Here at BJJ Fanatics we've done a number of articles on the countless ways that yoga can benefit your health, lifestyle and your jiu jitsu practice.  Besides developing strength, coordination, flexibility, not to mention the positive aspects that it can have on your...

De La Riva or DLR guard has exploded with popularity in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu over recent years.  Why is so common now?  There several reasons that contribute to its popularity, obviously, it is extremely effective, versatile and efficient.  We are not going to...

Closed guard has always been one of the most popular guards in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  A dangerous closed guard is one of the best weapons you can have in your arsenal.  Closed guard is one of, if not the most popular guard in...

The subject of training at different academies is a hot topic in BJJ.  Some schools and instructors take a more strict approach to their students visiting and taking classes with other instructors and are actually against it, while others are much more liberal...

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...

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu the fundamentals are the most important part.  There are so many fancy sweeps, submissions and back takes but if you don’t comprehend the fundamentals, learning flashy advanced moves is pointless.  For instance, what is the point of learning the...

You show up for class like any other day, change into your rashguard and gi and head onto the mats to stretch a bit because you're early.  As you casually stretch out your hamstrings and inner thighs, you overhear your Coach telling another...

The Ultimate Guide To Attacking And Defending Heel Hooks What Is The Heel Hook - And Why Does It Kick So Much Ass?! My friend, the heel hook is the nastiest, most bad ass, must destructive leg lock submission. It is responsible for...

The kimura is often perceived solely as a submission.  In reality, the kimura is so much more.  The grip is extremely powerful and can be used for submissions, sweeps, back takes, passing, and even more than that.  The kimura grip is one of...

It seems that there are as many approaches to diet and nutrition as there are Gracie family members.  Take a look at the local bookstore or on Amazon and you will find literally thousands of books on the topic.  Google the word "diet"...

The closed guard is one of the best guards in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  There are so many submission opportunities, sweeps, and moves that you can do from the closed guard.   Closed guard is also a very low risk position meaning that when someone...

If you're like me, the first time you came face to face with an opponent or training partner who utilized a wrist lock, you probably felt a sense of outrage, a feeling of being ripped off, of being cheated.  What was this dirty...

The turtle position is one of the most underrated positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  It is imperative for bjj practitioners to feel comfortable attacking and defending from the turtle position.  Why is the turtle so important to learn?  If you are good at...

Leg and foot locks have long carried an air of controversy which continues to this day.  The murky history of the development and subversion of the leg game allegedly begins with the legendary rivalry between the Gracie's and the branch of the jiu...

  In the earliest stages of our jiu jitsu training and study, it is easy to become used to thinking about techniques in isolation.  It's in our nature to work to understand all the details of a technique and try to compartmentalize them and...