Fighter — top_cat

If you attended this year's IBJJF World Championships, you might have noticed two things: 1) the fights were even more exciting than any year before, and 2) the number of athletes wearing Kingz had grown noticeably.

As to the latter, by far the most popular Kingz gi on the mats was the Balistico 2.0. There's a reason for this.

In our opinion, the Balistico is the most high-tech gi in the Kingz lineup, and certainly one of the most sophisticated gis in the jiu jitsu market in general. This thing was built to perform, which is why it is the gi of choice for such jiu jitsu greats as Leandro Lo and Bruno Malfacine. 

What's all the fuss exactly? Let me tell you...

First of all, it's made from a sturdy 480 GSM cotton Pearl Weave jacket; light enough for competition, but far from the flimsy ultralights that you can't just use and abuse. It's a Chinese pearl weave, as opposed to originating in Pakistan, so it has a little bit more structure and texture (both locations produce excellent gis, but Pakistan tends to use a bit softer cotton in their fabrics). Because it's a little heavier fabric than the ultralights - and therefore traps more body head during a vigorous roll - Kingz has added some Coolmax® lining along the shoulder area to wick sweat and keep you feeling cooler. 

What makes this gi jacket really special, however, is the lining inside the sleeves. The Balistico features what's called "NO-Grip" technology, which is a piece of ultralight ripstop sewn on the inside of the sleeves, to about halfway up the forearm. This dual un-fused layer, combined with the mix of fabric types, makes it a lot harder for your opponent to maintain his or her grip. We've tested it for ourselves... they really have to work to keep a hold of our sleeves - absolutely perfect for those guard passing enthusiasts.

While most of Kingz' gis have matching cotton pants (don't worry, Kingz also offers ripstop separates for sale), the Balistico features a lightweight 8oz cotton/polyester ripstop, which adds even more to the indestructible mystique of the gi. And because it is so high-tech, Kingz gave it a cool, military theme, with a custom-designed eagle crown logo embroidered on both shoulders. 

Not fully convinced? Try it for yourself! (Also available in a women's cut, as well as a military green and slate gray color scheme).

Train on. Oss. 

Your jiu jitsu academy isn't just the place where you train... it's your refuge from the daily stresses of life, it's where your friends are, and it's where you learn and grow, as both a practitioner and as a person. 

Because it is such an important space in your daily life, it's important that you choose wisely. We've detailed a few things to keep in mind: 

It's Okay to Shop Around

Not all academies are the same; each one has it's own vibe and micro-culture. You might find that the first academy you walk into is the one for you... or you may not be too sure. That's okay. It's all about finding the right fit. Most academies offer a free trial period, which usually ranges from a few classes to a week, or even a month. Try out a few academies in your area. Walking through their doors isn't a commitment, nor does trying another academy mean you've ruled out any of the others.

Your Professor and Teammates

One thing that makes the jiu jitsu community so special is the people in it. For the most part, jiu jitsu practitioners are an awesome - and very diverse - bunch of guys and gals. However, regardless of where you end up, there will always be a few teammates that you don't exactly mesh with. That's normal. What isn't normal is if you feel ignored, simply tolerated, or even bullied by the majority of your fellow teammates. This kind of negative collective behavior typically originates from the leader and/or leaders of the group, and is likely entrenched in the micro-culture of that academy. You don't need that. Additionally, make sure that your professor is someone that you feel like you can trust - particularly in regard to his/her level of technique - as well as respect, as a practitioner and a person. If not, you owe nothing to him or her and you should move on and find somewhere else - somewhere better - to train. 

Cleanliness

In jiu jitsu, we get into some really intimate positions, both with our fellow practitioners as well as the surface of the mat. Hopefully your teammates are keeping an adequate standard of hygiene, but the bigger concern is the cleanliness of the academy itself. The surface of the mat - and the cracks in between the mats - can harbor a lot of nasty stuff, like ringworm, staph, or even MRSA. It's not unreasonable to expect the mats at your academy to be cleaned at least once or twice a day, depending on how much they're used. Needless to say, the restrooms and locker rooms should also be clean and tidy, because otherwise that's just gross.

Cost and Amenities

Jiu jitsu is not cheap. You might find monthly rates under $100 at some smaller academies, but the vast majority cost between $125-$150 per month, and some are upwards of $250+. Yearly contracts can help lower your monthly rate, which, if you've decided to commit to that academy, is definitely worth the initial investment. Considering the tremendous benefits that jiu jitsu offers for your physical and psychological health, you can be sure that your money will be well spent... as long as the actual instruction is up to par, because that's what you're ultimately paying for. It also must be said that a cheaper academy doesn't necessarily mean that you're getting inferior training. Some of the best coaches I've met were at smaller, more economical academies. 

As far as amenities go, the most basic academy will have a mat area, a restroom, and a water fountain. Some academies might offer a variety of extra amenities, such as separate locker rooms for men and women, showers, rental gis and gear, a pro-shop, or even laundry service. However, don't walk into any academy expecting them to have all the bells and whistles. 

Wherever you find yourself training for the long term, welcome to our great big jiu jitsu family. Regardless of your affiliation, we're just happy you've found your way to the mats. 

Train on. Oss.

When it comes to European jiu jitsu brands, you're probably most familiar with Tatami Fightwear. But you should know that Tatami isn't the only game in town... new kid Progress Jiu Jitsu is quickly making a name for itself in the jiu jitsu apparel market. 

Founded in 2012, Progress is based out of Manchester, England - yup, home to one of soccer... oops... football's greats. Though a relatively young brand, Progress nevertheless impresses us with its mature sense of style and impeccable construction. The brand's aesthetic features a seamless melding of Brazilian culture and Southern California laid-back vibes, with fresh, Manchester street style. Manchester's long history as an industrial powerhouse gives it a gritty, city vibe that gives root to a cool urban flavor, with its strong lines, timeless color schemes and some cheeky humor. 

But don't take our word for it... check it out for yourself!

Especially in sport jiu jitsu - where the De La Riva and Single-Leg X guards abound - the knees tend to take a beating. Most practitioners will experience a tweak, or sprain... or worse (but hopefully not)... at some point in their career. It's just the nature of the beast. 

That being said, I thought I'd write this blog about the most common knee injuries and symptoms you might encounter and what you can, or will, have to do about it. Read on...

Appreciate Your Knees

First of all, I think it should be said that you'll never really appreciate how much you use your knees - for everything - until you hurt them. Think of them as efficiently designed pieces of equipment, in which every part plays a specific role in the overall performance of the whole. Break one thing, and not only does the entire thing get out of whack, but you risk compromising the other individual parts if you try to continue using it. So before you tell yourself, "Eh, it'll be okay," make sure you figure out what happened and whether it will, in fact, be okay.

Bursitis 

Bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, that act as cushions at the joints, helping to decrease friction between moving tissues, such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin. Bursitis is often caused by repetitive minor impacts - oh so common in many sports - but can also result from more serious trauma to the area. Symptoms include rapid swelling around the joint that is also warm and tender to the touch. Bursitis will usually clear up with rest, icing, elevation, and over-the-counter inflammatories, but more serious cases can be drained, or injected with corticosteroids. Some athletes are still able to train with it, but because it is so painful to the touch and jiu jitsu involves a lot of knee-to-ground contact, the best option is to rest until it clears up.

Meniscus Tear

Your meniscus - actually, there are two menisci in each knee - are the tough, wedge shaped pieces of cartilage between your femur and tibia, which cushions the joints and helps keep it stable. In sports, these tears can happen when the foot is planted and the knee twists, particularly in an aggressive motion. Sound familiar? Yup, jiu jitsu is full of that stuff. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling, limited range of movement, unstableness in the knee, and even locking of the knee (depending on the type and severity of the tear). Many athletes continue training with meniscus tears, especially minor ones. If the tear is in the blood-rich outer "red" zone of the meniscus, it may even heal on its own. However, severe tears - indicated by locking up or significant instability of the joint - will require arthroscopic surgery to trim or repair the meniscus. 

MCL/LCL Sprain or Tear

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and the Lateral (or Fibular) Collateral Ligament (LCL) are the two supporting ligaments on either side of the knee, connecting the femur to the tibia and fibula, respectively. These ligaments "control the sideways motion of your knee and brace it against unusual movement." However, unusual movement is what jiu jitsu is all about (think knee slice, De La Riva and reverse De La Riva, rubber guard... the list goes on), so these ligaments are easily compromised. Takedowns and uncontrolled jumping or landings can also put these ligaments at risk. Injuries to these ligaments are graded, with 1 being a mild over-stretching, 2 being a more severe over-stretching to the point of looseness (sometimes referred to as a partial tear), and 3 being a complete tear. Symptoms include pain in the area, swelling, bruising, instability and inability to bear weight, and "feeling of the knee giving away." The scary part about a Grade 3 sprain is that "often there will be no pain or severe pain that subsides quickly," so it's easy to dismiss it as a mild sprain. Additionally, because the ligament is completely torn, the knee is deprived of an entire stabilizing structure, so it's easier to injure the meniscus or even the ACL. Most of these injuries can be treated without surgery, with rest, icing, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy, and can  take anywhere from a few weeks to four months. However, some Grade 3 cases will require surgery. 

ACL Sprain or Tear

Even mention an ACL tear, and nearly every jiu jitsu practitioner around you will wince and squirm. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments running diagonally within the knee joint, providing rotational stability to the knee. The ACL runs in front, and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) runs in back, creating an X-shape behind the patella. The ACL can become injured by rapid changes in direction (especially pivoting while the foot is still planted), stopping or slowing down suddenly, incorrect landing, or direct blows to the knee. Symptoms, include pain, swelling, loss of full range of motion, and discomfort while walking or performing any kind of turning movement. ACL injuries are also graded from 1 to 3, with a fully torn, Grade 3, tear requiring surgery. Unfortunately, most ACL tears cannot simply be repaired, and must be reconstructed via a tissue graft from a healthy patellar, hamstring or quadricep tendon, taken either from your own body or that of a cadaver (how delightfully morbid). Recovery from an ACL tear can often take more than six months. Interestingly, women are more prone to ACL injuries than men. The good news is, you can help prevent ACL injuries through a proper strength training program; stronger and more balanced muscles will help protect the joints from - and during - uncontrolled movements. 

And of course, don't just rely on your WebMD skills - however ninja they might be - for diagnosing knee injuries. If in doubt, get it checked out by a licensed medical professional. The sooner you know for sure what the problem is, the faster you'll be able to fix it, and the sooner you'll be back on the mats.

Train on... safely. Oss.

Not all basic gis were created equal. Indeed, there is a lot of variation between the "entry level" gis put out by brands throughout the jiu jitsu market. With some, you certainly get what you paid for... with others, however, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality offered at such an economical price. 

You can be sure to count the Maeda Red Label gi - available in both a men's and women's cut - among the latter group. 

As gi connoisseurs, nothing peeves us more than when a "basic" gi looks basic, or when it starts to fall apart after only a few uses. Yeah, you are paying the bare minimum price, but we believe that a brand should put out a quality product, whether it's their premium model or their entry-level model. 

Maeda Brand outdid themselves in this respect. 

Take the construction, for example. The jacket is made from a lightweight 350 GSM Super Fine Pearl Weave cotton fabric, reinforced in all stress areas. The pants are made from durable, yet lightweight, 8 oz drill cotton. Compare that to their highly-popular. ultra-lightweight, all-cotton gi, the Fujin. There's not a lot of difference. Now remember, the lighter the fabric, the less durable it is over the long-term... so make sure you take proper care of it - and any of your gis, really - to ensure it lasts. 

In order to keep the price low, Maeda Brand limited the amount of decoration they put on the Red Label gi. However, it is far from looking too bare. Sporting their iconic "stamp" logo embroidered on the left shoulder and back of the jacket, and small fabric patches sewn on the other shoulder and left pant leg in bright pops of red, the Red Label looks really ridiculously sharp. We can't stress enough that this gi does not look like a basic gi. 

Still not convinced? Take a chance and try it out. At such a low price, your wallet is not going to take a beating if you do, and we're pretty sure you won't be disappointed by what you find. 

Train on. Oss.