Entries by savarese

Jiu-Jitsu passing the guard theory

Jiu-Jitsu passing the guard theory A Jiu-Jitsu passing the guard theory is to separate the knee and elbow. Just like we teach when passing to connect your elbow and knee many times, we have to separate that connection while passing. When you can separate knee and elbow you can pass and pin. One of the […]

Intensity in your BJJ training

Intensity in your BJJ training Intensity in your BJJ training will rise as you rise. The first thing you’ll notice when you compare a competition match or a very hard sparring match where neither of you wants to lose versus a relaxed gym match where you’re focused more on technical growth rather than winning is […]

Effective scenarios from open guard

Effective scenarios from open guard Effective scenarios from open guard are plentiful. What scenarios must you be effective from in open guard? The vast majority of guard play in Jiu-Jitsu is from open guard. There are many variations of open guard and the sheer amount of material you need to learn can seem overwhelming at […]

Using your head in BJJ

Using your head in BJJ Using your head in BJJ is important in so many areas. First, your head is a heavy weight at the end of the longest lever of the human body. So learn to use it effectively. In addition, the average human head weighs just over ten pounds (around 4.5kg) and is […]

Understanding your legs in BJJ

Understanding your legs in BJJ Understanding your legs in BJJ: A distinguishing characteristic of Jiu-Jitsu is the tremendous emphasis out upon grappling your opponent primarily with your legs. First, the guard position in all its many variations is stressed more than any other. Therefore, it is important that you understand the broad principles that enable […]

Attacking Open Guard in BJJ

Attacking Open Guard in BJJ Attacking Open Guard in BJJ requires a couple of small steps to start dictating the pace. First, off balancing forward and backwards. In addition, a distinguishing characteristic of great guard players is their constant use of off balancing their opponents as a precursor to their big attacks. The main directions […]

Win or Learn in Jiu-Jitsu

Win or Learn in Jiu-Jitsu Win or Learn in Jiu-Jitsu is a statement by one of our Grandmasters, Carlos Gracie. For many it’s just a saying but it is indeed a way of life in BJJ that can be very beneficial if followed. When it’s over, focus on the why of the session. When sparring […]

Training alone in BJJ

Training alone in BJJ Training alone in BJJ – Three directions to make genuine progress when you can’t be in the dojo: Whenever I have students who can’t make it to the dojo for regular training I always encourage to work hard in three specifics ways. The first is to put time into solo movement […]

Take your time in BJJ

Take your time in BJJ Take your time in BJJ, allow yourself to see opportunities. When you have a good position, TAKE YOUR TIME! One of the traits of good Jiu-Jitsu practitioners is that they know when they have to hustle and when they can slow things down. A great skill that you need to […]

Shutting down movement in BJJ

Shutting down movement in BJJ Shutting down movement in BJJ will make your top game tough to beat. If you understand exactly what the main underlying body movement patterns of Jiu Jitsu are, you can shut them down. In addition, if you can shut down the movements, then you can shut down the moves and […]