System Builder
Create your personal BJJ system with decision trees. Map “if opponent does X, then I do Y” responses for complete game coverage.
System Builder Tool
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Member-only feature
Build Your BJJ System: Decision Trees and Conditional Responses
Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors do not think in isolated techniques—they think in systems. A BJJ system is a connected network of positions and responses where every opponent action has a predetermined counter. When Gordon Ryan attacks a heel hook, he is not hoping it works; he knows that if you defend option A, he transitions to B, and if you defend B, option C opens up. This systematic thinking transforms grappling from improvisation into chess, where you are always multiple moves ahead.
The core of system building is conditional logic: “If opponent does X, then I do Y.” From closed guard, if opponent postures up, you might hip bump sweep. If they base with their hand, you attack the arm. If they lean forward, you threaten the cross choke. Each defensive reaction by your opponent triggers a different attack from you, and ideally, defending one attack opens another. Decision trees visualize these conditional pathways, making your game plan explicit and trainable rather than relying on in-the-moment reactions.
Building complete game coverage requires mapping out every major position you play. Start with your favorite position—perhaps closed guard. List the common reactions opponents have: posturing, leaning forward, freeing a hand, turning to pass, standing up. For each reaction, document your response. Then consider what happens after your response: if your sweep attempt fails, where do you end up? If your submission is defended, what opens? Working through these branches reveals gaps in your game where you lack good options and need to develop new techniques or transitions.
The System Builder tool helps you create visual decision trees for your game. Map positions as nodes, connect them with conditional transitions, and see your entire system at a glance. Identify weak points where your tree has dead ends. Share systems with training partners for feedback. Build separate systems for Gi and No-Gi if your games differ significantly. Over time, your system grows more robust as you add options and refine transitions. This is how world champions prepare—not by learning more techniques, but by building deeper, more interconnected systems around their core game.
Features
Decision Tree Builder
Create visual decision trees with nodes for positions and branches for responses.
Conditional Branches
Map if-then responses: if opponent defends X, transition to attack Y.
Position Coverage
Track which positions have complete coverage and identify gaps in your game.
Counter-Attack Mapping
Document what opens when your attacks are defended for chain attacks.
System Visualization
See your entire game plan at a glance with interactive visual maps.
Export & Share
Export your systems as images or share with training partners and coaches.
How It Works
Choose Starting Position
Select a position to build your system around, like closed guard or back control.
Map Opponent Reactions
Add branches for common opponent responses: postures, defends, counters, escapes.
Add Your Responses
For each reaction, document your counter-attack, transition, or follow-up technique.
Ready to Build Your System?
Create an account to build decision trees, map conditional responses, and develop your complete BJJ system.
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