How To Be More Aggressive Grappling in MMA

How To Be More Aggressive In Jiu Jitsu (And MMA) – Tips, Drills & Strategy

What's up, guys! Today we're jumping into a really good question I got the other day: How do you get more aggressive in Jiu Jitsu? Whether you're talking about pure Jiu Jitsu or MMA (mixed martial arts) – aggressive grappling is a game-changer. I mostly talk about MMA here, so I'll focus heavy on that, but we’ll cover no-gi Jiu Jitsu too.

Let’s break down real strategies to help you roll harder, scramble better, and attack with purpose – turning your grappling game from passive to straight savage.

Defining Aggression in Jiu Jitsu & MMA

So what does “aggression” actually mean on the mats or in the cage? It isn't just wild, uncontrolled movement or rage mode. Aggression is about:

• Keeping pressure on your opponent
  
• Initiating movement and attacks
  
• Scrambling for dominant positions
  
• Chaining submissions and sweeps

You’re forcing the action, not waiting for something to happen – especially in MMA, where extra variables kick in (like strikes, slippery sweat, and heavy pressure).

“The scrambler is the king, just like in wrestling, the scrambler is the king.”

Why Scrambling Wins Fights

Scrambling means those hairy moments when both people are moving, fighting for control, and neither has a clear advantage yet. If you want to dominate, you need to be the one who comes out on top of these wild exchanges.

Scrambling In MMA

In MMA, you’re usually fighting no-gi (without the traditional uniform), so:

• Positions are slippery from sweat
  
• You have to watch out for strikes from all angles
  
• Submissions can be harder to secure
  
• Scrambles happen constantly

If you can scramble well, you’ll keep ending up on top, landing punches, and staying safe. Wrestlers get this – they build their whole game around it.

How To Get Better At Scrambling

Drill these:

• Get-ups from guard
  
• Wrestling switches
  
• Rolling from bottom to top
  
• Fighting for underhooks and body whizzers

Consistent drilling is key. Thousands of reps so it becomes automatic.

Top vs Bottom: Where Aggression Matters Most

Let’s get straight to it: Being on top almost always gives you the better options in MMA and no-gi Jiu Jitsu.

Aggression On Top

• Easier to land strikes
  
• More control
  
• Better angles for submissions
  
• Can constantly apply pressure

Aggression On Bottom

• Get your sweeps going—don’t hang out hoping for a miracle
  
• Choose two or three “go-to” submissions (more is NOT better here)
  
• Build your bottom game around escapes and getting back to your feet or on top

You always want a way OUT when you’re on bottom. Don’t get stuck hoping for a Hail Mary armbar!

Key Submissions To Drill

A lot of people think you need to know every submission under the sun. That’s not true. Dial in 2–3 killer moves and make those second nature.

What Works Best?

For MMA:

• Neck attacks (guillotines, rear naked chokes) — Highest percentage in MMA
  
• Arm bars
  
• Leg locks (useful, but harder to secure with sweat and strikes)

“A lot of neck attacks do work. I’m not saying arm bars don’t work, I’m not saying leg locks don’t work, but neck attacks are very high percentage in MMA.”

For Jiu Jitsu (No-Gi):

• Arm bars
  
• Leg locks (especially if you’re in tournaments – but perfect technique is a must)
  
• Kimuras and sweeps from bottom

The Real Key: DRILL

Pick your submissions and work them thousands of times. The guy who’s hit a triangle 2,000 times in drilling is the guy who nails it when it counts.

Drilling and Repetition: Building Muscle Memory

If you want to actually use your aggressive moves in battle, you can’t just practice them a few times. You need thousands of reps.

Example Routine for Aggressive Grappling

• Select 2–3 bottom submissions to focus on (guillotine, armbar, triangle)
  
• Choose 4–5 sweeps you love (hip bump sweep, scissor sweep, wrestling switch)
  
• Drill each submission and sweep for at least 100 reps per class
  
• Mix in “bad position” starts (let your partner put you in a tough spot, then scramble out)
  
• At the end of every class, review: Did you get stuck? Could you sweep sooner?

Repetition = Confidence

Once you’ve repped these techniques enough, you’ll instinctively attack hard and scramble out of bad spots. That’s where true aggression is built.

Aggression In No-Gi Jiu Jitsu

True story: No-gi is the land of the scrambler.
If you can move, chain attacks, and never settle for bottom, you’ll win most matches. Don’t worry if you don’t train with the gi – these points still apply.

Scrambler Wins

• Without the gi, it’s way easier to break out of positions. Sweat makes grips less stable. Punishing scrambles settle most matches.

“I haven’t rolled gi in 12 years, so really, I can’t give any advice on it. But no-gi, you need to scramble. The scrambler wins the majority of the time.”

Drill for No-Gi Aggression

• Fast transitions (top to bottom and back)
  
• Overhooks and body whizzers to control movement
  
• Wrestling switches for reversal
  
• Holding positions without relying on grips
  

Technique Still Matters

It’s easy to think aggression = slop. Not true! You need crisp technique in no-gi, especially with leg locks and entanglements. Start your drilling slow, perfect your form, then ramp up the speed.

Position Before Submission: The Golden Rule

Most black belts will tell you:
Get the position locked down, THEN attack the submission.

You should always:

• Move for dominant position first (side control, mount, back)
  
• Only submit when you’re sure you won’t get reversed
  
• Have an “exit plan” if your submission fails

“Little rule in Jiu Jitsu is position before submission. Make sure you’re in good positions first.”

Why Position Matters

If you miss your submission, you don’t want to be stuck underneath a heavy opponent, eating punches or scrambling for air. Aggression with awareness keeps you out of trouble.

Exit Strategies & Not Getting Stuck

Aggressive athletes go for submissions fast – but you have to be smart. What happens if your move fails? That’s where exit strategies come in.

Creating Exit Strategies In Training

• Drill submissions until you know exactly how to bail safely
  
• After every attack, rehearse the escape (“If my armbar fails, I switch to a sweep…”)
  
• Always anticipate your opponent’s counter-move

If you’re drilling a move, practice the “what if it fails” response every single time.

“If you don't get it, you give yourself an exit strategy..... Position before submission.”

Quick Tips For Being More Aggressive

Here’s a punchy checklist pulled straight from the transcript and experience:

1. Scramble, scramble, scramble

• Be fast to move
  
• Never settle for a bad position

2. Go For The Neck

• Guillotines, rear naked chokes – high percentage

3. Fight To Be On Top

• Drill your sweeps
  
• Don’t hang out on bottom

4. Pick A Few Submissions

• Master them
  
• Don’t try to be a jack of all trades

5. Drill 4–5 Sweeps

• Build escapes for all common bad spots

6. Think “Position Before Submission”

• Attack only when safe

7. Plan Your Exit

• Train the way you fight

Choosing The Right Gym & Resources

If you’re serious about improving your aggression (especially for MMA), picking the right gym is crucial. Look for gyms with:

• Experienced instructors, especially with MMA backgrounds
  
• A focus on live drilling and sparring
  
• Training partners who push your pace

If you need help finding a gym, grab my book: The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Your Martial Arts School & Instructor

FAQ: Common Questions On Aggressive Grappling

Q1: Can you win from the bottom in MMA?
Yes, but it’s lower percentage. Work to sweep or stand up ASAP.

Q2: Are leg locks worth drilling for MMA?
Yes, especially for pure Jiu Jitsu or no-gi, but not as high percentage in MMA due to sweat and strikes.

Q3: Does aggressiveness mean going crazy and risking bad spots?
No! Smart aggression is pressure, scrambling, and knowing when to bail.

Q4: How often should I be drilling?
Every session. Repetition is the key to confidence and sharpness.

Q5: GI vs No-GI Aggression – any difference?
Gi can slow scrambles. No-gi and MMA favor constant movement and attacks.

Final Thoughts

Aggression in Jiu Jitsu (and MMA) isn’t about rage – it’s about being first, fighting for top, and pushing the pace. Scrambling is king, neck attacks are high percentage, and drilling is your best friend. Master your key submissions and sweeps, think position before submission, and train with a purpose.

If you have any more burning questions or stuff you want me to break down, drop a comment below. Want to level up your gym search? Get my book – link in the description.

Train hard. Stay aggressive. See you on the mats!