As a beginner in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, one of the first things you will learn is shrimping. Although it may seem like a simple movement, shrimping is an essential technique that will be used throughout your BJJ journey. In this article, we will discuss the importance of shrimping and provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform this fundamental movement.

What is Shrimping?

Shrimping is a movement used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to create space between you and your opponent. It involves moving your hips away from your opponent while keeping your shoulders and head in place, allowing you to create distance and potentially escape from a bad position.

Why is Shrimping Important?

Hip Mobility: Shrimping requires a high degree of hip mobility, which is an essential attribute for BJJ. By regularly practicing shrimping, you can improve your hip mobility, which can help you perform other techniques such as guard recovery, sweeps, and submissions.

Escaping Bad Positions: Shrimping is a vital skill when it comes to escaping bad positions. For example, if your opponent has mounted you, shrimping can create enough space to allow you to escape and regain your guard.

Guard Retention: Another benefit of shrimping is that it can help you retain your guard. When an opponent attempts to pass your guard, shrimping can help you create space and move your hips in a way that makes it difficult for them to maintain a dominant position.

How to Shrimp

1. Start on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
2. Place your hands on your stomach, just below your ribcage.
3. Lift your hips off the ground and move them to one side, creating a diagonal line with your body.
4. Bring your top knee towards your chest while extending your bottom leg.
5. Push off the ball of your foot to create momentum and slide your bottom leg back towards your butt.
6. Repeat the motion with your other leg, moving your hips to the opposite side.

Continue this motion, alternating sides and moving your hips away from your opponent.

Tips for Shrimping

1. Practice regularly: Shrimping is a fundamental movement in BJJ, so it’s important to practice it regularly. By incorporating shrimping drills into your training routine, you can improve your mobility and make the movement more natural.
2. Use your arms: Your arms can help create momentum and assist in the shrimping motion. As you move your hips, reach your arms in the opposite direction, as if you are swimming.
3. Keep your shoulders and head on the ground: It’s important to keep your shoulders and head on the ground throughout the shrimping movement. This helps to create space and maintain control of your opponent.

Shrimping is a fundamental movement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that is essential for improving hip mobility, escaping bad positions, and retaining guard. By practicing shrimping regularly and using the tips outlined in this article, you can improve your technique and take your BJJ game to the next level.