Fighter

Who reads books anymore these days? Well, there are still a few of us stalwarts of the written word still kicking. At the very least, we still like to collect physical books and let them gather dust on our book shelves or coffee tables.

In today’s technological world, the preferred medium of knowledge for all things Brazilian jiu-jitsu are now videos, dispensed through YouTube, your preferred social media platform, or the numerous “online academies” that have proliferated in the past decade.

This is understandable. Jiu-jitsu – any martial art, really –  is a dynamic sport that is best captured in action. In fact, young whipper-snappers these days won’t have to know the frustration of trying to replicate a technique from still-image shots in an instructional book so thick you could defend yourself against intruders with it.

Yet… there are still a few gems out there that are worth destroying a few trees for. These are books that focus less on technique and more on the philosophy, principles and personal journeys of some of our sport’s most noteworthy individuals.

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When you start learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu, it easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of techniques that make up the arsenal of a BJJ practitioner. There are so many. And each offers its own entries, modifications and finishes, as well as its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

And can we talk about all those names?? A single technique can have two to three different names, depending on which affiliation you train under or which style you practice. It’s daunting – but not impossible – to get them all straight.

In this series, I’ll provide you a 101 guide to the most common – and uncommon – jiu-jitsu techniques. We’ll cover a basic understanding of the techniques, common positions and ways in which they are executed, as well as tips to help you get the desired result.

In this edition, we’ll cover one of my favorite techniques: the knee slice.

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The IBJJF No-Gi World Championships is one of the biggest and most prestigious competitions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, particularly for those who of us who eschew the pajama variety of grappling. Less than three months away, now is the time to start thinking about how to prepare.

While it’s not the Gi Worlds, nor the ADCC – or ahem, CJI - winning at this event can nevertheless propel an athlete’s career and reputation to the next level. However, competing at such a high level requires serious preparation - both physically and mentally. Whether you’re competing for the first time or you’re a seasoned veteran, it’s important to have a structured, well-planned “training camp” so that you can be sure to perform at your peak.

Here are a few tips and tricks on preparing for the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds, including critical skills, conditioning, strategy, mindset, and recovery.

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Welcome back to yet another installment of BJJ Academy Dreams, where I give you valuable insight into what it takes to start and run a successful academy of your own. If you’re been training long enough, you’ve already started dreaming of the possibility of making your passion – jiu-jitsu – your career.

As exciting as the idea is, it can also be daunting. Where do you even start? Will you be successful? What do you do if [insert random fear here]?

For nearly 16 years, I’ve trained at and visited hundreds of different academies, all over the world. I’ve taken note about what works and what doesn’t. I’ve created this multi-part series called “BJJ Academy Dreams” to give you tips and ideas that will help your academy thrive… so you can share your passion for jiu-jitsu to others.

In this episode, we'll be covering how to manage your financial situation to ensure that your doors stay open for the long run. 

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu is arguably one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Every year, more and more people are finding themselves drawn to the mat… This is especially the case with the female population.

Where once it was relatively uncommon to see a woman on the mat in the vast majority of academies, now it is more uncommon not  to see a woman on the mat. We are certainly still a minority, but becoming less so with every passing year.

As such, major jiu-jitsu brands can no longer ignore the demand for products tailored specifically for the female body. The days of being forced to wear misfitting men’s BJJ gis and no-gi gear, because that’s all that’s there was, is long behind us. That’s not to say that some of us don’t still wear the men’s cuts – I personally love a good youth boy’s rashie – but we now have options. 

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