The Most Important Lesson In Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Tapping Out
Posted: August 24, 2022
At Ellis Academy of Self Defence, we follow the teaching of Royce Gracie jiu-jitsu. There are several very important lessons that this practice of martial arts can teach us. This blog aims to delve into ‘tapping out’, what it means and its importance.
What Is Tapping Out?
In jiu-jitsu, tapping out is a technique that is important for keeping everybody safe. With self-defence practice, comes sometimes dangerous techniques, especially when used in real life. It is essential for the safety of students that they understand their limits and how ‘tapping out’ can be used to create boundaries between them and their opponents.
With grappling practices such as Royce Gracie jiu-jitsu, students can learn how to use the strength of their bodies and minds to defend themselves. When not used appropriately or within certain parameters, the sport can result in somewhat fatal injuries.
Tapping out means tapping your opponent two or three times (always on their body, never on the ground) which instructs them to let go of their grip. Whether it is because you need to sneeze, or because you feel they are going to cause damage to your body, tapping out is a technique in which martial arts students can stay in control and consistently work with their partners in a classroom setting.
When To Tap Out
As previously explored, tapping out can be because of several reasons, no matter how severe they seem.
Knowing when and why to tap out is important for both training and competing.
You should tap out:
- If you are injured. Tapping out here prevents further injury and stops the match immediately so you can be properly examined.
- If you are unable to escape. If you’re stuck in submission, tapping out is essential before an injury occurs.
- If you are uncomfortable. Whether this means you need the bathroom, or you feel exhausted and are unable to continue, tapping out lets your opponent know you need out of the match and avoids any accidents.
Why Tapping Out Is Important
As with any sport or practice, it's important for the sportsman to know their limits. Not only for the obvious avoidance of injury but also to help them progress with training and competition.
Knowing your boundaries and your opponent's boundaries allows you to progress further in the practice and master more techniques. Sure, tapping out in real-life attack situations doesn’t exist but if you, as a jiu-jitsu student, are able to recognise your boundaries, you are then able to progress further and better your skill.
Tapping out is essential for maintaining control when you are training. If you never tap out during training, it is likely you can result in serious injuries due to you being unaware of your boundaries and your opponent's strength. Practising tapping out makes you better equipped for future matches.
Tapping out shows trust, learning, progress and accountability.
Learning Important Lessons In Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Ellis Academy Of Self Defence
Royce Gracie jiu-jitsu is a particular practice of jiu-jitsu which we follow at Ellis Academy. Whilst teaching our students the fundamentals of the practice, we also prioritise teaching the important aspects of jiu-jitsu such as tapping out.
For our students to progress in belts and competitions, whether as a child or an adult, it is important that they learn the fundamental techniques of self-defence to better their chance of protection and survival in real-life situations.
With self-defence, which is at the crux of the Gracie practice, comes discipline and understanding boundaries, which tapping out is a crucial part of.
Get In Touch
Want to know more about Royce Gracie jiu-jitsu and the lessons it teaches? Let us know!
Our team are on hand to answer any queries you may have about self-defence, Gracie teachings or our classes at Ellis Academy.
Give us a call today on 01737761999.