Techniques
14 articles
Training Games
Discover engaging BJJ training games perfect for warm-ups, kids classes, and skill development. These fun drills help build technique, improve conditioning, and keep students motivated while developing essential grappling skills for all ages and experience levels.
29 articles in this category
Training games transform repetitive drilling into engaging activities that students actually look forward to. These games develop real grappling skills through play-based learning, an approach backed by motor learning research. From position-specific games like Guard Hunter and King of the Hill to conditioning games like Shark Tank, each activity targets specific skills while keeping energy high. Perfect for academies looking to improve student retention and make every class memorable.
Quick Tips for Training Games
- Match game intensity to your class goals - high energy for cardio, controlled for technique
- Explain rules clearly before starting and demonstrate when possible
- Modify games for different skill levels to keep everyone engaged
- Use games strategically as warm-ups or to reinforce lesson themes
- Rotate games regularly to maintain novelty and excitement
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Training Games Articles
Turtle Tag BJJ: Master Turtle Position Offense and Defense
A positional sparring game that develops skills around the turtle position, common in both BJJ and wrestling. Players learn to attack the turtle (breaking ...
Dec 15, 20253 min
bjj training games
turtle
+2
Takedown Roulette BJJ: Build Takedown Skills Through Competition
A dynamic game that forces players to execute specific takedowns on command. By isolating individual techniques, players develop depth in multiple takedown...
Dec 14, 20253 min
bjj training games
takedowns
+2
Sweep or Pass BJJ: Master Guard Skills with This Training Game
A focused positional sparring game from closed guard that creates decisive, action-oriented exchanges. Each round ends with a clear winner, pushing both pl...
Dec 12, 20253 min
bjj training games
guard
+2
Sumo Wrestling BJJ: Build Takedown Skills Through Competition
A fun warmup game adapted from traditional Japanese sumo that develops balance, grip fighting, and takedown fundamentals. Perfect for BJJ classes of all ag...
Dec 11, 20253 min
bjj training games
takedowns
+2
Submission Only Rounds BJJ: Develop Submission Finishing Skills
A focused sparring format that emphasizes finishing skills over positional control. By removing point scoring, players are pushed to constantly hunt for su...
Dec 9, 20253 min
bjj training games
submission
+2
Submission Chain Drill BJJ: Develop Submission Finishing Skills
An advanced drill that develops flowing submission combinations from mount. Players learn to chain attacks (americana, armbar, triangle, back take) as thei...
Nov 30, 20253 min
bjj training games
submission
+2
Spider Guard Sweep Series: BJJ Training Game Guide
A focused drill that develops spider guard sweep variety and combinations. Players must execute three different sweeps in succession, learning to chain tec...
Nov 24, 20253 min
bjj training games
guard
+2
Side Control Escape Ladder BJJ: Essential Escape Training Game
A competitive escape game with a ranking system that motivates players to improve. The ladder format creates natural matchups based on skill level while de...
Nov 23, 20253 min
bjj training games
escapes
+2
Pyramid Rolls BJJ: The Ultimate Conditioning Challenge
A structured conditioning protocol that builds competition-ready cardio through progressively longer rounds. The pyramid format teaches pacing and energy m...
Nov 10, 20252 min
bjj training games
conditioning
+2
Spider Web BJJ: The Essential Training Warmup Game
An exciting kids BJJ game that develops agility, spatial awareness, and body control. Players navigate through a human obstacle course, learning to move th...
Oct 31, 20253 min
bjj training games
warmup
+2
Pummeling Wars BJJ: Build Takedown Skills Through Competition
A fundamental wrestling drill adapted for BJJ that develops underhook fighting skills. The pummel for double underhooks teaches clinch control, tie-up move...
Oct 26, 20252 min
bjj training games
takedowns
+2
Zombie Apocalypse BJJ: The Essential Training Warmup Game
A thrilling kids BJJ warmup game that combines cardio conditioning with movement training. The 'zombie' theme captures children's imagination while teachin...
Oct 25, 20252 min
bjj training games
warmup
+2
Position Flow BJJ: The Essential Training Warmup Game
A cooperative drill from the Gracie curriculum that warms up the body while reinforcing position transitions. Partners flow through major positions without...
Oct 23, 20252 min
bjj training games
warmup
+2
Open Guard Passing Circuit: BJJ Training Game Guide
An advanced training circuit that exposes passers to multiple guard styles in rapid succession. This competition-focused drill builds adaptability and the ...
Oct 15, 20253 min
bjj training games
guard
+2
Musical Mats BJJ: The Essential Training Warmup Game
A fun BJJ adaptation of musical chairs that reinforces fundamental techniques through play. When the music stops, children must perform a BJJ movement befo...
Oct 14, 20253 min
bjj training games
warmup
+2
Mount Escape Challenge BJJ: Essential Escape Training Game
A fundamental escape drill from the Gracie family curriculum that builds defensive skills from bad positions. Players rotate through escape stations, devel...
Oct 14, 20253 min
bjj training games
escapes
+2
Leg Lock Survival BJJ: Advanced Leg Lock Training Game
An advanced game that develops leg lock offense and defense in a controlled environment. With the modern emphasis on leg attacks in competition, this game ...
Oct 7, 20253 min
bjj training games
leg locks
+2
King of the Hill BJJ: The Ultimate Top Control Training Game
Learn how to run King of the Hill, a classic BJJ training game that builds mount control, escape skills, and competitive intensity. Free game guide inside.
Sep 27, 20255 min
bjj training games
top control
+2
Half Guard Wars BJJ: Master Guard Skills with This Training Game
A specialized game focusing on the half guard position, one of the most common guards in modern BJJ. Players develop both the offensive sweep game and defe...
Sep 26, 20253 min
bjj training games
guard
+2
Guard Retention BJJ: The Essential Two-Player Training Game
Master guard retention and passing with this competitive point-based sparring game. Build defensive instincts, develop passing pressure, and sharpen timing in focused 5-minute rounds.
Sep 23, 20254 min
bjj training games
guard retention
+2
Guard Pass Relay: BJJ Training Game Guide
A team-based passing game that adds urgency and camaraderie to guard passing practice. Teams race to complete passes, pushing players to commit to techniqu...
Sep 19, 20253 min
bjj training games
guard
+2
Guard Hunter BJJ: Master Guard Skills with This Training Game
A traditional Gracie game that simulates the standing-to-ground transition common in real scenarios. One player hunts to pass while the seated player uses ...
Sep 15, 20253 min
bjj training games
guard
+2
Grip Strip Race BJJ: The Essential Training Warmup Game
A judo-inspired warmup game that develops grip fighting skills while getting the body warm. Players must strip their opponent's belt while protecting their...
Sep 15, 20253 min
bjj training games
warmup
+2
Freeze Tag BJJ BJJ: The Essential Training Warmup Game
A creative kids game that teaches BJJ positions and escapes through play. When frozen, players hold a BJJ position until a teammate performs the correct es...
Sep 13, 20253 min
bjj training games
warmup
+2
Crocodile Walk Race BJJ: The Essential Training Warmup Game
A traditional Gracie family warmup game that builds hip mobility, core strength, and BJJ-specific movement patterns. The crocodile walk mimics ground movem...
Sep 9, 20253 min
bjj training games
warmup
+2
Collar Drag Chain BJJ: Build Takedown Skills Through Competition
A continuous game that develops the collar drag, a fundamental technique for taking the back from grips. The 'winner stays' format provides high-volume pra...
Aug 30, 20253 min
bjj training games
takedowns
+2
Bull Fight BJJ: Build Takedown Skills Through Competition
A wrestling-based balance game that develops head and shoulder pressure without using hands. This unique drill teaches posture control, weight distribution...
Aug 21, 20253 min
bjj training games
takedowns
+2
Back Attack Battle BJJ: Master Back Control Skills
A specialized positional game focusing on the most dominant position in BJJ - the back. Players develop crucial skills in both maintaining back control wit...
Aug 16, 20253 min
bjj training games
back control
+2
Arm Drag Duels BJJ: Build Takedown Skills Through Competition
A wrestling-focused game that develops the arm drag, one of the most effective techniques for taking the back from standing or kneeling. Players learn prop...
Aug 6, 20253 min
bjj training games
takedowns
+2