Jiu-Jitsu Vocabulary 101: Terms Used at Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

 

Walking into Gracie Barra Agoura, you will hear a unique language. Learning these terms early will help you navigate the mats with confidence and respect.

 

Here is a glossary of essential BJJ terms used daily at the academy.

 

1. Cultural & Etiquette Terms

 Oss (pronounced “Oh-ss”): A universal martial arts term derived from Japanese. In BJJ, it is used to say “I understand,” “Respect,” “Hello,” or “Goodbye.” It is often said when bowing onto the mats or acknowledging an instruction.

 Professor: The title for a Black Belt instructor. You should always address them as “Professor” followed by their first name (e.g., Professor Romulo).

 Coach: The title for an instructor who is not yet a Black Belt (usually Purple or Brown).

 DoJo: The training hall. At Gracie Barra, it is often simply called “the school” or “the academy.”

 Tatami: The mats. (e.g., “Step off the tatami if you need water.”)

 

2. Training Terms

 Gi (Kimono): The uniform. It consists of a jacket, pants, and a belt.

 No-Gi: Training without the kimono, usually wearing a rash guard and shorts.

 Roll: To spar or fight. (e.g., “Do you want to roll?”)

 Drill: Repetitive practice of a technique without resistance to build muscle memory.

 Tap (Tap Out): The signal that you submit. You can tap the opponent, the mat, or say “Tap!” verbally. This stops the fight immediately.

 

3. Positional Terms

 Guard: A defensive position where you are on your back but controlling the opponent with your legs.

 Mount: A dominant position where you are sitting on top of the opponent’s chest.

 Side Control: A dominant position where you are pinning the opponent from the side (perpendicular).

 Sweep: Reversing the position from bottom to top.

 Pass: Getting past the opponent’s legs (Guard) to secure a dominant position like Side Control or Mount.

 Submission: A technique (choke or joint lock) that forces the opponent to tap out.

 

4. Specific GB Terms

 GB1 / GB2 / GB3: The program levels (Fundamentals, Advanced, Black Belt).

 Red Shield: The logo and symbol of the team’s values.

 ICP: Instructor Certification Program (ensures all teachers are certified).

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

 

Contact

Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Location

19520 Nordhoff St Unit 10 Northridge, CA 91324

Jiu-Jitsu Vocabulary 101: Terms Used at Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681