Just Jiu Jitsu

Everyone has been told to “slow down” while rolling. What does this mean? When you’re brand new this advice can be counterintuitive and frustrating. Understanding this paramount concept will change your game. Managing the finite amount of energy you posses will allow you to make educated decisions in the heat of battle. In this episode we talk about strategies for dictating pace and how to economically expend energy.

When Hélio Gracie's arm was broken by Masahiko Kimura in 1951, it was with a submission he had never seen. Hélio's reaction epitomized Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; he began studying the armlock used to defeat him and soon it was added to his toolkit. From that day forward the Kimura submission has been a part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Nowadays the Kimura is used from many different positions to submit and control opponents. A testament to the technique, after all these years the basic mechanics remain the same.

In our final episode of Artist vs Strategist, we focus on the Strategist. There are countless ways you can construct your plan of attack. How do you formulate an approach that is comprehensive, but not so complex that it overwhelms you? We discuss how to be a tactician that makes educated decisions quickly and efficiently.

Everyone rolls differently. Some people act as a general going to battle. They enjoy going over different scenarios they may encounter and coming up with tactics to overcome anything an opponent may throw their way. Other people take a completely different approach. Their decisions are made by what they feel in the moment. Moves are made spontaneously as the individual responds to what is enfolding in front of them. What can we learn from both ends of the spectrum?

Two greatly varying styles warrant a two part series!

If you're new to jiu jitsu, half guard can be a little confusing. How are you supposed to use it? Is it a transitional position, or just a way to prevent someone from passing to side control? The way people view half guard has changed over the years and in this episode we discuss its status in modern-day jiu jitsu.

Behind a warm smile and welcoming demeanor resides a skill set that few in the jiu jitsu community could handle. At the black belt level, Marcelo Garcia won five IBJFF World Championships, four ADCCs, one Pan-Am, and three Brazilian Nationals. An insatiable dedication for perfection led Marcelo to sharpen his game and revitalize techniques like the guillotine and X-Guard. In today’s episode we talk about the man who is respected off the mats as much as he is on them.

Everyone who does jiu jitsu is comfortable on the ground. However not everyone is comfortable getting their opponent there. This part of jiu jitsu isn't emphasized as much as it once was, so in this week's episode we take a comprehensive look at one of the most important stages of a fight: the takedown.

When the world's best gi competitors come together you can be confident that you'll see incredible technique. One week after the World Tournament we give our thoughts on the event. The tournament had its ups and downs and we discuss our opinions of this year's championship and what we'd like to see in the future.

- why is jiu jitsu the best martial art for self defense

- don’t let your ego drag you into a fight. Most altercations can be avoided.

-know your surroundings

- managing distance

-manipulate range to minimize a larger opponent’s effectiveness

-don’t fight power vs power, use angles to deflect force

-put joints and muscles out of alignment to reduce working range

-strategically occupy space to reduce opponent’s mobility