BJJ Mental Models Ep. 379: Position Series: The 90/90, feat. Rob Biernacki
21 snips
Mar 2, 2026 
Rob Biernacki, BJJ coach and leg-lock specialist from Island Top Team and founder of BJJ Concepts, walks through the 90/90 position. He outlines its shape, defensive role against leg locks, and how it enables counters. He covers drills to learn it, differences vs straight and cross entanglements, gi applications, and key limitations to watch for.
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90-90 Turns Defense Into Counteroffense
- The 90-90 is primarily a defensive-positioning strategy that turns leg entanglements into counter opportunities.
- It hides the heel, lets you build base, then converts defensive posture into back-take, pass, or counter-leg-lock offense.
Build Hip-Over-Hip Base To Neutralize Levers
- When hips are on the mat and your heel is threatened, assume 90-90 and build vertical base to sit hips over opponent's hips.
- Crush their alignment to deny lever control needed for heel or ankle finishes.
Drill 90-90 With A Knee Wedge Trigger
- Practice a focused training game: start 90-90 drills once attacker has a wedge above the knee.
- Defender builds base and extracts knee; reset if attacker gets heel exposure or strong ankle grip.