Old School vs. New School BJJ: How Techniques Have Evolved Over the Decades

The Origins of Old School BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has seen remarkable evolution since its inception, transforming from a self-defense discipline into a worldwide competitive sport. In the early days, “old school” techniques focused heavily on fundamentals and survival, while today’s “new school” techniques emphasize dynamic movement, innovative guard styles, and submission-oriented strategies. Let’s explore how BJJ techniques have evolved over the decades, comparing the tried-and-true foundations of old school BJJ with the creative innovations of new school practitioners.

Old school BJJ traces its roots to Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, which Brazilian martial artists, notably the Gracie family, adapted for real-world self-defense. The goal was simple: to help a smaller, weaker person defend against larger, stronger opponents. These techniques prioritized fundamental principles such as leverage, positioning, and control.

Key characteristics of old school BJJ include:

• Focus on Self-Defense: Early BJJ was practical and designed for self-defense. Techniques were built around surviving real-world confrontations, often emphasizing escapes, sweeps, and positional control over flashy submissions.
• Closed Guard Dominance: The closed guard, where the practitioner wraps their legs around the opponent’s waist, was a staple position in old school BJJ. It provided a stable defensive position and allowed for a variety of attacks and sweeps.
• Emphasis on Fundamentals: Old school BJJ placed heavy emphasis on basics like passing the guard, side control, and positional dominance. Techniques were simple and effective, emphasizing the “position before submission” principle.
• Pressure and Control-Based Game: Old school BJJ practitioners were known for their slow, methodical pressure, using weight distribution and control to wear down opponents.

These foundational elements became the building blocks of BJJ, forming the core principles that continue to underpin the art. However, as BJJ entered the world of competition and became a global sport, practitioners began to push boundaries and experiment with new techniques, giving rise to what we now call new school BJJ.

The Rise of New School BJJ

As BJJ tournaments gained popularity in the 1990s and beyond, the sport saw an influx of new ideas, techniques, and competition-oriented strategies. Athletes began to innovate, creating novel guard styles, sweeps, and submissions designed to outwit opponents in high-level tournaments. This “new school” approach brought a level of creativity and athleticism to BJJ that was previously unseen.

New school BJJ is characterized by:

• Dynamic Guard Systems: Techniques like the berimbolo, worm guard, and De La Riva guard have become staples in new school BJJ. These guards allow practitioners to create sweeping and submission opportunities in complex positions, often confusing opponents.
• Leg Lock Revolution: Traditionally, leg locks were often avoided due to the potential for injury, but new school BJJ has embraced leg attacks as a powerful tool in competition. With the influence of grapplers like John Danaher and his “Danaher Death Squad,” leg locks have become a core part of the new school arsenal, changing the landscape of modern grappling.
• Inverted and Spinning Techniques: New school practitioners frequently use inversion (rolling upside down) and spinning techniques to set up sweeps and submissions. Techniques like the berimbolo and the K-guard have become popular for their effectiveness in keeping opponents off balance.
• Submission-Oriented Mindset: While old school BJJ emphasized control, new school BJJ often prioritizes submissions. Competitors are more likely to take risks to finish the fight, making matches more dynamic and exciting for spectators.
• Increased Athleticism and Conditioning: The modern BJJ competitor often incorporates strength and conditioning, agility training, and advanced drilling into their routine. This increased focus on fitness and athleticism has elevated the speed and intensity of matches.

Key Differences Between Old School and New School Techniques

The evolution of BJJ has brought several key differences to the forefront. Here’s a closer look at how old school and new school approaches diverge in specific areas:

1. Guard Styles: Old school BJJ relied heavily on the closed guard, butterfly guard, and half guard. New school BJJ, by contrast, has expanded the guard repertoire, incorporating techniques like spider guard, X-guard, worm guard, and lapel guard. These innovative guards allow for more sweeping and submission opportunities but often require more flexibility and agility.
2. Attacking Philosophy: Old school practitioners prioritized positional control, often working toward a dominant position like mount or back control before seeking submissions. New school practitioners, however, are more likely to go directly for submissions, regardless of position, and will frequently attack from unconventional angles.
3. Leg Locks: In old school BJJ, leg locks were generally reserved for advanced practitioners and were viewed as potentially dangerous techniques. New school BJJ has fully embraced leg locks, with positions like the 50/50 guard, ashi garami, and saddle becoming common. Many modern tournaments now feature entire matches decided by leg locks.
4. Strategy and Movement: Old school BJJ’s strategy often involved slower, more controlled movements, emphasizing methodical progressions. New school BJJ is faster and more fluid, with practitioners moving between positions rapidly and using inversion, spinning, and scrambling techniques to create opportunities.
5. Training Environment: Old school BJJ classes often followed a traditional approach, with an emphasis on basics, live sparring, and positional drills. New school BJJ incorporates more drilling of advanced techniques and sequences, with practitioners spending time developing muscle memory for complex guards and transitions.

The Fusion of Old School and New School BJJ

Despite their differences, old school and new school BJJ aren’t necessarily at odds. In fact, many practitioners believe that a fusion of both approaches yields the best results. Modern BJJ black belts often emphasize the importance of mastering fundamentals while encouraging exploration of innovative techniques.

For example:

• Mastering Fundamentals: Even the most successful new school competitors stress the importance of a solid foundation. Without a deep understanding of basics like passing the guard, maintaining positional control, and effective escapes, new school techniques may fall short.
• Applying Pressure with New School Techniques: New school techniques can be used to create pressure and control, not just for quick submissions. For instance, the berimbolo, originally seen as a “flashy” move, is now used to establish back control, a highly dominant position.
• Adapting Techniques Based on Opponents: Many competitors use a hybrid approach, switching between old school and new school techniques based on their opponent’s style. Against a seasoned old school competitor, new school techniques may offer an element of surprise, while against a younger competitor, solid fundamentals may provide stability.

The evolution from old school to new school BJJ reflects the growth and adaptability of the art. While old school techniques emphasize solid fundamentals and control, new school techniques bring innovation and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in BJJ. Together, they create a well-rounded skill set that allows practitioners to adapt to any opponent or situation.

As BJJ continues to grow, both in traditional academies and in global competitions, practitioners benefit from learning both styles. Embracing the strengths of both old school fundamentals and new school creativity ensures that BJJ remains an evolving, dynamic martial art, offering endless possibilities for self-improvement, competition, and personal growth. Whether you’re new to BJJ or a seasoned grappler, exploring both approaches will enrich your journey on the mat.

Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – A Martial Art For Everyone 

Looking for a self-defense class in Reno or Sparks, NV? Call Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at (775) 376-6229 or (775) 379-9532 for inquiries! Schedule an introductory jiu-jitsu class, or private jiu-jitsu class, at one of our two convenient locations in Reno or Sparks, NV