The amount of variables in Jiujitsu can make it seem overwhelming and complicated. Add in the thousands of techniques and variations, and we have created an incredibly intimidating starting point for the new practitioner!
I like to make complex things as simple as possible, and I think this is best done by looking at concepts.
This is why I describe Jiujitsu as linear. It moves in one direction, and depending on where you are on that line dictates your, or your partners next move.
Defend>Escape>Control>Submit, is the direction that Ryron Gracie uses to explain Jiu-Jitsu’s progression. We should never be moving to submit until we have control over our opponent. Likewise we should not try to escape until we are fully defending any potential attacks from our opponent. View Jiujitsu in this linear path and you will realize where you are dictates what action to take!