There are different ways to look at the game of jiujitsu and grappling. Today I want to think about the idea of systems and transitions through the game of chess. Simplified chess at that.

I wish I could go into details of different chess systems but I can’t and I won’t. For todays purposes basic understanding of how to play the game of chess is enough.

First, the systems. In chess, you need to know how each piece on the board moves. Each piece, the rook, pond, bishop, queen, knight, and king all operate with a different system. For example a knight moves in the shape of an L, and the bishop on a diagonal color. This is the simplest system that each piece is assigned to play the game.

Jiujitsu technique can be categorized into systems as well. Let’s take a look at the guard. Each guard can be explained using a system. Closed guard, half guard, butterfly guard, etc. all operate on a different system of rules. While there might be universal concepts that apply between guard systems, it isn’t recommended to mix technical moves. An arm drag from each of the above guards requires different positioning and use of hips and resistance from the top player. Mixing the technique will most likely get you in trouble or it just won’t work very well.

The point I’m trying to make is that you shouldn’t (or let me say be very cautions about) mixing systems. In chess it’s easy because once you know how a piece moves the options are simple and clear cut. You can only move diagonal left or diagonal right with your bishop. The problem with jiujitsu is that people sometimes mix their systems, and experience frustration and failure.

This is especially true when looking at a position like the half guard where there are multiple systems in one guard. For example, there is deep half where you are completely under the person, there is knee shield where you are our in front, there’s the lockdown from half guard, the point is these are all half guards and yet require the guard player to follow a different “system” or set of technical rules to be effective.

Understanding each system is good but it isn’t enough. Transitions need to be learned to move from system to system or in the case of our example from guard to guard. Recognizing that you shouldn’t move your bishop and you should move your pond is critical. Many times we feel our system is problematic or faulty, but it’s our failure to recognize the need to transition to another system.

As a beginner in chess, I looked for every opportunity to use my queen. I didn’t ever use the bishop or rook. Why would I when the queen could do both? As I continue to play, (quite unsuccessfully against the computer) I find myself looking for opportunities of the best way to attack using all my pieces. I understand the system of each piece but I also understand that transitioning from piece to piece helps my game. I believe as you become more advanced and understand how each piece works it’s strengths and limitations, the next way to level up is in learning how to transition from piece to piece and set up your offense effectively.