Transition Standard for BJJ State Machine

bjjstandardtransitionsstatemachine

Overview

This document defines the required structure and content for all transition files in the BJJ state machine. Every transition must include the standardized elements below to ensure proper integration with state machine processing, probability calculations, technical analysis, and comprehensive documentation.

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: Unique identifier (format: T###, e.g., T904)
  • Transition Name: Clear, descriptive name matching filename
  • Alternative Names: Common alternative terminology or variations

State Machine Properties

  • Starting State: Position where transition begins (must link to existing position)
  • Ending State: Position where transition ends (must link to existing position)
  • Transition Type: [Escape/Attack/Advancement/Counter/Setup] - categorizes transition purpose

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: [Beginner X%, Intermediate Y%, Advanced Z%] - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: [Low/Medium/High] - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: [Low/Medium/High] - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: [Instant/Quick/Medium/Slow] - duration of transition
  • Risk Level: [Low/Medium/High] - chance of backfire or position loss

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: [Low/Medium/High] for different muscle groups
  • Flexibility Requirements: [Low/Medium/High] for joints/mobility
  • Coordination Requirements: [Low/Medium/High] for technical precision
  • Speed Requirements: [Low/Medium/High] for timing-dependent execution

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for:

  • Clear movement sequence visualization
  • Technical instruction and understanding
  • Precise body mechanics and positioning
  • Key pressure points and leverage applications

Template: “From [starting position], you [action 1]. Your opponent [typical reaction]. You then [action 2], [specific body mechanics], resulting in [ending position].”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Conditions that must be met before attempting
  2. Initial Movement: First action in the sequence
  3. Opponent Response: Expected defensive reaction
  4. Adaptation: How to adjust based on opponent response
  5. Completion: Final movement to achieve ending state
  6. Consolidation: How to secure the new position

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Specific hand/arm positioning
  • Base/Foundation: Foot placement and weight distribution
  • Timing Windows: When to initiate and complete each phase
  • Leverage Points: Where to apply force and pressure
  • Common Adjustments: Micro-corrections during execution

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: How well prerequisites are established (+/-10%)
  • Timing Precision: Execution during optimal windows (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Energy state affects defensive capability (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Correct understanding (+/-10%)
  • Position Control: Quality of starting position control (+/-5%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Defensive Counter: How opponent defends with probability
  • Aggressive Counter: How opponent counter-attacks with probability
  • Positional Counter: How opponent maintains/improves position
  • Scramble Response: Chaotic reactions and their outcomes

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [setup quality] < 50%:
- Execute [[Defensive Counter]] (Probability: X%)

Else if [timing] is off:
- Execute [[Aggressive Counter]] (Probability: Y%)

Else if [opponent has energy advantage]:
- Execute [[Scramble Response]] (Probability: Z%)

Else [optimal execution]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: Biomechanical analysis and systematic approach
  • Gordon Ryan: Competition application and high-percentage details
  • Eddie Bravo: Innovation connections and unconventional applications

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Specific mistake beginners make
  • Why It Fails: Mechanical reason the error causes failure
  • Correction: Proper technique and mindset
  • Recognition: How to identify when making this error

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: Best circumstances for success
  • Avoid When: Situations where attempt is likely to fail
  • Setup Sequences: Techniques that create ideal conditions
  • Follow-up Windows: Time sensitivity after completion

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Other techniques that must be mastered first
  • Physical Preparation: Strength/flexibility needed
  • Positional Understanding: Concepts that must be grasped
  • Experience Level: Recommended skill level for safety

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the leverage in this technique?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake?”
  • Setup Requirements: “What must be established before attempting?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if opponent responds with X?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Adjustments when wearing the uniform
  • No-Gi Specific: Grip and control modifications
  • Self-Defense: Street application considerations
  • Competition: Rule-set specific optimizations
  • Size Differential: Adjustments for height/weight differences

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Movement patterns without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: With compliant partner
  • Resistant Practice: Against increasing opposition
  • Sparring Integration: Live application practice
  • Troubleshooting: Common problems and solutions

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Explosive, technical, flowing descriptors
  • Spatial References: Clear directional and positional language
  • Pressure Dynamics: How force is applied and transferred
  • Momentum Descriptions: Speed and timing elements

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Establish your base before initiating”
  • Execution Guidance: “Drive through with your hips”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Feel their resistance and adjust”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Secure the position immediately”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Key body positions and angles
  • Transition Points: Critical moments during execution
  • Ending Position: Final positioning requirements
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed attempt consequences

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Direction and magnitude of applied forces
  • Leverage Ratios: Mechanical advantage calculations
  • Range of Motion: Joint movement requirements
  • Power Generation: Muscle groups and activation sequence

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for AI opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Bridge and Roll for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent transition data for state machine implementation
  • Probability calculations with modifier systems
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured decision analysis patterns
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all transition files to maintain consistency and educational value.