Passing the closed guard is one of the very first things we learn how to do when we first start training Jiu Jitsu.  As you likely know by now passing the closed guard is not exactly rocket science, it really is as simple...

  Guard retention could be the absolute most important skill in all of BJJ. Of course, opinions may vary, but you can’t deny the need for solid guard retention on your game. The guard is wall between ourselves and our opponents and if...

If you’re a leg locker, then you know one of the most paramount concepts of attacking the lower body is keeping the knee line. Especially with twisting style leg attacks, this critical principle will always be something that needs careful observation. If we...

For years the 50/50 has been a rough spot in my game. I spent some time initially on how to exit the position and defend it, which served me for a while until I began to run in to more proficient leg attackers...

The Kneebarges by Gabriel Arges Gabriel Arges is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Romulo Barral and Felipe “Preguiça”, who also trained extensively with Marcelo “Uirapuru”, competing for the Gracie Barra Academy. Arges made a name for himself in the lower belt...

Luiz Panza Foot Lock From 50/50 Guard Foot locks are an effective and sometimes painful way of submitting your opponent in BJJ. In jiu Jitsu, once of the most effective foot locks is the straight foot lock done in the style of Luiz...

Give your opponent's this BJJ Hug Today Tom DeBlass is one of the most widely respected and sought after BJJ instructors out there today.  With an international seminar schedule scheduled up to 2 years in advance, he is slated to spread his unique jiu...

The 50/50 position can be a real nightmare. Both combatants have the same exact body configuration. It can be awkward to escape, especially when, at first, we begin landing in 50/50 on accident with no real plans for attack or advancing. Often times...

The double under position can be extremely frustrating for the person who is having it applied to them.  With both arms outside of the legs, holding the belt on either side of the hips or some sort of gi grip, it keeps the...

In the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition, the 50/50 guard is a relatively new style in the last decade or so with the rise in it's use in the competition arena, though it has not developed without it's share of controversy.  Like...

Besides BJJ, the study of yoga is one of the most comprehensive, all-over body exercise styles that can improve muscle tone, cardio fitness, and flexibility while also impacting stress levels and improving focus.  When looking for a cross-training program to improve your overall...

Takedowns are one of the biggest parts of grappling. In Jiu Jitsu, they are not emphasized as much because of the guard pull.  There is a common misconception with takedowns.  People assume takedowns are only necessary for getting your opponent down from a...

Luiz Panza is one of the big up and coming stars of the IBJJF black belt circuit. Panza, who is a black belt from the world famous Checkmat has beaten some of the world’s best and won some of the biggest tournaments in Jiu Jitsu. He is particularly known for his use of the closed […]

If you know Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, then you know Felipe Pena. The Gracie Barra black belt has won almost every big tournament that matters in Jiu Jitsu. Most recently he has dethroned, “The King” Gordon Ryan in a submission only no gi match. Felipe is a master of open guards, passing and even foot locks. […]

Luiz Panza, who is becoming one of the most well known Jiu Jitsu champions in the sport spends a lot of his matches in the 50/50 guard. While there is some controversy around the 50/50 guard around the topic of stalling, Panza is one who uses the guard extremely well, without stalling. Luiz Panza uses […]