Basic Positions:
1. Guard: Although there are many different guards in Jiu Jitsu, the closed guard is the most basic and important for a beginner at Jiu Jitsu. To have this position you have to be on the bottom with your legs wrapped around the waist of the top person. If the match is gi then you want to either grab the lapel (collar) or the gi cuffs; if the match is no gi then you want to try to control the wrists and head of the top person.
Closed Guard Pass:
2. Half Guard: The half guard is a little more complicated version of the closed guard because if you are on the bottom you are vulnerable to being mounted or controlled from the side position. *If you are on the top position try to keep and control your opponent or try to pass into side control.
This video explains how to defend from the bottom position against a half-guard:
3. Mount: This position is a very strong position in Jiu Jitsu because if you are the person on the top position then you have the opportunity to submit your opponent easily with many different chokes and locks. There is a flip side however, if you are on the bottom then you well be to one subjected to being submitted.
Mount Escapes:
4. Side Control: This position holds a lot of potential for the person on top to transition into another position such as the mount. There is one problem with side control and that is the person on bottom can put you into half guard making harder for you to get back to side control and then to mount.
Side Control Escapes:
5. Back: The back is one of the best positions to be in Jiu Jitsu because there are many different chokes and locks that can be performed. To ensure a good back position make sure to get grips on the lapel for added control.