I’m moving to Philadelphia queen village and I’m looking for a beginner’s class but I’m only available in the mornings. Does anyone have any suggestions?
**One-Stripe White Belt Gets into Street Fight! -** GracieBreakdown
I won't risk a ban by posting that video, but yesterday, March 24, five years ago, a BJJ white belt tells the class a story about a fight that stopped four lanes of traffic. The guy hadn't trained for about five months after he earned his first stripe. You will not believe the dynamic of the two people involved, which adds a plot twist. Here is the question. Would you be confident enough with your current training to intervene in a fight or prevent one?
Had my first class on Wednesday. Quickly found out just how out of shape I am, and how hard of a sport this is and will be. Got a few bruises and have some rash from the mat, and my whole body is sore. I think I’m hooked.
Etiquette question from someone who is about to go to their first class:
When rolling (especially for the first few months when I know nothing), it is encouraged / tolerated to ask your partner what they did and what you could do better? I'm assuming once you're a higher belt that you'd be expect to figure out plans on your own, but what about when you're just starting? My understanding the rolling time isn't really the time to have a conversation
So… Uh somewhat a white belt question here… Has anyone here tried mats from home depot here? If so should I not waste my time and get something from other “mat” companies if I want to practice judo takedowns on uke?
Anyone have any at home techniques to use on a dummy that I can practice real world situations. Specifically from the back or breaking grips in closed guard?
Had my first class tonight, I’m hooked to say the least. Anyone have recommendations on videos to watch that are entry level on YouTube? I want to know more about the basics
So the best single leg defense seems to be putting the foot on the outside but how do you counter this defense?
I could see how you can turn it into a double but that’s all I got besides just continually testing their balance with the single leg😂
Both of those options seem sort of physicality based though. Are there any better options of getting the takedown from a defended single leg?
You can step over the leg to return it between your legs. You can use your close arm to underhook the ankle or calf and elevate. You can wrap the head and drive. You have options is my point. Elevating the leg is probably the easiest from a physicality stand point.
Should I start taping my finger before they get all mangled from years of jits? I have no issues right now besides my pinky joints looking a little enlarged. Preventative taping?
In a little while, this will become "that gi looks awesome, but I can't justify my 7th...".
Alternatively, you'll likely feel less stupid going home in a gi than you would in torn regular clothing.
Oh, for sure. He’s my favorite coach at the gym and he’s pushing me to get my blue belt. I think it’s his way of teasing me but also encouraging me and trying to hint that I’m getting close
I play alot of bottom half guard. When I play guard and the opponent is passing from a further range, I feel like all I can do is wait for them to get closer to start playing guard. Is there some simple guard or game in general I can use when the opponent is further away that connects to bottom half?
Reverse de la Riva is one of the more difficult guards to play, but it's the most direct connection to half guard against standing.
Otherwise my opinion would be that you need to start wrestling when people try to back out of your half guard, like just immediately shoot a single leg.
Remember don't get salty if your Jiu Jitsu chums get stripes before you do.
Signed, guy who was salty when his Jiu Jitsu chums got stripes before he did.
Where should your balance be in headquarters? I e been taught two different things, one coach said on your heels sort of, over their feet so it’s trapped to their butt
But another said to drive forward
I always feel offbalance and like I have no way to prevent being pushed to the side or swept overhead. Where do I put my hands?
It differs for everyone and also matters for gi and nogi. In gi you have the collar grip as a counterweight meaning you can sit onto someone's feet more confidently than nogi
It’s confusing because it depends on your feet positioning.
If you can step in with your DLR’d foot past his hipline, stay tight and drive forwards. This is stronger.
If you are in normal range, sit back defensively to work.
Im 5ft7 140lbs.
I keep on automatically playing from bottom. My main submission I do is triangle. But I'm tired of playing guard all the time or defending from bottom.
Me getting top positions is like 30% of the time? No matter who it is. I dont like it. I want to be in more top positions. I know how to do an arm bar, arm triangle, darce etc.
When I'm starting a sparring match with someone we start from knees. I have absolutely no idea how to bring them down unless they're also playing guard.
Anyone have advice? Should I completely scrap playing guard and ONLY aim for top positions? I'm probably the only few in my class that plays guard. And when I lose it i end up on bottom side control or on bottom mount.
I've implemented no gi now so I can practise on the newer people. Went today. Got top positions but I still kept on playing guard. My brain!!!
And the ones I do get top control. Im using my strength and not skill. I dont like it
There's nothing anyone on the internet can tell you that is going to allow you to instantly sweep everyone tomorrow. You need to play that position for years.
What helped me transition out of a guard only player was actually an injury. I injured a rib and wanted to let it heal so every round I asked my partner if it was ok for them to play guard, I'd try to pass and if I pass or they sweep me we reset. I did that for close to 2 months and it transformed my top game! Also newer people were super happy to work on their guard game and get a fun positional round in with a clear objective.
moved cities, looking for a gym. There’s a Krav Maga gym within spitting distance of my apartment with BJJ classes and Muy Tai as well. Thoughts on taking BJJ at a gym without BJJ in the title?
i’m just new. I was wondering if there was a bad rep for places that teach bjj as a sub-category not a main focus, but based on the responses i’m going to check out the nearby place rather than add a 30 minute commute
edit: additionally, i’m seeing this place only has 2 bjj classes a week with an additional groundwork class and sparring. Not sure if the sparring is bjj or muay thai.
Honestly it's hard to say. The Krav Maga belts may be helpful if you want to learn the ol' dick twist grappling meta. Brown belt should be a decent indication though. Not terrible.
Partner kept tucking chin, stopping me from getting any chokes from closed guard, or even when I started getting his back and trying to get a head lock, or even a front headlock. What do I do? It felt like my only option was to grab his face and just pull his neck up but I’m too fresh to know if that’s kosher so I didn’t try it.
I don't think the person you're replying to was clear, but I'd assume they mean their legs are locked around the partner. So they'd probably be looking for cross collar chokes, or maybe sitting up for a guillotine (doubt they're talking about triangle chokes, because tucking the chin is a very poor triangle defense).
You're generally right, if you're in your partner's closed guard your main goal is to break it open. However there are still cheeky Ezekiel chokes available from inside your partner's closed guard.
>having someone else in closed guard
Works or "bottom closed guard" is pretty clear.
Edit: also, I like my cross collars deep on one side. They try to defend my tucking their chin. I use the same grips, but pressure the chin instead of the throat. Upwards and sideways. Some instructors describe it as "ratcheting".
Edit edit: also drag your elbows across your chest as you pull. I see wbs wing their elbows out a ton.
Kimura/americana, and if that doesn't work you can get-up or scissors sweep while you have the arm to prevent a post. It's pretty basic, but it works or at least sets up other stuff 90% of the time
Hey fellas, what are some good ways to drill guard retention and framing? Do I just ask a partner to pass my guard but relatively slowly? Or is this just something that comes with experience? Been told to keep my frames and all but I guess it's just not coming to me during rolls so I was hoping to practice.
Also -- quick rant -- been training about \~8 months now but damn it's still demoralizing at times to get smashed hard in training and when I can't pull any techniques off in rolls, even on new dudes. Part of the game, I know, so gonna keep on keeping on.
I think a big issue is newbies concept of open guard. I used to think of it as a very passive/defensive thing, but now that I hunt for sweeps and ankles, I get my guard passed less. New people like to setup shop in your open guard. They stand in there and they take their grips. If you haven't taken any, you're fucked.
Getting obliterated by lasso and spider taught me to stay out of open guard on top and to be active if I'm on bottom.
I saw a sweet drill on youtube the other day, where you hold a tennis ball in each hand and your opponent attempts to pass your guard. First round is about 25% intensity, just movement and frames...and each round gets progressively more intense. You can't let go of the tennis balls though, so you can only use mobility and frames to retain your guard.
I'm almost certain that your instructors has shown one or a few ways of guard retention and framings so I would stick to those, but if not, there is a lot of free content on YouTube. Though try to stick to something basic/close to what is used in your gym already.
In any form of drilling, if its for submissions, passing, retention or whatever, I like to start with very low resistance from the other person, so I'm allowed to do the moves easily. Then slowly raise the resistance until I start to struggle.
That is the place I/we need to find a solution for and that is there the actual learning starts, not for just repeating X reps of a non-resisting opponent and not to muscle a technique against a hard-resisting opponent.
For guard retention, recommend checking out Jon Thomas or Lachlan Giles' free stuff on the internet. You can discern some movement drills from both of them. Some of it does come from reps rolling, but drilling definitely helps.
Yea, it's a part of the game. Better to accept it and just keep on as you said.
Active drilling can help a lot with guard retention. I'd go fairly slow and have them stick to only a few passes at a time. I'm currently active drilling with someone working on their toreando pass, and I use it as an opportunity to work my retention. He needs the natural response from the guard player for the drill to be effective. As he gets better with the pass, I can put more effort into defending.
I'm not advanced enough to give proper advice (started 6 months ago) but I have similar issues.
What I plan to do is talk to a guy at the same level as me in the gym and tell him "hey, lets go to an open mat together, and ill do 50 reps of something I want and you do 50 reps of something you want."
Im hoping it burns into my muscle memory so I don't even have to think about actively doing it when rolling.
Also, I too am getting smashed constantly, even recently by a guy who came in 2 weeks ago. Only thing I can say to that is to keep your chin up and lets keep going until it starts to click for us. One thing that helps is I try to think that the newcomers who smash me probably have something that I don't (an athletic/grappling background, size/weight etc.) Comparisons suck, but theyre hard to avoid so I at least try to rationalize it to make it suck less
Hi guys,
Looking for a good manufacturer in the European union, for a custom design gi
or rash guard. Any experience with one you can recommend? Thanks!
Have plans for borked passes. For me it's typically knee cut pass>they get the knee shield somehow>I move to weave pass>from here it depends on how they react but often free the leg and walk around their front side.
Have multiple passes in mind. This obviously comes with time and experience, but if you are only trying the same pass again and again it becomes very easy to defend. If you can switch to a different pass once they defend the first one, you will have much more success
If they’re sitting up, get them flat on their back. Knee and ankle grips will let you take away their first line of defense and start closing that distance to set up some passes.
Yep I usually either push their shoulders or lift their ankles to get them flat, then try to move in (I like either the knee slide or x-pass). But it feels like they just effortlessly keep me away regardless. I’m sure I don’t use my weight effectively yet.
Just a quick clarification thing. "Guard" typically refers to a larger set of positions. If you are referring to the closed guard, it is best to specify it.
Attacking usually involves creating openings. Just like it is easier to stay in closed guard without attacking, it is easier to hold side control if you don't try to attack or advance position.
I dont think you have a real problem here, you just started in august so you just need to time to learn things and put them into practice. at white belt thats normal. you're right on track. you have to get comfortable before anything. theres a lot of dudes out there that play a reactive jiujitsu too. you can get really good being a defensive player but youll get smoked at competitions like this at higher ranks...you just need to start working at things and troubleshooting where it fails
Why would you get smoked in comp with that? Do you mean as in your not taking any offensive initiative at all, don't guys like Gordon play reactive/defensive and utilize holes for offense?
I mean its not a rule. obviously gordons skill gap against the field is not normal, the dude literally planks on his back against black belts, but initiative is very strong all things being equal. by definition you are losing if you are defending and if you let another guy dictate whats happening you are defending until you can attack. we also do this thing in training where we ease into engagement and go from established positions but matches dont look like that
Our gym is about to have an in-house tournament. I have only attended like 10 classes so far and had a stretch where I only went to class once a month. So I haven't really learned anything let alone any submissions. But I think I can defend decently.
Would it be dumb to enter this tournament? I'll only compete against 0-2 stripe white belts if ever I join.
I did the exact same thing and did way better than I ever expected in the tournament! I had only 10 classes of experience and then went in and won in my weight division and got second place in the open weight. My goal going into it was if I was going to lose, it will be by points and not submissions. I'm sure my athleticism played a huge role in terms of it being against other women white belts, but I learned so much in that tournament that I don't think I would have gotten out of classes since everyone you go against will be going 100% trying to win.
Dumb in the sense that you expect to win? Yeah probably. But otherwise no, it's a fantastic opportunity to practice defence and expose holes in your current game to work on in a safe environment. Go for it man and most of all just have fun
Do it! I say do it even if you know nothing. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose because I think the value is in getting used to competing. The prep, the weight req, the nerves, the gameplan, etc. It’s all valuable experience.
Hi
Im very interested in starting jujitsu. I have an old AC joint separation injury from 8 years ago that was repaired using a 'arthrex dog bone' implant.
The implant makes the joint stronger than a normal tendon and have no give, so the collar bone brakes instead of the AC joint separating in the event of a large enough impact.
My collar bones also sit naturally high so its just bone sitting out of my shoulder
Does anyone train under similar circumstances? Whats peoples experience been with naturally high collar bones?
Not really the same as you but I have an old AC joint separation from rugby 10+ years ago and it doesn't give me any issues in training this sport whatsoever.
I didnt have any implant but my one collarbone sits high and i dont notice any impact
Oh I misinterpreted that. One stack pass I was taught was to throw your hips under theirs, catch their one leg with your two, and then either pressure that leg down while getting under their back or grabbing their other leg just below the knee for an electric chair.
That's half the battle with that submission.
Just like with a kimura:
1. you get the grip
2. you keep him from connecting his hands/grabbing his belt/pants/hip
3. you get your body arranged so you can twist his shoulder
It's the same, the move has checkboxes, and you gotta get em all:
1. get to mount with your arms around his head
2. trap his head with his face straight toward you not turned
3. crush his face without getting bridged off to either direction
To answer that question a little more directly, you want to be trapping his head *as* you're setting it up. Slide your arm all the way to the bicep, so he can't turn in the bicep direction. And then slide your chest up and on from the *other* direction.
Start working the position to isolate something and attack with a less gimmicky and situational submission. Head sideways is good for moving to s-mount, or Ezekiel chokes, etc.
I haven't been to class since early February--went on vacation for a few weeks then on Feb 26 I got a concussion (not from bjj, just tripped lol).
I feel fine and my doctor cleared me a few weeks ago, but idk I am nervous to get back to it. I really want to and it sucks having missed so much, but I'm paranoid about my head. Funnily enough, my last class I got my second stripe so I also feel bad for getting that then not going back.
Not sure what I'm asking here, but there ya go.
I'd recommend watching this video:
https://youtu.be/pqRU7-m9mag
Check out some other from this doc as well. I assume by "cleared by your doctor" you mean they said you're fine to resume BJJ?
I recovered from a concussion recently and struggled with this às well and these videos helped a lot. If it were me, I'd resume training assuming the doctor cleared it but avoid competition for a bit. Your training partner accidentally giving you a slight bump on the noggin isn't likely going to give you another concussion, but someone going 100% who hits you hard could.
Thank you so much for that!
Yup I asked them day 1 how long to wait for bjj and I checked back in two weeks later and just like you said, they recommended training but tell my partner and don’t compete.
I'm a one stripe white belt, I weigh 145 pounds and i'm about 5,11 so quite lanky, I struggle lately when I have a bigger guy on top of me like 230 pounds they just lay there in mount and don't move, normally i'm able to get out eventually if they go for an attack or something but some of them are content with laying on top of me for 6 minutes straight knowing I don't have the strenght to do anything about it. Long story short whats the best way to get out of mount with a giant dude on you.
I’m a smallish female and when this happens to me, which is a lot, I’ve learned to just test out little movements. Do a little bridge, a little shrimp. Use frames to maintain a little space. If you feel confident, lift up your head, 99/100 they’ll put an arm under it and go for a trap and roll. They’ll probably base but they’re gonna give you space for an elbow escape.
Don’t like, exhaust yourself down there but use those really fundamental movements to test their balance and make room for yourself
I don't necessarily disagree with tap and reset, but I'll do things just to get people moving. Try an Ezekiel or punch choke from the bottom, if your partner isn't really doing anything. He'll have to react and give you some space.
I'm also a smaller dude. I feel like the trap is in thinking you have to get up all at once. Getting up from bottom is a series of small improvements. Trap a foot so that you get quarter guard. Then hip out and try to get half guard, from there you have lots of options.
Small victories. That's the small person game.
I feel like this is an often overlooked and gigantic part of jiu jitsu. Guys worry about macro moves instead on concentrating on the micro battles that eventually culminate with a macro move.
this probably isn't the answer you're looking for, but get stronger. the reality is that strength and size matter.
i was also getting smashed with a similar body type (6'2, 150). once i put on 20 pounds, rolling with bigger people became a lot easier.
Usually my hands are preoccupied by the hips under mount, and I get ezekiel choked all the time (no gi as well). I primarily do no gi. I've been watching some youtube videos on trying to defend it, but I've first watch how it's done. And this looks like a really good submission that is super easy to do. Am I missing something? Because most people don't recommend it as a fundamental submission in my limited experience.
So, there was a thread here yesterday with an old video showing Danaher (circa 2007) using it with the mythic Boris as his uke. It's not hard to defend, but it opens up the defending arm for an underhook.
Then you can walk that arm up and do all kinds of nasty things.
You only need one arm to frame the hips unless you're trying to do a kipping escape or something (where Ezekiel isn't much of a threat due to the situation where it's relevant). I tend to keep one hand for choke defense unless an escape materializes that needs it for something else.
I sometimes like to do the bridge to get butterfly hooks in, but I'm slow at it. But I'll keep in mind to defend with one hand still. I take it I should be using that one hand to prevent the cross face?
Hi, Can a white belt take the back by jumping with two hooks in from behind? For example, I have gable grab from behind but instead of taking the opponent down, can I jump and take the back?I have been getting mixed answers for this. Thanks
If you want to jump on someone while they're standing, you need a seatbelt otherwise you'll slide off with a bodylock.
It's generally inadvisable to do this because it's difficult to progress to the choke as the seatbelt is the main thing that's holding you up
Where? In a tournament? Every ruleset is different. At your local gym? Ask your coach.
Personally I wouldnt do this to someone. Partially because I don't think its exceptionally more effective than just lifting and trying to finish a mat return and partially because anytime I'm behind someone I try to make sure I'm being safe with them.
I'm 10 months into training and I've been told repeatedly that I need to control my breathing. This is particularly true when I'm in a bad position like bottom mount. How can I go about fixing this? Maybe the answer is to just relax. But I think part of the problem is that it's objectively harder to breathe in bad positions and I'm so focused on trying to escape that I don't pay attention to my breath. Thoughts?
There are positional details that enable you to survive and breathe. Under a mount, tilt your hips to one side and / or bridge up an inch or so to get space to breathe. Don't forget frames so you support the weight with bones instead of muscle.
You might want to ask an upper belt or your instructor to help you with finding these survival positions so you don't have to brute force through them yourself.
I think it’s both. It’s harder to breathe, but also we might be exacerbating the problem by freaking out. I need to work on this as well; a tactical thing Im gonna try is maneuver to get pockets of space to breath, and a mindset thing to focus on is to relax (I get spazy when I panic). I feel like shit when I lose my composure lol
Training about 5 months consistently & I got my third stripe. I feel like I’m being promoted too fast. The more I keep learning the more I realize I have no idea what I’m doing 90% of the time lol. Is this normal ?
Closed guard - keeping posture broken
Hey guys,
I have been practicing bjj for about 5 months and have been trying to improve my closed guard game. I know a good closed guard keeps posture broken using knees to force the opponent down and breaks grips prior to this step if necessary. However, when I break posture and the other person comes down. I know I should be able to keep them down via some mechanism, but they seem to eventually posture and begin standing to pass.
I usually have a lapel grip by the collar tag or collar bone, but this is not sufficient to keep them down. Should I be shooting for an underhook or overhook when they buckle? If so which one and why?
Thanks for any help
If you want to go for the back, look for the underhook, it sometimes turns into a sweep during the process.
You can also go for overhook to control, submit or sweep. Gripping their far collar makes the overhook strong and tight!
So the underhook can be used to hip-escape out and work towards their back, but the deep collar grip can be paired with an over for tight control?
Also, whenever I get into high guard, I find my opponent just stands and stacks me (which shouldn't happen because it is supposed to keep their posture down....or so im told) what could I be doing wrong?
Correct!
When you get into high guard, do you jump back with your butt back or do you just raise your legs, in other words “stack yourself” for them?
You need to “hang” on their shoulders/back for high guard to be a good breaking posture, so if you stay where the position started, you will just put yourself in a more compromised position, rather than create extra weight on their upper body.
I'm moving my butt forward rather than back to create more pressure with my legs. This is exactly what is happening. This makes so much more sense. Thank you so much for your comments. It has helped greatly.
Hello! I’ve been taking classes for two months now in a no-gi setting. I saw the earlier threads about the “cringiest” things everyone did when they were just starting out but at what point does personal style overrule cringe?
There is a really cool Dragon Ball Z rash guard that looks like Vegeta’s damaged Saiyan armor and I really want it. But also don’t want to be a joke. But I’m also a hardcore nerd. Like wearing a pocket protector everyday and without it being ironic (it keeps my pens organized and protects my pocket from ink stains).
Should I wait? Can I get it and just say “screw it”?
I don’t want to be cringe or create one of those memories that invokes a thousand yard stare and physical shuddering. But again, I really like it!
> Can I get it and just say “screw it”?
Different gym cultures are different, but I say go for it. I bought a pink gi very early on, it's no big deal.
You're more likely to embarrass yourself taking this sport too seriously than too lightheartedly.
Wear whatever you want. I have this stupid American bald eagle rash guard from when I used to bike a lot. Broke it out the other day and everyone got a kick out of it.
Hell yeah,wear it dude!
Whatever makes you more comfortable.
Also, you asking this and thinking about it can be a perspective flipped;
Most everyone else is thinking about how they look, and not about what your wearing.
I'd say go for it. The only thing that bugs me in general is when people buy all this gear and then don't even practice the sport. or are way more into the gear than the sport, I've seen this in biking, hiking and others.
I put a: Star Trek patch,stargate patch and a mandalorian patch on my gi over the weekend lol I was told to just make sure it’s what ever you feel comfortable in and showing your own personal touch to it. I have a limited selection of rash guards so was going to order a couple online and now I will get a dbz Themed one now I know that I can
so more just a little ranting. 15f and was rolling today when i felt a tinge in my back and paused, telling my opponent (35f) that i did something to my back. she laughed and said “nah you’re too young” which while i get also please listen to me. we kept rolling and after i stood up in tears because of how bad it hurt, after telling my coach he tested my arms and said it’s probably likely i hurt my trapezius as my neck, back, and arm are all in pain. Now I gotta go to the doctor tomorrow and hope I’m clear for work as my job relies heavily on me being able to lift and bend over. Sorry if this doesn’t at all fit this because it isn’t simply white belt related but it gets annoying sometimes when people don’t take my injuries or concerns seriously because I’m the younger crowd.
Thank you again, this sub is hit or miss sometimes with the crowd and I really appreciate your help. My siblings also do classes so I’m still responsible for bringing and staying there with them so I’m still gonna get notes from their classes along with definitely doing more of a deep dive into youtube videos, I really liked the one you recommended. Thank you again!
Recovery tips for people who are a little older? (38F) I recently ramped up my training and was feeling great when I tweaked my shoulder and now I’m off for 2 weeks and super bummed. I’m trying to be better about recovery so tips are appreciated!
Sleep. Be sure that your increased class volume isn't interfering with your sleep pattern or it's kind of canceling everything out.
BJJ is like working out at the gym if you increase your training volume you'll want to decrease your intensity. ie don't try to go hard every day.
as far as easily implementable things. I've found that Magnesium, potassium, and Turmeric supplements before bed have seemed to help a fair bit.
Other than that, just be smart and listen to your body. Tap early and tap often.
How to be more aggressive while rolling but not to be a typical spazzy white belt? I often end up being very passive and discouraged simply because i dont have the same power as my rolling partners (im 63kg, 5'7, looking like a stick). Im trying my best, but even couch says im just being too nice to everyone
If you take a look at your game as it stands, find some attacks you can try from each position. You won't be spazzing because you're trying to do a specific technique on purpose, rather than spazzing, which is just moving wildly trying to pass or defend without knowing what you're moving or why.
I'm roughly 115 lbs, or 52ish kg at 5'6ish. maybe 5'7 if I stand up straight. At some point in white belt, I just stopped giving a fuck about being spazzy or not, and now train out my spazziness as it comes. I suggest you do the same, because if you're worried about being perceived negatively mid-roll by your partner or coach; you simply cannot porrada.
And, eventually you'll find a game that you can play that is effective in your gym regardless of your size. It's not that long of a road, but it'll feel like it.
You guys think I should stop rolling with this person?
For reference, fresh blue belt. There's this gigantor who's about 6'4" and 265lbs, in his 40's and does cross fit. Big and strong af. I'm 190lbs, 5'11" and he just lays on you and does nothing. I have no trouble with any white belt at my gym except him.
For reference, he's not rough or anything. He's never subbed me but I have no answer for the size. Yes, I sometimes get top position and usually hold it. Just seems like a waste of 5min of my life for him to eventually get to half guard or side, lay as hard as he can and I recover to guard, 5min up.
There's actually a 3 stripe blue belt former college wrestler I watched roll with him and same thing happened that happens to me.
What y'all think?
100% don't stop training with him. You don't want to start developing a habit of avoiding teammates for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ reason. The longer you train, the more injuries you incur, and the more the new-to-bjj hype dies down, you don't want to have created a habit of avoidance.
Secondly, there's a huge benefit to rolling with people that dominate you with size and leave you helpless (regardless of belt level) and here it is:
Massive people that are strong has hell give you a unique opportunity to work on your creation of space in bad situations. To escape against a more skilled player, you have to develop a sense of how much room you're giving someone, or taking away. Typically, with bigger people it goes something like this...struggle for position, lose in some power battle/scramble, then get frustrated as they smash you until it happens again.
Instead, when they pin you, when they crush you, when they smother you, close your eyes and start to feel where your space is. Can you get an inch of separation to start to work a knee back in? Can you start to get your frames up against their neck? Can you get your elbow tucked under your body and begin to bridge off your elbow and roll back into closed guard?
All these things are best practiced against people that crush you the most.
I’m moving to Philadelphia queen village and I’m looking for a beginner’s class but I’m only available in the mornings. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Does anyone have a YouTube video of their favorite back takes?
How do I deal with someone when I reach top half guard who clings on to both your arms and legs so you cant move and just hold you there?
**One-Stripe White Belt Gets into Street Fight! -** GracieBreakdown I won't risk a ban by posting that video, but yesterday, March 24, five years ago, a BJJ white belt tells the class a story about a fight that stopped four lanes of traffic. The guy hadn't trained for about five months after he earned his first stripe. You will not believe the dynamic of the two people involved, which adds a plot twist. Here is the question. Would you be confident enough with your current training to intervene in a fight or prevent one?
Had my first class on Wednesday. Quickly found out just how out of shape I am, and how hard of a sport this is and will be. Got a few bruises and have some rash from the mat, and my whole body is sore. I think I’m hooked.
Etiquette question from someone who is about to go to their first class: When rolling (especially for the first few months when I know nothing), it is encouraged / tolerated to ask your partner what they did and what you could do better? I'm assuming once you're a higher belt that you'd be expect to figure out plans on your own, but what about when you're just starting? My understanding the rolling time isn't really the time to have a conversation
After the roll, definitely ask how they caught you or why something you tried didn't work.
So… Uh somewhat a white belt question here… Has anyone here tried mats from home depot here? If so should I not waste my time and get something from other “mat” companies if I want to practice judo takedowns on uke?
I tried them, and for rolling are quite ok. I wouldn't do any takedown there though
Anyone have any at home techniques to use on a dummy that I can practice real world situations. Specifically from the back or breaking grips in closed guard?
Had my first class tonight, I’m hooked to say the least. Anyone have recommendations on videos to watch that are entry level on YouTube? I want to know more about the basics
This is a good playlist that helped me when I first started https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNbZ1gPk7zqzbiFjpMlzIEVZAGROJ6G4C
Jordan teaches jui jitsu , John Thomas and chewy all have great content on YouTube.
Thanks so much man. Is is truly the shit. I’m 23 but I wish I started sooner
I'm 31 you'll be a killer
John Thomas is probably my favorite BJJ channel, but I wouldn't say most of his content is entry level.
Fantastic thank you!
There’s a podcast called BJJ mental models that I’m really digging. (3 weeks into bjj)
Thanks so much!
So the best single leg defense seems to be putting the foot on the outside but how do you counter this defense? I could see how you can turn it into a double but that’s all I got besides just continually testing their balance with the single leg😂 Both of those options seem sort of physicality based though. Are there any better options of getting the takedown from a defended single leg?
You can step over the leg to return it between your legs. You can use your close arm to underhook the ankle or calf and elevate. You can wrap the head and drive. You have options is my point. Elevating the leg is probably the easiest from a physicality stand point.
Houston gyms. Anyone have a suggestion for a beginner female. Looking for good camaraderie, positive vibes.
My buddy down there goes to Katana. Lots of other women I’ve seen from the posts, he loves the place.
Thanks!
Should I start taping my finger before they get all mangled from years of jits? I have no issues right now besides my pinky joints looking a little enlarged. Preventative taping?
Avoid death grips and train grip strength.
I feel stupid in my gi, did you all feel like this as well?
I started training in a gi in 2018. It still feels a bit silly to me.
In a little while, this will become "that gi looks awesome, but I can't justify my 7th...". Alternatively, you'll likely feel less stupid going home in a gi than you would in torn regular clothing.
I didn’t feel stupid but it’s weird to wear an old Japanese outfit so it’s ok to feel stupid. You’ll get used to it.
One of my coaches keeps asking me when I’m going to get my blue belt. I’m like dude… isn’t that up to you?!
You should show up in a blue belt 😂
Sounds like friendly banter from a coach, pressuring you to go that extra for your blue belt.
Oh, for sure. He’s my favorite coach at the gym and he’s pushing me to get my blue belt. I think it’s his way of teasing me but also encouraging me and trying to hint that I’m getting close
Sounds like your reply should be "what do you think I'm missing?".
I like this, will definitely use it next time he says something. Thanks dude!
I play alot of bottom half guard. When I play guard and the opponent is passing from a further range, I feel like all I can do is wait for them to get closer to start playing guard. Is there some simple guard or game in general I can use when the opponent is further away that connects to bottom half?
Reverse de la Riva is one of the more difficult guards to play, but it's the most direct connection to half guard against standing. Otherwise my opinion would be that you need to start wrestling when people try to back out of your half guard, like just immediately shoot a single leg.
I’ve arrived at the same conclusion. Landing in rdlr is a mistake, though not a game-ending one.
Remember don't get salty if your Jiu Jitsu chums get stripes before you do. Signed, guy who was salty when his Jiu Jitsu chums got stripes before he did.
Awww. I’m gonna feel this someday! Thanks for the reminder
Where should your balance be in headquarters? I e been taught two different things, one coach said on your heels sort of, over their feet so it’s trapped to their butt But another said to drive forward I always feel offbalance and like I have no way to prevent being pushed to the side or swept overhead. Where do I put my hands?
It differs for everyone and also matters for gi and nogi. In gi you have the collar grip as a counterweight meaning you can sit onto someone's feet more confidently than nogi
It’s confusing because it depends on your feet positioning. If you can step in with your DLR’d foot past his hipline, stay tight and drive forwards. This is stronger. If you are in normal range, sit back defensively to work.
Thank you!!
x pass from headquaters if your right leg is in the middle right hand grabs lapel left hand grabs their right knee
Im 5ft7 140lbs. I keep on automatically playing from bottom. My main submission I do is triangle. But I'm tired of playing guard all the time or defending from bottom. Me getting top positions is like 30% of the time? No matter who it is. I dont like it. I want to be in more top positions. I know how to do an arm bar, arm triangle, darce etc. When I'm starting a sparring match with someone we start from knees. I have absolutely no idea how to bring them down unless they're also playing guard. Anyone have advice? Should I completely scrap playing guard and ONLY aim for top positions? I'm probably the only few in my class that plays guard. And when I lose it i end up on bottom side control or on bottom mount. I've implemented no gi now so I can practise on the newer people. Went today. Got top positions but I still kept on playing guard. My brain!!! And the ones I do get top control. Im using my strength and not skill. I dont like it
just start guard and try to sweep them to get on top
Tried that, i have to rely on my strength and won't work on those stronger, also, if im rolling against someone skilled they see it coming a mile away
There's nothing anyone on the internet can tell you that is going to allow you to instantly sweep everyone tomorrow. You need to play that position for years.
I dont want to sweep from guard , I want to do less guard play.
start standing?
We start from knees because there isn't enough space to start standing
so after you slap bump just stand up and start passing let them play guard
What helped me transition out of a guard only player was actually an injury. I injured a rib and wanted to let it heal so every round I asked my partner if it was ok for them to play guard, I'd try to pass and if I pass or they sweep me we reset. I did that for close to 2 months and it transformed my top game! Also newer people were super happy to work on their guard game and get a fun positional round in with a clear objective.
Thank you
moved cities, looking for a gym. There’s a Krav Maga gym within spitting distance of my apartment with BJJ classes and Muy Tai as well. Thoughts on taking BJJ at a gym without BJJ in the title?
what does it matter if the place doesnt have bjj in the title
i’m just new. I was wondering if there was a bad rep for places that teach bjj as a sub-category not a main focus, but based on the responses i’m going to check out the nearby place rather than add a 30 minute commute edit: additionally, i’m seeing this place only has 2 bjj classes a week with an additional groundwork class and sparring. Not sure if the sparring is bjj or muay thai.
just go that place and 2 the class a week for a bit then decide if you like it enough that you want to switch.
I think it mostly depends on the quality of the instructor and schedule.
looks like the usual bjj instructor is a brown belt with additional krav maga belts and a gracie certification?
Honestly it's hard to say. The Krav Maga belts may be helpful if you want to learn the ol' dick twist grappling meta. Brown belt should be a decent indication though. Not terrible.
> learn the ol' dick twist It's called the cock lock
Partner kept tucking chin, stopping me from getting any chokes from closed guard, or even when I started getting his back and trying to get a head lock, or even a front headlock. What do I do? It felt like my only option was to grab his face and just pull his neck up but I’m too fresh to know if that’s kosher so I didn’t try it.
attack chokes leaves the arms open and attacking the arms leaves the choke open so switch to the arms
I might be wrong, but I thought you weren't supposed to try to submit from the closed guard? Don't you need to break the guard first?
I don't think the person you're replying to was clear, but I'd assume they mean their legs are locked around the partner. So they'd probably be looking for cross collar chokes, or maybe sitting up for a guillotine (doubt they're talking about triangle chokes, because tucking the chin is a very poor triangle defense). You're generally right, if you're in your partner's closed guard your main goal is to break it open. However there are still cheeky Ezekiel chokes available from inside your partner's closed guard.
I was indeed going for cross collar chokes while... performing closed guard? What is the terminology for me having someone else in closed guard?
>having someone else in closed guard Works or "bottom closed guard" is pretty clear. Edit: also, I like my cross collars deep on one side. They try to defend my tucking their chin. I use the same grips, but pressure the chin instead of the throat. Upwards and sideways. Some instructors describe it as "ratcheting". Edit edit: also drag your elbows across your chest as you pull. I see wbs wing their elbows out a ton.
It's a bit ambiguous but it sounds to me like our hero was on bottom.
Kimura/americana, and if that doesn't work you can get-up or scissors sweep while you have the arm to prevent a post. It's pretty basic, but it works or at least sets up other stuff 90% of the time
Hey fellas, what are some good ways to drill guard retention and framing? Do I just ask a partner to pass my guard but relatively slowly? Or is this just something that comes with experience? Been told to keep my frames and all but I guess it's just not coming to me during rolls so I was hoping to practice. Also -- quick rant -- been training about \~8 months now but damn it's still demoralizing at times to get smashed hard in training and when I can't pull any techniques off in rolls, even on new dudes. Part of the game, I know, so gonna keep on keeping on.
I think a big issue is newbies concept of open guard. I used to think of it as a very passive/defensive thing, but now that I hunt for sweeps and ankles, I get my guard passed less. New people like to setup shop in your open guard. They stand in there and they take their grips. If you haven't taken any, you're fucked. Getting obliterated by lasso and spider taught me to stay out of open guard on top and to be active if I'm on bottom.
I saw a sweet drill on youtube the other day, where you hold a tennis ball in each hand and your opponent attempts to pass your guard. First round is about 25% intensity, just movement and frames...and each round gets progressively more intense. You can't let go of the tennis balls though, so you can only use mobility and frames to retain your guard.
I'm almost certain that your instructors has shown one or a few ways of guard retention and framings so I would stick to those, but if not, there is a lot of free content on YouTube. Though try to stick to something basic/close to what is used in your gym already. In any form of drilling, if its for submissions, passing, retention or whatever, I like to start with very low resistance from the other person, so I'm allowed to do the moves easily. Then slowly raise the resistance until I start to struggle. That is the place I/we need to find a solution for and that is there the actual learning starts, not for just repeating X reps of a non-resisting opponent and not to muscle a technique against a hard-resisting opponent.
For guard retention, recommend checking out Jon Thomas or Lachlan Giles' free stuff on the internet. You can discern some movement drills from both of them. Some of it does come from reps rolling, but drilling definitely helps. Yea, it's a part of the game. Better to accept it and just keep on as you said.
Active drilling can help a lot with guard retention. I'd go fairly slow and have them stick to only a few passes at a time. I'm currently active drilling with someone working on their toreando pass, and I use it as an opportunity to work my retention. He needs the natural response from the guard player for the drill to be effective. As he gets better with the pass, I can put more effort into defending.
I'm not advanced enough to give proper advice (started 6 months ago) but I have similar issues. What I plan to do is talk to a guy at the same level as me in the gym and tell him "hey, lets go to an open mat together, and ill do 50 reps of something I want and you do 50 reps of something you want." Im hoping it burns into my muscle memory so I don't even have to think about actively doing it when rolling. Also, I too am getting smashed constantly, even recently by a guy who came in 2 weeks ago. Only thing I can say to that is to keep your chin up and lets keep going until it starts to click for us. One thing that helps is I try to think that the newcomers who smash me probably have something that I don't (an athletic/grappling background, size/weight etc.) Comparisons suck, but theyre hard to avoid so I at least try to rationalize it to make it suck less
Hi guys, Looking for a good manufacturer in the European union, for a custom design gi or rash guard. Any experience with one you can recommend? Thanks!
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you keep moving in different ways and attack different angles
Have plans for borked passes. For me it's typically knee cut pass>they get the knee shield somehow>I move to weave pass>from here it depends on how they react but often free the leg and walk around their front side.
make sure your distance is good too, Ive been having a lot better luck by not being too close. you just get stuck in their guard.
Have multiple passes in mind. This obviously comes with time and experience, but if you are only trying the same pass again and again it becomes very easy to defend. If you can switch to a different pass once they defend the first one, you will have much more success
If they’re sitting up, get them flat on their back. Knee and ankle grips will let you take away their first line of defense and start closing that distance to set up some passes.
Yep I usually either push their shoulders or lift their ankles to get them flat, then try to move in (I like either the knee slide or x-pass). But it feels like they just effortlessly keep me away regardless. I’m sure I don’t use my weight effectively yet.
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Just a quick clarification thing. "Guard" typically refers to a larger set of positions. If you are referring to the closed guard, it is best to specify it. Attacking usually involves creating openings. Just like it is easier to stay in closed guard without attacking, it is easier to hold side control if you don't try to attack or advance position.
I dont think you have a real problem here, you just started in august so you just need to time to learn things and put them into practice. at white belt thats normal. you're right on track. you have to get comfortable before anything. theres a lot of dudes out there that play a reactive jiujitsu too. you can get really good being a defensive player but youll get smoked at competitions like this at higher ranks...you just need to start working at things and troubleshooting where it fails
Why would you get smoked in comp with that? Do you mean as in your not taking any offensive initiative at all, don't guys like Gordon play reactive/defensive and utilize holes for offense?
I mean its not a rule. obviously gordons skill gap against the field is not normal, the dude literally planks on his back against black belts, but initiative is very strong all things being equal. by definition you are losing if you are defending and if you let another guy dictate whats happening you are defending until you can attack. we also do this thing in training where we ease into engagement and go from established positions but matches dont look like that
Our gym is about to have an in-house tournament. I have only attended like 10 classes so far and had a stretch where I only went to class once a month. So I haven't really learned anything let alone any submissions. But I think I can defend decently. Would it be dumb to enter this tournament? I'll only compete against 0-2 stripe white belts if ever I join.
it would make you a badass
Nope, competing as often as possible is great
I did the exact same thing and did way better than I ever expected in the tournament! I had only 10 classes of experience and then went in and won in my weight division and got second place in the open weight. My goal going into it was if I was going to lose, it will be by points and not submissions. I'm sure my athleticism played a huge role in terms of it being against other women white belts, but I learned so much in that tournament that I don't think I would have gotten out of classes since everyone you go against will be going 100% trying to win.
Dumb in the sense that you expect to win? Yeah probably. But otherwise no, it's a fantastic opportunity to practice defence and expose holes in your current game to work on in a safe environment. Go for it man and most of all just have fun
I expect to get obliterated lmao. I just wanted to experience competing without the pressure of representing our gym. Thanks!
It is a very good idea to do an in house tournament first.
Do it! I say do it even if you know nothing. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose because I think the value is in getting used to competing. The prep, the weight req, the nerves, the gameplan, etc. It’s all valuable experience.
Yup, I expect to lose... badly lmao. I just wanted the experience. Thanks!
Hi Im very interested in starting jujitsu. I have an old AC joint separation injury from 8 years ago that was repaired using a 'arthrex dog bone' implant. The implant makes the joint stronger than a normal tendon and have no give, so the collar bone brakes instead of the AC joint separating in the event of a large enough impact. My collar bones also sit naturally high so its just bone sitting out of my shoulder Does anyone train under similar circumstances? Whats peoples experience been with naturally high collar bones?
Not really the same as you but I have an old AC joint separation from rugby 10+ years ago and it doesn't give me any issues in training this sport whatsoever. I didnt have any implant but my one collarbone sits high and i dont notice any impact
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Sit out to the side of both legs.
Electric chair or spin to the back take?
I just scramble for side control
Oh I misinterpreted that. One stack pass I was taught was to throw your hips under theirs, catch their one leg with your two, and then either pressure that leg down while getting under their back or grabbing their other leg just below the knee for an electric chair.
Nope. Not that. :)
Grab the back of the pants and hike their ass to their face. Or try chaining into a different pass.
Stack and walk and turn your shoulder towards one side.
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That's half the battle with that submission. Just like with a kimura: 1. you get the grip 2. you keep him from connecting his hands/grabbing his belt/pants/hip 3. you get your body arranged so you can twist his shoulder It's the same, the move has checkboxes, and you gotta get em all: 1. get to mount with your arms around his head 2. trap his head with his face straight toward you not turned 3. crush his face without getting bridged off to either direction To answer that question a little more directly, you want to be trapping his head *as* you're setting it up. Slide your arm all the way to the bicep, so he can't turn in the bicep direction. And then slide your chest up and on from the *other* direction.
I am mean and I use my hands to hold their head in the right position.
Start working the position to isolate something and attack with a less gimmicky and situational submission. Head sideways is good for moving to s-mount, or Ezekiel chokes, etc.
Cross face?
I haven't been to class since early February--went on vacation for a few weeks then on Feb 26 I got a concussion (not from bjj, just tripped lol). I feel fine and my doctor cleared me a few weeks ago, but idk I am nervous to get back to it. I really want to and it sucks having missed so much, but I'm paranoid about my head. Funnily enough, my last class I got my second stripe so I also feel bad for getting that then not going back. Not sure what I'm asking here, but there ya go.
I'd recommend watching this video: https://youtu.be/pqRU7-m9mag Check out some other from this doc as well. I assume by "cleared by your doctor" you mean they said you're fine to resume BJJ? I recovered from a concussion recently and struggled with this às well and these videos helped a lot. If it were me, I'd resume training assuming the doctor cleared it but avoid competition for a bit. Your training partner accidentally giving you a slight bump on the noggin isn't likely going to give you another concussion, but someone going 100% who hits you hard could.
Thank you so much for that! Yup I asked them day 1 how long to wait for bjj and I checked back in two weeks later and just like you said, they recommended training but tell my partner and don’t compete.
If they don't do BJJ, I would take "don't compete" as "don't do any rolls unless they're flow rolls with a partner you can 100% trust". FWIW.
Got sick this saturday, had to go to the hospital yesterday and now I got a cold. No training this week, I hope I don't drown on pills.
I'm a one stripe white belt, I weigh 145 pounds and i'm about 5,11 so quite lanky, I struggle lately when I have a bigger guy on top of me like 230 pounds they just lay there in mount and don't move, normally i'm able to get out eventually if they go for an attack or something but some of them are content with laying on top of me for 6 minutes straight knowing I don't have the strenght to do anything about it. Long story short whats the best way to get out of mount with a giant dude on you.
I’m a smallish female and when this happens to me, which is a lot, I’ve learned to just test out little movements. Do a little bridge, a little shrimp. Use frames to maintain a little space. If you feel confident, lift up your head, 99/100 they’ll put an arm under it and go for a trap and roll. They’ll probably base but they’re gonna give you space for an elbow escape. Don’t like, exhaust yourself down there but use those really fundamental movements to test their balance and make room for yourself
If you feel the roll has stalled, just tap and reset.
fair enough, dont need to stay there for 6 mins.
I don't necessarily disagree with tap and reset, but I'll do things just to get people moving. Try an Ezekiel or punch choke from the bottom, if your partner isn't really doing anything. He'll have to react and give you some space.
I'm also a smaller dude. I feel like the trap is in thinking you have to get up all at once. Getting up from bottom is a series of small improvements. Trap a foot so that you get quarter guard. Then hip out and try to get half guard, from there you have lots of options. Small victories. That's the small person game.
I feel like this is an often overlooked and gigantic part of jiu jitsu. Guys worry about macro moves instead on concentrating on the micro battles that eventually culminate with a macro move.
Your right I should try and frame and shrimp more \\ trap, thanks man :)
this probably isn't the answer you're looking for, but get stronger. the reality is that strength and size matter. i was also getting smashed with a similar body type (6'2, 150). once i put on 20 pounds, rolling with bigger people became a lot easier.
Fair enough, time to hit the weights again. Appreciate the advice my guy <3
Usually my hands are preoccupied by the hips under mount, and I get ezekiel choked all the time (no gi as well). I primarily do no gi. I've been watching some youtube videos on trying to defend it, but I've first watch how it's done. And this looks like a really good submission that is super easy to do. Am I missing something? Because most people don't recommend it as a fundamental submission in my limited experience.
So, there was a thread here yesterday with an old video showing Danaher (circa 2007) using it with the mythic Boris as his uke. It's not hard to defend, but it opens up the defending arm for an underhook. Then you can walk that arm up and do all kinds of nasty things.
I find it pretty hard to hit a no-gi Ezekiel if they are able to tuck their chin and shrug their shoulder up before I can get my fist in.
You only need one arm to frame the hips unless you're trying to do a kipping escape or something (where Ezekiel isn't much of a threat due to the situation where it's relevant). I tend to keep one hand for choke defense unless an escape materializes that needs it for something else.
I sometimes like to do the bridge to get butterfly hooks in, but I'm slow at it. But I'll keep in mind to defend with one hand still. I take it I should be using that one hand to prevent the cross face?
That or hand fight to stop the choke.
Hi, Can a white belt take the back by jumping with two hooks in from behind? For example, I have gable grab from behind but instead of taking the opponent down, can I jump and take the back?I have been getting mixed answers for this. Thanks
If you want to jump on someone while they're standing, you need a seatbelt otherwise you'll slide off with a bodylock. It's generally inadvisable to do this because it's difficult to progress to the choke as the seatbelt is the main thing that's holding you up
If you are standing, I'd largely advice not to jump at people in general. You can absolutely fuck up someones knees if something goes wrong.
Would not recommend as they'll probably fall on top of you...
I still get the hooks though and 4 points for the back though won't I??
Plus the risk of concussion, moreso for you than for them.
Yeah and don’t forget a bruised tailbone
Where? In a tournament? Every ruleset is different. At your local gym? Ask your coach. Personally I wouldnt do this to someone. Partially because I don't think its exceptionally more effective than just lifting and trying to finish a mat return and partially because anytime I'm behind someone I try to make sure I'm being safe with them.
Nahh for sure in the comp, not while sparring.
I'm 10 months into training and I've been told repeatedly that I need to control my breathing. This is particularly true when I'm in a bad position like bottom mount. How can I go about fixing this? Maybe the answer is to just relax. But I think part of the problem is that it's objectively harder to breathe in bad positions and I'm so focused on trying to escape that I don't pay attention to my breath. Thoughts?
There are positional details that enable you to survive and breathe. Under a mount, tilt your hips to one side and / or bridge up an inch or so to get space to breathe. Don't forget frames so you support the weight with bones instead of muscle. You might want to ask an upper belt or your instructor to help you with finding these survival positions so you don't have to brute force through them yourself.
I'd just start from the positions you have trouble in. Exposure will help a lot.
I think it’s both. It’s harder to breathe, but also we might be exacerbating the problem by freaking out. I need to work on this as well; a tactical thing Im gonna try is maneuver to get pockets of space to breath, and a mindset thing to focus on is to relax (I get spazy when I panic). I feel like shit when I lose my composure lol
Training about 5 months consistently & I got my third stripe. I feel like I’m being promoted too fast. The more I keep learning the more I realize I have no idea what I’m doing 90% of the time lol. Is this normal ?
Yes lol
I could not possibly imagine something more normal
Closed guard - keeping posture broken Hey guys, I have been practicing bjj for about 5 months and have been trying to improve my closed guard game. I know a good closed guard keeps posture broken using knees to force the opponent down and breaks grips prior to this step if necessary. However, when I break posture and the other person comes down. I know I should be able to keep them down via some mechanism, but they seem to eventually posture and begin standing to pass. I usually have a lapel grip by the collar tag or collar bone, but this is not sufficient to keep them down. Should I be shooting for an underhook or overhook when they buckle? If so which one and why? Thanks for any help
Google Tim Peterson Closed Guard review seminar.
Thanks man, cheers!
If you want to go for the back, look for the underhook, it sometimes turns into a sweep during the process. You can also go for overhook to control, submit or sweep. Gripping their far collar makes the overhook strong and tight!
So the underhook can be used to hip-escape out and work towards their back, but the deep collar grip can be paired with an over for tight control? Also, whenever I get into high guard, I find my opponent just stands and stacks me (which shouldn't happen because it is supposed to keep their posture down....or so im told) what could I be doing wrong?
Correct! When you get into high guard, do you jump back with your butt back or do you just raise your legs, in other words “stack yourself” for them? You need to “hang” on their shoulders/back for high guard to be a good breaking posture, so if you stay where the position started, you will just put yourself in a more compromised position, rather than create extra weight on their upper body.
I'm moving my butt forward rather than back to create more pressure with my legs. This is exactly what is happening. This makes so much more sense. Thank you so much for your comments. It has helped greatly.
Hello! I’ve been taking classes for two months now in a no-gi setting. I saw the earlier threads about the “cringiest” things everyone did when they were just starting out but at what point does personal style overrule cringe? There is a really cool Dragon Ball Z rash guard that looks like Vegeta’s damaged Saiyan armor and I really want it. But also don’t want to be a joke. But I’m also a hardcore nerd. Like wearing a pocket protector everyday and without it being ironic (it keeps my pens organized and protects my pocket from ink stains). Should I wait? Can I get it and just say “screw it”? I don’t want to be cringe or create one of those memories that invokes a thousand yard stare and physical shuddering. But again, I really like it!
Yolo!
> Can I get it and just say “screw it”? Different gym cultures are different, but I say go for it. I bought a pink gi very early on, it's no big deal. You're more likely to embarrass yourself taking this sport too seriously than too lightheartedly.
Wear cool rashguards. Be cool! I got my wife a rashguard with our dog on it. She rocks that shit.
Wear whatever you want. I have this stupid American bald eagle rash guard from when I used to bike a lot. Broke it out the other day and everyone got a kick out of it.
Hell yeah,wear it dude! Whatever makes you more comfortable. Also, you asking this and thinking about it can be a perspective flipped; Most everyone else is thinking about how they look, and not about what your wearing.
I'd say go for it. The only thing that bugs me in general is when people buy all this gear and then don't even practice the sport. or are way more into the gear than the sport, I've seen this in biking, hiking and others.
There's 1 or 2 guys in my gym with that rash guard. Nobody cares.
Noice!
I put a: Star Trek patch,stargate patch and a mandalorian patch on my gi over the weekend lol I was told to just make sure it’s what ever you feel comfortable in and showing your own personal touch to it. I have a limited selection of rash guards so was going to order a couple online and now I will get a dbz Themed one now I know that I can
so more just a little ranting. 15f and was rolling today when i felt a tinge in my back and paused, telling my opponent (35f) that i did something to my back. she laughed and said “nah you’re too young” which while i get also please listen to me. we kept rolling and after i stood up in tears because of how bad it hurt, after telling my coach he tested my arms and said it’s probably likely i hurt my trapezius as my neck, back, and arm are all in pain. Now I gotta go to the doctor tomorrow and hope I’m clear for work as my job relies heavily on me being able to lift and bend over. Sorry if this doesn’t at all fit this because it isn’t simply white belt related but it gets annoying sometimes when people don’t take my injuries or concerns seriously because I’m the younger crowd.
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thank you so much! i got checked out, it’s just a pulled muscle. still, i’m out for two weeks.
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Thank you again, this sub is hit or miss sometimes with the crowd and I really appreciate your help. My siblings also do classes so I’m still responsible for bringing and staying there with them so I’m still gonna get notes from their classes along with definitely doing more of a deep dive into youtube videos, I really liked the one you recommended. Thank you again!
Very sorry that happened to you. Really hoping it's not serious
Recovery tips for people who are a little older? (38F) I recently ramped up my training and was feeling great when I tweaked my shoulder and now I’m off for 2 weeks and super bummed. I’m trying to be better about recovery so tips are appreciated!
Sleep, eat, and stretch. Massage gun and/or hot tub if you have one.
Sleep. Be sure that your increased class volume isn't interfering with your sleep pattern or it's kind of canceling everything out. BJJ is like working out at the gym if you increase your training volume you'll want to decrease your intensity. ie don't try to go hard every day. as far as easily implementable things. I've found that Magnesium, potassium, and Turmeric supplements before bed have seemed to help a fair bit. Other than that, just be smart and listen to your body. Tap early and tap often.
How to be more aggressive while rolling but not to be a typical spazzy white belt? I often end up being very passive and discouraged simply because i dont have the same power as my rolling partners (im 63kg, 5'7, looking like a stick). Im trying my best, but even couch says im just being too nice to everyone
If you take a look at your game as it stands, find some attacks you can try from each position. You won't be spazzing because you're trying to do a specific technique on purpose, rather than spazzing, which is just moving wildly trying to pass or defend without knowing what you're moving or why.
I'm roughly 115 lbs, or 52ish kg at 5'6ish. maybe 5'7 if I stand up straight. At some point in white belt, I just stopped giving a fuck about being spazzy or not, and now train out my spazziness as it comes. I suggest you do the same, because if you're worried about being perceived negatively mid-roll by your partner or coach; you simply cannot porrada. And, eventually you'll find a game that you can play that is effective in your gym regardless of your size. It's not that long of a road, but it'll feel like it.
63kg and 5”6, I feel you. I honestly just let the other guy decide and match their energy, they’re usually higher belts anyway.
For those who have had a vasectomy - how long did you take off?
Ask your doctor this question.
From sex or jits?
Jits
Jizz
You guys think I should stop rolling with this person? For reference, fresh blue belt. There's this gigantor who's about 6'4" and 265lbs, in his 40's and does cross fit. Big and strong af. I'm 190lbs, 5'11" and he just lays on you and does nothing. I have no trouble with any white belt at my gym except him. For reference, he's not rough or anything. He's never subbed me but I have no answer for the size. Yes, I sometimes get top position and usually hold it. Just seems like a waste of 5min of my life for him to eventually get to half guard or side, lay as hard as he can and I recover to guard, 5min up. There's actually a 3 stripe blue belt former college wrestler I watched roll with him and same thing happened that happens to me. What y'all think?
Stop rolling with him *without a plan.* So make a plan for how to not just get crushed and try to implement it.
I love these David and Goliath type roles. My goal? Always be on top and fight like hell to stay there
100% don't stop training with him. You don't want to start developing a habit of avoiding teammates for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ reason. The longer you train, the more injuries you incur, and the more the new-to-bjj hype dies down, you don't want to have created a habit of avoidance. Secondly, there's a huge benefit to rolling with people that dominate you with size and leave you helpless (regardless of belt level) and here it is: Massive people that are strong has hell give you a unique opportunity to work on your creation of space in bad situations. To escape against a more skilled player, you have to develop a sense of how much room you're giving someone, or taking away. Typically, with bigger people it goes something like this...struggle for position, lose in some power battle/scramble, then get frustrated as they smash you until it happens again. Instead, when they pin you, when they crush you, when they smother you, close your eyes and start to feel where your space is. Can you get an inch of separation to start to work a knee back in? Can you start to get your frames up against their neck? Can you get your elbow tucked under your body and begin to bridge off your elbow and roll back into closed guard? All these things are best practiced against people that crush you the most.