What BJJ Archetype Are You? 2-Min Quiz

Ever Wonder Why Some Techniques Just Click?

You know that feeling, right? You’re drilling something new and it just makes sense. Your body gets it before your brain does. Meanwhile, your training partner is struggling with the same move, and you’re wondering why it’s so easy for you.

It’s not about talent. It’s about your grappling archetype.

Think about it. Some people roll like a slow avalanche. They methodically remove space, build pressure, and eventually you just can’t breathe. Others teleport around your guard, making you feel like you’re trying to catch smoke. And then there are those people who treat your ankles like a science project, systematically breaking down your legs until you have no choice but to tap.

These aren’t random styles. They’re distinct archetypes, and understanding yours is like getting a blueprint for your entire game.

Take the Quiz Now

This quiz takes about 2 minutes and asks you 12 questions about how you actually roll. No overthinking, just go with your gut.

You’ll get:

• Your primary archetype (your main style)
• Your secondary archetype (your backup style)
• Specific strengths to double down on
• Watch outs to address
• Level up quests (targeted drills for your style)
• TapFlow training ideas tailored to you

What Is a BJJ Archetype?

A BJJ archetype is your natural grappling identity. It’s the style that comes most naturally to you, based on your instincts, how you approach positions, and what you do when things get real.

Your archetype influences everything:

• What positions feel like home
• How you prefer to pass guard
• Your go to submissions
• What frustrates you most
• How you handle pressure situations

The cool part? Once you know your archetype, you can double down on your strengths and address your blind spots with laser focus. No more guessing what to work on next.

The Six BJJ Archetypes Explained

Now that you’ve taken the quiz, here’s a deeper look at each archetype. See which one matches your results.

The Boa Constrictor

The Pressure Tax Collector

You win by removing space, cooking slowly, and turning defense into fatigue. When you get on top, people feel like they’re wearing a weighted blanket. Your game is about inevitability. You don’t need to rush because you know that if you maintain position long enough, opportunities will appear.

Your strength is control. Your watch out? People who never settle and constantly change angles.

The Spider Monkey

The Guard Illusionist

You win by angles, retention, transitions, and making people miss. Your guard is a puzzle that keeps changing. Just when someone thinks they’ve passed, you’re already somewhere else, setting up a sweep or taking their back.

Your strength is movement and unpredictability. Your watch out? Missing easy top control moments because you’re always moving.

The Trapdoor Octopus

The Leg Lab Technician

You win by entries and control. Once your legs connect, reactions appear. You’re systematic, methodical, and when you get to your leg entanglements, people know they’re in trouble.

Your strength is clean, efficient sequences. Your watch out? Getting tunnel vision on leg attacks and losing position when legs aren’t available.

The Honey Badger

The Scramble Gremlin

You win by chaos, transitions, and stealing backs in blink moments. You thrive in the messy parts of grappling. When things break down and people are scrambling, that’s when you’re most dangerous.

Your strength is opportunism and pace. Your watch out? Sloppy position and burning energy too early in rounds.

The Iron Bull

The Clinch and Crush Engine

You win by forward drive, clinch pressure, and staying on top. You’re the person who makes people feel like they’re wrestling a freight train. Once you get your hands on someone, they know they’re in for a long, exhausting round.

Your strength is initiation and top dominance. Your watch out? Running into traps and over committing forward.

The Chessmaster

The Position Architect

You win by choosing the right path, reducing randomness, and stacking small wins. You see the game in layers. Every position has a hierarchy, and you methodically work your way up it.

Your strength is consistency and game planning. Your watch out? Analysis paralysis and letting others set the tempo.

Share Your Results

Once you finish the quiz, you’ll get a shareable link.

Post it in your gym’s group chat and see what everyone gets. It’s actually pretty fun to compare archetypes with your training partners. You’ll start noticing patterns in how different people roll, and you might even discover why certain training partners give you trouble (or why you give them trouble).

Plus, understanding your partners’ archetypes helps you train smarter. You’ll know who to roll with when you want to work on specific aspects of your game.

How to Use Your Archetype Results

Knowing your archetype is just the beginning. The real value comes from applying this knowledge to your actual training.

Double Down on Your Strengths

Your archetype results highlight what you’re naturally good at. Don’t ignore these. Instead, make them even better. If you’re a Boa Constrictor, spend extra time on pressure passing and pin maintenance. If you’re a Spider Monkey, drill guard retention and sweep chains until they’re automatic.

Address Your Watch Outs

Every archetype has blind spots. The quiz will tell you yours. These aren’t weaknesses to hide from. They’re opportunities to become more well rounded. Work on them intentionally, not just when you get caught.

Use the Level Up Quests

Each archetype comes with specific level up quests. These are targeted drills designed for your style. They’re not generic workouts. They’re built to develop your strengths while addressing your watch outs.

Structure Your Training with TapFlow

If you like structured rounds and timers built specifically for grappling, TapFlow lets you run:

• Pressure building blocks for Boa Constrictors who need longer work sets
• Guard retention intervals for Spider Monkeys who thrive on fast resets
• Leg entry positionals for Trapdoor Octopuses who need control first timers
• Scramble rounds for Honey Badgers who hunt backs in transition moments
• Clinch entry rounds for Iron Bulls who dominate from top control
• A game script drills for Chessmasters who build decision trees

Each archetype result includes specific TapFlow training ideas tailored to your style. These aren’t generic workouts. They’re designed to develop your strengths while addressing your watch outs.

Ready to level up your training? Try TapFlow and see how structured timers can accelerate your development.

Remember: Your Archetype Is a Starting Point, Not a Limitation

The best grapplers often blend multiple styles. They adapt their approach based on the situation and opponent. Your archetype isn’t a box you’re stuck in. It’s a foundation you can build on.

Use your results to:

• Identify your natural strengths and double down on what works
• Spot your blind spots and address them before they become problems
• Structure your training using the level up quests to build focused sessions
• Understand your partners and learn from different styles

The mat is your laboratory. Your archetype is your hypothesis. Now go test it.