Mastering BJJ Pinning: The Art of Control, Breath, and Calm Under Pressure

At BJJ Freo, we believe that learning to control, stabilize, and stay calm under pressure is essential to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re on top pinning an opponent or on the bottom trying to escape, your ability to remain composed and apply control will dictate your success on the mats.

Our philosophy of holistic control extends beyond just physical dominance—it includes mental focus, breathwork, and structured learning through games. Breathwork helps students stay composed and manage exertion, while structured games allow them to apply techniques dynamically in a pressure-free setting., ensuring students develop confidence, technique, and a deeper understanding of BJJ.

🔹 Why Pinning is a Key Skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and How It Connects to Holistic Control

A strong pin gives you the power to dictate the fight while conserving energy. At BJJ Freo, we emphasize that pinning in BJJ is about control, not just dominance—just like our approach to holistic control. In the same way we teach students to control their breath, focus their minds, and connect with their bodies, pins in BJJ serve as a way to establish control over an opponent, manage pressure, and stay composed in high-pressure situations. At BJJ Freo, we teach students that pinning is about control, not brute force. Some of the key benefits include:

✅ Limiting movement – If your opponent can’t move, they can’t escape or attack.
✅ Building pressure without strength – Proper positioning allows even smaller practitioners to control bigger opponents.
✅ Creating submission opportunities – Once control is established, attacks become much easier.

By focusing on balance, weight distribution, and smart movement, students learn how to stay in control while using less effort.

🔥 Pro Tip: The best pins don’t rely on strength—they rely on technique, patience, and pressure! Patience means adjusting based on the opponent’s movements, staying composed, and waiting for the right moment to apply pressure effectively.

🔹 How to Stay Calm and Escape Under Pressure in BJJ

Being pinned can be overwhelming at first, but learning to stay composed, breathe, and problem-solve is key to progressing in BJJ. At BJJ Freo, we teach students how to manage stress and discomfort through a structured approach:

1️⃣ Recognizing Safe vs. Unsafe Positions

✔ Understanding that being pinned doesn’t always mean danger.
✔ Using frames (structured arm and leg positioning to create space), breathing, and proper posture to stay safe.

2️⃣ The Escape Mindset: Solve One Problem at a Time

✔ Instead of fighting everything at once, students focus on small, achievable movements that lead to escape.
✔ Games like “Escape Room” drills help students remain patient and composed under pressure.

3️⃣ Breathwork for Control

✔ Short, calm breaths keep the body relaxed and the brain focused.
✔ Learning to exhale while escaping helps with movement and staying controlled.

🔥 Mindset Shift: The more relaxed you are under pressure, the easier it is to escape!

🔹 Best Drills and Games to Improve Pinning in BJJ

We make learning fun and effective by integrating pin control and pressure training into structured games:
🎮 Treasure Chest (Side Control Pin) – Learning to keep top pressure while your opponent tries to escape.
🎮 Escape Room Challenge – Staying calm under pressure while finding small opportunities to move.
🎮 Super Glue Backpack (Back Control) – Controlling from the back and ensuring your opponent can’t shake you off.

These games create instant feedback, allowing students to naturally develop control and problem-solving skills without overthinking. For example, in 'Treasure Chest,' students quickly learn that proper weight distribution prevents escapes, reinforcing control principles in real-time.

💡 Why This Works: Games make learning feel intuitive—students learn by doing rather than memorizing techniques in isolation.

🔹 BJJ Pinning and Control: The Key to Confidence on the Mats

Pinning isn’t just about holding someone down—it’s about understanding movement, balance, and how to stay calm under pressure. Whether you’re on top or on the bottom, your ability to remain relaxed and strategic will determine your success.

At BJJ Freo, we believe that control, breathwork, and play-based learning build the foundation for confidence and success.

👊 Looking to improve your BJJ pinning techniques and stay calm under pressure?** Join a class at BJJ Freo and experience it firsthand! In your first class, you’ll be introduced to fundamental pinning techniques, control games, and breathwork strategies to help you stay composed on the mats.

📍 North Fremantle, WA | 🌐 bjjfreo.com

🔎 Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ Pinning is about control, not force – Smart positioning and patience make it effective.

✅ Staying calm under pressure is a skill – Breathwork and problem-solving lead to better escapes.

✅ Learning through games accelerates progress – Instant feedback and play make training more intuitive.

✅ Confidence comes from control – The more comfortable you are with pinning, the more composed and strategic you become.

Come roll with us at BJJ FreO and develop these skills firsthand!