Granted, losing is dreadful —it ignites primal, instinctual emotions encoded in our DNA as a means to drive our human will to survive. Losing means someone else was better than you. Losing means that despite your best effort you failed.…
I was recently asked what I consider the best attributes to have in order to excel in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Most likely the student was expecting the answer to be, flexibility, athleticisms, or maybe strength. The student raised an eyebrow when…
In jiu-jitsu, as in life, there are no failures, only the results of your effort. Even if things don’t unfold exactly as you had hoped, don’t be discouraged or dismayed. Learn what you can from the experience, move on, and apply…
We all want better jiu-jitsu that much is clear. What isn’t often clear however is how we go about getting better jiu-jitsu. The answer is surprisingly simple. TRAIN DURING TRAINING. Use your time at the academy for what it is…
Jiu-jitsu practitioners generally fear losing more than they relish winning. This ‘fear of losing’ generally comes from a lack of understanding behind why we train Jiu-jitsu and a true understanding of positional hierarchy and the primary objectives of each fight…
You can’t tap anyone during practice. All of your training partners are taking you down at will. Lower ranks are catching you during sparring. Training slumps suck! If you’ve ever had this experience you know slumps can be extremely frustrating and…
I have often said in training that it is better to execute a technique with 10% accuracy and 90% conviction than with 90% accuracy and 10% conviction. In fact lack of conviction of technique is one of the most common…
On the path to Jiu Jitsu mastery, you will tap out A LOT! How you deal with each and every tap out, defeat, or setback will be the most significant indicator “Jiu-Jitsu Mental Health.” When asked what the goal of sparring is…
An often asked question regarding Gracie Jiu Jitsu is, “what is the most significant difference between Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Japanese Ju jitsu or Judo?”. While there are many difference it is my opinion that “The Survival Mindset” of Gracie…
When you find yourself embroiled in a fight with someone your size or smaller, using strikes as a means of victory might work. However should you find yourself fighting someone heavier, stronger, and more athletic, relying on striking will almost…