BJJ Rolling & Sparring: Overview of What to Expect

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, “rolling” is an all-encompassing term for sparring or drilling at varying degrees of intensity. BJJ practitioners may specify the degree of intensity by using a qualifier such as flow rolling (a low degree of intensity) or hard rolling (a high degree of intensity). When someone says, “Let’s roll,” it’s similar to a wrestler saying, “Let’s wrestle.” In this way, rolling can be similar to wrestling, sparring, playing, or horsing around with a friend. The degree to which both parties will exert force probably depends on the context of the situation, such as a warm-up roll before drilling or hard rolling to prepare for a competition). Additionally, other factors may come into play, such as your familiarity of your training partner or gym, such as someone you just met as opposed to a lifelong training partner.

Rolling to get Warm

• FLOW ROLLING
• POSITIONAL ROLLING

Rolling to Submission

• LIVE ROLLING
• HARD ROLLING
• COMPETITIVE ROLLING

Rolling Partners

• PICKING A PARTNER
• BEING PAIRED WITH A PARTNER
• DECLINING A ROLL

Awkward or Inappropriate Situations

• ROLLING WITH ANOTHER GENDER
• HOW TO ADDRESS INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

Safety and Discomfort

• STOP IF YOU FEEL UNSAFE
• DISCOMFORT CAN BE FINE

Rolling Gi vs. No Gi

Read the blog post at: https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/7/29/how-rolling-works-in-bjj