In Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll often hear the phrase “Use your head!” Typically, this advice means to think more, strategize, or be smarter with your technique. But in the gentle art, this phrase can (and should) be taken far more literally. That’s right—your head isn’t just there to hold your brain and keep your ears in place. It’s an essential tool for control, pressure, and positioning.
Why Your Head is a Secret Weapon
Think of your head as the unsung hero of your Jiu-Jitsu arsenal. While your arms and legs get all the attention, your head can be just as effective at controlling your opponent’s movement, creating wedges, and applying pressure.
Here’s the reality: many beginners are shy about using their heads. It feels awkward, maybe even unnatural, to press your skull against someone’s body during a roll. But watch any high-level grappler, and you’ll see them using their heads constantly—pushing, pulling, and blocking. Mastering this skill can elevate your game to a whole new level.
How to Use Your Head in Jiu-Jitsu
Create Pressure:Once you’re past your opponent’s legs and settling into chest-to-chest or chest-to-back positions, head positioning is crucial. A well-placed head can pin your opponent to the mat, making it exponentially harder for them to escape or create space.
Set Wedges:Your head can act as a wedge, just like your arms and legs. Whether you’re blocking their hips, controlling their posture, or pinning their shoulder, your head adds another layer to your control game.
Assist in Pushing and Pulling:Use your head like a fifth limb to push your opponent off balance or pull them into the positions you want. Think of it as an extension of your arms—only harder and sturdier.
Defend Against Movement:A strategically placed head can block your opponent’s attempts to recover guard, escape side control, or turn into you. By occupying critical space, you limit their options and dictate the pace of the roll.
Why Beginners Should Embrace It
If you’re new to Jiu-Jitsu, the idea of using your head might seem a little intimidating. After all, who wants to lead with their face during a roll? But the truth is, avoiding the use of your head means missing out on one of the most powerful tools for control.
Start small—use your head to press into your opponent’s chest or block their hips when passing guard. Over time, you’ll start to feel how much extra control you gain by incorporating your head into your game.
Head Positioning in Action
Here are a few examples of how proper head positioning makes a difference:
Side Control: Drive your head into your opponent’s jaw or temple to keep them flat and prevent them from turning into you.
Back Control: Use your head to block your opponent from turning into your choke side or escaping the back mount.
Guard Passing: As you pass, place your head against their chest or shoulder to stabilize the position and deny them space to recover guard.
Takeaway
In Jiu-Jitsu, your head isn’t just a passenger along for the ride—it’s a powerful tool that can enhance your control, disrupt your opponent’s game, and create pressure in key moments. The sooner you learn to incorporate it into your rolls, the faster you’ll see improvements in your overall control and positional dominance.
So next time someone tells you to “use your head,” don’t just think smarter—roll smarter. Get in there, position your noggin, and let your head do some of the heavy lifting.
Happy rolling, and don’t forget to use that head—literally!
Related Posts
