Erberth Santos is back to competition a few months after he attacked the crowd on BJJ ALL Stars event.
We could see Erberth Santos faking injuries, giving up on matches, brawling with Pena but this is something we didn’t expect. Erberth literally peed his pants in the middle of match. Watch it in a video below and tell us what you think? Is there something wrong with Erberth?
(Video) Erberth Santos Tapped by Tommy Langaker on BJJ Europeans
I’m a sucker for a Craig Jones DVD Instructional if ever there was one! And when the subject is leglocks, I doubt anyone can resist! Our favorite down under grappler is back with yet another installment in his BJJ DVD instructional series. Once again it is time to go into the world of heel hooks and foot locks. In this latest DVD, however, Craig offers something very different. This time around he heads to solve leg lock problems by offering real-world examples. This time, he shows the things that he does in high-level competition along with all the strategies and tactics that make them work!
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Craig Jones – Battle Tested Down Under Leglocks (DVD/OnDemand/Combo)
To be honest, I really liked Craig Jones, ever since he burst on the No-Gi competition stage. Personally, I really became aware of him at the EBI that he almost won. Not long after he dominated the ADCC and instructional started coming out. So, far, there is not one Craig Jones instructional that has disappointed me. And I have them all. Still, as much as Craig sticks to his teaching style, this last Craig jones DVD instructional is different. in “Battle Tested Down Under Leglocks” Craig takes on a different approach to explaining things. The whole DVD has a structure that’s unlike any previous Craig Jones DVD instructional. Let’s go play by play and analyze everything Craig has to offer this time!
Craig has a knack for only choosing his best moves as subjects for his DVDs! Given that he is a really active competitor this is highly unusual. however, he still pulls his best stuff off, even when everyone knows what’s coming. That’s the mark of a true high-level black belt! Now, finally, he is back with yet another DVD, and on his arguably best ability – leg locking.
It has been quite a while since the last Craig Jones DVD instructional. usually, Craig doesn’t spend so long without producing some high-quality video material. the wait was worth it, though, as the result comes in the form of the four-part “Battle Tested Down Under Leg Locks” DVD. It is Craig’s fifth DVD in a line of some great instructionals. So far, we saw DVDs on the Z guard, guard passing, triangles, and leg locks. If you take a look at Craig’s competitive efforts you’ll see that these are exactly the things he uses regularly.
In the light of the September issue of the ADCC, Craig has upped his game considerably. And that includes his leg locking game. he has been incredibly active building up to this, fighting at every opportunity he got. We saw Craig grapple under the banner of virtually every major No-Gi tournament, from Quintet to Kasai Pro. During the time, his leg lock game seems to have grown as well. it may have something to do with his new training partners, but a lot of it is down to Craig himself! We are lucky that he decided to share all of his newfound leg locking wisdom with us now. But that begs the question, what does he have up his sleeve for the ADCC that we do not know about?
Craig Jones, as most of you know, is a Lachlan Giles black belt. he trains with Lachlan down at Absolute MMA in Melbourne. Just like his coach, Craig flew somewhat under the radar, until he started winning world titles. After his impressive EBI outing, he immediately issued a leg locking DVD dubbed “Down Under Leg Attacks”. The four-part instructional was Craig’s first, and it was a real hit.
The first-ever Craig Jones DVD Instructional demonstrated Craig’s take on the leg locking game. At this time, it seemed Jones was the only one who cracked the Danaher Death Squad game, as nothing was officially out yet. Craig came out and spend a total of under 5 minutes in all of his matches put together until the final. There, he ran into a motivated Gordon Ryan and almost snatched victory from the King. His journey to the final was all leg locks and he did not shy away from showing exactly what he did.
The Down Under Leg Attacks DVD had one aspect in particular that nobody had covered before – leg lock entries. By then, we all knew what Ashi Garami was, and the major dominant positions in the leg lock game. This instructional really helped a bunch of people understand leg looks better, including me. Not to mention all the cool details on braking mechanics and the easy to apply leg lock counters! So, what does Craig do after a couple of years? he goes out and does a second leg lock DVD. How is it any different from the first? Read on to find out.
Not that long ago, a video came out of Craig rolling with a bunch of people, using nothing but leg locks. While everyone appreciated it, nobody took it too seriously. it turns out, this was an introduction to what was to follow – the Battle-Tested Down Under Leglocks” Craig Jones DVD Instructional.
So, what has changed in Craig’s game in just a couple of years that merits a whole new four-part BJJ DVD? There’s one main variable here, apart from, of course, experience. Ever since Gordon Ryan went up a weight division (or two) Craig has found a new home away from home in the blue basement that is Renzo’s NYC academy. there, Craig trains as regularly as he could with the likes of the Ryan brothers, Tonnon, and Danaher himself, Understandably, his knowledge of leg locks have gone up quite a bit.
Now, Craig’s improved and updated leg locking system is far from a copy of Danaher’s system. It is still Craig’s original take on leg locking, but it now includes certain new aspects and concepts that make it much more effective (and scary). Let’s go deeper into it.
After a short introduction, Craig kicks it off with everyone’s favorite leg locking position – the Saddle. First up, a twist (pun intended) on finishing the inside heel hook from the Saddle. Actually, there’s not just one, but rather two ways of improving your finishing rate. Simple, precise, and effective, typical of a Craig Jones DVD instructional.
It also seems that Craig has some newfound fascination with the 50/50 guard. In this volume, he starts with an introduction to the guard and proper positioning for leg locks. From there he moves on into what is my personal favorite concept in this new DVD – the hidden heel problem. here, Craig focuses on the various way in which you can expose the heel of even the most defensive-oriented opponent.
But that’s still not the best part. The best part is that Craig includes real-life fight examples of everything he is talking about. he uses excerpts from his matches to detail how the concepts he just explained work under the pressure of a live match. Invaluable!
As I mentioned, Craig has some brand new love for the 50/50 guard. However, it is not a revival of Ryan Hall’s 50/50 leg locks, but rather a brand new take on the original BJJ leg locking position.
In the first half of volume two, Craig goes over his brand new 50/50 guard formula. How does it work? Well, first of all, by heel hooking people. Craig offers a few heel hook attacks, again removing major problems out of the way, the likes of heel exposure. Moreover, he covers some neat counter leg locks and leg lock defense from the position as well.
The second portion of volume two moves on to the option of arriving at the back from the 50/50. it turns out, there are great ways of getting them back from virtually any direction. Notable chapters include an outside back take, crab ride, back step back take, and my personal favorite, reaping back take.
At first glance at this volume of the Craig Jones DVD Instructional, you notice the number of chapters straight away. there are 16 chapters, to begin with, each of them a different roll between Craig and different opponents. What is common between them all is that Craig does nothing but leg locks. he does everything he covered in the previous two volumes, clearly showing how the things work in different live scenarios.
The second portion of this volume of the Battle Tested Down Under Leglocks DVS has a further 7 chapters. They cover the solutions to common problems by answering some of the most common questions people have about leg locks. Included here is advice on how a beginner should start developing their leg lock game and problems in terms of specific leg locks. You’ll get answers to questions like “why doesn’t my ankle lock work?” and “Are toe holds effective in No-Gi”? Moreover, Craig covers great ways of countering the Estima lock and some strategies on transitions between different leg locks. A smooth De La Riva foot lock caps it all off.
The part I love the most about modern-day BJJ instructional DVDs. Not all of them have this feature, but the ones that do really help put things into perspective. Since leg locking is anything but simple, the portion where Craig explains what he does during rolling is priceless. Here, you get close to an hour of rolls, where Craig does leg locks from top, bottom, and virtually anywhere. The is all followed by some precise commentary by Craig himself. During the commentary, he explains what he is doing, what he is thinking, and what the goal is with every little movement he does. It really is the best way to end such an awesome BJJ DVD as this one.
Should you get this Craig Jones DVD instructional? Of course, you should. You should get all of them, for that matter. However, if you need a place to start exploring Craig Jones DVDs, this is the best one to date. And no, having the first volume of “Down under Leg Attacks” is not a prerequisite. It does help, though, and a lot! get “Battle Tested Down Under leglocks” and you’ll become a leg locking machine. Get both Down Under Craig Jones DVDs and you’ll be unstoppable, no matter who your opponent is.
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Craig Jones – Battle Tested Down Under Leglocks (DVD/OnDemand/Combo)
If there’s one thing that needs to be the first piece of gear you pack for MMA training, it’s a groin protector. For the ladies, it would be a chest protector, but we’ll dedicate an entire article just for those. For now, let’s see how gentlemen can protect their groin as much as possible while training for the ultimate combat sport. Today’s guide if about the best MMA groin protectors that you can get in 2021. Each of our suggestions is tried and tested, both in gym and professional competitive settings. As such, they do not just offer protection but also fulfill other key criteria when it comes to groin protection. Read on for detailed reviews.
Whether it is striking, grappling, or both if you’re doing MMA you’ve held your groin with both arms while in agony at some point. it is inevitable, given the number of exchanges that make the sport what it is. However, the groin is an area that doesn’t just require safety. it requires more care and protection than any other body part. Moreover, the groin is in a position that’s very vulnerable, particularly during high-speed grappling exchanges. The trouble with most goring protectors is that they either offer comfort or protection, rarely both. At least rarely for a normal price. Luckily, there are groin protectors out there that are really worth your time and money. We put them together to form the ultimate guide for the best MMA groin protectors for both pros and amateur fighters.
It seems kind of obvious to state that the best groin protectors for MMA need to protect your groin while training, doesn’t it? However, groin protectors have a few more tasks. They must fit perfectly, they must not impede movement or cause discomfort, they need to be easy to wash and maintain, etc. Not many products can successfully claim they fulfill all of these criteria. Let’s see what you need to be looking for in a groin protector for MMA that does its job.
There are two basic types of groin protectors: those that go over your shorts, and those that go underneath. For the competition, grappling, or training in general, those that go underneath are by far the preferred option. Those that go over, might come in handy during striking training but are really uncomfortable to wear for grappling. In terms of design you can get them with a jockstrap, or in the form of compression tights. I tend to lean towards compression thighs because they are more practical. However, jockstraps tend to be better for use inside the cage on fight night.
Protection aside (they all offer it) groin protectors need to be comfortable more than anything. if they’re in the way of your striking, or even more importantly, your grappling, there’s no point in having one. As such, you need to consider your body type and intended use before you choose the best groin protector for you.
Size-wise, groin protectors are measured according to waist size. In fact, each brand has its own size charts that make choosing the correct one really easy. As a general rule of thumb, always go for a tight-fitting groin protector as opposed to a loose one. Jockstraps often offer the option to adjust to a desired level of comfort.
Whether it is low blows, crushes, or hits during grappling, trauma to your groin area will shut your entire body down. Apart from all the associated pain, there are some real health hazards to consider. Of course, there’s the long-term worry of reproduction, but there’s also the short-term potential for serious injuries like ruptures and tears. None of the above are fun, so getting a groin protector is pretty much a given if you’re into training full-contact combat sports.
The best MMA groin protectors out there will make sure nothing like this happens. Every one of the protectors below was tested both by us and professional MMA fighters. The groin protector below were chosen according to all important criteria, and they excel in every possible way! We also aimed to offer as much variety as possible, with both jockstrap, compression thighs, and standalone cup options. Simply pick your favorite, consult the size chart, and keep training and competing without having to care about blows to your most sensitive area.
First, up, the champion. The Lo Bloo Thai cup is arguably the best of the best MMA groin protectors ever! It is a simple, minimalist, ultra-strong cup that goes under your shorts. It is a jockstrap style protector that is designed for maximum mobility and comfort while offering premium-grade protection.
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You can acquire this MMA groin protector in full black color and a bunch of different sizes. Make sure you consult the size chart. That said, what you get is a groin protector designed by Swedish Olympians. Featuring a patented ergonomic design, this cup is made from polycarbonate. It offers extreme mobility, following your every move without restraining your thighs. The fitting system holds the protector in place preventing vibrations and slipping. The reason this one heads our best MMA groin protectors guide is that it is certified to withstand up to 4 tons of pressure! Ultra-soft lining means you won’t feel anything at all. Extremely lightweight.
RDX is one of those brands that have literally everything you might need, MMA-wise. Usually, this means you have a lot of choices but none are extremely high quality. Well, RDX makes it a point to have everything and have it with high quality at the same time. Their pro-MMA groin protector is truly a solid choice to keep you safe!
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Style-wise, this MMA groin protector is also a jock-strap type of cup. However, it features a modern and much more advanced design than your regular jockstrap. First of all the waistband is pretty wide and elastic, allowing you to fit in tight. It works by way of an EZ loop system making it easily adjustable. The straps are also elastic but considerably thinner than the waistband, allowing a snug fit. The cup itself is a steel cup, engulfed in Maya hide. This makes it perfect for wearing underneath your shorts. It is somewhat bulkier than the previous one, but also softer. Offers incredible shock absorption and complete protection. There’s also an option to remove the cup, which I doubt you’ll use. Comes in black, and sizes small-extra large.
As far as minimalism goes, groin protectors don’t get any simpler than this one. Muller’s FlexShield is for people who care about protection and comfort during performance. As such, the design is incredible, at least in terms of key groin protector characteristics. When it comes to aesthetics, it is plain, if we’re being honest.
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So far, I haven’t heard of anyone buying an MMA groin protector for the look of it. After all, it’s the protective qualities we’re after, particularly with protectors that go underneath the shorts. The Muller FlesSHield comes in white color, and in a jockstrap system. The cup is removable, and polycarbonate. It is specially designed to provide extreme comfort and shock absorption at the same time. Rubber edges ensure bot has a tight fit and no discomfort during impact. There’s a built-in ventilation system and the fabric has moisture-wicking properties. Comes in sizes S-XL and has the best price in our best MMA groin protectors guide.
Opposite brands that tend to have a wide array of MMA gear, Shock Doctor are specialists. Their forte is protective gear, featuring anything from mouthguards to groin protectors. Their contribution to our best MMA groin protectors guide comes in the form of compression thighs with an embedded cup.
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Shock Doctor’s Groin Protector Compression Shorts are made of synthetic material. They come in a black and white version, and the cup is fully removable. It fits into an X-pocket cup retention system that ensures a snug fit. It also places the cup in a very natural position. Wearing thighs ensures maximum mobility and comfort, while also helping with moisture. They’re perfect to wear undershorts or a Gi. A four-way stretch fabric also guarantees a complete range of motion without restrictions. This groin protector comes in more than a dozen sizes, including adult and boys. Everything from XXS – XXL is available.
Another RDX entry here, simply because they’re that good! it is not that we couldn’t choose between the previous one and this one. On the contrary, we just wanted to offer a variety, and RDX provided. The Jockstrap Abdo groin protector is the only product in our best MMA protectors guide that goes on top of your shorts.
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The only limitation of this protector is that you can’t wear it in competition. Furthermore, it may be uncomfortable to wear for grappling too. In terms of protection for sparring, you won’t find a better and more comfortable cup to wear. The fact that it goes over the shorts means you won’t get any marks regardless of the strength of impact. Once again it is Maya Hide that ensures durability and comfort. There’s Supremo Foam technology ensures that impact absorption is dissipated all over. It provides protection for not just the groin area, but also the abdomen and kidneys. There’s a cup compartment that allows you to use additional cups if you so desire. Available in black and red, and sizes small to extra large.
Another option for groin protector fitted compression thighs. This particular groin protector is the first choice of plenty of world champion fighters. This one is actually both, given that it has a jockstrap system for the cup that fits inside the compression thighs. Perfect for every occasion!
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The thighs are made from military-grade elastic and premium spandex. There’s a four strap system designed especially to help hold a cup that fits in a tailored pocket. This guarantees no movement of the cup in any direction, vertical or horizontal. There’s also a drawstring to ensure maximal adjustment. A co-molded elastomer design with a polycarbonate core makes this cup one of the very best MMA groin protectors ever put together. Protection extends to the muscles and nerves in the groin area as well. Approved by doctors and urologists, available in black and ranging from small to XXL in both adult and boys sizes.
Rounding off our best MMA groin protectors list is another Shock Doctor product. This time, for variety’s sake, it is a jockstrap type of protector. Once again, Shock Doctor offers a high-quality product that’s hard to beat by any rivals. Moreover, the price for such a premium grade cup is unbelievable! If it means anything, this one is my personal preferred choice.
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This advanced MMA groin protector offers ultra shock absorption, thanks to an Ultra Carbon Flex Cup. What this product brings to the table is multi-staged impact protection. The groin protector works by transferring shock away from vital areas, not causing the slightest discomfort along the way. Comfort is guaranteed by orbital gel pads and a patented flex curve design. The X-fit system provides an exterior supporter to further increase shock absorption. Four-way stretch material on the straps and waistband offers a great fit and perfect adjustments. A Vented front panel, moisture-wicking properties, and lining that provides odor retention. Available in black, S to XXL.
Finally, a word or two on competition rules. First of all, make sure you always wear a cup when fighting. If it is MMA, then there’s absolutely no exception to the rule. A misplaced shot to the groin can cost you your fight, cause an injury, and have long term effects.
That said, you need to be aware of competition rules in sense of which types of groin protectors are allowed. For starters, protectors that go over the shorts are a no-go under virtually all sports commissions. Furthermore, compression thighs might also be incompatible. Wearing them under your shorts might not be an option due to endorsement issues. As such, jockstrap cups that are not visible are the best option to consider when fighting MMA.
For all you fighters out there that also like to grapple, cups tend to be a controversial subject in that community. Some organizations, like the IBJJF, completely ban the use of any type of groin protector in competition. You can wear them in training and certain grappling tournaments, but be careful because they can place pressure on your opponent’s spine or other areas.
There’s absolutely no reason not to wear a cup if you train contact martial arts. Above you’ll find different types of groin protectors that you can use under any conditions in MMA. Moreover, they are all a part of the elite, hence they’re the very best MMA groin protectors you can get in 2021. Go for what fits your need the most and remember to always check the size charts before ordering. Stay safe!
BJJ Armbars, who doesn’t love them? They’re one of the most utilized BJJ moves among both beginner and elite level grapplers. Armbars are effective, easy to understand and readily available. As such, they’re the perfect combat sport submission. They transcend the boundaries of sports, as they’re applicable at the highest level of any martial arts competition. As such, we see them on a regular basis in MMA, Judo, BJJ, Sambo and many other martial arts. However, getting the armbar is where the real art is. OF course, you can pressure an opponent from S-mount for ages, or packed them up tightly form the closed guard. or, you could go for the attractive and flashy, but just as effective. This is exactly what we’ll focus on today.
The armbar is one of the oldest submissions known to man. There’s no known original date, nor a person that can be credited to discovering this move. In one form or another, it is a part of many ancient sports, whether it is wrestling or Jiu-Jitsu. The Juji Gatame is effective, tight, open up further transitions and can be set up from virtually anywhere. Defenses are plentiful, but not all of them are effective. That is exactly why high-level grapplers defend the armbar before an opponent can settle in. This makes entries the crucial part of ensuring you get a tap via BJJ armbars. Let’s explore some outside-of-the-box options today.
The armbar is one of the most beautiful submissions you can get. It is an embodiment of the utmost principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. First up, you are using your whole body to isolate a single body part of your opponent. this means that it is leverage and mechanics that matter, rather than strength. Furthermore, BJJ armbars are highly technical moves, particularly the way you enter into the final position.
The armbar works quite easily – it hyperextends the elbow joint. Basically, it forces the elbow to bend in a direction opposite of its natural bending direction. Of course, significant damage accompanies this unnatural movement. Once you consider that it is your entire body forcing pressure on the arm, which is a weak limb at best, you can see why som any fighters prefer it.
However, BJJ armbars all suffer from the same issue that always accompanies high-percentage moves – elaborate counters. The more certain moves work, the more people find ways to deal with them. And, as prevention is better than the cure, people look to block entries to an armbar whenever possible. Getting innovative in that department often makes all the difference in terms of succeeding with the Juji Gatame.
Looking for more armbar option? “50 Shades Of Armbar” is a Renato Canuto DVD that is the answer to all your questions. It literally contains nothing but armbars upon armbars. Moreover, it is one of the world’s best armbar specialists that does the demonstrating. Get it!
BJJ armbars are always going to feature in any MMA or grappling competition you see. At the very least, there is at least one armbar finish in each of them, often more. However, it is those armbar setups that are outside of the “expected” ones that catch the eye. In fact, they not only catch the eye but more often than not, catch the opponent as well. I personally have a few up my sleeve, so, with some more research and consults, I came up with the following list of high percentage unexpected BJJ armbars:
This crazy version works from both turtle and side control. The first step is to make the opponent face away from you and be on their shoulder. How you get there is down to you and your preferences. The most important part of this armbar is trapping the arm.
Namely, when you’re behind the opponent you want to use your own bottom arm to trap the bottom arm of the opponent underneath them. Aim for an elbow grip with it and reinforce it with the other arm by sneaking it between the legs and grabbing the wrist. Now, get both your feet as near to your opponent as possible and just do a deadlift. As the opponent inevitably spins, let go of the wrist and you’ll end up with a deep armbar grip and a very confused opponent. One of the best BJJ armbars that I’ve ever done.
Do you know how you get up with your arm over the same side shoulder that you’re going to sweep to with the hip bump sweep? Well, it is time for a double surprise. Not only will you not sweep, but you’ll also set up one of the nastiest BJJ armbars ever!
As you get up for the hip bump sweep, throw your arm over the near side shoulder instead. Essentially, you’re looking for a collar tie here. As you do, trap the arm on the same side by throwing your leg as high up the opponent’s back as possible. Ideally, it is going to be parallel to their shoulders line. Here’s the tricky part. At this point, you’ll need both your arms on the floor behind you. The goal is to swing your opposite side leg over and behind the opponent’s head. This is the initial acceleration that’ll allow you to turn to the side and grab the arm as you spin around your own axis. The end result is a Gordon Ryan like armbar position that’s impossible to get out of.
There’s no way I can do a crazy BJJ armbars article and not include a flying armbar setup. Still, while we’re on the subject of outside-the-box setups, let’s tweak this one as well. There’s hardly anything more attractive than flying submissions, and flying armbars are most definitely on top of that list.
To make sure that you do not land on your back, you need to know how to anchor yourself to your opponent before you go flying. Doing this in the GI certainly increases your chances of success, due to the better anchor points. The grips you have here must include a tight triceps sleeve grip and a collar grip. You need to use both to actually climb up your opponent before you go flying. So pull yourself in and as you jump upwards, aim to place a foot on their hip. This will help propel you further so you can swing a leg over the head even on a fully upright opponent. Now you can let gravity do the trick and tighten everything up as the opponent is being pulled to the ground.
One of my all-time favorites when it comes to BJJ armbars. Gi or No-Gi, this one works like a charm. the condition? Double wrist or sleeve grips. Without them, do not even think about attempting a helicopter armbar.
From any guard variation, once you have double wrist/sleeve grips and both your feet on the hips, you can work. Use the grips to pull the opponent as high overhead as possible, and bend your knees towards your shoulders. The goal is to get the opponent’s hips over yours while lifting their feet off the ground. This is the point where you have to decide the direction. You need to cross one arm across the opponent’s body. This opens up an attack on the other arm. Simply kick the hip on the side of the crossed arm upwards and extract your foot from underneath the opposite hip. This will cause your opponent to twist and lend directly in a tight armbar.
You can hit this one either from a half guard pull, or any half guard variation. All you need is to make sure you have an underhook, or a way out the back door. Essentially, any back attack from the bottom half guard is going to open up BJJ armbars for you if you know they’re there.
Once you’re behind your opponent, You don’t settle for hooks, but rather throw your leg all the way around, so that it comes over the opponent’s head. From here, you have two options. With the Gi, you should be holding the same side lapel grip from the very first moment you start the move. In No Gi, this is the moment you get a deep armbar grip. Now, just sit back and enjoy your armbar.
Let’s end with the armbar that has the coolest name of the bunch. Don’t let it deter you, though as it is crazy effective. It is not an entry per se, but arguably the best, and completely unexpected way fo braking through even the most powerful opponent’s grips.
You need to start in the regular top armbar attacking position, you know, the one you get to from mount. The most common problem here is an opponent holding onto their grip for dear life. Wit ha strong opponent, breaking the grip can be a real hassle. So what you do is grab a spiderweb and tilt toward the opponent’s legs. As you fall, you can expect their upper body to follow. The moment your shoulder touches the ground, the leg you have over the opponents head should open to the outside. Much like a dog’s leg when peeing, hence the name. To make sure you break the grip you need to shake your leg back and forth to place pressure on the head. This puts a strain on the grip and it inevitably breaks, regardless of how strong an opponent might be.
It doesn’t matter if you like BJJ armbars or not. You’ll do them regardless as they pop up even when you’re not setting them up. So, why not have a few crazy aces up your sleeve for when such an occasion arises? All of the above options work, albeit some better for certain people than others. Find the ones that fit your game and start going for the attractive!
Best BJJ Finger Braces vs. Finger Tape – Reviews And Guide 2020
The forgotten tools of learning nowadays seem to be the books. Yes, it does sound unbelievable, but people tend to learn more from screens than actual books. And by screens, I mean alternative methods like videos or presentations since I consider E-books to be just as good as paperbacks. That said, there’s a lot you can learn from books that no amount of other learning methods can teach you. And yes, that includes training live or watching instructionals, when it comes to martial arts. So, if you want to know which the Best MMA Books 2021 is, take a look at our categorized guide. Full in-depth reviews on every title are available!
Learning martial arts from books has always been seen as an ineffective method. IN all honesty. There’s no way you can learn martial art from a book. However, the same holds true for instructional videos and other sources other than live training as well. There’s a reason why all these tools are accessory learning tools. Still, being an accessory doesn’t mean they’re not essential at the same time as well. Sure, you can learn MMA just by training hard, but using books and other tools can help you increase the amount of specific knowledge on the subject. Moreover, they can give you a perspective you can’t gain from training alone. Our best MMA book research focuses on bringing you the very best reading material you can get your hands on. At least for now!
Of course, there’s no way to put every book on the subject of MMA in a clear category. That notwithstanding, as martial artists, we do like to categorize and name just about everything we can. So, in that sense, we did our best to divide the best MMA books 2021 guide into three major categories. Those are technical books, strength and conditioning books, and biographical books. All three types have a huge role in learning the complex art of MMA. So, we included all of them in our guide, with detailed reviews, of course.
Technical MMA books are pretty much self-explanatory. These are books on Mixed Martial Arts as a whole or addressing one of the core areas. Not available as soon as a decade ago, these books are a cornerstone of a successful MMA career. Technical books teach you the ins and outs of training MMA, in terms of striking, grappling, offense, defense, tactics, and putting it all together. While you can’t learn techniques without giving them a try you sure can get some ideas and perspectives from technical MMA books!
Biographical MMA books are a real hidden source of knowledge. Choosing to read about the life of a UFC world champion is definitely going to aid in your own MMA journey. After all, you don’t just get inside information, but also their thoughts on everything, from mindset to strategy. Moreover, you learn about their struggles and mistakes, so you do not fall into the same traps.
Finally, there’s the subject of being in shape to fight in the first place. Strength and conditioning training for MMA evolves in leaps and bounds with every passing year. This year’s top developments are included in our detailed guide.
As previously mentioned, we use categorization to make our best MMA books 2021 guide more organized and accessible. Each category has very specific titles that have shown to be the very best in their respective areas. After all, it is not only down to us, but reviews from readers worldwide. Plus, all the authors are renowned and bring highly specific expertise in their work. Remember that if you want to really learn, and more importantly, understand MMA, you need to use all sources at your disposal. Books are just one fraction of the learning tools, but they’re an irreplaceable one as such!
Technical MMA books are an absolute must. training in the gym is all about innovation and finding your style. Books, on the other hand, outline what’s been proven to work, and how it all works. That said, your innovation in the gym should be fueled by the past experiences of renowned MMA authors. This is a foolproof system of learning the very intricate and extremely complex system that is Mixed Martial Arts. Our choices in the best MMA books 2021 guide offer you both MMA books, as well as titles on specific areas of the sport. Accordingly, you can choose exactly what you’re interested in, what you lack in your game, or would love to further explore.
Let’s not waste any time and start off with a real bang here. MMA Training: The Ultimate Beginners Guide is the one resource everyone should have, including pro fighters. To put it bluntly, unless you’re a UFC champion or contender, you can definitely learn a lot from this book. In terms of availability, you can go for a paperback, a Kindle version, or an audiobook, if you really do not like to read.
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John Renegade sure knows what he’s writing about. The best thing about this book is that it is intended for complete beginners. So, even if you’re completely new to MMA, this book offers the blueprint on how to start, advance, and progress in this versatile sport. MMA Training; The Ultimate Beginners Guide has things laid out in a very methodical fashion. It starts at the very beginning, at the reasons people have to choose to fight as a profession. The benefits of studying MMA, as well as the history of the sport are also included. In the technical portion, a key chapter for this book is one on MMA vocabulary and nomenclature. There’s a perfect balance between the information on the stand-up and grappling portions.
There’s also an in-depth analysis of all the fighting styles involved in MMA. Some drills round off the experience, along with keynotes on how to put together a successful and progressive game.
What can I say about this one apart from “an absolute classic”. Eddie Bravo is one of the craziest people in grappling, but also one of the most knowledgable about the sport. AS such, he is the only person to recognize the need for MMA-specific Jiu-Jitsu and work on that for decades. In this groundbreaking title, Bravo offers an incredible insight into one of his deadliest positions – the Twister.
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The Twister is a move that has been proven to work at the highest levels of MMA, both positionally and as a submission. While this is not a brand new title, it is still one of the best MMA books. In it, Bravo starts by explaining his take on Jiu-Jitsu for MMA and goes over a lot of his nomenclature. He also outlines the history of the Twister, a move he borrowed from wrestling and spent a lifetime fine-tuning. But this book is not just about Twiter. There are also chapters that explain the mount and back control, as well as las a system to tie them all together. In fact, Bravo demonstrates how the Twister is the perfect tool to connect all your top positions in grappling for MMA.
Unlike most Jiu-Jitsu books and instructions out there, Bravo spends a lot of time discussing potential striking options, both offensive and defensive. A must-have for anyone doing MMA, pro, or amateur! Available in paperback.
Another guide on starting MMA, albeit this time a bit more advanced. This one is as in-depth of a guide as you can get. It covers absolutely everything you need to know about MMA. The information here is applicable both to complete beginners and experienced fighters as well. The author is Jeff McCall and the book is available in both paperback and Kindle. I’d recommend the Kindle version. Click to read more and find out why.
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There’s a great structure to this book which makes it a particularly good learning tool. It starts off with an introduction to MMA and reasons to train. The guide also covers every little thing about starting, including choosing an MMA gym, which is of paramount importance. Moreover, there are some great guidelines on figuring out if you’re in a McDojo or a legitimate gym with a legitimate instructor. Technically speaking, there’s is a ton of info on some of the basics of striking, takedowns ground fighting, and cage work. Moreover, there are chapters on tactics for safe and efficient sparring, a full fight prep outline, and even some weight-cutting tips. However, the absolute best part about this book is in its technical wealth – there are accompanying videos for every technique discussed in the book!
This is a book you might not really consider buying when browsing through our best MMA books 2021 guide. That would be a huge mistake. If there’s one to consider in our best MMA books 2021 guide, it has to be this one. Granted, it is different than most others on this list, but it also provides you with something other books do not. Available in paperback only, which is perfect for this type of book.
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This book is not one for a complete beginner. If you are deep into the world of MMA though, or an MMA coach, then it is mandatory literature. Frédéric Delavier, the author, has an extensive formal background in anatomy and dissection. he is also a champion powerlifter and an avid martial arts practitioner. The book is going to teach you how to deliver the most crushing punches and strikes without the need of developing crazy strength or explosiveness. Instead, the focus is on leverage, and how understanding human anatomy can help you maximize it. This includes grappling exchanges as well, where leverage is king. There are over 230 photographs and more than 120 exercises that make this book an invaluable source of MMA information. A real bonus is a portion of injury prevention and recovery.
Yeah, this one sounds like it is a mock book. One look at the author is going to tell you otherwise. Fran Shamrock is an absolute MMA legend, and we’re all nothing more than dummies compared to him in terms of MMA. Although about a decade old, this book is still one of the best MMA books 2021 has to offer. Paperback only, old school like Shamrock himself!
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Learning from a UFC legend and one of the pioneers of MMA is always a top choice. This Frank Shamrock book is the sum of a very rich career in fighting. This is a full-color guide to mastering the toughest fighting sport in the world! Chapters start with MMA basics that serve as an introduction to the sport and its styles. Frank doesn’t waste much space and goes straight into training preparation and how to organize your camps. there’s a huge amount of key info on striking, all based on Frank’s vast experience. In fact, this book could help people in striking only sports, let alone those in MMA. The grappling portion is no fluke either, with some key MMA-specific tactics that solve common issues. The final portion addresses building a game plan and training to become solid all over.
Catch wrestling? How can that old stuff help you with MMA? You’d be surprised, let me tell you that! Catch wrestling is the original submission based martial art. As such it still has a lot to offer to any kind of grappling or combat sport. In fact, there’s hardly a better art to understand weight distribution for pinning and quick and very painful submission holds.
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In essence, catch wrestling is a mixture of different grappling martial arts, similar to what MMA is. However, catch specializes in takedowns and ground combat. This book really lays it all out, from the beginnings of catch to its evolution today. It explores all the different aspects in which catch wrestling changed the world of grappling and mixed martial arts. From a technical standpoint, there is a huge section, mostly focused on submissions, and with video material to make each one crystal clear. There are so many keynotes on how to train, spar, and incorporate catch wrestling into your grappling game for MMA. It is written by Jeff McCall, the same author of “Beginning MMA: The Ultimate Guide”. In fact, getting both of them is a huge leap forward in anyone’s game. Paperback and Kindle versions are available. Certainly, one of the best MMA books 2021 has on offer!
Strength and conditioning for MMA is a subject that’s hard to pinpoint. It is a new training modality that’s an integral part of a new full-contact combat sport. As such its importance is more than obvious. However, it is just as obvious that it is notoriously hard to pinpoint the most efficient ways in which you can prepare. Unlike football or baseball, which have had decades to fine-tune their strength and conditioning needs, MMA had only a fraction of the time. Luckily, there are some people out there that really put in the work. We really dug deep to find the few titles that deserve to be in our best MMA books 2021 guide.
Martin Rooney is a strength coach that spent years traveling the world and learning martial arts. However, apart from martial arts, he also studied the ways in which champions of each of those arts train to get in shape. Then, he came back and designed the “Training for Warriors” system. A whole host of pro-MMA fighters have been using the system, including UFC veteran and former champion Frankie Edgar. Here’s the book that outlines the complete system.
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“Training For Warriors” is really the ultimate guide to strength and conditioning for combat sports. Rooney first covers the basic requirements of MMA. After you get an understanding of what you lack, he takes you through the ways in which people train for different martial arts These include everything, from Judo and Karate to Muay Thai and BJJ. This takes up around a third of the book. Exercises, with a huge amount of color photographs, make up the second third of the book. This brings us to the invaluable final third – the programs. Here, you get no less than three 12 week camps, each geared towards making you a machine in the octagon/cage. However, if you do not like the programs, you’re free to build your own, using the principles of the system outlined before. Available in Kindle and paperback.
Another title that sheds some much-needed light on the mystery is MMA conditioning. Loren Landow is a man that knows pretty much everything about strength and conditioning. He is also one that doesn’t like to use medical and difficult methodology when explaining how to lift weights and run for MMA. This is the simplest, yet incredibly effective addition in this portion of our best MMA books 2021 guide.
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There are over 120 exercises in this book, all aimed at making you extremely efficient in the cage. A huge benefit of Landow’s approach is that he likes to train everything together, like in camp. As such, he has a big focus on explosiveness, as you can see in the book. Another great thing about this book is that there is not a ready-made program. Instead, you’ll need to follow extremely easy guidelines and build your own. Everything you need is in the book, so you’ll only need minutes to put together a plan after you’re done reading it. Available in Kindle and paperback.
Do you know what the most important aspect of fighting is? It is not a technique, nor the ability to go hard for five rounds. It all comes down to how strong your mind and willpower are. And those are both trainable qualities if you have the appropriate tools. With that in mind (pun intended) we include the “Mental Toughness For Peak Performance” manual in our best MMA books 2021 guide.
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This manual is unlike most things you’ve read. This is a real practical way of developing and training mental toughness for fighting. The author, J. Barnes is renowned in the field of strength and conditioning and sports psychology. This is not a self-help or self-development book full of motivational quotes. It is all about the proven methods that you can immediately apply to your MMA training. The method consists of 7 keys that guarantee a superior mental attitude for competitive sports. There are numerous examples and a complete system based on the methodology in the book. it is easy to use and implement and even has some exciting bonus material! Comes in Kindle and/or paperback versions.
Finally, we arrive at the last category in our best MMA books in 2021. These are books that most people won’t consider helpful for their MMA quest. They do not offer anything very technical or in terms of getting in fighting shape. or so you think. Books written by professional fighters are actually complete guides to the world of MMA fighting. They’ll teach you not only how to train and fight, but how to cope with life and common issues that arise from the MMA lifestyle. And we got nothing but the best below:
Georges St. Pierre. What can I say more? He is a true legend of the sport, and one of the few to retire while holding on to a championship belt. Two, in fact. GSP is one of the smartest tacticians and one of the most technical fighters to ever fight in MMA. His legacy as a GOAT contender is going to last forever. thankfully, he also has a book where he shares everything that accompanied his rise to the very top of MMA. Normally, his book is in the best MMA books for 2021.
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“The Way Of Fight” is a title most befitting for a GSP book. He has always been big on the traditional martial arts approach, with lots of respect. He is also a big fan of martial arts philosophy, which was apparent in his fighting style. The book is all about the lessons Georges his approach is really unique. Through five chapters, he outlines his entire life. Appropriately, the chapters look into his standing game, transition, and ground game, respectively. Finally, there’s the champion mindset and approach to making it all work together. Available in plenty of formats, including paperback, hardcover, Kindle and as an audiobook.
The quintessential face of women’s MMA is without a doubt, Ronda Rousey. “Rowdy” is the one main reason why women’s MMA is right up there with the men’s. She had one of the most amazing championship runs across two huge MMA promotions, Strikeforce and the UFC. She also had a huge fall of grace in the most brutal way ever. Exactly the person you want guiding you through your MMA journey.
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Let’s be honest, we could never do the best MMA book guide without including Ronda’s autobiography. She is the one person that has crazy lessons to teach us all. She’s been in martial arts her whole life, from a Judo Olympian to a legendary UFC champion and now a WWE mainstay. Her story is written similarly to GSP’s in terms of life and sport lessons learned throughout the years. However, in this book, Ronda’s unique personality is apparent throughout. I’ve got to admit every chapter, from her reasons for fighting to deal with loss and her hard-learned lessons on people and trust are captivating. This is one of those books you won’t be able to put down. And, it’ll teach you stuff about MMA you can’t learn in any gym. Available in virtually every format: paperback, hardcopy, Kindle, Audiobook, Audio CD…
Our final entry in the best MMA books of 2021 is a different one from anything listed above. This is not surprising, as the person behind it is also as different from anyone as it is imaginable. The people’s champion, and original bad boy Chael Sonnen, as usual, has lots to say. This time, though, he does it in written form.
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Chael is one of the most entertaining and charismatic characters to ever grace the UFC octagon. We all know how eloquent Chael is, so reading his book is a real enjoyment. This book is about tales of Chael’s MMA experiences, from fighting, winning and losing, to training, dealing with different people, and discovering support. This book is not just a guide to MMA – it is a guide to life, and a good one at that. Granted, Chael is unusual but he is extremely smart nonetheless and has plenty of solid points throughout. Everything from early life to recent USADA trouble and steroid use is laid bare in this book. The man behind some of the most exciting fights in UFC history can teach you everything about MMA. All you have to do is read, in either Kindle or hardcover.
But why stop there? If we’re truly after the best MMA books have for us, let’s explore one more category – strategy. I know that most fighters tend to discuss strategy with their coaches and let them do the tactical thinking. However, why not have a strategy of your own? Why not learn the different battle strategies of legendary warriors and use them to devise your very own game plan? then you can just use coaches to help you adjust it to specific opponents. To that extent, we have a couple of timeless classics to help you with the strategic portion of MMA:
By some, this is thought to be the ultimate strategy book for warriors ever written. Miyamoto Musashi was a legendary Samurai who did something quite unusual for the time – wrote a lot. Thankfully, his work survived and is now one of the most sought after books for warriors. Of course, it has a special spot in our best MMA books.
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The book, available in Kindle, hardcopy, and audiobook format is written in a very unique manner. Since the samurai based most of their fighting effort on swordsmanship, the book is also all about wielding the katana. However, the principles inside are applicable to any sort of warfare or martial arts, for that matter. There is a total of five chapters, each covering a huge aspect of the philosophy of war. The chapters are named Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Emptiness chapter. All n all, this book is going to transform your life, particularly if you are an MMA or BJJ fighter.
Another real classic of Asian literature. While “The Book Of Five Rings” is of Japanese descent, Sun Tzu’s work represents neighboring China. IN that sense, the book is all about military strategy. it may sound completely out of place for martial arts, but you have to remember that at the time, warfare was all about chest-to-chest combat. The strategies in this book are still the subject of study for all military strategists and many MMA fighters today.
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Sun Tzu’s take is a deeply philosophical one, written in the 6th century. It has 13 chapters in total each covering a different aspect of warfare. This book is considered to be the oldest one on the subject in the world. The book follows a progressive pattern, covering things from the very beginning – how to lay plans for battle. It goes further to explore how to wage war, how to maneuver and most importantly, how to outsmart your opponents. It is perfect for MMA fighters that are coming up with both a general and specific game plan.
In this modern-day and age of digital learning and technology, people do need a reminder on how to use books. We wouldn’t really have the best MMA books 2021 guide if we didn’t include a few pointers on how to use martial arts books to actually improve at martial arts.
First of all, forget about learning new techniques from books. Even from technical books, what you’ll learn are details and, more importantly, the application of technique. Video instructionals show you things in context, and it often restricts people to just those aspects. Seeing something in a book gives you the option to think, and figure out how and where it fits your plan. This is a much better way of acquiring knowledge than just copying moves.
Moreover, reading causes you to use your brain more and fill in the gaps when photos are not included. In terms of strategy, or understanding techniques or conditioning, this is irreplaceable. It also boosts your creativity and remains in your memory for much longer. this information is then easier to access under duress than recalling moves you’re trying to copy.
Finally, we arrive at the conclusion of our best MMA books. If you manage to get each title in the guide, you’ll not only have the best MMA library ever but you’ll also be set for life. All the books above have something different and valuable to offer every fighter that’s interested. In case you need a system for using them, start by acquiring one title from each category first. That way, you’ll get well-rounded knowledge, plus you’ll figure out where you need to develop further the most.
One big pain of BJJ practitioners is how expensive training and competition gear is. Gis often cost well in advance of $100, rashguards below $50 are very hard to find and don’t even get me talking about backpacks and other gear. Combined with transportation, membership, and potentially competition fees, BJJ turns into one expensive hobby/addiction! Luckily, you don’t have to go shopping for the flashiest item that pops up on your screen. Instead, you can opt to do some smart gear shopping and still get premium quality and modern designs. Today, we’ll be looking at some cheap BJJ rashguards that are top deals for 2020!
Nope, you don’t have to wait for Black Friday before you can afford a new rashguard or two for yourself. If you’re on the hunt for that brand new designer rashguard, then, by all means, feel free to wait or spend big. If, however, you need good solid rashguards to train and compete in, we’ve got you covered. Our guide today is aimed at figuring out which cheap BJ Jraqshguards are worth your time and money. It is not hard finding affordable and cheap gear, it’s hard finding cheap gear that lasts and does what it is supposed to. Well, we did some extensive testing and came up with a conclusion as far as rashguards are concerned. Any and all of the following 6 options will more than fulfill any expectations you might have from a BJJ rashguard at a fraction of the price!
Okay, by now I expect everyone is completely on board with the whole BJJ rashguards thing. After all, they do serve more practical reasons than even the Gi itself. All right, perhaps I’m biased towards No-Gi, but that doesn’t mean I don’t train with the Gi. Still, even with Gi training, a rashguard is a must. Put simply, it’s the first thing I pack before I go to BJJ or hit the road or weights.
That said, there are some glaringly obvious reasons why you absolutely need to own a rashguard or two as a grappler. The most obvious one is protection. This one extends to much more than just protecting your body from unwanted rashes due to grappling. It also means protection against common germs, most of the bacterial and fungal varieties. It also serves as the perfect barrier to keep the sweat and other fluids from other people you roll with off of your skin. One No-Gi session in hot weather and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
On the subject of protection, there’s one aspect most people never consider. namely, a solid rashguard protects your Gi as well, due to its moisture-wicking properties. If you want your expensive Gi to last you way longer, than any of our cheap BJJ rashguards are going to help you massively! Speaking of moisture-wicking, the ability to spread moisture over all of their surfaces give rashguards a cooling effect which affects thermoregulation. In simple terms, it’ll keep you cool while you’re training.
Keep in mind that we haven’t even touched on some of the rashguards’ other properties, like performance boosting and hygiene. All rashguards provide much-needed muscle compression that is key to your performance. Anti-odour properties also mean they’ll help you keep a clean gym bag even after working out.
Straight into our cheap BJJ rashguards guide then. First of all, going for budget gear does not mean you have to go for the lowest quality stuff. After all, if you have to buy it all over again in a few months it kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? Therefore, we held quality as our top criteria, along with price, of course. I’ll be honest, getting top quality for a low price is hard, but far from impossible.
Every rashguard that features on our cheap BJJ rashguards list is not only affordable but also provides everything any of the most expensive rashguards would. In certain cases, they might even beat some of them, actually. When we compiled this list we took into account further characteristics likes of moisture-wicking, odor and germ resistance, ease of maintenance, style, and design as well as IBJJF approval. Basically, we got all your regular rashguard bases covered.
In case you’re really looking to get the maximum out of your rashguard and wear it out of the gym we also have options. Namely, most of the rashguards on our list provide high-level UV protection, so that you can run, surf, or do whatever you want outdoors. To sum it all up, we provide you with rashguards that are high-quality, easy to use, and cost the same as an average restaurant meal.
This one is the most expensive edition in our cheap BJJ rashguards guide. Worry not, it won’t set you back more than $30 and that’s with shipping included. That said, for the price you don’t just get a rashguard, you get a Hayabusa rashguard. As far as BJJ and MMA gear goes, Hayabusa is one of the top five brands of all time! Quality is never an issue with them, but prices are usually not that budget-friendly. Apart from this one, that is!
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First of all, what you get with this rashguard is a really cool design. It is a long-sleeved rashguard, available in both black and white. But that’s just the base color. Hayabusa’s recognizable logo is featured on the upper left front corner. Moreover, diagonal stripes in three colors run across the front area. The area between your torso and arms is red, and there’s the Hayabusa logo with the brand name on the back. Sizes range from extra small to 3 XL. the fabric is a special Hayabusa blend with high tensile strength. This means it can stretch in all directions without ripping or getting damaged. Stitching is smooth to prevent chafing and all the art is sublimated and won’t fade. Maximal protection and compression. Washing machine friendly and quick to dry after washing. This one is our official pick from the bunch!
Here we go with my personal favorite, a real standout among the cheap BJJ rashguards of 2020. I love the design of this as it is simple, yet elegant. It is a long sleeve rashguard coming in a multitude of colors. Moreover, it is one of the cheapest on this list – you can get one for less than $10 and even the most expensive version won’t set you back more than $15. What you get in return is unbelievable.
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Design-wise, the sleeves of the rashguard feature a camouflage pattern with dark shades. At least in my favorite version. This helps keep the rashguard low key while still providing tasteful art and great aesthetics. The material is a specially balanced blend of Polyester (87&) and Spandex (13 %). There are more than 35 versions available. It provides maximal elasticity and an extended range of motion. The material is extremely durable and has non-abrasion properties as well. Also includes moisture-wicking technology along with quick-dry and two-way air circulation. The fit is a really tight one, so if’ you’re in it for a looser fit, get one size larger than you usually wear. However, for grappling purposes, I recommend getting a tight fit. Sizes range from XS to 2XL. The UV protection is a bonus, and well worth it if you like to surf.
Another great quality rashguard with an amazing price here. Anthem Athletics has a really great range of grappling gear that’s not usually on the cheap side. Having a spot in our Cheap BJJ rashguards guide is down to the crazy price tag on this one – just $24! And, while that may cost more than the previous one, what you get in return is also a bit more!
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First of all, design. The Anthem Athletics Ranked Competition rashguard comes in black. IBJJF approved means the base has to be one color, and this time it is black. The sleeves display the rank with starts running the length of the outside of both. Vertical stripes with rank color run the length of the inside of the sleeves and the inside of the ribcage. The middle of the chest has the Anthem athletics brand logo, again in rank color. Of course, designs feature all five ranked colors. Sizes range from XS to 6XL. The material is lightweight, extra strong with moisture-wicking capabilities. The rashguard also features flatlock stitching and multi-panel construction, further increasing its quality. Fits tightly without restricting movement.
Another ranked and IBJJF approved rashguard on our cheap BJJ rashguards list. This time though, it is Elite Sports, a highly renowned sports equipment brand. Also, it is another one that’s a great fit for any combat sport, plus outdoor use. It is particularly good for swimming and surfing and costs only a bargain of $16.
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Once again, ranked and approved. that means you get five color options, and they all come on a black base layer. In fact, if you’re a black belt all you get is a black rashguard with the Elite logo on the front, again in black. The rest is a bit more colorful, coming with rank color on both shoulders, and rank color for the logo. There’s even a red version if a red belt decides to get one. Extremely comfortable and ultra-durable, this rashguard is a polyester and spandex blend. It features antimicrobial and antifungal properties and has high-level sublimated graphics. The compression this rashguard provides is second to none, making it perfect for high performing grapplers. Moreover, it has anti-slip bands at the waist and flatlock stitching all throughout. Moisture-wicking properties are a given, and sizes range from small to XX-large.
The Fanii Quare Soft BJJ rashguard is one of the most comfortable rashguards you’ll ever wear, regardless of price! The brand is not one that is as established as some other in our cheap BJJ rashguards list. However, it does make up for it with quality, particularly with comfort. And, at a price ranging from $10-$17, it is more than worth it.
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While this rashguard is fit for virtually anything (bar official IBJJF competition) it is irreplaceable as an “under-the-Gi-rashguard”. The focus with this one is on comfort and it comes softer and slimmer than any other on the market. Tight-fitting, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, this rashguard is unbelievably durable. it is a Polyester and Spandex blend that is available in over 40 designs! They all come with a black or white trunk, and long sleeves featuring sublimated art. Sizes available start at small, and end at extra-large. It fits extremely tight, maximizing compression. Help keep you cool in hot environments and warm in cold ones.
Finally, as a short-sleeved option among our cheap BJJ rashguards. Personally, I’m not a fan of short sleeve rashguards, but that’s just me. Sanabul’s one is a game-changer though, both in price and quality. Although I use mine mostly for strength and conditioning work, I value it highly. The price? An unbelievable $17-$20 only!
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Sanibel’s Short-Sleeved rashguard comes with IBJJF’s blessing. That means it is a ranked rashguard that limits the color options to 6. Yes, 6 as there’s a red belt option in there again as well. That said, the design is a slick one, with the rank color displayed on the sleeves. Horizontal sleeve stripes of a different shade help pronounce the color further. The material is a special blend that features strategically placed mesh panels. This ensures total antimicrobial protection, as well as extending the rashguard’s lifespan. The mesh helps ventilate air, aiding in thermoregulation. Compression improves blood flow, helped by the special 4-way stretch capabilities. Sizes include everything between XS and XXL. Provides UV protection on top of it all.
This is a burning question in the BJJ community. The thing with ranked rashguards is that they’re the only thing that you can use at the official competition. I know there are plenty of tournaments out there, but most of them follow the rules of the IBJJF/UAEJJF. Those rules dictate that your rashguard needs to be not only ranked but approved by the IBJJF, style-wise. In most cases, that means having a black or white base, with ranking colors on the sleeves and/or front and back. Conversely, ranked rashguards are the only thing allowed to wear under your Gi, and mandatory if you’re competing in No-Gi.
Essentially, if you’re only looking for a training rashguard, you don’t have to choose a ranked one or IBJJF approved one. If you’re training No-Gi, your academy might prefer if you had a ranked rashguard for training as well. If that’s not the case, you can go with just about any design that you want. this is p[recisely why our cheap BJJ rashguards guide includes both options. In No-Gi competition formats that don’t follow IBJJF rules, you can wear whatever you want in terms of rashguards.
As a final piece of advice, make sure you do not trust a ranked rashguard too much when in training. You probably wouldn’t buy the same ranked rashguard for each training day of the week right? Well neither would others, so any visiting grapplers might actually be well above what their rashguards indicate in terms of rank., Don’t be fooled!
This one is down to personal preference more than anything. However, if you train more than a couple of times per week, you need at least a couple of rashguards in your closet. Given how easy they are to wash and dry, you could pull it off with one if you had to. However, constant use along with repeated washing is going to shorten the life of any rashguard, cheap or not. My suggestion is to get one for each BJJ class you go to, at the very least. Ideally, you’d also have separate rashguards for strength and conditioning, but that’s not needed at all.
A great thing about buying cheap BJJ rashguards is that you can buy more of them and still not come close to the price of one of the more expensive ones. Having at least a couple is going to have you covered. Preferably, you need to have separate ones for each session but that’s far from mandatory. Moreover, you do not need to have separate Gi and N-Gi training rashguards.
As a final tip, I’d encourage you to have one “travel” rashguard with you as well. It’s that rashguard that you always have ready to go wherever you go, along with a pair of shorts. that way, you’ll be ready to train whenever you’re on the road. I actually have the TSLA long-sleeved in black (reviewed above) for just that occasion.
I think there’s hardly anything left to say after the above. In order to be completely fair and transparent, I provided the price tag on each rashguard in each respective section. All that’s left now is for you to choose which of the cheap BJJ rashguards you like the most and stock up on it! Or, if you are a variety guy like me, get one of each! That way, you’re covered with long-sleeved, short-sleeved, cool-looking, and even ranked rashguards! The best thing about them is that they’ll last for a long, long time!
If there is one piece of equipment that sets MMA apart from anything else, it is the gloves. Before professional MMA, gloves like that didn’t exist. You either had the 12 oz boxing gloves, or some bag-hitting variation and Karate-style small gloves. But MMA gloves are not just a karate and boxing glove hybrid. A lot of work has gone into designing the optimal gloves for Mixed Martial Arts. After all, you need to be able to do a whole lot of things with them, while also having ample protection for your hands. This is why we compiled a list of the very Best MMA Gloves 2021 has to offer. Time to glove up!
MMA gloves are actually a funny thing. You absolutely need them if you train MMA in any capacity. However, sparring live with them is next to impossible. The fact they’re so small, (usually around 4 oz) means live striking with them has the potential to injure you and/or your opponent. However, they’re essential to preparing for your fight. In that sense, they’re irreplaceable for doing anything else, from hitting pads and bags to grappling with them and doing technical sparring. If you are a pro, nothing but the best MMA gloves 2021 are going to do the trick. If you’re looking to fight in any capacity, amateur or pro, the same holds true. Read on for full reviews.
How will you know if our suggestions really are the best MMA gloves 2021 has to offer? Easy, we’ll take you through the most important characteristics that every pair of MMA gloves needs to have. Knowing what to look for takes a lot of the guesswork out of choosing the best pair(s) for you. Still, instead of having you take time off training to do your research, we did it for you. So just use our best MMA gloves 2021 guide and focus on your next fight!
The material that MMA gloves are made of varies. According to which material is used, you also get significant variations in price and quality. From that aspect, all of our suggestions below are of the utmost quality and best possible price. material wise, you’ll find plenty of choices. The usual ones include leather or synthetic leather. Of course, leather is best, while synthetic leather comes in the form of Polyurethane, Vinyl, and/or Maya. Padding is also something to consider, with foam the best option that provides durability, comfort, and safety.
Size-wise MMA gloves come in plenty of variations. The key is knowing your own size, which is best if you give a pair of gloves a try. However, if you’ve never worn a pair before, consulting size charts is the absolute next best thing you can do. Usual sizes vary between regular, medium, large, and XL. We’ll offer you a guide on how to measure your fist at the end of this article.
The weight of MMA gloves is usually 4 oz, but it can vary between that and 6 oz. While you can’t really choose the weight of gloves you’ll fight in, you can certainly choose your training gloves. The recommendation is that you go with what gives you the most mobility for grappling. However, if you can pull off 6 oz gloves then try and get those, as they’re better for training and sparring.
MMA gloves have come a long way from what we initially saw in the UFc and then, Pride. Even then, there were variations between those two original designs. Today, most popular brands keep finding innovative designs that optimize the performance of MMA loves. All of the supply that’s available, along with constant innovation can really cause a headache as to which the best MMA gloves in 2021 are.
When we did our research, we took all of the above key characteristics in consideration. Not only that, but we got to try out most of the gloves on the list for ourselves. But why stop there. We also got the input of up-and-coming MMA fighters, as well as professional ones. With all that in mind, we’re proud to present you with the truly best MMA gloves 2021 has to offer!
First up, an MMA brand that’s unavoidable. Venum’s stuff is usually all quality, with only the rare hiccup. The Venum undisputed 2.0 MMA gloves are certainly not one of those. In fact, these gloves are the training choice of many MMA world champions, not to mention all other professional fighters. As far as the best MMA gloves 2021 has on offer, these are certainly a contender for the title.
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Why are these among the best MMA gloves in 2021? Well, first of all, they’re all leather. And not just anything, but genuine Nappa leather. They feature a layered design, which allows maximal protection. They’re also the most comfortable gloves in our guide, given that they’re handcrafted. Moreover, The gloves feel soft but are actually really durable. The closure is via an exclusive velcro strap, that’s designed for one-hand pre-positioning. Furthermore, it offers high wrist support, essential for safety. In terms of design, they come in 6 color versions, ranging from black to neo pink. All usual sizes (S-XL) are available as well. 4 oz weight and segmented fingers.
Another brand that’s a mainstay among MMA and BJJ fighters. Hayabusa has some of the best gear out there, and they certainly know how to craft a pair of great MMA gloves. The Tokushu Regenesis gloves are Hayabusa’s latest MMA project, available as 4 oz segmented fingers gloves.
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First up, the material. these MMA gloves are made from engineered leather that’s a signature Hayabusa design. They call it Vylar-2 and it is stronger than regular leather. Moreover, their G fabric features X-Static XT2 anti-microbial technology, meaning no germs or odors can call your gloves home. Straps use a Dual-X Wrist Closure system, patented by Hayabusa. It provides maximum wrist support and allows for optimal power production. the gloves are curved in the upper knuckles for an ergonomic feel. The Y-volar design provides an extremely comfortable fit and delivers maximal stability. Available S-XL and come in gray and black.
If you’re looking for the best MMA gloves 2021 in terms of both price and quality then these are your best option. The RDX T2GL MMA gloves fall under the category of training, AKA grappling gloves. As such, they are 6 oz and feature semi-segmented fingers. A really high-quality pair of MMA gloves!
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The RDX T2GL MMA gloves are made out of 100 % authentic full-grain cowhide leather. On top of that, the stitching is double reinforced to provide additional strength. The material has a microfabric with moisture-wicking properties and great breathability. In terms of padding, there are two extra-thick foam pads. Apart from the usual one on top of the knuckles, there’s additional foam padding over the wrist joint. Furthermore, there’s shock dissipating gel that further reduces stress upon impact. The strap is a quick closure, EZ type of loop closure. Extra wrist support and a really tight fit. There’s also a Nabla-Palm design, optimized for grappling featuring a thumb sheath. Black and golden black colors and all usual sizes are available.
Everlast gloves. Taking into account how successful everlast are at making boxing gloves, it’s no wonder they feature in our best MMA gloves 2021 guide. These are 4 oz regulation gloves, perfect for grappling training, but competition as well. In terms of quality, there’s no need to doubt Everlast gloves, is there?
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Premium synthetic leather is the material of choice for these MMA gloves. The construction of the gloves is such that it guarantees extreme durability and comfort. Plus, they’re highly functional! The padding is also high-tech, featuring the latest foam padding technology. Moreover, there’s a curve to the glove that ensures a tight fit and an optimal ergonomic design. Regardless of how much you sweat, EverDri Technology ensures complete moisture absorption. Straps are Velcro-based, allowing for around-the-wrist wrapping. This guarantees wrist stability and safety. They come in small/medium and large/extra-large sizes. Black and red color designs are also available.
With their brand new pair of MMA training gloves, Sanabul delivers a great piece of training gear. As expected, these training/grappling gloves feature unsegmented fingers and a thumb sheath for extra protection. Despite being training gloves, there are 4 oz gloves, which makes them perfect for fight preparation.
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The Sanabul Essential MMA grappling gloves feature a performance-engineered leather construction. The material is highly breathable, which is a key characteristic of these pairs of gloves. That translates to great comfort and high quality, plus makes them really easy to clean and maintain. The padding is with Durasoft Impact Protection Foam providing unrivaled levels of protection. Hook and loop closure ensures you can put these MMA gloves on even while wearing hand wraps and you’re by yourself. Available in 6 different designs: all black, black/blue, black/green, black/red, metallic copper, and metallic silver. You can get these in sizes small/medium and large/extra large.
Anthem is quickly becoming one of the brands I really turn to, for both BJJ and MMA equipment. These are 4 oz MMA gloves with segmented fingers that fulfill competition regulations. Also a great option for training.
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Once again, the material is leather, this time 100% full-grain cowhide leather of the highest standard. In terms of quality and performance, hardly anything can beat these gloves. They feature triple-density, high-performance PU foam padding for top protection. There’s a Thai-style palm design with a multi-panel construction. The fingers get particular attention, with the focus on maximal protection and mobility. Enhanced palm construction prevents bowing out. The closure is with a wrap-around Velcro, ensuring high wrist protection and stability. Blue, white and red gloves are available, and they come in all the usual MMA glove sizes. Certainly, a pair of the very best MMA gloves 2021 has to offer.
Just when you thought we were over with Venum, they hit again! There’s simply no way to do the best MMA gloves 2021 guides and not include the Venum Challenger MMA gloves! These are competition gloves first and foremost but may double down as grappling loves as well. however, drinking in the gym with them is not recommended!
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These 40z slim-style gloves are certainly designed for maximum damage. they feature single-finger knuckle pads as opposed to the bigger thicker all-knuckle pads that are common. This means that you shouldn’t train to strike with these gloves, at least not live. Apart from that, they’re perfect for pretty much everything else. They are leather, high density, and multi-layered for a perfect fit and maximum performance. The Venum Challenger gloves have extreme shock absorption capabilities. They also ensure wrist stability with their innovative high-wrist Velcro strap system. Available in 5 different colored models and all the usual sizes (S-XL).
the final entry in our best MMA gloves 2021 guide is the Combat Sports Pro MMA gloves. These 5 oz training gloves feature unsegmented fingers and a free thumb. This makes them perfect for grappling training. However, they do meet competitive regulations as well, so you can also fight in them.
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The material of the Combat Sports Pro MMA gloves is durable leather. they’re constructed in a way that guarantees resilience and longevity. The open palm design allows unrestricted grappling capabilities. There’s 3/4 inch foam padding over the knuckles, which offer protection for both you and your training partner. A wrap-around Velcro locking system ensures both easy customization and a tight fit. Colors and designs are plentiful, with a total of 8 different colored models available. In terms of sizes, they come not only in all regular sizes but also in the youth and Junior sizes.
In terms of types of MMA gloves, there are three that stand out the most. Namely, you have the competition MMA gloves, which are usually 4 oz, and down to athletic commission regulations. Due to tot eh fact they’re regulated, you can easily imitate them by buying the same or a model that has the same characteristics. Then, you have MMA training gloves, which do provide more protection and allow you to get used to working with gloves on. Finally, for all-out striking sparring, you have a whole different category of MMA gloves.
Competition MMA gloves are lighter than training gloves. They also have less padding and a tighter fit. Under most rulesets, 4 oz gloves are the norm, although sometimes the 6 oz ones can make an appearance. Finger segments in competition gloves usually have complete separation, allowing for more mobility during grappling exchanges. Usually made from leather with foam padding.
Training MMA gloves are usually a bit larger than competition MMA gloves. They’re also known as grappling gloves, as fighters often wear them during grappling for MMA training. Segmented fingers are preferable, but are not always an option with these. However, they’re usually 6 oz and have much better padding than competition gloves. Great for light sparring, grappling and bag/pads work.
Sparring MMA gloves really do differ from competition gloves, so we didn’t include any in our best MMA gloves 2021 guide. however, we do have a dedicated article covering MMA sparring gloves in detail!
Given that MMA gloves come in different shapes and sizes, you need to know how to precisely measure your palm. This is the first step in choosing the correct size MAM gloves for you, the second would be to choose something from our guide above, and the third to make sure you check out the appropriate size chart.
To measure your palm, first, clench a fist as strong as you can. Then, using any measuring tool at your disposal, measure the distance along the top four knuckles. Continue to include the thumb knuckle and finish below the fist’s curve. It is extremely important you put hand wraps on before you measure your palm if you intend to wear them underneath your MAM gloves.
After measuring, make sure you consult the size chart of the gloves you’re about to purchase. As a rough guide, 7.5 – 8.5 inches mean you’re small/medium and 8.5 – 9.5 inches put you at large. Anything above 9.5 inches will require extra-large gloves.
Whatever your choice of gloves is, you’re certain to get the best MMA gloves 2021 has so far! After this guide, you’ll never wonder which are the best gloves, or what type of gloves you need! Now go grab your training and/or competition gloves and head straight to the gym to give them a go!
There are no two people that use BJJ in exactly the same manner. Even if people like the same techniques and have similar body types, their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game is going to be unique. And this is a part of the attraction of the spot. Not only form the aspect of expressing your individuality but also having a different experience with every roll. Still, when we need to leave the fun and games behind and look to build a competition A game, we need to choose whether we’ll become lethal with one move, or a well-rounded grappler all over. Both approaches work, but which one is the right one for you?
There’s no way to learn everything that BJJ has to offer. Actually, there is no way to learn everything there is even about one specific move. Jiu-Jitsu is constantly in flux, evolving on a daily basis. this means that all new information can’t even get processed, let alone included in your game. After you accept that your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game is never going to be complete, you still need to choose a direction to take it to. We’ve talked about how training for a competition and just going to class differs before. Today, we’ll focus on competing and whether you should choose a specialized approach or a well-rounded one.
Before we move further, let’s make one thing clear. You need to be sound overall before you even think about competing. there’s no point in feeling like a fish out of the water, particularly if you’re not a white belt anymore. That said, your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game can be very forgiving as long as you know what you want out of it.
The finer aspects of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game usually change with time. As you progress you start to watch your priorities. At first, people look for control which is something most beginners struggle with. Further along, they discover counters, followed by submissions. Getting advanced means switching to things like connection, weight distribution, and pressure. Although it seems completely counterintuitive, patience and the art of using angles are stuff people figure out ner black belt. Of course, all of these impact your BJJ game as they come to the forefront.
Tactics and strategy are also a huge part of a competition gameplan. Are you going to go in aggressive or wait? Are you going to bait mistakes or wait for counters? There is an infinite amount of strategies you can employ. However, technically speaking, you’ll still need to discover your approach. While you can be a specialist at one time and a well-rounded grappler at another, you can’t be both at the same time.
There are some clear attractions to building a specialized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game. After all, we do see plenty of people winning lots of fights and championships using one move only. For example, when you think of someone excelling with the Guillotine, you always think Marcelo Garcia. The Miyao and Mendes brothers took De La Riva to a completely different level. Eddie Cummings popularized heel hooks so much that the whole sport of BJJ changed. Mackenzie’Dern’s Chokoplata puts fear in both her grappling and MMA opponents.
Clearly, specializing in something works. The way to achieve it is fairly straight forward. First, you discover a move you really like and fits you best. Then you go deep into it, researching everything you can on the subject. On top of it all, you make drilling a part of daily life. When you decide to be a specialist, you learn how to get your move from everywhere, not only form position people expect. When at a certain point you reach the ability to obviously go for the move and opponent’s know that you’re doing it and can’t do anything about it, you can call yourself a true specialist.
This strategy undoubtedly works if your aim is to be a competitor. What’s more important, you can become a specialist in very little time, if you train regularly. But there’s another way too.
The other option you have is building a well rounded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game. This approach is great for those that like comfort. Here, think more along the lines of Gordon Ryan, Rickson Gracie, Leandro Lo, Cobrinha, etc. They all have the ability to beat world-class opponents at virtually any aspect of the game.
As a well-rounded grappler, you’re methodical and have thought of everything. The whole point of this approach is to have options. You won’t ever over commit to a single move, because you do not base your game on one move alone. Instead, well-rounded grapplers are comfortable both off their back and from the top. they have options from the guard, against the guard, they have attacks, submissions, defenses, counters, and reversals. What’s more important they always have options standing as well, including throws, takedowns, and guard pulls. Whatever happens in a match, there’s a well-trained answer to it. However, it all comes at the expense of your finishing rate.
This approach is great if you like to feel secure every step of the way. It is also less frustrating and more unpredictable. It does, however, take a long time to devise, and an even longer time to really become proficient with it.
Kurt Osiander has one of the best instructionals to turn you into the most complete grappler ever. His “Fundamentals Of A Jiu-Jitsu Renegade” DVD set is crazy, simple and covers just about every aspect of BJJ.
If you ask me, I’d recommend that you start as a well-rounded grappler. Yes, it’ll take more time, and yes, your game will change and require adjustments. However, having a solid foundation to work off is always a good idea. However, once you have your basics down, it is time to turn into a specialist. Choose your area of expertise and focus all your attention on it. As a competitor, this will allow you to have a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game with strong fundamentals to fall back on, while also giving you the finishing powers of a specialist. The drawback here is that building a game like this, requires longer than building any of the two separately.
The best time to start BJJ was 20 years ago. The other best time is now. What this means is that you can always get into BJJ, regardless of age. As adults, we can easily adjust BJJ to fit our advantages and limitations. However, what happens with kids? Surely, there’s has to be an age that is optimal for kids to start Jiu-Jitsu? The answer is yes, there is. However, it is much more complicated than that. Thankfully, Jiu-Jitsu has complete programs and dedicated classes that help little ids become little champions. You can use this article as a guide to determine where your kid fits according to age. From there on, let the coaches handle your kids grappling future!
The earlier the better is not necessarily a good thing when it comes to physical training. Yes, children need to be active, but unlike adults, they require very specific ways of physical engagement. Growth is a natural process that can easily be messed up if you’re not careful. It is not only about the right sport, but more importantly, the right age for your kid to start Jiu-Jitsu. Worry not, the art is perfect for childer of different ages, all you need to know is exactly where they fit, spot you can seek out the best Academy that has a group which fits their age.
In the Gracie Barra affiliate academy I train and teach at, I am one of the coaches in charge of the kid’s group. I’ve been training children for the better part of a decade, so I know and understand what I am doing. As such, I’m also in a great position to notice how children’s development has shifted (negatively, unfortunately) during that time. I’m also in a great position to do something about it, thanks to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
When I was growing up, e spent most of our time outside. I didn’t have a computer at home until I was almost done with primary school. Even then, it was not something that really managed to kept me in. Instead, we climbed trees, rooftops, played ball, ran, sometimes fought, etc. We did what kids are intended to do when growing up – discover how our bodies work. Back then, starting any sport was not hard since we already knew how to move.
Nowadays, kids consider tablets and computers the norm, and going outside to play is the exception. Apart from being unnatural, this really hampers kid’s physical development. It may not be obvious on a daily basis, but if you ask a kid to do something that requires just a tiny bit of coordination, you’ll see what I mean. Ask your kid to do jumping jack and then ask them to do bear crawls or crab walks. If they can do it, you’ve done a great job helping their growth as is intended.
Unfortunately, this is not reality. Kids that come into class have less and less coordination and the ability to move naturally. BJJ is a great way to remedy this, but you can’t do it too early. Age is of crucial importance for kids that start Jiu-Jitsu.
The answer here is not as precise as just offering one number. Instead, it is all about categories. The thing is that if you start your kid too early, you’ll achieve a completely opposite effect. Getting a kid in any physical activity before they’re at least four (preferably five) more often than not causes kids to develop an aversion towards sports in general. At this point in time, they do not have the attention span, nor the necessary bodily coordination to train in something as complex as BJJ. Conversely, you also shouldn’t wait too long either.
Unlike any other martial art, Jiu-Jitsu has a very clear, precise, and efficient system when it comes to kids’ classes. Kids that start Jiu-Jitsu, ideally get the option to start in one of three groups. Children aged 5-7 should be in one group, with classes not exceeding 30 minutes. this is the maximum amount of time they can stay interested and walk away with knowledge they can retain. Kids between 8-12 need a group of their own. 45 – 60 minutes is the sweet spot here, and classes have different focus points than those for younger children. Finally, teenagers younger than 16 also need their own group, as they’re not really kids anymore, but aren’t exactly adults either. Once again, classes need to reflect on their mental and physical needs.
Most BJJ academies do offer all of these options. As long as your kid fits the minimum age requirement and wants to keep going after a few classes, you’ve hit the jackpot! If such classes are not available, it may be better to wait until the kid is older than to force them into a class not fit for their age. Or, you could consider enrolling the min mixed-age group under certain conditions.
Mixed-age kids BJJ classes can also be an effective option. Of course, having a kid start Jiu-JItsu in a class specific to their age is always the best idea. however, if that’s not available, academies often offer kids classes that include children aged 4-12. This is a huge difference in age. A kid of 4 and a kid of 12 do not have nearly the same cognitive or physical abilities. However, there’s a way to make such classes work.
Тhis is where instructors come in. First up, you need skilled and possibly, certified instructors. However, experience working with kids is much more important than any certificate. Next up, if any mixed age group is to work, it has to feature at the very least three, and possibly more instructors. Essentially it should come down to at least one instructor per age category.
In such an instance, mixed-age groups can work really well. Older kids get to act as role models and younger kids get to see what lies ahead. They can do the warm-up and general movement together and divide into specific groups later on. It is a tried and tested way that yields results. In fact, it is the only way of making a mixed age group works.
The most important thing to remember is that your kids need to start Jiu-Jitsu. At which point, and in which group is it down to you? If you have the option to start a child in a young age group, please consider doing so. If not, at the very least, get your kid to try BJJ around 7-8 years old. Try to find a gym where that offers afternoon and morning jiu-jitsu classes if your kid is going to school. It is going to do wonders for their development and might even turn into something they really love doing later on!
What to Focus On as a New BJJ White Belt with No Submissions
Parents Should Stop Forcing their Kids to be good in Jiu Jitsu. Here is why!
Being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu White belt is one of the hardest things you’ll do in life! BJJ is very unforgiving when it comes to taming our egos. So much so, in fact, that our egos, still refusing to bet aimed at white belt, try to find ways to rear their head again. As such, the loose and friendly atmosphere of your garden variety Jiu-Jitsu class allows for multiple ways in which white belts look to bring back at least a bit of control. One thing that we very often witness in BJJ Academies across the globe is the “Jiu-Jitsu white belt coach syndrome”. Believe me, you do not want to either be that guy/girl nor be the focus of such a “coach’s” attention.
Ah, BJJ life is truly never boring, is it? Apart from the fun of rolling and all the crazy information we process during class, I mean. BJJ has so many asynchronies that it’s hard to even keep track of them all. Some are fun and pretty much harmless, while others tend to disrupt class and the learning process. I don’t mind trolling the brand new Jiu-Jitsu white belt for throwing “Shaka” signs left and right and saying “Oss” three times in a minute, but I do mind them trying to coach other people in the gym. And yes, I’ve even seen white belts attempting to “coach” and “teach” even people that are blue belts. The white belt coach syndrome is one of those things that we really do not need in BJJ.
The life of a Jiu-Jitsu white belt is anything but easy, believe me, I know. And I sympathize. I have not only gone through it all but can compare it to being a white belt in other martial arts as well. The fact of the matter is, being a BJJ white belt is harder than most thing you’ll do in life.
As a beginner in BJJ, you’ll never be able to really find your feet until you gain some much-needed experience. The timeline for this is different for everyone, but the first few months (usually 4-6) tend to be nightmarish. During that time you’ll be crushed, smothered, tapped countless times and in many cases, have absolutely no idea what’s going on in class. And time and time again you’ll hear that it is normal, although it won’t make any sense. The truth is that there’s a sound method behind this madness, and you need to trust the process. Jiu-jitsu is pretty much like therapy in that sense, just go with it and it’ll start making sense.
The problem is that white belts are still human, and as such, are subject to certain behavior. People do not like to be at the bottom of the line in anything. This is precisely why people love getting the blue belt much more than they do any other. The drive to be anything but a beginner is huge in everyone. It is an important part of BJJ progress as well, but at the same time, it prompts the occurrence of a nasty side effect – white belt “experts”.
So what exactly is the Jiu-Jitsu white belt coach syndrome? In essence, it is the need to explain things related to a certain BJJ move to other white, or even higher belts. With just one exception, this is completely unacceptable. The ranking hierarchy in Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts, in general, is there for a reason. There has to be a clear distinction between who demonstrate moves and leads the class, and who is there as a student.
The teaching hierarchy is actually really simple. The highest rank person in the gym is the instructor. And that’s hardly ever the white belt who is the most eager to “teach”. It is clear why white belts try to emulate their instructors. But what does it mean for the student themselves, the training partner they’re trying to coach and the dynamics of the class?
First up the student themselves. Trying to teach people something that you do not understand is a great way of learning things incorrectly yourself. Remember that as a white belt you’re still getting crushed and destroys in every roll and you’re struggling to figure out what’s going on with techniques. Instead, make sure you ask the instructor to further explain something if your partner or you have questions. Furthermore, try to practice in silence and focus on executing every step.
As far as your partners are concerned, they get a worse outcome of a white belt’s “coaching” than the “coach” themselves. First, they get a disruption in the learning process and second, they get a lot of incorrect information they didn’t ask for in the first place. Not to mention disrupting the flow of the class and annoying your instructor (even if they do not show it, this really pisses grappling instructors off).
Let’s finish by tackling the one situation where this does not apply. As previously mentioned, there’s an exception that allows Jiu-Jitsu white belt student to coach a class. There are a few conditions involved, though.
Given that BJJ is spread across the globe now it is hard to find a city that doesn’t have an academy. At most of these, though, the head instructor is usually a purple or brown belt, particularly in smaller places. I, personally, started under a blue belt coach myself. In certain cases, a black belt or other belt head instructor might allow a white belt to lead a group or class under such circumstances. However, it is never going to be a beginner white belt. Unless they have at least three stripes and about a year’s experience, letting them coach would be counterproductive. There are examples, though of such white belts leading classes with great success. So let’s not write them off yet.
As a white belt, make sure you really master the basics. Do not try to teach, just learn. One of the most important positions to learn is the mount. And SBG’s Matt Thronton is the man to teach you. All you need to do is acquire his ‘Mastering The Mount” DVD instructional. It is the most complete guide to what’s often referred to as the “king” of BJJ positions.
All in all, you need to do whatever it takes to resist the urge to be a Jiu-Jitsu white belt coach. Yes, the urge is strong and it will come but you have to fight it. It’ll help you reach the next level much quicker, and won’t drag back training partners as well. Imagine if every white belt would just shut up and train, and leave the coaching to the instructors! Then, we wouldn’t have the “white belt coach” syndrome, and well probably have a lot less white belts, as they’d learn and progress much faster!
Coaching is a s*it Job and Students are Ungrateful – Robert Drysdale
