# Proper Tapping in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Proper tapping is a critical component of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that ensures the safety and longevity of practitioners while training or competing. This technique allows practitioners to signal their submission or surrender during a match when caught in a potentially damaging hold or submission.
### Possible Positions:
Proper tapping is applicable regardless of the position you are in. It can be performed from:
- **__Closed Guard__**
- **__Open Guard__**
- **__Mount__**
- **__Side Control__**
- **__Back Mount__**
- **__Half Guard__**
- **__Rubber Guard__**
- **__Knee on Belly__**
- **__North South__**
- **__Turtle__**
- **__Standing__**
### Japanese Name:
- *N/A* (There is no specific Japanese name for tapping as it is a universal safety gesture in martial arts.)
### Execution of Proper Tapping:
1. **Awareness and Recognition:**
- Understand and recognize the point at which the submission is inescapable or will cause harm.
- Be keenly aware of your physical limits and judge when further resistance may lead to injury.
2. **Application of the Tap:**
- Use your most accessible hand to tap firmly and rapidly on the opponent's body three times.
- If your arms are trapped, use your foot to tap on the mat or the opponent to signal your submission.
- In instances where tapping is not possible, a verbal "tap" or "I submit" should be clearly stated.
3. **Be Respectful and Clear:**
- Ensure that the tap is noticeable by both your opponent and the referee (if in a competition setting).
- Be respectful and acknowledge your submission; it is a part of learning and improving.
4. **Immediate Release:**
- Upon receiving the tap, the partner or opponent should **immediately** release the hold to prevent injury.
5. **Post-tapping Protocol:**
- Pause and briefly communicate to ensure both participants are okay.
- Discuss any pain points or techniques applied to gain better understanding and improve safety in future sessions.
### Safety Tips:
- **Do not hesitate to tap early.** Your longevity in martial arts relies on a proactive approach to safety.
- **Practice vigilant tapping:** Even in drilling scenarios or light sparring, reinforce the habit of proper tapping.
- **Understand submissions thoroughly:** The better you understand submissions, the more informed your decisions to tap will be.
### Final Note:
Proper tapping is a testament to the respect and discipline inherent in BJJ. By mastering when and how to tap, you cultivate a safer and more enduring practice environment for yourself and your training partners. Techniques may come and go, but the tradition of respecting oneself and others through proper tapping remains invaluable.