Category: Concepts

This section is all about concepts that can be applied to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. If you understand the concept, you can create the methods.

Structures are built and they are demolished

  One of the ways that I like to teach certain techniques is by showing the exact change in position that breaks an opponent’s structure and weakens them in the position. Seeing it action makes the technical lesson more vivid, and it also becomes easier to apply the concept to other aspects of the game. …

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Speed is the eternal enemy of perfection

Let me tell you about a curious phenomenon. I can look at someone drilling a technique and know whether or not they will reap the maximum benefit from the experience. It has nothing to do with the technical mechanics of their movements though and everything to do with their level of focus. And it’s a …

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Severing the gordian knot with one broad stroke

According to legend, Alexander the Great was once faced with a problem that seemed intractable. In the year 333 B.C. he marched into the Phrygian capital of Gordium in modern Turkey. And within the city, there was a prophecy. It foretold the conquest of all of Asia by any man who could succeed in unraveling an …

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Hope still exists even when the underhook has been lost

Just another day playing half guard, and it happens. You lose the underhook. And then the guy proceeds to smash you without any mercy at all. Where is the consideration? It’s supposed to be the gentle art. But noooo. There’s nothing gentle about the pressure that’s raining on your chin. It sucks. I know. I’ve been there …

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Stacked on your head in the armbar no more

The strongest armbar setup grip I know for no-gi

For me, the closed guard armbar is the submission that I love most. Not because it’s easy though (there are a lot of submissions that are easier for me). It’s actually the complete opposite. I love it because it’s so difficult. Almost everyone recognizes the threat early and defends powerfully. And many times, I’ve lost …

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