Just Jiu Jitsu

- what does Kroyler like about X-Guard?

-walkthrough of X-Guard mechanics

-scenarios that are great for X-Guard

-X-Guard variations

- gi or no go, is one better than the other?

- which is more popular?

- what has helped the growth of no gi?

Innovative, charismatic, and bold, Rolls Gracie is easily one of the most influential and respected figures in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His intellectual curiosity led him to cross train with other martial artists and incorporate their techniques into Jiu Jitsu, forever changing the art.

In the hierarchy of positions, back control is close to the top. When an opponent gives up their back, a world of options opens up. In this episode we discuss how to best take advantage of this position by focusing on key concepts.

A new segment debuts and demonstrates Kroyler’s knowledge of sports in general. He then mentions his recent trip to Puerto Escondido for the BJJ in Paradise training experience.

When leg locks are finally brought up, Kroyler gives a synopsis on their history in other countries and other martial arts.

Next they talk about the mechanics of leg attacks and what needs to be done in order to be successful.

The conversation shifts to the Danaher Death Squad and how they showed the effectiveness of a systematic approach to attacking legs.

Disclaimer: The sound quality of this episode is abysmal because the person in charge is an abysmal audio engineer.

After Andrew admits that he is lousy at his job. Kroyler talks about the history of leg locks and the way they were viewed in Brazil. He brings up Oswaldo Fadda’s challenge to the Gracie’s and how it affected the use of leg locks. Then the guys discuss Rolls Gracie opening up the jiu jitsu community to techniques from different combat arts. Finally, competition and its effect on the community’s view of attacking the legs is talked about.

Andrew starts the show by talking about what will happen the day he taps Kroyler. After that nonsense they open up with what they like about butterfly guard and what makes it special. Where did it originate? Who played a role in developing it? What has changed over the years? Then Kroyler explains the basic mechanics of this guard.

Kroyler talks about how he analyzes Jiu Jitsu techniques and how a black belt evolves when surrounded by lower belts. Then the guys discuss what the difference is between escaping and defending. What do you do after defending and how do you plan your escape? The rest of the episode revolves around the fine art of evasion.

Kroyler and Andrew start the show by talking about Ricardo De La Riva’s background. They discuss reasons his guard may have been created and how it helped against larger, more aggressive opponents. The conversation drifts towards variations of the guard and how it is used today.

Andrew starts the episode off explaining his multifaceted approach to control. Kroyler brings the show back on the rails and talks about tempo and pacing in a roll. Key elements of control are then discussed and Kroyler recalls a time when he felt controlled by a training parter. Also, a new segment debuts, “Dating Tips with Kroyler Gracie.”