How BJJ Works

How BJJ Works

By Justin Murphy
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How BJJ Works episodes

  • BJJ Matches: Context, Starting, and Sparring Info

    When you first begin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you may not understand what exactly a match, rolling, or sparring is. What is the difference? How do you start? How hard should you go? It seems simple enough, but there are a few nuances that will help you get the bigger picture.

    In this podcast episode, we will talk about:

    1. Understand the context of the roll.
  • Establish how to start the match.
  • Touch hands (or don’t) and begin the match.

    • https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/10/25/bjj-matches-context-starting-and-sparring-info

    20 min
  • BJJ Training: Gi or No Gi?

    The bottom line is that you should train both Gi and No Gi--if you can. There are advantages and disadvantages that come with each style, and each will make you a better grappler. For the most part, you shouldn’t commit yourself entirely to one style vs. the other, and the people who do this are only limiting their growth (more on this later).

    In this podcast, we will cover:

    • Don’t Overthink Training Gi vs. No Gi
  • Why You Should Train in the Gi
  • Why You Should Train No Gi
  • When You Should Train Only Gi or Only No Gi
  • Bonus Tips for Gi and No Gi

    • https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/9/12/should-you-train-gi-or-no-gi

    18 min
  • BJJ Sweeps: General Guide & Advanced Tips

    When you first start training, you will probably learn individual techniques without the context of how you arrive to that point. This is done to keep things simple, and it’s an effective way to teach newcomers. For example, if you are learning an armbar, you start in an armbar position, with the arm captured and full control of the opponent.

    You probably learn sweeps the same way. However, you’ve probably found that it’s hard to hit these sweep when sparring, especially against a larger opponent. Why is that?

    Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Sweeps can work on anyone, but know the limits and what it takes to create a successful sweep.
    1. OPPONENT: HOW GOOD ARE THEY AT BJJ?
  • ABILITY: HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT BJJ?
  • SETUP: DON’T TRY TO FORCE IT.
  • TIMING: DON’T WAIT TOO LONG.
  • EXECUTION: DON’T HALF-ASS IT.
    • General training tips that will help with BJJ sweeps.
    1. PICK A FEW SWEEPS THAT YOU LIKE AND FOCUS ON THEM.
  • YOU NEED TO PRACTICE SWEEPS TO GET GOOD AT THEM.
  • DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL OR GET YOUR GUARD PASSED.
  • KEEP WORKING ON IT; YOU’LL GET THERE ONE DAY.
  • UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROCESS NEVER ENDS.
    • Advanced: Counter-techniques and how to deal with them.
    • KNOW WHEN A TECHNIQUE IS COUNTERED.
  • HOW TO DEAL WITH A COUNTER TO YOUR TECHNIQUE.
  • WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR IMPROVEMENT.

    • Read the blog post at: https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/10/11/bjj-sweeps-and-do-they-work-on-bigger-people

    22 min
  • BJJ Frames: What They are & How to use Them

    At the simplest level, a frame is a part of your body that is used to create and maintain space. To take it one step further, a good frame is a part of your body that relies more on the bone structure of your body than it does muscular strength.

    The Basics of Frames
    • A DEFENSIVE CONTEXT
  • USE YOUR BONE STRUCTURE
  • CONTROL THE MOVEMENT 
    • How Frames are Used
    • FRAMES USE STRUCTURE TO CREATE SPACE
  • ONCE YOU’VE CREATED SPACE, DON’T GIVE IT BACK
  • USE THE SPACE YOU CREATED TO MOVE OR ESCAPE
  • DON’T DO NOTHING WITH YOUR FRAMES 
    • Details of a Successful Frame
    • GETTING THE FRAME IS HARD WORK
  • USE THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR BODY
  • DON’T WORK HARD, WORK SMART
  • KEEP MOVING AT ALL TIMES
  • USE YOUR FRAMES TO ESCAPE
    • Why are Frames so Difficult to Learn?
    Why it’s Hard to Escape Even After Getting Frames
    • ARE YOU AFRAID TO RISK AN ESCAPE?
  • HAVE YOU NOT LEARNED ANY ESCAPES?

    • Read the blog post at: https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/9/5/what-are-frames-and-how-do-they-work-in-bjj

    19 min
  • What are Frames and how do They Work in BJJ?
    At the simplest level, a frame is a part of your body that is used to create and maintain space. To take it one step further, a good frame is a part of your body that relies more on the bone structure of your body than it does muscular strength.
    Topics covered in this episode include:
    The Basics of Frames
    How Frames are Used
    Details of a Successful Frame
    Why are Frames so Difficult to Learn?
    Why it’s Hard to Escape Even After Getting Frames
    19 min
  • 5 Reasons why BJJ can Help You Lose Weight

    If you are thinking about starting a martial art like jiu jitsu, you might be asking yourself, “Can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu help me lose weight?” Many people have lost weight simply by joining a BJJ gym, even when they didn’t follow a dietary plan. Does that mean Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can help you lose weight? Well, sort of. Though it is not a cure-all weight loss solution, it can help immensely, and it comes down to a few different reasons.

    Before we get started, understand that diet can be a complicated topic. It is important to note that I am not a doctor, and you shouldn’t accept this as medical advice. If you are thinking about starting BJJ, you should consult your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough. If your doctor has given you the go ahead, here are some reasons why doing BJJ can help you lose weight.

    1. You’ll Burn More Calories From the Increased Activity
    2. You’ll Spend Less Time Eating and Drinking or Going Out
    3. You’ll Only Have the Energy for Work and Training
    4. You’ll be Around Healthy People who Will Influence You
    5. You’ll Feel Better and Want to Keep Getting Healthier

    Read the blog post at: https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/8/28/5-reasons-why-bjj-can-help-you-lose-weight

    20 min
  • Can BJJ Help You Lose Weight?
    If you are thinking about starting a martial art like jiu jitsu, you might be asking yourself, “Can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu help me lose weight?” Many people have lost weight simply by joining a BJJ gym, even when they didn’t follow a dietary plan. Does that mean Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can help you lose weight? Well, sort of. Though it is not a cure-all weight loss solution, it can help immensely, and it comes down to a few different reasons.
    20 min
  • BJJ Beginner’s Guide Part 6 & 7: After You Start BJJ & Your Personal Life
    What to Expect After you Start BJJ

    The following days after your first BJJ class might be an interesting mix of soreness and excitement. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, drinking a lot of fluids, and getting in some stretching when you can. You will also probably be feeling excited about this new romance with BJJ. Do your best to not shout your love from the rooftops. Good luck.

    You Will be Excited About BJJ
    You Will be Exhausted all the Time
    Your Body Will Hurt all Over

    Read the blog post (Part 6): https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/8/30/what-to-expect-after-you-start-bjj

    Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Your Personal Life

    You will probably get addicted to this sport, and you will likely never shut up about great BJJ is to your friends and family. This is only kind of a joke. In reality, this happens quite frequently. It really goes to show how much of a positive impact this sport can have on people’s lives. Just keep in mind that from the outsiders perspective, it may look closer to a cult than enlightenment. The tone of this section is going to border on snark, but you need to hear the truth.

    Friends
    Family
    Significant Other
    Work

    Read the blog post (Part 7): https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/8/31/how-bjj-will-affect-your-personal-life

    26 min
  • BJJ Beginner’s Guide Part 6 & 7: After You Start BJJ
    If you are new to BJJ or looking for a BJJ gym, this is the guide for you. There are a number of important topics to cover, but we are now on the sixth and seventh step: What to expect the day after your first BJJ class & How BJJ will affect your personal life. This is part 6 & 7 in a 7-step beginner's guide to BJJ.
    The following days after your first BJJ class might be an interesting mix of soreness and excitement. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, drinking a lot of fluids, and getting in some stretching when you can. You will also probably be feeling excited about this new romance with BJJ. Do your best to not shout your love from the rooftops. Good luck.
    26 min
  • BJJ Beginner's Guide Part 5: What to Expect at Your First BJJ Class

    Doing anything for the first time can be daunting, and it can be nice to know what to expect ahead of time. Not all gyms are going to be the same, and so the following advice will not always apply. However, this guide should still provide a general idea of how your first day of BJJ will go, as well as some recommendations for how you might want to prepare.

    Pre-Class BJJ Hygiene
    • TAKE A SHOWER 
  • WEAR DEODORANT
  • BRUSH, FLOSS, AND USE MOUTHWASH
    • Arrive Early to Your First BJJ Class
    • ARRIVE EARLY AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF
  • SHOW UP IN REGULAR CLOTHES AND SHOES
  • WEAR FLIP-FLOPS WHEN APPROPRIATE
    • Why you Should Wear Flip-Flops
    • DON’T WEAR SHOES OR FLIP-FLOPS ON THE MATS
  • WRESTLING SHOES MAY BE ALLOWED ON THE MATS
    • Changing Into Your BJJ Uniform
    • GETTING DRESSED IN THE CHANGING ROOM
  • SECURING VALUABLES AND PERSONAL ITEMS
  • WHAT TO DO IF YOU FORGOT SOMETHING
  • GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME
    • What the Average BJJ Class Looks Like
    • WARMING UP
  • TECHNIQUE AND DRILLING
  • ROLLING AND SPARRING
    • Staying After the BJJ Class is Over
    • ROLLING
  • OPEN MAT
  • STRETCHING
  • TALKING
    • Post-Class BJJ Hygiene
    • SHOWER QUICKLY
  • WEAR YOUR CLOTHES
  • PUT DIRTY GI IN BAG
  • WASH YOUR GI
    • Post-Class Recovery and Rest
    • BE CAREFUL ON DRIVE HOME
  • EAT
  • SLEEP

    • Read the blog post at: https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/8/29/what-to-expect-at-your-first-bjj-class

    24 min

About How BJJ Works

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We take an in-depth look at how BJJ works by exploring a single concept or topic and discuss specific examples, experiences, and situations.