Creating persistent incremental advancements in one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction.
A ratchet is a mechanical device that allows incremental linear or rotary motion in one direction, while preventing motion in the opposite direction. In jiu-jitsu, we use “macro ratchets” and “micro ratchets.” Macro ratchets pertain to advancements of your entire body, while micro ratchets pertain to advancements of a specific body part. The Ratchet Principle, like the River Principle, is rooted in persistence. While the River Principle is like water flowing around a problem, the Ratchet Principle is akin to a snake squeezing the life out of its prey with each exhalation.
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Ryron and Rener Gracie are the eldest grandsons of Grand Master Helio Gracie, the creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Their father is Rorion Gracie, one of the world’s foremost experts in self-defense. In 1993, Rorion created the Ultimate Fighting Championship to showcase the supremacy of the family’s self-defense system in a realistic “no holds barred” confrontation against all comers. Rorion’s younger brother, Royce, won 3 of the first 4 UFC tournaments proving that the leverage-based techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu provided the most reliable way to defeat a larger, more athletic opponent. Ryron and Rener were born into this family tradition of testing the art against all challengers.
Rorion introduced his sons to the art as soon as they could walk. As children, they watched him teach private classes in their garage in Southern California. But, it wasn’t until they observed their father and uncles – Royce, Rickson, and Royler – easily winning challenge matches that they began to comprehend fully the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Even more important, Ryron and Rener recognized the profound impact the family’s art had on all who studied it. The life changing transformations of Gracie University students motivated the brothers to teach the art. While constantly perfecting their physical techniques, they worked equally hard to master the powerfully effective instruction methods developed by their forbearers. In 2003, Grand Master Helio Gracie awarded Ryron and Rener black belts in recognition of their mastery of his unique techniques and teaching methodologies.
Techniques are many, principles are few; techniques will change, principles never will. In Part 4, you will learn the final eight principles: Anchor, Ratchet, Buoyancy, Head Control, Redirection, Mobility, Centerline and Grandmaster!
Pinning any part of your or your opponent’s body to a surface to inhibit mobility. Sometimes referred to as “pinning” or “stapling,” the Anchor Principle is a powerful way to achieve optimal control of your opponent in both offensive and defensive positions.
Creating persistent incremental advancements in one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction. A ratchet is a mechanical device that allows incremental linear or rotary motion in one direction, while preventing motion in the opposite direction.
Capitalizing on offensive and defensive surfacing opportunities throughout the fight. Buoyancy is the upward force that prevents an object in a fluid from sinking. In a fight, buoyancy is the natural tendency for the person on bottom to try to get up.
Controlling your opponent’s head to limit or direct their movement. Where the head goes, the body will follow; where the head can’t go, neither can the body.
Reducing your opponent’s effectiveness by controlling the direction of their energy. There are two primary ways to redirect energy: 1) change the angle of impact, or 2) intercept the energy.
Moving yourself when your opponent can’t be moved. Jiu-jitsu employs many highly efficient, leverage-based techniques to move and manipulate an opponent’s body.
Limiting your opponent’s potential by taking control of their centerline. Chess masters aim to control the center of the board, UFC champions aim to control the center of the octagon, and we aim to control the center of our opponent’s body.
Using the 32 Principles to continuously improve jiu-jitsu. From a very young age, our grandfather, the Grandmaster, constantly evolved the techniques of jiu-jitsu to accommodate his frail physique.
Congratulations on learning The 32 Principles of Jiu-Jitsu! Now that you’re familiar with all 32, every interaction you have with any technique that embodies any one of the principles will be a “deposit” into your confidence “bank account” with that principle.