Focus: Developing cognitive understanding of system architecture and improving decision-making speed through mental preparation) Create visual diagrams or written documentation mapping your system’s technique relationships, decision points, and contingency pathways. Regularly review and mentally rehearse system flow patterns, especially before training or competition.

Progressive System Expansion (Focus: Building depth of system mastery rather than breadth of technical knowledge, ensuring each component reaches competition readiness) Begin with minimal viable system of 4-5 core techniques, drill until automatic, then add one new connected technique monthly. Each addition must integrate smoothly with existing system before adding next component.

Cross-Training System Integration (Focus: Creating comprehensive game plan that addresses all positional scenarios while maintaining systematic organization in each area) Develop separate systems for different position categories (guard, top control, leg locks, takedowns), then identify connection points where systems interface. Build transition protocols that allow smooth movement between major system areas.

Mastery Indicators

Beginner Level:

• Recognizes that some techniques connect naturally but cannot yet identify or execute these connections consistently
• Relies primarily on isolated techniques without clear follow-up options when initial attacks are defended
• Hesitates significantly when primary technique fails, often abandoning position to restart from neutral
• Can drill predetermined technique sequences but struggles to adapt these sequences during live rolling

Intermediate Level:

• Has developed 2-3 basic technique chains from preferred positions that flow automatically under moderate resistance
• Recognizes 3-5 common defensive patterns and has prepared specific responses for most of them
• Can maintain offensive pressure through 2-3 technique attempts before needing to reset or transition positions
• Begins training sessions with specific system objectives and can identify which system components need improvement
• Successfully reaches core system positions during majority of training rounds through reliable entry mechanics

Advanced Level:

• Maintains offensive pressure through 4+ connected technique attempts, flowing smoothly between attacks as each is defended
• Creates deliberate dilemmas where opponent defensive choices are anticipated and countered within existing system framework
• Integrates multiple sub-systems covering guard, passing, control, and leg attacks with smooth transitions between system areas
• Adapts system application based on opponent attributes, game style, and observed weaknesses during early round exchanges
• System remains intact and functional under full competition-level resistance from comparably skilled opponents
• Can teach system components to others, clearly articulating connection principles and defensive variations

Expert Level:

• Has developed comprehensive systematic approach covering all positional scenarios with deep technique trees in each area
• Recognizes and exploits subtle defensive patterns most practitioners miss, maintaining several attacks ahead of current exchange
• Seamlessly integrates new techniques into existing system architecture, identifying connection points and applications quickly
• System application appears effortless with minimal wasted movement, each action directly supporting subsequent options
• Can reverse-engineer opponent systems during matches, identifying and exploiting weaknesses in their systematic approach
• Develops training curriculum that teaches system building methodology to students rather than just technique collections
• Adapts fundamental system principles across gi and no-gi contexts, maintaining systematic organization despite rule variations

Related Content

• Game Planning (Principle) - Complementary framework that uses System Building methodology to create match-specific strategic approaches
• Position-Over-Submission Approach (Principle) - Foundational philosophy that guides system architecture toward positional progression before submission attempts
• Positional Hierarchy (Principle) - Core organizational principle that determines system structure and transition priorities
• Dilemma Creation (Principle) - Advanced application of System Building that designs technique relationships to trap opponents in lose-lose scenarios
• Submission Chains (Principle) - Finishing component of offensive systems that integrates with positional control frameworks
• Position Chains (Principle) - Structural backbone showing how positions connect within larger systematic frameworks
• Danaher Leg Lock System (System) - Example of comprehensive system building with clear entries, positional hierarchy, and submission progressions
• Gordon Ryan Passing System (System) - Demonstrates competition-tested system integration connecting passing, control, and submission elements
• Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Guard System (System) - Exemplifies bottom position system building with interconnected sweeps, submissions, and back takes
• 10th Planet Rubber Guard System (System) - Shows innovative system development around unorthodox positions with unique technique relationships
• Transition Sequences (Principle) - Technical execution component that connects system positions through efficient movement patterns
• Match Strategy (Principle) - Competitive application of System Building adapted to specific opponents and match contexts

Expert Insights

• John Danaher: System building represents the difference between technical knowledge and technical mastery. Most students accumulate techniques randomly, creating fragmented skill sets where each technique stands alone without meaningful connections. This approach dooms them to perpetual inefficiency because when their primary technique fails, they must start over from neutral with no clear progression. The systematic approach recognizes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is fundamentally a problem-solving endeavor where opponents present defensive solutions to your offensive problems. Your system must therefore be organized not around what you want to do, but around what opponents typically do in response to your attacks. Every technique in your system should branch into multiple follow-up options based on predictable defensive patterns, creating decision trees that maintain offensive initiative regardless of opponent responses. The depth of your system matters far more than its breadth - I would rather have a student with fifteen techniques connected in profound ways than a student with one hundred fifty disconnected techniques. Build your system methodically: start with positions you reach naturally, identify your highest percentage attacks from these positions, catalog common defensive reactions, and develop specific counters for each reaction that return you to familiar offensive terrain. This systematic organization allows you to maintain constant forward pressure because every defensive success by your opponent simply moves them to a different branch of your system rather than escaping it entirely.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, you see the difference between guys who have systems and guys who just know a bunch of moves within the first two minutes. The guys with systems never stop attacking - when you defend one thing, they immediately flow to the next threat without any reset or scramble back to neutral. That’s because they’ve built their game around reality, around what actually happens when people defend their attacks under full resistance. I built my entire no-gi game around a few core positions - back control, mount, ashi garami variations - and drilled thousands of reps of every common defensive response until I had automatic answers. When someone defends my back take, I don’t think about what to do next, my body just flows to the mounted triangle or armbar because I’ve connected those techniques through endless drilling. The key is being honest about what actually works at the highest level and building your system around high-percentage technique relationships that remain functional when both people are trying their hardest. Most people waste time developing systems around low-percentage moves they never hit in competition, or they copy someone else’s system without having the physical attributes or technical foundation to make it work. Your system needs to match your body and your skill level, and every single connection in it needs to be pressure tested until you trust it completely in competition. That’s how you beat world-class guys - not by knowing more techniques than them, but by having deeper systems that keep attacking through multiple defensive layers while they’re still trying to survive the current threat.
• Eddie Bravo: System building is where you move from being a technician to being an artist, where you start creating your own game instead of just copying what everyone else does. The beautiful thing about systems is that once you understand how to build them, you can invent completely new pathways that nobody else is using. Look at the rubber guard system - I didn’t invent every technique in it, but I connected them in ways that created a unique offensive framework that attacks from bottom. That’s what system building lets you do: take existing techniques, unconventional positions, and your own innovations, then organize them into something cohesive that works for your style. The mistake people make is thinking systems have to be traditional or proven - some of the best systems come from asking ‘what if?’ and exploring connections other people ignore. When I developed the lockdown to electric chair system, people thought I was crazy because it went against conventional wisdom about half guard, but it worked because I built complete technical pathways from entry to finish and tested every connection until it was reliable. Don’t be afraid to build systems around positions or techniques that seem unorthodox if they match your attributes and create genuine advantages. The key is making sure every technique in your system connects to multiple others, so you’re never stuck when something gets defended. Your system should feel like a maze where you know every pathway but your opponent is just trying to survive. That’s when jiu-jitsu becomes really fun - when you’re operating inside your system and everything flows automatically while they’re fighting just to understand what’s happening.