positions RSS
The SOS Position, The Rosetta Stone of the Omoplata
The omoplata is a very deep position. There are so many different entries, transitions, defences, escapes, and recou...
What Is Required for Your BJJ Blue Belt?
In episode 380 of The Strenuous Life Podcast I talk you through what’s generally required to be a competent blue belt...
What is Side Control in BJJ and Submission Grappling?
Side control is a pinning position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu when you’re perpendicular to your opponent and are not enta...
Sparring vs Competition Strategies
Optimal Competition Strategy
There’s an old saying that goes…
“Don’t do what’s best for you. Instead do what’s wors...
2 Concepts for the Absolute BJJ Beginner
A Guest Article by Ritchie Yip
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be a confusing and frustrating martial art for the absolute...
Free Audio Download of The Roadmap for BJJ
The Roadmap for BJJ book tries to help you make sense of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by breaking down the underlying 6 fundam...
The Cheat Code for BJJ Turtle Escapes
The turtle is a terrible position! Being on all fours is an invitation for your opponent to apply the clock choke, t...
Back Attacks 4: How to Systematically Apply the Triangle Choke from Rear Mount
The rear triangle choke, also known as ‘ura sangaku’ is a fantastic way to submit your opponent when you’re on his ba...
How to Set Traps for Your Opponent in BJJ
Today I want to talk about setting traps for your opponent in BJJ.
The idea is that you force your opponent into a po...
Kneel Or Stand to Pass the Guard?
I once drilled technique with a big, strong rock climber who had a grip from hell and tenacious isometric strength. I...
Podcast Episode 125: Reilly Bodycomb on Sambo, Leglocks, MMA, Jiu-Jitsu and No Gi Grappling
I loved doing this interview with Reilly Bodycomb. Reilly is a Russian sambo and leglock expert who has competed in a...
If You’re A Blue Belt, Here Are Two Areas You Need To Work On
There is an abundance of articles titled something like “5 White Belt Mistakes”. Without meaning to pick on our new w...