Deep half guard is a very dynamic variation of traditional or standard half guard that truly represents the philosophic approach of "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade".  There are a number of common entries into deep half; let's take a look at...

Bernardo Faira is easily one of the most well respected and most accomplished athletes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  His reputation precedes him, he has won the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation Adult Black Belt World Championships 5x.  He was even able to win...

Getting trapped in the web of a good spider guard player's grips and bicep crushing foot pressure can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with for any BJJ player.  The combination of ridiculously strong sleeve grips with foot pressure on...

Whether you are new to grappling or a seasoned veteran looking to add some new positions to your game, the half guard from the bottom can be a great addition to your guard game if it isn't already.  Once thought of as a...

As you begin to learn more techniques and apply them in live rolling and even on the competition mats early on, you will find yourself gravitating to certain techniques.  The reasons can vary as to why you gravitate to a specific position or...

Half guard is becoming popularized by jiu jitsu icons like Bernardo Faria and Tom DeBlass among others who have taken what was formerly a last ditch effort to stop someone from passing your guard, and developed entire offensive and defensive systems that have...

Have you ever asked your instructor how to to escape a certain position and without hesitation they say to you, "Don't get caught in (insert position)"?  As painful and callous as that response can seem at the time, there is a small element...

One of the most elusive things that everyone who steps on the BJJ mats is looking for, even beyond their next stripe or belt promotion, is good cardio.  Think back to the first time you took a BJJ class.  The classic jiu jitsu...

Unless you've been living under a rock and probably not training BJJ for the last 5 or so years, you have heard about the rise of the leg submission game.  With more and more grapplers walking in the footsteps of OGs likes Dean...

There are a few commonly accepted ways to improve your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Most involve an overall increase in mat time.  These include, attending additional classes, staying after class to do extra live training, drilling or both, attending seminars, investing in BJJ instructional...

In this installment of the BJJ Fanatics blog, we take a look at the how BJJ stands apart from other martial arts and competitive endeavors because of it's adaptability and it's unique ability to be used by practitioners at any fitness level, age...

In this installment of the BJJ Fanatics Gift Guide, we want to explore the work of one of the most respected BJJ athletes and instructors in the history of the sport, Bernardo Faria.  Known worldwide for being one of the most approachable and...

Finding the right gift for someone can sometimes be a challenge.  The stores are filled with holiday gifts that are equal parts cliche and thoughtless.  What is the best gift you can give someone who shares your love of BJJ and grappling?  The...

There are few positions that inspire despair as much as having your back taken with the hooks in.  Wearing your opponent as a backpack and defending against the many chokes and limb attacks they can throw at you can make for an anxiety...

Coming up through the jiu jitsu ranks as you develop your personal game plan you will gravitate to certain positions based on a number of factors like your body style, age, and overall athleticism.  If you are a bigger, stronger practitioner, you may...