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Technical Standup | BJJ Technique | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202514 min read

Technical Standup

bjjtransitionescapestandingfundamental

Visual Execution Sequence

From guard bottom or seated position, you begin by posting your hand on the mat behind you for support while keeping your other hand framing toward your opponent. Your posted hand should be positioned at a 45-degree angle from your body for optimal base. You bring your far leg (opposite side from posted hand) underneath you, creating a tripod base with your posted hand, near knee, and far foot. Your near leg extends out as a barrier between you and your opponent, protecting you from immediate attacks. You push off your posted hand and far foot simultaneously, lifting your hips and elevating to standing position while maintaining your frame and distance from the opponent. Throughout the movement, you keep your eyes on your opponent and maintain defensive positioning. As you complete the standup, you establish your wrestling stance or fighting posture, ready to engage or disengage as needed.

One-Sentence Summary: “From seated position, you post hand behind you, create tripod base with near knee and far foot, then push to standing while maintaining defensive frame with extended near leg.”

Execution Steps

  1. Setup Requirements: From seated or guard bottom position, establish posting hand behind body at 45-degree angle
  2. Initial Movement: Bring far leg underneath body while extending near leg as barrier toward opponent
  3. Base Creation: Form tripod base with posted hand, near knee, and far foot planted firmly
  4. Hip Elevation: Push explosively off posted hand and far foot, lifting hips off mat
  5. Standup Completion: Bring far leg forward while rising to Standing Position, maintaining frame throughout
  6. Consolidation: Establish standing posture with hands ready, distance controlled from opponent

Key Technical Details

  • Grip Requirements: Posted hand provides structural support, free hand frames toward opponent for distance control
  • Base/Foundation: Tripod base (hand, knee, foot) creates stable platform for explosive standup
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent is at distance or during engagement transitions
  • Leverage Points: Simultaneous push from hand and foot creates elevation force
  • Common Adjustments: Adjust posting angle based on opponent’s pressure direction

Common Counters

Opponent defensive responses with success rates and conditions:

Decision Logic for AI Opponent

If [base_formation] < 60%:
- Execute [[Double Leg Takedown]] (Probability: 55%)

Else if [extended_leg exposed]:
- Execute [[Single Leg Attack]] (Probability: 50%)

Else if [posture is compromised]:
- Execute [[Snap Down]] (Probability: 45%)

Else [optimal execution conditions]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Base Success Rate + Applied Modifiers)

Expert Insights

John Danaher

“The technical standup is fundamentally about creating a strong base from which to elevate safely. The tripod structure - hand, knee, foot - provides maximum stability while minimizing exposure time during the transition. The extended leg serves as both a measuring stick for distance and a defensive barrier against attacks. The key is maintaining visual contact with the opponent throughout while executing the movement as one smooth, controlled action.”

Gordon Ryan

“In competition, the technical standup is my primary method for disengaging when I don’t want to play guard. The timing is critical - you need to create enough distance first so they can’t immediately attack during your standup. I use hand fighting and foot positioning to control the space before committing to the standup. The movement needs to be explosive enough to complete before they can close distance, but controlled enough to maintain defensive positioning.”

Eddie Bravo

“The technical standup is essential even in guard-focused systems like 10th Planet because you need to control when and how engagements happen. I teach it as a reset mechanism - when the position isn’t what you want, stand up safely and reestablish on your terms. The key is that extended leg creating a barrier - they have to deal with that leg before they can pressure you. Use it to create distance, then either re-engage or maintain standing position based on strategy.”

Common Errors

Error 1: Posting hand too close to body or at wrong angle

  • Why It Fails: Poor hand position reduces base stability and makes elevation mechanically inefficient
  • Correction: Post hand 12-18 inches behind hip at 45-degree angle from body line
  • Recognition: Feeling unstable during standup, difficulty generating elevation power

Error 2: Not creating proper tripod base before attempting to stand

  • Why It Fails: Weak base makes standup slow and vulnerable to opponent’s attacks
  • Correction: Ensure hand, knee, and foot are all firmly planted before pushing to stand
  • Recognition: Losing balance during transition, opponent easily disrupting standup attempt

Error 3: Turning away from opponent during standup

  • Why It Fails: Losing visual contact allows opponent to attack unexpectedly
  • Correction: Keep eyes on opponent throughout entire movement, maintain facing angle
  • Recognition: Getting surprised by opponent’s attacks, not seeing threats developing

Error 4: Bringing extended leg in too early before standing

  • Why It Fails: Removes defensive barrier allowing opponent to close distance and attack
  • Correction: Maintain extended leg as barrier until fully standing and balanced
  • Recognition: Opponent rushing in during standup, attacks landing before you’re established

Error 5: Slow or hesitant execution lacking explosiveness

  • Why It Fails: Gradual standup gives opponent time to close distance and attack
  • Correction: Execute standup explosively as one quick motion from tripod to standing
  • Recognition: Opponent catching you mid-transition, getting stuck halfway up

Timing Considerations

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent is at distance, during grip fighting exchanges, when you want to disengage
  • Avoid When: Opponent has grips on your legs or upper body, when under immediate pressure, during their attacks
  • Setup Sequences: After creating distance with foot positioning, following hand fighting to establish space
  • Follow-up Windows: Must establish standing posture within 2 seconds to prevent immediate re-engagement

Prerequisites

  • Technical Skills: Basic body awareness, posting hand mechanics, tripod base understanding
  • Physical Preparation: Core strength for hip elevation, leg strength for explosive standup
  • Positional Understanding: Distance management, defensive positioning, guard concepts
  • Experience Level: Beginner-friendly fundamental technique, essential for all levels

Knowledge Assessment

  1. Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the base for technical standup?”

    • A) Both hands and both feet
    • B) Tripod of posted hand, near knee, and far foot
    • C) Just the posted hand
    • D) Both knees and one hand
    • Answer: B

  2. Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to attempt technical standup?”

    • A) When opponent has grips on your legs
    • B) When opponent is at distance or during engagement transitions
    • C) When you’re under heavy pressure
    • D) During opponent’s attack
    • Answer: B

  3. Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake during technical standup?”

    • A) Creating too much distance
    • B) Posting hand too close to body or at wrong angle
    • C) Standing up too slowly
    • D) Looking at opponent too much
    • Answer: B

  4. Setup Requirements: “What is the purpose of the extended leg during technical standup?”

    • A) To kick the opponent
    • B) To create barrier and maintain distance from opponent
    • C) To help with balance only
    • D) To signal you’re standing up
    • Answer: B

  5. Adaptation: “How should you adjust if opponent attacks your extended leg during standup?”

    • A) Continue standing as normal
    • B) Retract leg and defend takedown, or complete standup more explosively
    • C) Give up and sit back down
    • D) Kick at the opponent
    • Answer: B

Variants and Adaptations

  • Gi Specific: Can use gi grips to create distance before initiating standup
  • No-Gi Specific: Rely more on positioning and timing without gi control
  • Self-Defense: Critical for creating distance from attacker and regaining feet
  • Competition: Used to control pace and disengage when guard position isn’t favorable
  • Size Differential: Technique works equally well for all sizes due to mechanical efficiency

Training Progressions

  1. Solo Practice: Solo technical standup repetitions to develop smooth mechanics
  2. Cooperative Drilling: Partner maintains distance while you practice standup timing
  3. Resistant Practice: Partner pressures during standup to test base and timing
  4. Sparring Integration: Use during live rolling when wanting to disengage or reset
  5. Troubleshooting: Identify weak base points or timing issues with partner feedback

LLM Context Block

Purpose: This section contains structured decision-making logic for AI opponents, narrative generation, and game engine processing.

Execution Decision Logic

decision_tree:
  conditions:
    - name: "Distance Check"
      evaluation: "opponent_distance >= 60 AND no_grips_active"
      success_action: "proceed_to_base_check"
      failure_action: "maintain_guard_position"
      failure_probability: 40
 
    - name: "Base Formation Check"
      evaluation: "tripod_base_stable AND hand_position_correct"
      success_action: "proceed_to_standup"
      failure_action: "execute_leg_attack"
      failure_probability: 50
 
    - name: "Execution Speed Check"
      evaluation: "standup_speed >= 70 AND frame_maintained"
      success_action: "accept_transition_with_modifiers"
      failure_action: "execute_snap_down"
      failure_probability: 45
 
  final_calculation:
    base_probability: "success_probability[skill_level]"
    applied_modifiers:
      - setup_quality
      - timing_precision
      - opponent_fatigue
      - knowledge_test
      - position_control
    formula: "base_probability + sum(modifiers) - sum(counters)"

Common Troubleshooting Patterns

troubleshooting:
  - symptom: "Feeling unstable during standup attempt"
    likely_cause: "Posted hand too close to body or wrong angle"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Is your hand 12-18 inches behind your hip?"
      - "Is the hand at 45-degree angle from body?"
      - "Are all three points of tripod firmly planted?"
    solution: "Adjust hand position further back and at proper angle, ensure solid tripod before pushing"
 
  - symptom: "Opponent easily attacking during standup"
    likely_cause: "Extended leg brought in too early or slow execution"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you maintaining extended leg as barrier?"
      - "Is your standup explosive or gradual?"
      - "Are you keeping eyes on opponent?"
    solution: "Keep leg extended until fully standing, execute standup explosively as one motion"
 
  - symptom: "Losing balance or falling during standup"
    likely_cause: "Incomplete tripod base before attempting to stand"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Is your near knee planted firmly?"
      - "Is your far foot positioned correctly?"
      - "Are you trying to stand before base is set?"
    solution: "Ensure complete tripod is established before pushing to stand, don't rush the base formation"
 
  - symptom: "Getting surprised by opponent's attacks"
    likely_cause: "Turning away from opponent or losing visual contact"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you keeping eyes on opponent throughout?"
      - "Are you turning your back during standup?"
      - "Do you maintain facing angle?"
    solution: "Keep visual contact throughout entire standup, never turn away from opponent"

Timing and Setup Guidance

timing_guidance:
  optimal_windows:
    - condition: "Opponent at distance with no grips established"
      success_boost: "+15%"
      recognition_cues: ["Space between bodies", "No grip contact", "Neutral positioning"]
 
    - condition: "During grip fighting when hands are engaged"
      success_boost: "+12%"
      recognition_cues: ["Hand fighting active", "Attention on upper body", "Grip exchanges"]
 
    - condition: "After creating distance with foot positioning"
      success_boost: "+10%"
      recognition_cues: ["Feet managing distance", "Space maintained", "Opponent respecting range"]
 
  avoid_windows:
    - condition: "Opponent has grips on legs or pants"
      success_penalty: "-25%"
      recognition_cues: ["Leg control active", "Pants gripped", "Ankle grips"]
 
    - condition: "Under immediate forward pressure"
      success_penalty: "-20%"
      recognition_cues: ["Opponent driving forward", "Closing distance", "Aggressive pressure"]
 
    - condition: "During opponent's attack sequence"
      success_penalty: "-30%"
      recognition_cues: ["Active attack happening", "Opponent committed to technique", "Defensive emergency"]
 
setup_sequences:
  - sequence_name: "Hand Fight to Standup"
    steps:
      - "Engage in hand fighting to occupy opponent's attention"
      - "Use hand fighting to create and maintain distance"
      - "Execute technical standup during grip exchange"
    success_boost: "+12%"
 
  - sequence_name: "Foot Management to Standup"
    steps:
      - "Use feet to manage distance and create space"
      - "Establish posting position while feet control range"
      - "Execute standup when distance is optimal"
    success_boost: "+10%"

Narrative Generation Prompts

narrative_prompts:
  setup_phase:
    - "You create distance with your feet, preparing to disengage and return to standing."
    - "Your hand posts behind you as you prepare to execute the technical standup."
    - "You establish your tripod base, ready to explosively return to your feet."
 
  execution_phase:
    - "You push off your posted hand and far foot simultaneously, hips elevating as you rise."
    - "Your extended leg maintains the barrier as you explode to standing position."
    - "The movement is smooth and controlled, eyes never leaving your opponent."
 
  completion_phase:
    - "You're back on your feet in wrestling stance, distance controlled and position reset."
    - "Standing position established successfully, ready to engage on your terms."
    - "From guard to standing - clean technical execution of the standup."
 
  failure_phase:
    - "They shoot during your standup, catching your extended leg for a takedown."
    - "Your base crumbles as they pressure during the transition."
    - "They snap your head down, preventing you from completing the standup."

Image Generation Prompts

image_prompts:
  setup_position:
    prompt: "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seated guard position, practitioner with hand posted behind body, far leg preparing to come underneath, near leg extended as barrier, both wearing blue and white gis, mat background, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Seated guard", "Posted hand", "Extended leg", "Defensive posture"]
 
  mid_execution:
    prompt: "BJJ technical standup in motion, practitioner with tripod base elevating hips, extended leg maintaining barrier, explosive upward movement, dynamic movement captured, technical illustration"
    key_elements: ["Tripod base", "Hip elevation", "Extended leg barrier", "Upward motion", "Explosive movement"]
 
  completion_position:
    prompt: "BJJ standing position after technical standup, practitioner in wrestling stance with hands ready, good distance from opponent, balanced posture, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Standing position", "Wrestling stance", "Controlled distance", "Ready posture"]

Audio Narration Scripts

audio_scripts:
  instructional_narration:
    script: "From seated or guard bottom position, post your hand behind you at a 45-degree angle. Bring your far leg underneath while extending your near leg as a barrier. Form a tripod base with your posted hand, near knee, and far foot. Push explosively off your hand and foot simultaneously, elevating your hips. Rise to standing while maintaining your extended leg barrier, establishing your standing posture."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Moderate"
    emphasis: ["post your hand", "tripod base", "push explosively", "extended leg barrier"]
 
  coaching_cues:
    script: "Post the hand. Good. Far leg under. Near leg extends. Tripod base set. Now push. Explosive. Keep that leg out. Stand tall. Perfect standup."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Energetic"
    emphasis: ["Tripod base", "Push explosive", "Keep that leg out", "Perfect"]
 
  competition_commentary:
    script: "Watch the setup - hand posted correctly. Creating the tripod base. Extended leg maintaining distance. Explosive elevation. Clean standup execution. Standing position established. Technical fundamentals on display."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Fast"
    emphasis: ["Explosive elevation", "Clean standup", "Standing position established", "Technical fundamentals"]

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, used to disengage and reset when guard position not favorable
  • No-Gi Competition: Critical for controlling pace and choosing engagements
  • Self-Defense Context: Essential for creating distance and regaining feet against attacker
  • MMA Applications: Fundamental for returning to feet and avoiding extended ground fighting

Historical Context

The technical standup is a fundamental movement taught in wrestling, judo, and sambo, and was incorporated into BJJ as a defensive essential. It represents one of the safest methods for returning to standing while maintaining defensive structure. The technique has remained largely unchanged across grappling disciplines, demonstrating its mechanical soundness and universal application.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Application: Practice with proper base to avoid falls or injuries
  • Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space for standup movement
  • Partner Safety: When drilling, partner should respect the extended leg barrier
  • Gradual Progression: Build explosiveness gradually, start with slow technical reps

Position Integration

Common combinations and sequences:

Graph View

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