Standing up

The Technical Standup is a fundamental defensive transition in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that allows a grounded practitioner to safely return to their feet while maintaining defensive frames and preventing takedowns. This transition represents a critical bridge between ground and standing combat, serving as both an escape mechanism from inferior positions and a method of disengagement when desired. The technical standup is essential for maintaining distance management, creating space, and resetting the engagement to a more favorable position. It is particularly crucial in self-defense scenarios, MMA contexts, and competitive situations where standing offers strategic advantages. The position requires precise weight distribution, balance, timing, and spatial awareness to execute safely without compromising defensive integrity. Mastery of the standing up sequence provides practitioners with autonomy over engagement range and the ability to dictate whether the match remains on the ground or returns to standing combat. The transition involves posting a base hand, elevating the hips, loading the near leg, and driving explosively to standing while maintaining the far leg as a defensive barrier throughout the sequence.

Starting Position: Open Guard Ending Position: Standing Position Success Rates: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%

Key Principles

• Post base hand 12-18 inches behind hips with arm fully extended and locked, creating strong triangular base structure
• Immediately elevate hips off mat upon posting hand to create distance and establish defensive posture
• Keep near leg (same side as base hand) bent and loaded for explosive drive when transitioning to full standing position
• Use far leg as active defensive barrier, maintaining distance through heel placement and leg extension
• Maintain constant visual contact with opponent, keep chest facing toward threat throughout entire sequence
• Time the transition to feet with opponent’s movement, standing explosively when opponent commits to forward pressure or creates distance
• Never turn back toward opponent during standup sequence - rotate body around base hand rather than turning away

Prerequisites

• Opponent in standing position or attempting to engage from top position
• Sufficient space created through shrimping, framing, or distance management to begin standup sequence
• No immediate submission threats or controlling grips that would prevent arm posting
• Practitioner on their back or side with ability to rotate hips and post supporting hand
• Clear understanding of weight distribution and base mechanics to maintain stability during transition
• Awareness of opponent’s position and distance relative to legs to time standup effectively

Execution Steps

1. Create distance and space: Use frames, shrimping, or leg extensions to create sufficient space between you and opponent. Push away with feet on hips or use defensive frames to prevent opponent from closing distance while you prepare to post base hand. (Timing: Before opponent can establish controlling grips or advance position)
2. Post base hand: Rotate body slightly to side and post base hand approximately 12-18 inches behind hips with palm flat on mat, fingers pointed away from body. Fully extend and lock arm with scapula depressed and stable, creating first point of triangular base structure. (Timing: As soon as sufficient space is created)
3. Elevate hips immediately: Drive hips upward off mat by pushing through posted hand and beginning to load near leg. Elevate hips high enough that only base hand, near foot, and far heel remain in contact with mat, creating mobile defensive structure. (Timing: Immediately after base hand posts)
4. Position near leg: Bend near leg (same side as posted hand) with foot flat on ground and knee pointed upward, positioned close to hips. This leg will provide explosive drive when transitioning to standing. Distribute weight between base hand and near foot. (Timing: Simultaneous with hip elevation)
5. Extend far leg as barrier: Extend far leg forward with heel on ground, creating defensive barrier that prevents opponent from closing distance or driving forward. Actively pump and reposition this leg to maintain distance and track opponent’s movement. (Timing: Maintain throughout entire standup sequence)
6. Maintain visual contact: Keep head up with eyes locked on opponent at all times. Chest should face toward opponent throughout entire sequence. Track opponent’s movement and position to time explosive drive to standing. (Timing: Constant throughout sequence)
7. Drive to standing: When opponent creates distance or commits to forward pressure, explosively drive through near leg while pushing off base hand. Bring far leg back and plant both feet, rising to standing position while maintaining defensive posture with hands ready to defend takedowns. (Timing: When window opens (opponent distance or commitment))

Opponent Counters

• Opponent rushes forward to prevent standup and close distance aggressively (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately retract far leg and transition to guard recovery, establishing butterfly guard, seated guard, or open guard rather than fighting for compromised standup
• Opponent grabs or controls extended far leg to prevent distance management (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Retract captured leg and transition to Single Leg X-Guard entry or alternative guard position, using opponent’s grip as entry point for leg entanglement system
• Opponent attempts to sweep or collapse base hand by attacking posted arm (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Execute Granby Roll to turtle position or immediately transition to guard recovery using hip escape mechanics before base is fully compromised
• Opponent shoots single leg or double leg takedown as you rise to standing (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Sprawl immediately with defensive posture, establishing front headlock control or defending with whizzer and crossface to prevent takedown completion
• Opponent uses snap down to prevent standup and drive you back to mat (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain strong base structure and redirect downward pressure through bone alignment, then quickly re-establish guard or continue standup when pressure releases

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Posting base hand too close to hips, creating weak base structure
  • Consequence: Insufficient leverage to elevate hips properly, making sweep or collapse more likely, and reducing ability to drive to standing position
  • Correction: Post base hand approximately 12-18 inches behind hips with arm fully extended and locked, creating strong triangular base structure
• Mistake: Turning head or chest away from opponent during standup sequence
  • Consequence: Loss of visual contact with opponent, exposure of back, and vulnerability to attacks from blind spots
  • Correction: Maintain constant visual contact with opponent, keep chest facing toward threat throughout entire sequence, rotate body around base hand rather than turning away
• Mistake: Attempting to stand with both legs simultaneously without proper base
  • Consequence: Loss of balance, exposure to takedowns, and inability to defend or create distance
  • Correction: Use proper technical standup sequence: post hand, elevate hips, load near leg, drive to standing while maintaining far leg as defensive barrier
• Mistake: Keeping hips too low to mat during standup position
  • Consequence: Reduced mobility, slower reaction time to opponent’s movement, and easier for opponent to close distance or attack
  • Correction: Immediately elevate hips high off mat upon posting hand, maintaining tension in base hand and near leg to create active defensive posture
• Mistake: Allowing opponent to control or trap extended leg without response
  • Consequence: Loss of distance management, exposure to leg attacks or passes, inability to complete standup sequence
  • Correction: Actively pump and reposition extended leg, retract if gripped, and transition to alternative guard recovery rather than fighting for compromised standup
• Mistake: Standing up without timing or awareness of opponent’s position
  • Consequence: Vulnerability to takedowns during transition, poor positioning when reaching standing, and wasted energy on ill-timed attempts
  • Correction: Time standup with opponent’s movement, create distance first through framing and leg extensions, then commit to standing explosively when window opens
• Mistake: Bending base arm or allowing elbow to collapse under pressure
  • Consequence: Immediate loss of base structure, fall back to mat, and return to inferior bottom position with opponent advancing
  • Correction: Lock base arm completely straight with scapula depressed and stable, redirect pressure through bone structure rather than muscular tension

Training Progressions

Week 1-2: Fundamental Mechanics - Basic standup sequence without resistance Practice technical standup from both sides (left and right hand posts) with emphasis on proper base positioning, hip elevation, and smooth transition to standing. Start slowly focusing on correct mechanics, then gradually increase speed while maintaining quality of movement. No partner resistance. (Resistance: None)

Week 3-4: Light Resistance Introduction - Standup against controlled pressure Partner applies light forward pressure while bottom practitioner executes technical standup, working on maintaining base integrity under pressure. Partner provides feedback on base structure and timing. Introduce guard recovery as alternative when standup is prevented. (Resistance: Light)

Week 5-8: Dynamic Decision Making - Standup to guard recovery flow drilling Flow drill alternating between technical standup attempts and guard recovery when partner prevents standup. Partner increases resistance gradually, forcing decision-making based on opponent’s reactions. Develop smooth transitions between standing and re-guarding options. (Resistance: Medium)

Week 9-12: Positional Integration - Standup from inferior positions Start from side control bottom, mount bottom, or other inferior positions. Escape to create space, then immediately transition to technical standup. Partner provides realistic resistance attempting to prevent both escape and standup. Develop complete sequence from worst case to standing. (Resistance: Medium)

Week 13+: Competition Application - Standup to takedown defense integration Bottom practitioner stands up while partner immediately attempts realistic takedown attacks (single leg, double leg, snap down). Focus on maintaining defensive posture and balance immediately after achieving standing position. Full resistance standup attempts during positional sparring. (Resistance: Full)

Ongoing: Advanced Variations - Standup to offensive entries Integrate standup position with offensive entries to leg entanglement systems, guard pulls to preferred positions, and counter-attacks against opponent’s takedown attempts. Use standup as strategic tool for controlling engagement range and creating offensive opportunities. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

Combat Base Standup: Alternative standup method using knee-down combat base position before rising to standing. Near leg posts on knee rather than foot, providing more stable base but slower transition to standing. (When to use: When opponent is applying heavy pressure or when additional stability is needed before committing to full standup)

Seated Guard Standup: Modified standup from seated guard position where both hands can be used for base or grips. Allows for transitions to guard pulls or leg entanglement entries rather than full standing. (When to use: When opponent is maintaining distance and you want to establish guard rather than stand completely)

Granby Roll Standup: Dynamic standup using Granby roll mechanics to create distance and momentum before posting base hand. Involves shoulder roll to create space then explosive standup sequence. (When to use: When base hand is compromised or when creating explosive distance from opponent’s pressure)

Single Leg X Entry Standup: Modified standup where opponent’s grip on extended leg is used as entry to Single Leg X-Guard position rather than completing full standup. Converts opponent’s counter into offensive guard entry. (When to use: When opponent grabs extended far leg during standup attempt, converting their counter into leg entanglement opportunity)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What are the three primary contact points that create the triangular base structure during the technical standup position? A: The three contact points are: (1) the base hand posted 12-18 inches behind the hips with palm flat on mat, (2) the near foot (same side as base hand) flat on ground with knee bent, and (3) the far heel on ground with leg extended as defensive barrier. These three points create a stable triangular base that maximizes stability while maintaining mobility.

Q2: Why is it critical to elevate the hips immediately after posting the base hand during the standup sequence? A: Elevating the hips immediately creates distance from the mat and establishes a defensive structure that makes it difficult for the opponent to close distance or establish control. The hip elevation also activates the defensive posture by distributing weight properly across the triangular base and preparing the near leg for explosive drive to standing. Without immediate hip elevation, the practitioner remains vulnerable to opponent’s advances and cannot effectively manage distance.

Q3: What should you do if your opponent grabs or controls your extended far leg during the standup sequence? A: If the opponent grabs the extended far leg, immediately retract the captured leg and transition to an alternative guard recovery rather than fighting for the compromised standup. Excellent options include transitioning to Single Leg X-Guard entry (using opponent’s grip as entry point), seated guard, or butterfly guard. Never fight to maintain a compromised standup position as this wastes energy and exposes you to passes or attacks.

Q4: How does the timing of the explosive drive to standing relate to the opponent’s movement and positioning? A: The explosive drive to standing should be timed precisely with the opponent’s movement - either when the opponent creates distance (giving you space to stand safely) or when the opponent commits to forward pressure (allowing you to use their momentum against them). The key is recognizing these windows and executing decisively. Standing at the wrong time, such as when opponent is in optimal position to prevent it, wastes energy and exposes you to counters. Advanced practitioners create these windows through feints and reactions.

Q5: What is the proper response if your base hand is swept or compromised during the standup sequence? A: If the base hand is swept or compromised, immediately execute a Granby Roll to turtle position or transition to guard recovery using hip escape mechanics before the base is fully lost. Do not attempt to maintain the compromised standup position as this will result in being driven back to inferior bottom position. The key is recognizing the compromise early and transitioning smoothly to an alternative defensive position rather than fighting to save the failed standup attempt.

Q6: Why must the chest always face toward the opponent throughout the entire standup sequence? A: Maintaining chest facing toward opponent throughout the standup sequence ensures constant visual contact, prevents exposure of the back, and maintains defensive integrity. Turning away from the opponent creates blind spots where attacks can come from unseen angles and exposes the back for back-take opportunities. The proper technique involves rotating the body around the base hand while keeping the chest oriented toward the threat, which maintains both defensive awareness and structural integrity throughout the transition.

Safety Considerations

When practicing the technical standup, ensure controlled execution to avoid injury to the supporting wrist and shoulder from improper base hand positioning or collapse. Start with slow, deliberate repetitions focusing on proper mechanics before adding speed or resistance. The base hand should always post with proper wrist alignment and the arm should remain locked to distribute force through bone structure rather than muscular tension. When training with partners, communicate clearly about resistance levels and avoid explosive movements during early learning phases. Partners applying pressure should do so progressively and give feedback on base stability. Be particularly cautious about the extended far leg being grabbed or attacked - retract immediately if controlled rather than fighting the grip. In self-defense contexts, the technical standup provides essential distance management and should be practiced regularly as a fundamental defensive skill.

Position Integration

The technical standup represents a critical bridge in the BJJ positional hierarchy between ground fighting and standing combat. It serves multiple strategic functions: as an escape mechanism from inferior bottom positions, as a method of controlling engagement range, and as a reset tool when the ground game is not favorable. The standup integrates with the guard retention system as the ultimate distance creation tool when guard recovery through re-guarding is not optimal. It connects to the standing game by providing safe entry to standing combat while maintaining defensive integrity. The standup also serves as a gateway position - from this structure, practitioners can choose to complete the standup to standing, transition to seated guard positions, or enter leg entanglement systems based on opponent’s reactions. In the context of modern no-gi grappling, the technical standup has become increasingly important as a strategic tool for controlling pace and preventing dominant grapplers from establishing their preferred ground positions. The position embodies the principle of maintaining autonomy over engagement range and should be mastered as thoroughly as any guard pass or submission technique.

Related Techniques

• Technical Standup - Primary technique for executing this transition
• Standing up in Base - Alternative standup method using combat base structure
• Re-Guard - Alternative transition when standup is prevented by opponent
• Guard Replacement - Complementary guard recovery technique
• Standing Position - Target position after successful standup completion
• Seated Guard - Alternative guard position when partial standup is established
• Frame and Shrimp - Prerequisite movement to create space for standup
• Hip Escape - Alternative escape method when standup is unavailable
• Technical Standup Concept - Conceptual framework for understanding standup mechanics
• Granby Roll - Rescue technique when base hand is compromised
• Combat Base - Related base structure for alternative standup method
• Single Leg X Entry - Offensive option when far leg is controlled during standup
• Takedown Defense - Follow-up skill after achieving standing position
• Sprawl Defense - Defensive response to takedown attempts after standing
• Guard Pull - Alternative to maintaining standing after standup

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The technical standup represents one of the most fundamental yet frequently neglected skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From a biomechanical perspective, the position creates a stable triangular base through the strategic placement of three contact points: the base hand, the near foot, and the far heel. This configuration maximizes stability while maintaining mobility, allowing the practitioner to pivot, adjust distance, and transition to standing with minimal vulnerability. The critical element is the immediate elevation of the hips upon posting the base hand - this single action creates distance from the mat and establishes a defensive structure that makes it exceedingly difficult for the opponent to close distance or establish control. The extended far leg functions as an active barrier, using heel placement and leg extension to manage distance precisely. When executed with proper technical precision, the standup position provides complete autonomy over engagement range, allowing the practitioner to dictate whether the match continues on the ground or returns to standing combat. This positional control is invaluable in self-defense contexts and represents a fundamental skill that should be drilled with the same dedication as any guard passing or submission technique. The standup also exemplifies the principle of creating frames and managing distance - two foundational concepts that permeate all effective defensive grappling.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the technical standup is your insurance policy against being held down by opponents who want to stall or control without advancing position. I use the standup constantly when I want to reset the engagement or force my opponent to actually engage rather than hold position. The key is being explosive and decisive with the movement - don’t telegraph the standup, just execute it quickly and confidently when the window opens. I particularly like using the standup position as a bait to draw opponents into single leg attempts, which I can then counter with entries into leg entanglement systems or guillotine attacks. In no-gi especially, the standup becomes even more important because without the gi grips, it’s harder for opponents to prevent you from disengaging when you decide to stand. The standup also creates excellent opportunities for re-guard entries into my preferred guard systems like butterfly or seated guard, giving me control over which guard position I’m working from rather than being forced into whatever position my opponent wants. Master the standup and you’ll never feel trapped on your back - you always have the option to reset and re-engage on your terms. In my matches, I use standup strategically to control pace and force opponents to play my game rather than theirs.
• Eddie Bravo: The technical standup is absolutely essential in the 10th Planet system because it gives you the freedom to choose your battles and control the pace of engagement. What’s really interesting about the standup position is how it integrates with our lockdown and rubber guard systems - when opponents try to prevent the standup by grabbing the extended leg, that’s actually an excellent entry into leg lock positions or deep half guard variations. I teach my students to use the standup not just as an escape mechanism but as an active offensive tool for creating reactions and entries. The standup also becomes crucial in the transition game between standing and ground fighting, especially in MMA contexts where you need to be able to move fluidly between ranges. One variation I really like is using the standup position to create angles for back attacks - as the opponent tries to prevent you from standing, you can pivot and spin to their back while they’re committed to controlling your legs. The standup also sets up some excellent guillotine opportunities when opponents shoot takedowns as you’re rising to your feet. Don’t just think of standup as defensive - it’s an active position with offensive potential if you’re creative with it. In the 10th Planet curriculum, we drill standup extensively because it’s the gateway to controlling engagement range and dictating the flow of the match.