In contrast to the excessive number of articles discussing what it means to be a white belt or blue belt, I wanted to discuss something no one really talks about, what it means to be a purple belt. When this topic came to...

If you have ever had a really hard training session, I mean the kind that you leave with a pain that grasps your whole body, you probably have considered different options for recovery. In the age of science, we are provided with data...

Originally banned in most tournament rule sets, the scissor takedown (kani basami in judo) is starting to reappear in competition again. The technique legal in ADCC, Grappling Industries, and many other newer tournament organizations, particularly in no gi divisions. It’s also worth learning...

Another one of the often-overlooked classic submissions is the Kimura.  Perhaps it’s overlooked because, in the world of UFC, we don’t see that many successful kimuras.  Or perhaps it’s because newer techniques draw our attention away from the time-honored techniques. Nevertheless, Kazushi Sakuraba...

Leg locks are a consistent debate topic in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition world and thus are sometimes a looming cloud in training, like the elephant graveyard of the mats. There are different rules for various organizations, each school seems to have a...

Amal Amjahid is a young Belgian fighter of Morrocan descent that’s been making waves in the international competition scene. Despite only getting her black belt in June of 2018, she’s had a number of impressive wins, including placing first in Europeans, and second...

Getting frustrated with deep half guarders getting under you? Look no further! Here, 9-time World Champion and IBJJF Hall-of-Fame inductee Leticia Ribeiro shows you how to escape deep half and go straight through to the pass. Ribeiro starts by grabbing her partner’s pants...

  Regardless of your level making the Closed Guard an integral part of your Jiu-Jitsu game is a good choice. One major reason is that it provides options to all body types, and can give a feeling of control that many people find...

Following up on our review of the Cross Collar Choke, let’s take another look at the double armbar.  Renato Canuto is well-known for his prowess with the armbar, and in the video below, he demonstrates this basic move. Canuto admits that, when he...

The Anaconda choke is one of those essential moves in No Gi grappling.  However, it can also be a surprise tool when grappling in the gi. But, like many of those fundamental techniques, it’s one that we can fine-tune.  In the video below,...

To the outsider, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Yoga couldn’t be more different. One seems to be focused on harming your opponent, while the other is repairing yourself. Upon closer inspection however, it can become obvious how much the two pair well together. Attention...

Where is the Universe Leading You?   Recently, I traveled to Herndon, Virginia to do a BJJ seminar with my coach, friend, and mentor, Pedro Sauer (8th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coral Belt under legendary Grand Master Helio Gracie and Master Rickson Gracie).  I believe...

A storied career would be an enormous understatement for 34-year-old Alliance superstar, Lucas Lepri. He’s been a staple in the competition scene for many years and seems to have only gotten better with time and age. Lepri has an impressive resume with victories...

You CAN be too old for some things.  For instance, if you’re in your 40s and you hang around in college bars, it’s just creepy.  You’re too old for that. (This goes for you, too, ladies!) You’re also too old to use the...

If you could accel at one area of Jiu Jitsu what would you choose?  Would you choose to be a master at finishing submission attempts? Maybe you would choose to be flawless at transitioning, or even a specific technique?  Some of you inevitably...