With a new UFC show on almost weekly, many people now recognize the true benefits of BJJ for sport and for Self Defense.  Entertaining striking, spectacular takedowns and some wildly awesome submissions make it easy to overlook some of the more basic moves that set up the exciting finishes.

Now I say the MOST Important Technique in BJJ, but it goes for any Martial Art.  It is often the first thing your learn when you go to any class and is a skill everyone will be able to accomplish by the middle to end of class.  And that technique is…

BASE aka How to Stand

Everyone needs it, we learn it as children and then eventually we stop challenging ourselves and then of course we lose it.  The nice thing is it is simple to dust off and make effective again.

As children we are constantly challenging our base through physical activities or sometimes our own siblings shoving us around.  We quickly find a way to stay standing because picking yourself off the ground gets old real fast.  But as we get older, and more civilized, we don;t partake in such rough housing any more and “leave that to the children”.

We watch Combative shows like UFC and are amazed by Anderson Silva’s ability to throw pin point strikes and George St. Pierre defend yet another takedown without giving much thought about how important it is to be able to stand on our own feet.

Very few people that walk into one of my BJJ or Muay Thai classes are able to stand effectively (which isn’t surprising if we are teaching people to be offensive with it, after all, how often do you really need to throw a punch or take someone down?), but I am very surprised how easy it is to catch someone off guard with a gentle shove or a pull on their wrist.

Now as a disclaimer, I should say you should come to a class and learn techniques from a professional Instructor, but I think I can let this one slide.

To be able to stand in your base properly, place your feet slightly wider than shoulder width and adjust for comfort.  Bend your knees slightly and slowly shift your weight from one foot to the other by moving your hips side to side (kind of like a snowboarder).  Now of course it is really simple but the fun part comes from having someone check your base.  That’s where we come in.  Our Instructors will give you the proper resistance to build your Base and your Confidence without going too fast and injuring you.

Come down to Arashi Do and try out one of our great Brazilian programs like Fundamental BJJ, Women’s Only BJJ or Children’s BJJ for ages 4-7 and 8-14.  All those and you get a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL!  What are you waiting for?  Call or text us at 780-220-5425 or email us at myackulic@ArashiDo.com

P.S.  Check the DVD on the side for a FREE VIDEO on how to Base and other great BJJ moves or CLICK HERE!