Closed guard is one of the most important guards in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  It is one of the most versatile guards because of its effectiveness in nogi, gi, MMA, and self-defense.  Closed guard is extremely important when developing your bjj game.  It will...

In the competitive grappling and mixed martial arts world, few coaches are as sought after as John Danaher, a Renzo Gracie black belt and long-time instructor at Renzo's Manhattan headquarters.  The list of athletes under Professor Danaher's tutelage include MMA superstars like former...

Controlling the hips is paramount in so many aspects of bjj.  You need to control the hips to maintain side control, back position, mount, and to play guard or pass your opponent’s guard.  Controlling the hips and moving your hips may be the...

A fundamental concept of jiu jitsu is efficiency.  By using leverage, the techniques of BJJ allow us to use the minimum amount of strength and effort for maximum benefit.  It is important to also apply this idea of efficiency to how one develops...

Leg locks are quickly becoming extremely popular throughout the Jiu Jitsu community.  With the revolution in sub only tournaments leg locks have increased in popularity.  They are an effective tool in gi, nogi, and MMA.  We wrote an article, “Leg Locks Overview” discussing...

There is an insidious sickness that plagues the jiu jitsu mats.  Left unchecked, this plague could wipe out jiu jitsu as we know it.  The disease I'm referring to is the tendency of teammates and training partners to stop training after they earn...

The half guard is one of the most popular guards in bjj and MMA.  Learning how to deal with the half guard is imperative for progression in bjj.  Half guard is one of the first guards that is taught when starting Brazilian Jiu...

The half guard is one of the first guards you learn.  The half guard may be the simplest and most effective guard in bjj.  It is one of the best guards for smaller guys to sweep their opponents or for bigger guys to...

Jimmy Pedro is one of the most decorated judo competitors and coaches in American history.  He has coached American Judo luminaries like Kayla Harrison, two time Olympic gold medalist, Travis Stevens, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist and also UFC veteran Ronda Rousey.  ...

Escapes are one of the most essential components to a well-rounded bjj game.  In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu it is very common to overlook the benefits of good escapes.  In order to develop an aggressive and confident offense, you need to be confident in...

The study of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has to be one of the most dynamic and challenging endeavors anyone can undertake.   Few activities require the amount of consistent dedication from both a physical and mental standpoint.  The average person today who starts BJJ...

 Dean Lister is one of the OG's of American jiu jitsu competitors and one of the pioneers and forefathers of the modern BJJ leg attack game.  More and more academies are beginning to approach the idea of learning and assimilating leg locks into...

The Kimura is one of the most popular submissions in bjj and MMA.  It is an extremely versatile submission with hundreds of set-ups.  The Kimura can be used in gi, nogi, MMA, from bottom, and from top.  Developing a good Kimura will expedite...

For the most part, closed guard is the first guard you learn in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the last one you will master.  Everybody remembers their first bjj class, most of them include an introduction to what guard is by demonstrating closed guard,...

Pablo Picasso is credited with saying "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist."  Jiu Jitsu is a martial arts that's filled with rules and fundamental concepts that we all must pay attention to.  But think about...