The Art of Tapping: How BJJ Freo Creates a Safe Environment
Why Tapping is the Most Important Skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the safest martial arts, but only if you understand one key skill: tapping.
At BJJ Freo, our #1 priority is safety, and the first thing we teach every student—from beginners to kids—is how and when to tap.
🚀 Quick takeaway: Tapping early = safer training, fewer injuries, and faster skill development.
This guide covers:
✔ What tapping is & why it makes BJJ safe
✔ How to tap properly (step-by-step)
✔ When to tap to avoid injuries
✔ Why tapping teaches control, confidence & resilience
🔹 What is Tapping in BJJ? (And Why It Keeps You Safe)
Tapping is BJJ’s built-in safety system. If you’re caught in a submission or a bad position, you tap—on the mat, your partner, or verbally—to signal them to stop.
Why Tapping Makes BJJ One of the Safest Martial Arts:
✅ Stops submissions before they cause harm
✅ Allows full-contact training with zero impact injuries
✅ Teaches self-awareness & respect for training partners
✅ Encourages an ego-free learning environment
🔥 Pro Tip: Even black belts tap. Tapping isn’t losing—it’s how you learn!
🔹 How to Tap in BJJ (Step-by-Step Guide)
New students often hesitate to tap, but knowing how to tap properly ensures safe, smooth training.
✔ Hand Tap – Slap the mat or your partner 2-3 times with a flat palm.
✔ Foot Tap – If your hands are trapped, tap the mat clearly and repeatedly with your foot.
✔ Verbal Tap – If you can’t move your hands or feet, say "TAP TAP TAP" loudly.
⚠ Important: Make your tap BIG, OBVIOUS, and LOUD. Never rely on a weak tap!
🔹 When to Tap in BJJ (Avoid Injuries & Train Smart)
Many beginners tap too late, leading to unnecessary injuries. Follow these smart training rules:
✅ Tap Early, Tap Often – Don’t wait for pain—tap when you feel caught.
✅ Tap if You’re Stuck – If you’re unsure about escaping, tap and reset.
✅ Tap if You Can’t Breathe – Any pressure on your neck or chest? Tap immediately.
✅ Tap to Avoid Injury – Don’t “fight through” pain—train smart, not reckless.
🔥 Mindset Shift: Tapping doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re improving safely!
🔹 Tapping in Kids’ BJJ: How We Teach Safe Training at BJJ Freo
At BJJ Freo, we focus on making Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fun and safe for kids. Tapping is one of the first skills we teach in our kids’ BJJ classes.
✔ Before learning submissions, kids learn tapping.
✔ "Tech and Repeat" drills reinforce safe habits.
✔ Vini remind kids: "Tap early, tap often."
✔ No ego, no fear—tapping = smart training!
💡 Parents love this because it ensures their child trains safely.
🔹 Try This at Home: Teach Your Child to Tap Before Their First BJJ Class
Help your child feel confident before their first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class by practicing this "Tapping Confidence Drill" at home:
1️⃣ Sit with your child and explain that tapping is how we “say stop” in BJJ.
2️⃣ Use a pillow or soft object to gently apply pressure (no real submissions).
3️⃣ Let them practice tapping—first with their hands, then feet, then verbally.
4️⃣ Reassure them that tapping is always okay and that even their coach taps!
🔥 Why This Helps: Kids who practice tapping at home feel more comfortable on the mats!
🔹 Why Tapping is Essential for Injury Prevention in BJJ
Unlike other martial arts, where injuries happen due to impact (punches, kicks), BJJ allows students to train at full intensity while avoiding injuries—thanks to tapping.
How Tapping Prevents Injuries:
✅ Stops submissions before they cause strain or pain
✅ Teaches body awareness and injury prevention
✅ Allows students to push their limits safely
✅ Creates a respectful, ego-free training culture
💡 At BJJ FreO, we ensure every student understands tapping before rolling.
🔹 How Tapping Fits Into BJJ FreO’s Safety-First Approach
Our training philosophy is built on holistic control, where tapping plays a crucial role:
✔ Diaphragm Control → Staying calm under pressure.
✔ Mental Focus → Knowing when to tap and when to fight for position.
✔ Body Awareness → Feeling when a position is unsafe and reacting smartly.
✔ Safe Training Culture → Encouraging injury-free, respectful training.
💡 This ensures that all students—kids, beginners, and experienced grapplers—train safely while having fun!
🔹 Final Thoughts – Why Learning to Tap is Essential for BJJ Safety
At BJJ FreO, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu should be safe, fun, and empowering. The art of tapping is what makes that possible.
✔ It keeps training partners safe.
✔ It reinforces a mindset of growth, not ego.
✔ It allows students to train hard while avoiding injuries.
👊 Want to train in a safe, welcoming BJJ community? Sign up for our next class and experience the difference at BJJ FreO!
