Advanced Jiu-Jitsu: Strong Foot Lock From The Omoplata

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Advanced Jiu-Jitsu: Strong Foot Lock From The Omoplata

What is the definition of advanced Jiu-Jitsu? Don’t answer immediately, but think about it a little bit. Is it doing the most complicated thing possible and making it work against everyone? Or, is it doing the very basic agent everyone, despite them knowing what you are doing. To be honest, I doubt there is one precise definition as to what advanced Jiu-Jitsu is, but if I had to choose I’d with the power of deception. Like having a powerful foot lock finish in mind when you’re starting off an armbar attack from the closed guard.

While submission chaining is a thing that usually upper belts focus on, that does not make it advanced in terms of Jiu-Jitsu. On the contrary, sequences and chains as moves stringed together are quite predictable and not hard to deal with. Looking for loops that have moves tided together so they’re is primarily no escape, and then looking to trick your opponent into defending everything but the move you’re actually attacking with is what Jiu-Jitsu is truly about. Those sneaky transitions that seem like they’re impossible, like a foot lock from an Omoplata are exactly what shows how much someone understands and can actually use BJJ.

The Secret Of Advanced Jiu-JItsu

If there is one thing that all advanced Jiu-Jitsu athletes have in common it is their smart, and above all efficient, use of transitions. A transition should not just happen as a response to your opponent’s movements – it is a valuable tool for both offense and defense. Transitions are basically opportunities to get what you want while an opponent can’t defend it, regardless if they’re aware of what you’re setting up or not. Moreover, they’re never-ending and are actually what makes all those submission chains and move loops work.

A hugely important lesson to learn in BJJ is that you set stuff up during transitions. Any attacks from a foot lock to a choke will work much better if you set everything up during a transition and simply finish the moment movement stops. In fact, transitions, in this case, are windows of opportunity that actually open up the possibility of submission. Thinking like this means you won’t expect any movement to end before you start another one – that is what advanced Jiu-Jitsu is all about.

One more thing that defines advanced BJJ is the ability to keep an open mind. Combining old school BJJ with all the modern things cerates a blend that will keep people guessing all the time. Moreover, introducing elements from other grappling martial arts into your game, like wrestling, will further open up chances for you to do whatever you think of. A foot lock can easily turn into back attacks or even a lapel guard that might end up back as a leg lock after a front headlock attack. Just an example.

When Closed Guard Meets Leg Locks

Can you do leg locks from the close guard? Sure you can. You can even be direct about it, but we’re looking into advanced Jiu-Jitsu and transitional attacks today, so we’re going to be all sneaky and deceptive with our setups and end goals.

The closed guard is a position of strong control for the bottom person because of the inherent deep inside control it provides, as a result of the placement of the legs. It is perfect for both BJJ and self-defense because it gives you access to the upper body of an opponent. What it also does is trap the legs of the top person. As good as that is to prevent kicks, it does present a slight challenge when hunting for a foot lock. This is where transitional attacks and advanced Jiu-Jitsu come into play.

In order to get a foot lock, you need an Ashi Garami. To get an Ashi Garami, you need to get control over one leg, which is very difficult when that leg is bent and on the ground. the solution is easy – threaten with other things to cause the person to lift their leg and provide you with the option to get what you want. It may be an upper-body submission (cross-collar choke, armbar, Omoplata) or a sweep. Transitions will allow you to get your foot lock unimpeded, and you might even get a tap along the way if you catch people completely off guard.

Awesome Foot Lock Finish From An Omoplata Attack

Let’s take a look at how you can put all that was discussed together through a very precise example. We’ll look at how a foot lock setup from the closed guard works. It will start with an armbar, include a scissor sweep, An Omoplata transition, and eventually, the easiest Ashi Garami entry and subsequent foot lock of choice.

From a closed guard, start off setting up your favorite armbar. It is a more or less telegraphed attack that will cause people to withdraw their arm. That right there is the chance for a transition. As they withdraw, follow with your body. That will get you the right angle and shorten the distance for establishing a pants grip on one leg. Ten, use the far leg to threaten a scissor sweep. You guessed it, this is only to elicit another response that will get you a transition you want – towards the Omoplata. A simple switch to the hips is all it takes for you to do a slight adjustment and send your opponent posting on the ground.

From there you could go for the Omoplata, of course. The options that open up, though, traditionally speaking are foot locks and/or triangles. Since we’re going for a foot lock here, placing both your feet in the armpit of the arm you’re controlling is all it takes for you to comfortably slide into Ashi Garami. It would be redundant for me to tell you which foot lock to finish with, given that this was always the goal, right?

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking to become an advanced Jiu-Jitsu player, you need to become sneaky and cunning. Start using transitions to set up attacks first. then, move on to using multiple transitions to set up different attacks and/or defenses. How else would you be able to set up a perfectly reliable foot lock from the closed guard without too much effort?

Is The Ashi Garami BJJ Guard Something Worth Exploring?

By

Dino Moskatelo

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Is The Ashi Garami BJJ Guard Something Worth Exploring?

Let’s talk about modern BJJ. In fact, I have a better idea. Let’s talk about fusion BJJ. What is that now? Precisely. Fusion Jiu-Jitsu is what everyone is trying to do, but very few are succeeding at these days. All the attempts at putting together old school BJJ stuff with the moves that define modern Jiu-Jitsu, and a sprinkle of other grappling martial arts in there is what Fusion Jiu-Jitsu is all about. If we are being honest, we’re doing this on a daily basis, we’re just not aware of it. And it does require a shift in mindset. For example, do you only see Ashi Garami as a position for executing leg locks? Could there be another use for it, for example, as an Ashi Garami BJJ guard?

People are already starting to see the opportunities that the Ashi Garami BJJ position provides. As most grapplers wised up to leg locks (more or less), the defenses to heel hooks and kneebars are becoming stronger and stronger That still leaves the attacker in the Ashi Garami position though. Until now, we had one track mind – go for another leg lock. That is still an option, but so are sweeps and passes. We are now arriving at a moment where the Ashi Garami is turning into a position of control equal to that of a guard, rather than just a submission hunting sweet spot.

Fusion BJJ: Where Modern Meets Traditional

Let’s talk more about Fusion BJJ. We are at a point in time where Jiu-Jitsu is no longer Japanese or Brazilian. It is simply Jiu-Jitsu, plain and simple. As such, the evolution of the art has taken us to a direction nobody could have foreseen. In fact, there has even been resistance for a while to change the “old ways’ but luckily, it did not prevail. How could it, when Jiu-Jitsu is not some ancient art that has been done for centuries and it would be an insult to some long-dead grandmasters to try and do a move differently, even if logic dictates you do so.

When you enter a BJJ gym nowadays, you will see as many different styles as there are people on the mats. Even in world-class competition dens, where people have inclinations towards certain areas, you can notice that different competitors do the same moves in a very different way. That is what Jiu-Jitsu is all about – letting people express their individuality. And there’s no better way to express yourself than when you have at your disposal everything the art/sport has to offer. And that includes both the old school stuff and the modern innovations that have defined Jiu-Jitsu in the last decade.

When it comes to fusion, you are encouraged to mix everything together, as long as it makes sense. For example, there’s no need to bicker over whether or not you should use Gi or No-Gi grips – use them both as you’re progressing through something. The ASh iGarami BJJ position, seen as guard is the perfect example. In leg locking, you wouldn’t really think about Gi grips, but you would do them if you are in a similar position but you perceive it as a guard. Why not fuse everything together to optimize the outcome?

The Case For The Ashi Garami BJJ Guard

The only reason I need to present the case for the Ashi Garami BJJ guard is that people usually do not perceive the position as a guard. When you analyze it and break it down a bit, you will see that the Ashi Garami actually offers more than any other guard in BJJ does.

What defines a guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? One person needs to be on the bottom and the other on top. If the bottom person has their legs in between themselves and the top person, they are in guard, regardless of the specific configuration of the limbs. Universally speaking, this is the BJJ guard, and there are, as we know, countless variations of it.

Going further, what are our options from the guard? You have two, if we are being honest – sweep to get on top (for points) or submit and finish the job then and there. There are no other offensive options that the guard offers. In addition, to be able to execute either of those, you will need to control the position and know how to stay in it when the top person inevitably tries to get past your legs (pass).

Where does Ashi Garami fit in the story? Well, to begin with, you have you in between you and your opponent – the definition of the guard. Now, it gets blurry when it comes to the top and bottom person sometimes, but that is the good thing. Playing the Ashi Garami BJJ guard provides you with an additional option apart from the sweep and submit – you can directly pass. And this is before I even mention the higher level of control and the myriad of transitional attacks that stem from the position. Interested yet?

The Perfect Guard For Competitors?

Let’s talk about the applications of the Ashi Garami BJJ guard. The one area in which you can really reap the benefits from this fusion Jiu-Jitsu approach is competition. seeing the Ashi Garami as a guard is a logical step for competitors – you already use it anyway. The Single Leg X Guard and the 50/50, for example, are just a couple of micro-adjustments (pun intended) away from their use as Ashi Garami variations.

IN that context, what I find the most unique about the Ashi Garami BJJ guard si that the person you’re looking to control and attack with it doesn’t necessarily have to be on top. It is perfectly okay if they are on their butt – you’re close to sweeping the way. That said, apart from the 50/50 and the Singel leg X, or the outside Sankaku and Irimi Ashi Garami, in leg locking terms, you also have other variations to use as guards. There’s the Inside Ashi Garami in the form of the Inside Sankaku and the Game Over position. Inside Sankaku is actually legal for everyone, with certain things to look out for when it comes to attacking the legs. If you do it on a standing opponent, though, it will be considered illegal.

From any given Ashi Garami BJJ position you have the option of playing around with positioning and grips to actually increase control and use the position as a guard. Since you’re controlling at least one leg anyway, there’s really no way for an opponent to pass your guard, because they will need both of their legs to do so. Moreover, given that their hips are often on the ground, you can not just get top position, but use the fact that you have inside control and a leg to go straight past their legs and inside control, mount or the back.

The back actually presents itself easier than in any other guard when people try and get out of an Ashi Garami. If you’re not only dead set on heel hooks you’ll notice so many high-percentage options from the position!

Conclusion

Fusing the Ashi Garami BJJ position and BJJ guards is just one example of how the old and the new school of Jiu-Jitsu can come together and give birth to something really powerful and potent. Now imagine if we apply the fusion mindset to Gi, No-gi, old, new, wrestling, sambo, etc. That is the direction in which Jiu-Jitsu is bound to grow, and the sheer number of options we can mess around with is enticing, to say the least!

Dean Lister “The Boogeyman”: Biography, Stats and More

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BJJ World

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Featured Grapplers: Dean Lister, "The Boogeyman" Of Leg Locks

Dean Lister. You have heard the name. There is no way that anyone involved at least marginally in fight sports does not know who Dean Lister is. Whether it is MMA, grappling or BJJ fans, the name Dean, “The Boogeyman” Lister is a well-known one. Not only that, but you would be hard-pressed to find a person within the grappling community that does not like Mr. Lister. He is a very charismatic person, a formidable fighter, one of the best coaches in the game, and pretty much the man that single-handedly is responsible for the state of leg locks in the BJJ world today.

Whether or not you are a fan of leg locks or Dean Lister for that matter, you have to admit that the man has changed the grappling world for good. HE has some incredible performances against some of the biggest names in grappling, mostly on the No-Gi stage. He also had a solid MMA career, most notably in Pride and the UFC. The Boogeyman also has a host of priceless grappling instructionals as well as being one of the best coaches in the game. The bottom line is, you have personally benefited from Lister if you train BJJ, albeit it was most probably indirectly. That is how much he has influenced Jiu-Jitsu and the world of combat sports.

A Story Of The Bogeyman

How much do you really know about Dean Lister, apart from his obsession with leg locks, his influence over Danaher, and his submission-heavy performances on the mats? To begin with, the 45-year old was born in San Diego, California in February of 1976. Coming from a military family means he moved a lot, which also means that as a kid, he got in quite a lot of fights. Naturally that both toughened” the Boogeyman” up and made him interested in combat sports.

Dean’s first encounter with Jiu-jitsu came at age 10, but only in theory – he read about it in a magazine. It was wrestling that launched his martial arts adventure when he picked it up during high school. That is where things get interesting, though – Dean Lister ended up with a wrestling coach who had a Sambo background and a knack for submissions, particularly those of the leg locking variety. It insufficient to say, Lister was into leg locks from the get-go.

Lister found Jiu-Jitsu after high school and jumped into it headfirst. In fact, he did nothing but train, and work a day job to help him deal with the fees. He spent nearly a decade training under Fabio Santos, most of the time training and competing with the Gi. That was right before Lister was due his black belt, which he got from another Fabio Santos student, Jeffrey Higgs. From there on, Dean Lister had nothing but success in his career, dominating the ADCC on several occasions, as well as usefully transitioning into MMA, where he had a distinguished career in several different organizations.

Currently, Dean is teaching at his academy in San Diego, as well as shooting lots of instructionals.

How Dean Lister Changed The Grappling World Forever

First off, let’s start with some of the most important accomplishments by Dean Lister. After all, that is how people gauge most athletes in modern society – by the number of trophies and medals they own. While Dean owns bucketloads of them, he has influenced the grappling world in many more ways than just by performing impressively.

Already more well-versed in leg locks than anyone else in the tournament, Dean Lister first tried his hand at the ADCC in 2001. He lost in his second match, to Ricardo Almeida. He repeated the feat in 2003, winning the trials and losing in his second match, this time to Xande Ribeiro. However, he a second the next day in the absolute, after another competitor had to pull out. Dean then won the absolute division of the ADCC with 3 submissions in 4 matches. He went on to win his division in the 2011 ADCC and got silver in the 2013 one.

It was his 2003 upset performance though, that got him a chance to launch his MMA career. He was already fighting for King of the Cage, but his ADCC title got him into Pride, where he more than delivered. He lost to Amar Suloev in his first fight and beat Akira Shinji in his second before moving to the UFC in 2006. Lister went on to win 4 fights and lose 3 between 2006 and 2008, also appearing on The Ultimate Fighter. Lister has an MMA record of 13-7, with 11 of his victories coming via submission.

It wasn’t his performances though, that impacted the grappling world as much as his personality and charisma. His unforgettable sentence “why would you ignore 50% of the human body) that he said to John Danaher was the one sentence that ended up creating tectonic changes in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.

Lessons From Dean Lister

For those of us that have not had the chance of training with Dean Lister one person, whether in his academy or at seminars, there’s a lot to learn from the Boogeyman. He has amazing matches, some really detailed instructionals as well as some great life experiences that he has shared previously.

Of course, a huge thing that pretty much defines Lister is his knowledge of leg locks. He took all that crazy Sambo knowledge and dissected it, creating a successful heel hooking system of his own that got him many victories, and just as many haters among the “old school BJJ” proponents in the early 2000s. He did, however, end up with a complete leg locking system of his own that was the foundation for the modern leg lock attacks.

One of Dean’s thoughts on quitting in fighting stands out in particular. He said its one in an interview for Fightland Vice: “If you are having a hard time in a match and you mentally accept that you are going to lose, then you lose almost every time. It’s like a flame that you can’t let go out. It could start out as the biggest fire, but as long as it’s still lit, you can keep fighting. In a lot of matches I have had, I had a big flame that went down to the size of candlelight, but I never, never let it go out. So, that’s the biggest thing. I think people that have not gone through crazy struggles in their life allow their fire to go out completely. This is more important than conditioning. This is a prerequisite”

Finally, there are, of course, all his high-level grappling instructionals as well, both with and without the Gi.

Dean Lister BJJ Stats

vs.	Win / Lose	By / Time	Competition	Weight Category	Year
M. Yano	WIN	Rear Naked Choke	ADCC	-99kg	2001
Ricardo Almeida	LOSE	Points: 3:0	ADCC	-99kg	2001
David Terrell	LOSE	Points: 2:0	Gracie Open	Absolute	2002
Ricardo Almeida	LOSE	Points	Grapplers Quest	Absolute	2002
Rodolfo Amaro	WIN	Points	Grapplers Quest	-91kg	2002
Justin Ellison	WIN	Points	Grapplers Quest	-91kg	2002
Ilir Latifi	WIN	Guillotine Choke	ADCC	-99	2003
Alexandre Ribeiro	LOSE	Points 8:0	ADCC	-99kg	2003
Nate Marquardt	WIN	Kimura	ADCC	Absolute	2003
Marcio Cruz	WIN	Points 3:0	ADCC	Absolute	2003
A. Cacareco	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	Absolute	2003
JJ Machado	WIN	Points	ADCC	Absolute	2005
Andreas Olsen	WIN	Triangle Choke	ADCC	-99kg	2009
Glover Teixeira	LOSE	Points	ADCC	-99kg	2009
Vinny Magalhaes	LOSE	Points	ADCC	Absolute	2009
Augusto Ferrari	WIN	Points 2:0	ADCC	-99kg	2011
Radek Turek	WIN	Footlock	ADCC	-99kg	2011
Rodolfo Vieira	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	-99kg	2011
Joao Assis	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	-99kg	2011
Alexandre Ribeiro	DRAW		Metamoris	Absolute	2012
Ricardo Abreu	WIN	Heel Hook	Grapplers Quest	Absolute	2012
Kyle Griffin	WIN	Toe Hold	Grapplers Quest	Absolute	2012
Tarsis Humphreys	WIN	Heel Hook	World Expo	Absolute	2013
Jia Jang	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	-99kg	2013
Ezra Lenon	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	-99kg	2013
Cristiano Lazzarini	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	-99kg	2013
Joao Assis	LOSE	Points 5:0	ADCC	-99kg	2013
Hideki Sekine	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	Absolute	2013
Joao Rocha	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	Absolute	2013
Marcus Almeida	LOSE	Points 5:0	ADCC	Absolute	2013
Keenan Cornelius	LOSE	Points	ADCC	Absolute	2013
Renato Sobra	DRAW		Metamoris 3	Absolute	2014
Josh Barnett	LOSE	Choke	Metamoris 4	+100kg	2014
Keenan Cornelius	LOSE	Inverted Triangle Choke	Polaris	Absolute	2015
Hyung Chul-Lee	WIN	Violin Armlock	ADCC	-99kg	2015
Orlando Sanchez	LOSE	Referee Decision	ADCC	-99kg	2015
Ricardo Mesquita	WIN	Heel Hook	ADCC	Absolute	2015
Yuri Simoes	LOSE	Points 5:3	ADCC	Absolute	2015
Muhammad Kerimov	LOSE	Injury	Berkut 2	Absolute	2015
Yuri Simoes	LOSE	Referee Decision	F2W 8	-86kg	2016

Dean Lister MMA Stats

Wrapping Up

Dean Lister is one of the most interesting and most important people in the BJJ World. He is a man who has re-shaped the grappling landscape and is still innovating and working tirelessly on improving grappling, particularly in the submissions department. There’s still a lot left to learn from The Boogeyman, and we are certainly looking forward to his new instructional.

10 Best Leg Locks DVDs and Digital Instructionals

Dean Lister DVD REVIEW – “Worry Free Escapes”

Dean Lister DVD Review: IBJJF Legal Leg Attack Secrets

The 12 Crucial Songs For The Ultimate BJJ Playlist

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BJJ World

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The 12 Crucial Songs For The Ultimate BJJ Playlist

Have you ever rolled at an open mat while music was blaring on speakers? It really does make all the difference, compared to simply rolling in silence (apart from the usual grunts and sounds of BJJ folks). You might not know how empty it feels to roll in the proverbial silence until such a time that you try rolling with music on and then take it away. From that moment on, you’ll probably never approach another roll or drill session without a playlist ready to rock. In that sense, let’s take a look at some song options that are essential for an awesome BJJ playlist.

Rolling is fun to do even under imperfect circumstances. However, when you have the option of rolling on good mats, with lots of people from all ranks, working GI and No-Gi,m the only thing that is missing is the cherry on top of the cake – a solid BJJ playlist to keep the mood of everyone in the room at the optimal levels. Music can greatly influence the performance of athletes, so much so, in fact, that you can’t just go blaring heavy metal or hardcore music all the time.

The Role Of Music In Training

Have you ever wondered why pro fighters in everything from boxing to MMA walkout to certain songs? You already y know that music can get you inspired, sad, feeling goosebumps, bring up memories, etc. That is a clear indicator of how much music can influence our emotional state. But that usually has to do with specific songs or even musical genres. What is really interesting is how music influences us in general, from the BPM (beats per minute) to the selection of songs for a specific occasion.

First of all, let’s take a look at the physical benefits that music can provide athletes with. tempo (physical). The tempo which is how we define the beats per minute can have a direct influence on the brain’s neurons. Certain studies suggest that the brain can even synchronize with the tempo of the music. With rhythm, lyrics, and melody all contributing, the end result is a physical state that allows for better and longer performance.

Secondly, but no less important, is the psychological effect of music on athletic performance. Studies show that music can actually help with pain relief during training as a result of the release of endogenous mu-opioid and other mood-enhancing chemicals raise the pain threshold. There is also the reduction of perceived effort and music acting as a distractor that really counts when it comes to athletic performance.

When coming up with a BJJ playlist, you should consider that there are also different stages of training and that music should help you get the most out of every one of them. While you cannot control what people listen to before or after training, you can certainly influence the mood in the gym.

Building The Ultimate BJJ Playlist

Putti9ng together a BJJ playlist can be easy – throw some songs that people know together, and go train or roll. It will work, but not for everyone and not when it comes to actually achieve a specific goal in mind. Basically, the tempo of the music will greatly affect the speed of training, and going all out competition-style while listening to “The best of Madball” is not something you want to do on a regular basis.

Instead, you should think about when you want to use music. Depending on what type of warm-ups you are doing in the gym, incorporating a playlist to get people in the “groove” is a great idea. Moreover, it has been tested and proven to work.

When it comes to utilizing a BJJ playlist during technical training, one thing is clear – the gym should be silent while the instructor is demonstrating. However, the question still remains whether you should play music as people are training the techniques. I personally do, although the choice of music in terms of BPM is very specific, and the volume is very low. However, just as with studying and working, the right music can not only set the mood but help with the retention of knowledge as well.

During drills, the situation is pretty much the same. You need the correct rhythm and volume, along with song selection to get people working with focus, in the mood to do so, and help them retain as much information as possible.

Of course, the one aspect of training where your BJJ playlist is going to be the most influential is rolling.

12 Must-Use Songs For Powerful Open Mat Experiences

The truth with music is that it comes down to preferences and taste, and those are both things that are not debatable and highly individual. That said, it doesn’t mean that there is no way of determining which songs will really help you get people in the mood for rolling, and provide you with the best result regardless of the demographics in your gym.

The thing to remember is that you want to “manipulate” the temp of rolls, especially if it is just your regular open mat session. that means start off slow, getting people in the mood, more of a flow-roll style and then progress with the tempo, and henceforth, the speed of rolls and perhaps even the aggression of the matches before you bring everything slightly down again.

The following songs, in the order provided, make up one of the best BJJ playlist options for open mats. Tried and tested!

#1. Cypress Hill – Get ‘Em Up (Link)

#2. Eminem – Lose Yourself (Link)

#3. The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling (Link)

#4. Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Link)

#5. Guano Apes- Open Your Eyes (Link)

#6. Limp Bizkit – Break Stuff (Link)

#7. Nickelback – Burn It To The Ground Lyrics (Link)

#8. Motorhead – The Game (Link)

#9. AC/DC – Back In Black (Link)

#10. Europe – The Final Countdown (Link)

#11. Rage Against The Machine – Bulls On Parade (Link)

#12. Gorillaz – Dirty Harry (Link)

Final Thoughts

The above is, of course, a BJJ playlist that will make most people on an open mat happy, and it will help you start off with the right intensity and mature towards some tougher rolls before settling down for the end again. That said, you can have playlists ready for every occasion, from waring up to open mats, and you should particularly have a few BJJ playlists ready for competition training.

Exposing The Flaws Of The BJJ Shrimp Escape

By

BJJ World

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Exposing The Flaws Of The BJJ shrimp Escape

What was your first BJJ class like? For most people out there, it was probably an introduction to closed guard, perhaps followed by a sweep or two and maybe an armbar setup. That is if you got the chance to go through an opening/intro class. For most, it was going and “learning” whatever people are doing, and then get killed in rolls. There are a hundred reasons why both these approaches are sub-optimal, but that’s not the subject today. The subject is a move we take so much for granted in Jiu-Jitsu, we use it in warm-ups and tell new people you can’t do without it. I’m talking about the BJJ Shrimp movement, and the flawed philosophy that it is an extremely important and foundational part of Jiu-Jitsu.

How much attention have you dedicated to actually mastering the BJJ shrimp escape? I guess apart from those warm-up drills you haven’t really given it much thought. Most people haven’t. The thing with shrimping is that it is really all present in Jiu-Jitsu, But that is just one aspect of it. the second is that while it is all-present, it is used sub-optimally and incorrectly most of the time. In fact, even when used correctly, shrimping won’t really help you too much. So how can we call it a fundamental move?

The BJJ Shrimp – A Movement Present In Every BJJ Escape

One thing that took me 8 years to realize is that the BJJ shrimp motion is actually something that is present in almost all of the most utilized defensive motions in Jiu-Jitsu. If you do a careful analysis ti si not just the several ways of shrimps (AKA hip escapes) that are the foundation of escapes in Jiu-Jitsu.

Take a look at most other defensive BJJ movements, like technical stand-up and bridging. If you take a careful look at both you’ll notice that escaping the hip, or shirmping, is the essential movement yet again, only done in different planes of motion and not so emphasized as when we’re doing the actual shrimping BJJ escape. With the technical stand up it is pretty much obvious, while with the bridge, it is the rotational nature of the move that introduces a shrimping component – without it, the bridge will only go up and down.

Going more in-depth with our analysis of the shrimp, it is obvious that even when new do not use it fully, we tend to position our bodies so that they eventually end up leading to the shrimping motion. Just think of side control escapes. Everything you do with your head, arms, and legs have to do with taking you into a shrimp variation. This is the perfect spot for me to introduce the key question in this article – why do we do this?

The Flaws Of The BJJ Shrimp Escape

The basic idea behind the BJJ shrimp escape is that it will create space so that you can apply follow-up movements in order to get out of a bad position. Very often people teach the shrimp in the sense that when you can’t push off someone off of you, you can push yourself away from them. That is correct, but it also implies that the person you’re pushing away from will stay still until you achieve your goal. Unfortunately, things are not so easy when you’re grappling with someone.

The theory that creating space is the best way to execute a BJJ escape is inherently flawed. While it is logical, and it probably was a solid concept back when BJJ was in its infancy. however, nowadays, with the way the sport has evolved, simply creating space will not help you get out of a tight spot. In fact, it may get you into more trouble, which is exactly why over-relying on the BJJ shrimp escape is a great way to end up in a worse spot than the one you started in.

Let me use side control as an example – most people think they will escape from side control but getting their hips away from the opponent. Let me tell you what you are offering to a seasoned submission hunter when doing this – both your legs for leg locks and your head, for chokes. Not to mention extending your arms that star working as levers for the top person to transition all around you and on top of you and punish you for shrimping.

The situation with guard retention is similar, given that experienced grapplers, will enjoy you removing the hips from the equation by shrimping so that they can pass more easily.

Escape To The Future

Thinking progressively is something that is scarce among BJJ practitioners. For people in evolved in a sport that is constantly evolving people are acting as if they are practicing Kung Fu in the 90s, afraid to offend the dead forefathers by saying some of the moves are inefficient. that, in itself, is inefficient, which is where one of the major paradoxes of modern BJJ lies.

Let’s explore some alternatives to the BJJ shrimp escape. If you are dead set on creating space, at least make sure you do so in a meaningful way. Why not look into sitting up, or even more “radically”, standing up in just about every situation where you feel the BJJ shrimp escape is your go-to move? You will be surprised at how different things will start turning out.

In simpler and more relatable terms for most people out there, why not think about protecting your inside space instead of trying to get parts of it away from the opponent? The answer is simple – turtle up. instead of trying to shrimp away, focus on turning towards the ground and turtling up. Once again, the results will surprise you if you are a fan of hip escapes.

A couple of “crazy” ideas, at least at this time, are not to think about creating space at all. Why not try and connect to your opponent as much as possible? If you are the heavier grappler, getting closer means your mass and that of your opponent will move as one. IF you make up more of the total mass, you’re the one deciding where you will both move.

There is also the “most radical” way of thinking, along with the ways of actually staying completely still. The baby bridge posture is one example of this.

All In All

There’s no fault at using the BJJ shrimp escape from time to time. to claim that tit si completely useless after all the evidence on the contrary, would be acting exactly as those swearing by it. It has its uses, but they are limited and not nearly as effective as people think. Until now, people did not really look for alternative ways to escape, which is why we stuck with it. It is all changing now, though, and the future of BJJ does not include nearly as much shrimping!

Craig Jones Joins the UFC’s next TUF ‘The Ultimate Fighter 29’

By

Filip Zanki

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In an interview with Flograppling, Craig Jones revealed that he will join the Next UFC’s show ‘The Ultimate Fighter 29’. Jones will join it as part of the coaching staff.

The Ultimate Fighter 29 (TUF) will consist of two teams. Men’s bantamweight (135 lbs) and middleweight (185 lbs) weight categories. Team captains will be UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski and his challenger Brian Ortega. As it usually goes the match between the two captains will be held as the main event of the TUF 29 finale.

It’s still unknown which team and at what stage will Craig Jones join so we can only assume it’s going to be Alexander Volkanovski’s team as he represents City Kickboxing Academy in Australia, and is a Brown Belt in BJJ, while Brian Ortega is a Black Belt under Rener Gracie.

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Does BJJ Brown Belt Demetrious Johnson Have Something Left in the Tank?

By

BJJ World

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Does BJJ Brown Belt Demetrious Johnson Have Something Left in the Tank? — CREDIT: ONEFC.com

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu brown belt Demetrious Johnson lost his bid to win the ONE flyweight title last weekend. The 34-year-old American pulled off the first suplex to armbar submission in the UFC but was knocked out by 31-year-old Adriano Moraes in the second round of their title fight. The fight was the main event for the company’s first-ever live televised show in the US.

After an uneventful first round, the action picked up in the second, with Johnson looking to get inside more and engage with Moraes. The reigning ONE champ, however, wobbled a charging Johnson with a short right uppercut, before finishing the ex-UFC champion with hammer fists and knee strikes 2 minutes and 24 seconds into the round.

The loss came as a shock, not only because Johnson was the favorite, but more so because of how he fared in the cage. Mighty Mouse simply could not do anything against his taller, rangier opponent, who used his reach and height advantage to keep Johnson at bay. DJ looked flustered and he was swinging wildly and almost desperately by the halfway mark of round 2 — until Moraes clipped him with a perfectly placed right hook.

Is DJ Done?

Between Johnson’s uninspiring performance and advancing age, it’s natural to wonder: Does he have anything left in the tank?

The answer is, probably.

Prior to his shock loss to Moraes, Johnson had been 3-0 in ONE and was coming off a unanimous decision victory over Danny Kingad. Johnson dominated the fight, repeatedly taking down the Filipino, and nearly catching him in a kimura in the very first round. Johnson also hurt Kingad with several knees to the head — illegal in the UFC but permitted in ONE — in a dominant third round.

That fight, however, took place in October 2019; meaning, Johnson had been inactive for 18 months. And as Conor McGregor pointed out after his own shock loss to Dustin Poirier early this year, it can be difficult to overcome inactivity and ring rust. This was probably the case for Johnson too, whose timing looked off against Moraes. It certainly didn’t help that his welcome back fight was against someone (a 5-8 flyweight), whose physical advantages presented Johnson a difficult puzzle to solve.

DJ Will Likely Bounce Back

Despite the loss, Johnson is still ONE’s most recognizable name. He first left an indelible mark in the UFC as arguably the greatest ever flyweight, with a near-record-setting title reign. According to Bwin, Johnson owns the second-longest reign as a UFC champion, holding the belt for nearly 6 years, or 2,142 days to be exact. He trails only Anderson Silva, a BJJ black belt regarded as the greatest of all time, and is ahead of George St-Pierre, another BJJ black belt considered as one of MMA’s best.

Such pedigree points to Johnson bouncing back. Age probably won’t be a hindrance, as Mighty Mouse is only 34 — younger than ONE champion Brandon Vera (43), Aung La Nsang (35), Bibiano Fernandes (41), and Thanh Le (35). And DJ is already looking forward, vowing to rewatch the fight, pinpoint his mistakes, and perform better next time.

The next time DJ steps in the cage will probably be a rematch with Moraes, as ONE has so far kept Johnson number 1 in its flyweight division rankings. At number 2 is Kingad, who has lost to both Johnson and Moraes, while Kairat Akhmetov is at number 3, and he has lost twice to the champion.

Moraes-Johnson 2 makes the most sense, especially given DJ’s status as a global superstar. In case the rematch is booked, don’t be surprised if Johnson avenges his shock loss to Moraes — setting up a possible trilogy.

Professional Jiu-Jitsu: What Does It Take To Be A Pro?

By

BJJ World

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Professional Jiu-Jitsu: What Does It Take To Be A Pro?

How bad do you want to be a pro Jiu-Jitsu fighter? For some, it is a dream, for others, it seems like something they could not even think about. Well, the truth is that while the circumstances might be different, there are a few things that are constant in regard to professional Jiu-Jitsu. In other words, anyone can give grappling as a profession a go. The question, however, and one that requires a very honest answer, is whether you are ready to do what it takes to make it as a pro grappler?

The professional Jiu-JItsu circuit has really taken off during the last few years. However, for a professional scene to grown, you need actual professional athletes that provide it with the potential for it. Remember when Metamoris pioneered pro Jiu-Jitsu? They had to rely on big-name competitors from the open tournament circuits, ADCC top performers, or MMA stars – there were no pro grapplers to speak of. I mean, they had to do rematches between the likes of Royler and Bravo (not that it was a bad match) in order to put on a show. Fast forward ten years and the landscape has changed significantly.

Professional Jiu-Jitsu – Grappling For A Living

The first thing to know about being a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete is that it is not much different from being a professional athlete in any other sport. The one thing that is a big and very notable difference is that even the highest-paid grapplers in the world make peanuts compared to professional athletes from other sports. Well, that and getting recognized – outside of grappling and fighting, not many people will know who you are.

If you truly want to be a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete nowadays, the opportunities are out there. Compared to just a few years ago, (the pandemic notwithstanding) there are more and more options opening up every month. However, the process of switching from a recreational, even if you are an avid competitor, to a pro, is the biggest leap and biggest hurdle that most people do not make it past.

In terms of grappling for a living, you can’t expect to pull it off as easy as UFC, boxing, or football players. I already mentioned the money. Well, even if you compare it to MMA, you can’t just hope to go full pro with just three or four fights per year. Ass a grappler, you will need to compete constantly, which does translate to a lot of demand on your body and mind. And that is all before you even breakthrough.

The lifestyle of professional athletes is not all fun and games. Looking at just the moments when they’re having fun or relaxing is just a small fraction of their time. All the other moments that are not as well documented online are the actual requirements of having the right to say that you are a professional BJJ grappler for a living.

What Does It Take To Be A Pro Grappler?

What does it take to be a professional grappler? Take a look at everyone who has made it as the perfect example of what it takes to become a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete. First, let’s define the term. A BJJ pro athlete is someone who uses competition at the highest possible level (within their rank) as the only focus of their day-to-day efforts. Teaching seminars, shooting instructional, teaching full time, or running an academy are not things that define a pro grappler.

To begin with, you need to make sure that you are training at the right spot. You can be a pro competitor even if you’re not a part of some of the biggest competition dens in the world. Training at the likes of Atos, AOJ, Renzo’s, Marcelo Gracia’s academy, and the likes will pretty much offer everything, from the right training approach to finding the right matches and platforms for you. If not, you will need the correct environment, coach, and training partners, as the three key components to turning to a BJJ pro.

Having a place to train and someone to organize your skill training is the absolute bare minimum for being a pro. In those terms, training a couple of times a day is also a must. It can’t all be just sparring, though. Drilling, rolling, positional sparring, scenarios, working on gameplan, all have a role to play. In addition, you absolutely have to cross-train in at least wrestling, preferably Judo and or Sambo as well.

Then, there’s the physical aspect to think of. Conditioning, strength, flexibility and recovery all have to be combined with skill training in order to put you in the perfect shape for competition performance. There’s also another nutrition part of the puzzle, given that BJJ is a weight-class-based sport, and almost everyone is looking to cut weight.

Another really huge skill you absolutely need to make it as a modern-day pro fighter is the ability to get noticed – on social media. Without the correct exposure, short to f hiring a manager you’d be hard-pressed to actually make it past the local pro circuits.

The Questions Need To Answer If You Want To Be A Pro

There is a simple method that you should turn to when thinking about becoming a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete. It is called a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunites, Threats) and it will give you a clear picture of what is ahead of you should you decide to continue with your pro grappler plans. On that note, this analysis is probably going to be slightly different for everyone.

Strengths. You are going to do what you love, and you get to travel a lot. Moreover, you get great exposure for your brand of Jiu-Jitsu, and academy of origin when you get to compete on the big stage. You will become better at BJJ regardless of results as well. Also, if you can manage your online exposure properly, you’ll pretty much have at least a few backup options.

Weaknesses. Competing for a living is not a forgiving profession. It takes a toll on your body, and you will need to accept that performances in competitive sports do not always go the way you plan. Getting enough exposure to start getting the invites to super fights and tournaments that matter is also a big concern. Of course, the initial investment to make it as a pro in the first few months/years has to be considered as well.

Opportunities. Travel a lot, expand your grappling knowledge, build a legacy… These are just a few of the opportunities that becoming a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete will provide you with. There’s also the bigger picture of helping the entire sport grow, representing a country, club or whatever matters to you. And of course, there’s the chance of income, which can be significant or.

Threats. Injuries are the greatest threat to any athlete. IN the case of BJJ, this threat is at a whole different level, given the demands. Along with unforeseen situations like this current pandemic, injuries top the list of potential threats.

Closing Arguments

You can be a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete. And yes, you can definitely make it as one. You have to be realistic though, with both your expectations and opportunities. Do your own SWOT analysis. Do in-depth research on the lives of pro grapplers. Contact as many of them as you can to ask for advice. If you still see the planets aligning, jump straight into it and do give it your absolute best. It won’t work with anything less.

14 Speed BJJ Drill Ideas To Become A Monster Grappler

By

BJJ World

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14 Speed BJJ Drill Ideas To Become A Monster Grappler

Be honest – how often are you actually in the habit of drilling on regular basis? Drills are a huge part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and there is an actual good reason for that. In fact, there are several good reasons for employing a BJJ drill (or 14) into your weekly training schedule. The problem with Jiu-Jitsu drills, though, is that people do not like to do them. The moment you try rolling, you get hooked to the adrenaline rush of chaotic “fighting for your life”. Once you know that is in store, you are less likely to really focus on repetitive motions in the form of drills during training. Well, it is something you have to do, so you better try and find a way!

Training by incorporating drills is not just a methodology that is common to BJJ. It is something that has been used for ages in other combat sports, and particularly grappling martial arts. Even in BJJ, drilling is something that has proven to be important and effective from the early days of the sport, all the way to the modern days. However, there is a catch – ask someone to do a BJJ drill for an extended period of time and you will either get excuses after a while or a sloppy, slacking version of what that drill should look like. That, in turn, leads to ineffective drilling which basically equates to time wasted.

The BJJ Drill To Kill Philosophy

The BJJ Drill To Kill philosophy is something everyone has heard of. Coaches are repeating it, there are youtube videos titled like that, and there are even entire books that focus on that methodology. And yet, people simply hate to do drills. That has to do a lot with the repetitive nature of drills, but also the way coaches portray them.

In most cases, people approach a BJJ drill like any other sports drill in any other sport. You set up with a partner, you clearly define what you will do, and if there is going to be any amount of controlled resistance, and then you go. The idea is to do as many repetitions as is humanly possible. The goal is to develop a “knack” for the movement, i.e. muscle memory by repeating it so much it becomes second nature. In certain cases in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, drilling like this does make sense and can be just as effective as it is boring.

While drilling does help you with movement patterns, it won’t do you much good in BJJ if you only do it that way. The other person when you roll or fight will not behave the way you like. In fact, you can be certain of two things – they will try to oppose you, and they will very rarely if ever move or be still like your drilling partner. That doesn’t mean that drills won’t work and that we shouldn’t do them. WE should just perhaps re-organize the ways in which w set them up so that we get maximum efficiency as a result.

Drill Smart, Drill Hard, Drill Fast

The one thing that really does kill the desire to do drills among students is when coaches presenting them like teachers present tasks in primary school. Whenever someone says you have to do something that is boring, even if you know it is good for you, you will resist doing it properly. Everyone knows drilling is important but nobody want to do BJJ drill after BJJ drill in a repetitive and boring fashion, So, you have several options

First off, you can turn drills into controlled resistance kind-of-sparring rounds. People have a task to do and get to play around as well. next, you could opt for scenario-type drills that include both training partners. Alternatively, you could organize speed drills. These types of drills will save you time, keep people engaged and still yield measurable and obvious results.

#1. Swingin’s Armbars

First up, a BJJ drill you probably know pretty well. From closed guard, you set up so that your partner’s arms are gripping your collars. Your partner should have their arms extended and grip firmly – they are your pivot point. The goal for you is to open your guard and swing one leg so that you use the momentum to spin sideways and end up in an armbar position. then, you use your other leg and immediately swing to the other side, relying on momentum to keep going.

#2. Kimura Situps

This is a pretty straightforward and simple BJJ drill. Your partner will have their arms on either side of your hips, while in your closed guard. Your task is to sit up while twisting, looking to establish a quick Kimura grip on one arm, before going back on the ground and preparing the same thing on the other side. The goal is to keep alternating sides without rest for an allotted period of time.

#3. Koala Sweep Situps

This is a highly interesting drill and that I doubt anyone will grow bored of. Basically, it involves you sitting up from open guard, and going straight into a koala sweep configuration with your legs, posting with the arm, and tightly gripping one of your opponent’s legs. It is a highly useful BJJ drill to develop coordination and speed in executing this sweep, ora follow up single leg takedown.

#4. Swinging Ashi Garami (Single Leg X)

Leg locker or open guard player, this BJJ drill is a must! It is one of the core drills that even Danaher himself teaches to leg lockers. Your task is simple – get into an Ashi Garami from the bottom, against a standing partner (AKA Single Leg X Guard) and make sure you have grips on both ankles or the bottom rim of both Gi pants. The mechanics work similarly to the armbar from the closed guard drill and are based on the momentum you generate when swinging from side to side.

#5. Bolo Is Life

One for all the Berimbolo and inversion lovers out there. Start off in a De La Riva guard with your partner standing with their legs wide apart. Your goal is to do a Granby roll. During the full inversion moment of the movement, your aim is to place both your feet between the partner’s knees. This will help anchor you during the full Bolo, helping you end up in a De la Riva on the other side. And yes, this drill will help your Imanari rolls too, if you prefer leg locking to Bolo-ing around.

#6. Shrimp Recovery

One of the movements you will do every time you step on the mats, guaranteed. As a bonus, this is a speed BJJ drill where your partner needs to actively engage as well, which makes it both fun and challenging. Your partner will be looking to drag both your ankles to one side, stepping to pass your guard. Yoru’s goal is to frame with the arms (an arm on each shin), shrimp away, and use your leg to recover open guard.

#7. Double Leg Drag

As far as speed drills in Jiu-Jitsu go, this one, along with the following BJJ drill are pretty much the “A” and “B” of drilling guard passes. Your opponent will be on their back, legs bend at the knees, and ankle raised off the ground. Your goal is to place strong grips on the Gi pants, mid-level at the shin, and use them to drag both legs to one side of your body, as you side step to the other. The word “speed” is actually imperative here and not just a description!

#8. Single Leg Drag

The single leg drag works pretty much like the double on, but you’re focusing on only one leg. This one is a bit more complex, and you should really master the double leg version first, in order to really make this one count. You will only be able to move to one side when doing repetitions, so plan that you will need double the time to cover both legs.

#9. Toreando Movement Drilll

The Torreando pass is one of the most utilized passes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not many people realize that it is the initial movement that pins both legs to the ground that makes or breaks this pass. that is precisely why the Torreando pass BJJ drill focuses on this portion only. The starting position is the same as with the double leg drag, only you will aim to plant both feet of your opponent firmly on the ground. You then use this position as a p[ivot to shift your entire body sideways, thus getting into the perfect angle to pass.

#10. X Pass Flow Drill

Another BJJ Drill that requires you to turn your brain on and can be challenging, thus making it interesting. The X pass requires you to do some funky side to side and then front footwork in order to get past the legs. The starting position is the same as the other drills above, and the ending position is knee-on-belly. A highly useful ability to develop with this drill si going backward from knee-on-belly so that you can switch to the other side and keep the drill flowing.

#11. Shin Pins

Simple is best, and that is true for both guard passing and setting drills up. In this case, you’re aiming to cross your handstand grip at ankle level and inside the knee. As you do, you will both pin the shin of your partner to the ground, and pivot your body to the side to get a passing angle. Basically, this is an application of the monkey solo BJJ drill.

#12. Side Control Retention

One of the hardest things about side control top is staying in control. For this drill, you start in top-side control, and your partner will turn into you looking to underhook you with their far arm. Your task is to sue their movement to switch sides. First up, you’ll press their head into the ground so that you block their initial movement. Then you use the same grip as a pivot point as you move your legs in a semi-circle over their head ending up in side control on the other side. Similar to the shrimp recovery drill, this one requires your partner to actively participate at all times.

#13. Knee On Belly Switch

Very similar to the previous BJJ drill, only done from the knee-on-belly position. Your partner’s tas is to turn towards you, trying to push the knee of their belly. You will use that movement to step over their head, and use a backstepping motion with the other leg to end up behind them. As they turn to their back to avoid back control, you jump straight into knee on belly, and the drill can continue to flow.

#14. Hop Over Pass

A very amusing and challenging BJJ drill to do, but an extremely useful one against people that are wizards at guard recovery. You star at one side of your partner’s hip. You will place the top of your head on the mats, using the near side arm to grip around the waist of your partner. Then you will balance on your head, skipping over with both legs on the opposite side. The head is going to follow so that you can drill in a flowing manner.

Final Thoughts

Speed drills are a great way of not getting bored with drilling while focusing on getting better at one of the most important reasons for doing BJJ drills in the first place – speed. Moreover, you don’t have to go for reps and there’s no time for partners to start talking during training. Simply introduce them into your warmups, or a special session of their own and set them up for a time.

Video Source

How To Correctly Use The Granby Roll BJJ Maneuver

Solo BJJ Drills And Partner BJJ Drills Essential For Success

BJJ Brown Belt Tips: 5 Important Things To Focus On

By

Dino Moskatelo

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BJJ Brown Belt Tips: 5 Important Things To Focus On

The one belt that people don’t really talk about in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the BJJ Brown Belt. As I have said previously, apart from the black belt being the obvious “ultimate goal” at least for most people going through the ranks. the blue belt is actually the most coveted belt in Jiu-Jitsu. The purple gets a lot of attention as well, mainly because that is the time when people go crazy with experimenting, compete a lot, and are a joy to watch in tournaments. In between the purple and black belt though, there’s the brown belt which somehow seems to fly under the radar, at least in terms of popularity.

Being a BJJ brown belt is a tricky thing. To be honest, I enjoyed being a purple belt so much, that I was kind of sad that I would have to hang that belt up when I got promoted to brown belt. However, I realized that the brown belt period is one of utmost importance for anyone training JIu-Jitsu. It is just that nobody talks a lot about it. The Brown belt is basically the bridge between the BJJ of white to purple belts, and that of black belts. It is the time when you figure out how to develop those “inhuman superpowers” that black belts have when all lower ranks are throwing technical stuff at you, accompanied by various levels of athletic abilities.

BJJ Brown Belt – The Time To Think

I have said this before, probably at every belt level (well, except for the white belt, I guess), but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a brown belt. Getting your BJJ brown belt usually means you’re entering unknown territory. It may sound like it makes no sense, but to be honest, nobody knows much of what to expect as a brown belt, and I’m not just talking about competing.

Even though to get your brown belt you will need to spend a solid amount of time in Jiu-Jitsu, the moment you end up being one, things are not really that clear. People talk about blue and purple belts, expectations, requirements, and the likes, but nobody really says much about being a BJJ brown belt. The main reason for that becomes clear when you become one – it is a highly individual and introspective period of time.

Becoming a BJJ brown belt might be confusing. Let me try to illuminate it with a very simple statement – this is the time to think. During all your previous belts, you had the chance to pick up on things, focus on execution, and even experiment. Basically what you did was monkey see – monkey do. Now, you will need to start thinking and the best way to go about it in BJJ is to look for the answers to questions like why do things happen when you do something, how can you make it better for yourself and others, and when to do, and more importantly, don’t do things.

What Do BJJ World Champions Focus On As Brown Belts?

Many people have different experiences as BJJ brown belt, apart from the underlying common thing of having to turn your brain on. Mikey Musumeci one of the best competitors of modern times and a 4 time BJJ World Champion, has a very precise explanation of what you should expect, and focus on as a brown belt.

The one thing Mikey has to point out to all fresh BJJ brown belts is what he calls the “leg lock phase’ here, of course, he refers to those training mostly in the Gi and competing under IBJJF rules. According to Musumeci, the first few weeks of getting the “license” to actually do toe holds and kneebars gets fresh brown belts to do nothing but those, forgetting about anything else that has to do with BJJ. His advice is to have funds with leg locks, but don’t wait until brown belt to start training them, especially the defensive portions. Instead of just hunting for leg locks, start thinking about how to incorporate them in a complete game, plugging holes with the new techniques you now have at your disposal.

A very important thing Mikey points out is that a BJJ brown belt is basically a black belt – there is not much separating the two. Most brown belts get to black belt quite quickly, and getting to brown means you’re almost in the Major Leagues.

That brings us to Mussumeci’s final piece of advice for brown belts – fine-tuning everything. That mark that you’ve made that all-important jump from colored belt s to the black belt is understanding what happens and the entire game that you are playing. Focusing on this instead of just being good at moves is the most important brown belt lesson and the final “hurdle” to the black belt.

Remember The Most Important Thing

What is the most important thing to remember as a BJJ brown belt? it is the same thing I consider to be the most important in the entire sport anyway – do not forget to enjoy it. As a brown belt, though, this becomes so much more important. It is not that you will not enjoy later as a black belt, but being a black belt will get people to look at you differently. You won’t be one of the bunch of colored belts anymore – you’ll now be in the company of black belts. It is amazing how people’s perception of the same person can change in an instant just because the color of their belt is now different.

Brown belt is also the time to start enjoying losing. Purple belts are notorious for their competition-style games, focusing only on winning and submitting people. At brown belt, you will need to revisit losing and tapping out. Firstly, it will help you understand how attacks, and more importantly defenses work. Next, it will prepare you for what is ahead, because you’ll be joining black belts who have had the rank for decades very soon. expect to be humbled as a white belt yet again.

Finally, when you’re training, just let go. Stop going the route you already know in rolls, and go in a different one, even when distinct stay s you shouldn’t As a BJJ brown belt, you should be looking to figure out the stuff of your own that you can later show and explain to others. And there’s no growth if you just do the same thing over and over again.

In Summary

Being a BJJ brown belt is a huge thing. As Musumeci puts it, you’re right up there with black belts, despite still having lots more to figure out. Just don’t get caught up in the technical aspect of what you should do at brown belt, and start looking at the big picture. That is how you will get to black fast. Just do not forget to enjoy along the way!

BJJ Brown Belt Requirements And Curriculum

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