Just Jiu Jitsu

We start out recapping last weekend’s ADCC tournament. Then we turn to a listener email that asks multiple valuable questions. The first topic is training methods that will help competitors and hobbyists retain information. Kroyler discusses his style of teaching and how it helps veterans and beginners. Next our listener asks about what class structure is most helpful for students. Lastly we discuss balancing your rolls with white belts and higher colored belts so that your development progresses evenly.

Pull up a chair and join us as we discuss the straight ankle lock. We start off examining the evolution of this submission, from foot placement to ankle rotation, and everything in between. After this Kroyler describes every step of the straight ankle lock and how to properly execute it. If you have issues when trying this lock, Kroyler also troubleshoots common mistakes.

The last twenty minutes cover the upcoming ADCC tournament.

It’s time to show some love for the older men and women who train! Starting jiu jitsu at a late age is no small feat. At first it can be taxing mentally and physically, but soon the payoff comes when you start seeing hard-earned improvement. Being the old person in the room means you need to train smarter. As you progress in years, you have to become more strategic. This mentality fosters sharp technique and a methodic mindset. In this episode we talk about the challenges and rewards that come with starting jiu jitsu after fifty, getting your body to perform difficult techniques, and how to roll with younger people.

The classic two hand guillotine can stop an aggressive opponent in their tracks. Anytime someone pushes forward and leaves their neck out, the guillotine is an option. Big or small, this submission works on all body types. Whether you’re Marcelo Garcia using this on world-class athletes, or a blue belt using it during a weekly roll, the guillotine makes any practitioner dangerous.

This episode is aimed towards our large compatriots. If you’ve ever felt like there is a technique you can’t do, or been frustrated by perceived “limitations” due to being bigger, this episode is for you. Kroyler, fellow giant, explains to Andrew, known little fella, the mindset someone should have when they’re bigger than most of their training partners. Learn how to effectively use your physical attributes while showing everyone that big guys can also have solid technique.

It has been a part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since the early days and it was one of Helio Gracie’s signature moves. When people start jiu jitsu, it is one of the first techniques they learn. The Cross Choke, aka Technical Choke, has survived the test of time. This episode looks at its history, how to perform it properly, and how to troubleshoot common problems.

If you compared the closed guard of someone with a self defense mentality to someone with a sport mentality, what differences would you see? What happens when threats like strikes, headbutts, and other attacks no longer need to be taken into consideration? How does this affect the way closed guard is used?

Our first episode on Renzo Gracie was centered around his contributions to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In part two we focus on the legendary stories surrounding him. Whether it’s live tweeting a street fight or walking into the favelas of Rio to find his stolen black belt, we savor the adventures of Renzo. Grab a hot cup of cocoa, dim the lights, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and enjoy some Renzo bedtime stories.

Intelligent, passionate, technical, wild, tough, hilarious, all of these traits are contained in Renzo Gracie. It is unusual to have these characteristics in a single person because they seem to be conflicting with one another. That’s what makes Renzo so fascinating. One moment he can be in a fight where he shows grit and brutality, twenty minutes later he is in the locker room smiling and laughing with his opponent. On top of his complex personality, he has also produced some of the best jiu jitsu and MMA fighters of all time.

This week we talk about a master of martial arts and one of jiu jitsu’s most entertaining characters.

Flow rolling is frequently talked about in jiu jitsu circles. Everyone seems to have different advice on how to do it, or even what it is exactly. Flow rolling is a time to be playful. Using this approach will allow your rolls to become more experimental. You and your partner will end up in positions that you may not usually experience. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable during your flow rolls in order to try new techniques and concepts.