Technical Standup: BJJ Guide to Standing Up Safely

Technical standup for BJJ — the mechanics of standing safely from the ground, preventing guard pulls, and applications in self-defense.

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Beginner · Gi & No-Gi · Fundamental Movement

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The technical standup is one of the most important yet overlooked fundamentals in BJJ. It's the safe method of rising from the ground without exposing yourself to takedowns, guard pulls, or leg attacks. Every BJJ practitioner needs this skill.

Contents

Why the Technical Standup Matters

Getting up from the ground carelessly leaves you vulnerable. The technical standup creates a safe base at every stage, keeping your hips low and back protected throughout the movement.

Technical Standup Steps

Start sitting on the ground or in base
Post one hand behind you and one foot flat on the ground
Raise your hips off the ground, creating a tripod base
Swing your back leg under and forward to create a standing step
Rise to a posted leg stance while keeping your other hand as a frame
Step forward into wrestling stance

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your hand posted until you are fully upright and balanced. Removing it too early creates a balance gap that opponents can exploit.

Technical Standup from Seated Guard

From seated guard, use the technical standup to elevate to standing while maintaining your guard frame. This creates the option to either stand-and-pass or maintain the guard.

Against Guard Pulls

When someone attempts to pull your guard, your ability to step back quickly (using the technical standup mechanics) allows you to deny their grips and keep the fight standing.

Self-Defense Application

In a self-defense scenario, the technical standup is essential for safely rising from the ground after a takedown or trip. It keeps your back protected and hands free.