Gordon Ryan Calls Out Andre Galvao – EVERYTHING ABOUT

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Gordon Ryan Challenges Andre galvao Josh Leduc Offers $300k

A week ago Gordon Ryan challenged Andre Galvao to a grappling match of any mainstream rules offering $50k of his own money:

“I will put up 50k of my own money. I’ll beat you in any mainstream no gi rules match. Notime/EBI/ADCC/IBJJF. You choose, we all know who wears the crown.” – wrote Gordon Ryan on Galvao’s Instagram profile.

It didn’t take much for Andre Galvao to respond putting himself above Gordon Ryan in Jiu-Jitsu mentioning his main achievements and titles saying he’s worth well more than $50k.

“Us? 50k? Come on. I’m worth more than 1 million dollars in this game.
Just like I said in my last post. Your actions speaks louder than your words. And here are my actions: 5X ADCC, 5x IBJJF…
I’m not gonna waste my time writing all other titles here and all I’ve done for the sport.
I’m tested & approved Gi or No Gi.
I’m forged like gold.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgtsvAn7o7

Soon after that Gordon Ryan responded to Andre Galvao with a reasonable answer about prices and the “real worth” of any athlete. Gordon also didn’t forget to mention that in the case of popularity he’s well above Galvao. While it’s hard to disagree with Gordon’s claim it’s also hard to deny everything that Galvao did for Jiu-Jitsu and all the titles he won in his career.

“In Order for you to be worth a million, people have to want to watch you. But You’re just another generic guy. Not even talking shit. That’s just facts.
If anyone is worth a million it’s me. I bring more eyes to events than you ever will.
Like I said. We can either put up money to bet or someone will pay us to compete. That is in case you want the match.
You’re the “king” of ADCC aren’t you? I’m sure someone could pay you enough money to come back and do a 20 minute ADCC match with me.
That is if you accept. Or you can just sit here behind the phone and talk about how you’re worth a million dollars. When in reality that’s just a safety blanker knowing nobody will ever pay you that much because the numbers don’t add up. When you’re ready to actually compete under “your kingdoms ADCC rules” I’ll be sitting here waiting to bring eyes to watch like I always do.” – replied Gordon Ryan to Galvao’s post about his worth

Everyone will agree that Gordon Ryan is currently one of the top competitors in Jiu-Jitsu and grappling today. The “problem” is that he doesn’t have any problems saying that to anyone and he’s not afraid of challenging anyone and putting himself on the line. Problem maybe lies in the fact that not everyone is willing to act like Gordon do and accept challenges. People like Andre galvao maybe wants to enoy their legacy without anyone ruining a second of it and Ryan is just trying to provoke anyone and win against anyone and it seems like he won’t stop with challenges any time soon.
But who can blame him? This type of behavior is actually the way Jiu-Jitsu became popular right?

According to all this, it seems like something weird is going on. Either Andre Galvao really wants that much money or he’s avoiding Gordon Ryan?

No matter of what’s the truth about it Gordon Ryan keeps making fun of Galvao on social media posting meme’s about his offer and Galvao’s “avoiding” of him.

Josh Leduc’s OFFER TO Andre Galvao

We just talked to Josh Leduc,(https://www.facebook.com/josh.leduc1) the promoter of Sapateiro and the Gambler’s Invitational because Leduc is willing to pay $300 000 to the winner of the fight between Gordon Ryan and Andre Galvao.
Leduc sent an offer to ATOS HQ via mail but he received an answer from Angelica Galvao, Andre’s wife, speaking on behalf of Andre Galvao that they can negotiate everything when the price is around $1 million.

-Josh Leduc: Is 300k enough for a match with Gordon

-Angelica Galvao: Hi Josh Thanks for your email. We can definitely negotiate when it is around $1M.

-Josh Leduc: You do realize Demetrious Johnson made this to fight in the UFC?

-Angelica Galvao: Yes I do, he was also sold to OneFC. I don’t like to compare Andre to any other fighter, greater or not. This match has no benefit or prestige to be added in his career since he has accomplished all major titles there it. The only up side is the entertainment. With that being said, the compensation must be worthy.

Leduc’s opinion is that Andre Galvao doesn’t want this match to happen and this is his way to avoid the match with Gordon Ryan.

“I would hold the match in a facility that sells 100 seats at $300 a piece and streams it on PPV. Galvao doesn’t want the match — that’s why the steep price. I’ve got to say, professional grappling has grown leaps and bounds in the last four years. I’m very glad to be a small part of it, and even though some demands are outrageous, it helps to grow this sport in the form of monetary compensation.” – Said Leduc to BJJ World

Gordon Ryan Offers Galvao to Fight For Charity

It’s getting even more interesting as Gordon Ryan is simply not stopping. Gordon proposed a new challenge to Galvao saying that they’ll donate all the money from PPV to charity to help children or build a school in Galvao’s hometown.

“Ok, @galvaobjj. I understand it is your belief that beating me won’t add to your legacy. I strongly disagree but that is just my opinion. I also understand you don’t need the money to fight me because you’re a “millionaire” so the money does not matter to you. So since the money doesn’t matter to you here is my proposal. We have a match and we charge viewers for a PPV. ALL of the money will be donated to a charity of your choosing or better yet maybe to help build a school or children’s hospital in São Sebastião, your hometown. Think about all the people we could entertain, but more importantly the people we could help. This match should happen for this greater cause. Help me help children less fortunate. You’re a man of god… what would Jesus do?”

It’s going to be interesting to see what Galvao will say on this.

Lucas Lepri DVD Review: Science Of Guard Passing

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BJJ World

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Lucas Lepri DVD Science Of Guard Passing

A Lucas Lepri DVD is something most of us grapplers that like collecting DVDs own. The guy is a true grappling wizard and one of the leading guard passers of today. Being able to pass the guard at such a high level in today’s world of fancy guards and leg locks is truly an art. And, there are only a few people that are more versed in it that Lucas Lepri. Plus, there’s an added bonus to learning guard passing from Lepri – he is one of the lighter guys that know how to put unreal pressure on opponents’. That’s exactly the guy you want teaching you all about pressure from the top. His “Science Of Guard Passing” DVD is a real masterpiece and an instruction you simply have to own if you’re a modern-day BJJ competitor.

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The thing that makes this Lucas Lepri DVD stand out is the fact that it is brand new and aimed at passing all modern-day guards. it employs both fundamental and innovative original concepts of passing virtually any guard. Be advised that this is a Gi instructional, which is one of two guard passing instructionals That should be the first on your 2019 shopping list. Gordon Ryan’s No-Gi guard passing system is about to land any day now, and this Lucas Lepri DVD is its Gi counterpart. After all, it is a multiple-time world champion and one of the best competitors of today demonstrating his bread and butter stuff. A brilliant way to start the year and ensure you’re able to pass any guard, including those of proficient leg lockers.

Modern Guard Passing

Why is the topic of guard passing so important in the world of modern Jiu-Jitsu? The answer is simple. During the early 2000s, BJJ guards truly reached new heights. As that happened, guard passing started lagging behind a bit. Then, in the past 7-8 years, lapel guards became a real nuisance for people training in the Gi. Moreover, No-Gi’s version of lapel guards turned out to be leg locks, mostly done from bottom positions. This, in turn, forced guard passing to start evolving in order to catch up. And it did in a fantastic way.

Modern guard passing, like you, ‘ll see in the Science Of Guard Passing Lucas Lepri DVD, is a lot different than old school passing. It addresses the modern-day problems of the BJJ bottom game. If you can’t deal with leg lock attacks, and the hundreds of lapel guard variations, you’ll soon become frustrated. Modern-day guard passing ensures you have systems to beat any guard. Plus, you can be certain it works, because Lepri is yet to encounter someone whose guard he cannot pass in competition.

There’s also another aspect of modern-day guard passing – attacking. Today, guard passing isn’t only about getting to side control. There are plenty of competitions that do not award points, meaning you need something more substantial out of your passes. Now, you need to have attacks ready straight off your passes, or even better, transitional attacks. This may include leg locks, chokes, or simply bypassing side control to the back or mount. The modern-day passing game is a fast-paced, pressure-based one that requires foolproof techniques in order to work against everyone. This Lucas Lepri DVD delivers precisely that, and then some!

Lucas Lepri

Writing about who Lucas Lepri seems redundant, but I’ll do it anyway. He is so well known, that you’re free to skip this section and keep reading the article below. For those of you not knowing why you need a Lucas Lepri DVD, especially the “Science of guard Passing” let me acquaint you with Lepri’s work.

First of all, anyone with over 100 wins at a black belt deserves respect. Competitors with an experience like that, certainly have a lot to teach others, even fellow black belts. Lepri has not only over 100 victories but also has submission wins in more than half of them. In contrast, he only has 25 losses so far in his career, only 2 of which are via submission.

Lepri is a grappler with a Carlson Gracie lineage. He got his black belt from Elan Santiago in 2006. In his first world championship at a black belt, he managed to become a world champion with apparent ease. Originally Lepri was involved in all sorts of sports, before discovering BJJ on Brazilian TV. In 2000 he began training with Elan Santiago. At first, they were BTT, then affiliates of Terrere, and finally they switched to Alliance. After only 6 years of training, Lucas got the black belt and started terrorizing the lightweight division. Now, the 6 times Gi and 3 times No-Gi world champion run his own academy in Charlotte, NC.

Lepri Style Guard Passing

One of the best things about this Lucas Lepri DVD is that he spares no details on the basic ideas behind his favorite moves. He is one of the scariest guard passers in the game. This is all due to his unique approach to passing the guard. People in BJJ tend to develop one of two passing styles. they either choose to attack with pressure passes and stay close or go for speed passes from a relative distance. What’s rare to see is someone that has a passing system that incorporates both. Lucas Lepri is one of the rare grapplers that have that style and is effective with it at the highest level of the sport.

The first thing Lepri does is figure out what he’s up against. He doesn’t just go for a pass, not before he knows what the guard he’s up against is all about. Then, he finds the best way to shut down the guard and all possible attacks before passing it. The “Science of Guard Passing” Lucas Lepri DVD is the only instructional where you’ll find detailed instructions on passing any guard with Lepri’s concepts. he’ll help you transform your passing game by offering you a new perspective on how passing works. Plus, he’s no stranger to submissions as a result of his guard passing efforts. A modern-day passer, by all accounts.

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Lucas Lepri DVD – Science Of Guard Passing

The “Science Of Guard passing” Lucas Lepri DVD is a 4 part DVD set that is meticulous in every sense of the word. The contents are divided into very logical sections, and there’s a clear progression throughout the volumes. The first one is more of an introduction and something that even beginners can use. As the DVDs progress, Lepri goes deeper into the art of passing, offering concepts that even black belts will find effective.

In terms of quality, you get flawless camera work and impeccable sound. The DVD has information on just about every guard you might encounter, and how to deal with them. Keep in mind that this is a Gi DVD, although many of the things are just as applicable in the No-Gi. There are about a dozen chapters in each volume, with subjects clearly separate from each other. After presenting all the information on a subject, Lepri offers ways in which you can integrate it with previous ones, All in all, you get a complete modern-day guard passing system.

Knee Cut Galore

The first volume in the “Science Of Guard passing” Lucas Lepri DVD is all about core concepts. it starts with an introduction by Lucas to his philosophy of passing. After that, he gives a very insightful explanation as to what the knee cut pass is actually about. From there, he goes on to share his ways of applying it. He offers direct passing options, like his knee cut against the reverse De la Riva, as well as combo options, like folding pass into a knee cut.

True to his aggressive style, Lepri offers direct back takes from the knee cut, as well as complete sequences. The Tripod knee cut is a very practical concept, that also has different variations available. All in all, this volume is the best knee cut instructional ever recorded! And Lepri is just getting started!

Beating Deep Half And The Spider Lasso

Modern-day guards often get people to go under you in order to easily offset the balance from a safe spot. The spider guard is one such example and in particular the spider lasso. It works from a distance and is a Gi only guard that’s really tough to pass against a skillful opponent. Lepri’s take on it is to punch. Well, not literally, but use what he calls a punch pass. And it works like a charm!

After a few spider lasso guard passes, Lepri takes on another very difficult guard – the deep half. Here, Lucas spends a bit more time, given the complexity of the position. The hip lock pass offers is nothing short of astonishing. He also clears up common mistakes with the Kimura trap system for people caught in the deep half. The best thing about this part of the Lucas Lepri DVD ist hat he provides you with the secret to nullify all deep half attacks, and in particular back takes.

Passing Lapel Guards And X-Guard

Things start to get very interesting as the “Science Of Guard passing” Lucas Lepri DVD progresses. The third volume brings some of the most important pass concepts for any modern-day grappler. First up is the dreaded Single leg X guard, the gateway to countless leg locks. In true Lepri style, Lucas covers how to shut it down and even get a submission 9Monoplata) straight away. From the SIngle leg X, he moves on to the X guard, with a couple of unstoppable passing variations.

Some of the most important passes for Gi players are those of intricate lapel guards like the Worm guard. Not only are these guards extremely hard to pass but they also cut circulation to your leg if you stay in them too long. Lepri makes sure you now have plentiful options of shutting the worm guard down and passing it with ease. As with every high-percentage defense, it starts with prevention, then goes into making the guard ineffective, and finally, you get passing options. Tried and tested, works without a glitch!

The Lucas Lepri Specials

Finally, Lucas Lepri goes into real guard passing art with the final volume of this amazing instructional. It all starts with a few modifications to the worm guard pass Lucas demonstrated earlier. Then, he goes on to address some of the most common guards you’ll run into at tournaments. however, his take on passing them is anything but orthodox.

The spider guard, reverse De La Riva, sit up guard and quarter guard are just some of the things covered in this volume. Lepri spends the most time on the spider guard, offering direct back takes to skip over any possibility for your opponent recovering from the pass. Lot’s of shutdowns and passing techniques conclude a truly amazing Lucas Lepri DVD that’s the perfect way to kick off 2019! Highly recommended!

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Ralph Gracie Attack – What Really Happened?

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BJJ World

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The Gracies do not exactly have a reputation for a peace-loving family. No wonder how you might perceive them now, BJJ and their legacy came from violent fighting, NHB style. MMA as a whole is a direct result of the Gracies attempts to prove BJJ can overcome all other martial arts, regardless of ruleset or lack thereof. And the Gracie family members from that period is still the same scary fighters they were back then. Perhaps even scarier, in the case of some. As a couple of NYC muggers found out a few years ago, Renzo Gracie actually enjoyed their mugging attempt, twitting the whole thing live as he picked them apart. Ralph Gracie is another example of a Gracie badass, perhaps the scariest of them all. The Ralph Gracie attack incident shows that the spirit of the Gracies is still well alive and kicking (pun intended)!

Ralph Gracie is definitely one of the most interesting Gracie family members, right out there with Rickson and Renzo. He is one scary guy, even if you have no idea about his fighting abilities. If you actually know who he is, Running very fast is the best course of action if you piss him off. Apparently, it doesn’t matter if you’re a fellow black belt that he knows. At the 2018 No-Gi worlds that marked the end of the year, a not very sportsmanlike incident went viral as soon as it took place. In the center of it was, you guessed it, non-other than Ralph. But what really happened? What is the story behind this so-called Raph Gracie attack that left Ricardo Almeida with broken front teeth?

Respect In BJJ

Before we go one with the details about the Ralph Gracie attack and the aftermath that inevitably followed, let’ take a look at a very common subject – respect and BJJ. the image of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu today is one of the honorable martial art that hold respect in the highest esteem. You’ve got bows and “oss” going around at all times and people are smiling and constantly begin (over)polite to each other. It is a picture of a respectful utopia, even extending to high-level competitions among world champions. But is it really so? Is respect really the primary focus of people training BJJ?

A few months ago, Gordon Ryan shed some light on this subject. In fact, “The King” pointed at the elephant in the room, clearly stating what others do not want to admit. “I love how people say “BJJ is built around respect and honor”. No, it’s not! It’s built around savage Brazilians kicking the shit out of people just because they could. Storming gyms of other martial arts and fighting their instructors just to show how superior BJJ was. And while I think that’s fucking awesome, it’s not the fairytale you guys tell about respect and honor. The sport is built around real men who didn’t give a fuck and took what they wanted” – Ryan stated.

To be honest, Ryan is absolutely right. Of course, BJJ would never be what it is if people thought it is all about pure violence. Instead, respect is a much better marketing tool, as practice shows. Do not get me wrong I love the respect among grapplers that has since developed and that exists today. However, you can’t expect someone from the old-school generations to share your sentiments of hugging and saying “oss” repeatedly.

The “Ralph Gracie Attack”

So, let’s look at what took place during the 2018 No-Gi Worlds in California before we explore everyone’s side of the story. The now infamous Ralph Gracie attack took place during the matches of the No-Gi Worlds. Gracie Barra’s North America Executive Director Flavio Almeida was the person on the receiving end of Ralph’s aggression.

As Almeida coached some of his students during the matches in the coaching area, Ralph Gracie approached him. Initially, it seemed like a friendly conversation, that soon took an unfortunate turn. Flavio is shaking Ralph’s hand and talking something before receiving a vicious elbow to the face. The elbow sent Almeida crushing to the ground, where Ralph Gracie proceeded to kick the downed Graci Barra coach a few more times before others intervened. There were also reports that another person also kicked Almeida while on the ground.

At first, the assault was only reported by a few people that were nearby and actually saw the whole thing. While this didn’t cause too much turbulence, a subsequent video that caught the ind9dent did. While you can’t see the complete extent of the Ralph Gracie attack on Almeida, you can clearly witness the elbow that knocked an unassuming Almeida to the ground. The original video is courtesy of Dan Lukehart who filmed it by accident while filming some of the matches. The attack resulted in clearly visible injuries to Flavio Almeida, who suffered cuts to the face and at least 3 broken teeth.

The Perpetrators

The two “perpetrators” involved in this incident are not strangers to one another. After all, it’s hard not to know people in the BJJ community when they’ve spent their entire life in it. Both Ralph Gracie and Flavio Almeida are household names in the world of BJJ. Ralph is a real legend of the old-school Gracie spirit, wit ha rich MMA background. Flavio is one of the new-school representatives of the old-school style of Gracie Barra, as much as that makes sense. The two know each other pretty good which is why the incident took everyone by surprise, including, as it seems, Almeida himself.

Let’s take a brief look at both BJJ black belts before we go further into the ramifications of the Ralph Gracie attack on Almeida. However, since both are huge figures in the grappling world it means this incident is far from over and will yield more drama in the near future.

Ralph Gracie

Ralph is the brother of Renzo, Charles and the late Ryan Gracie and the son of Robson Gracie. He is part of the MMA generation of Gracies, who dominated opponents in the most vicious of ways. Ralph got his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr. the founder of Gracie Barra. Currently, Ralph has his own academy in the Bay Area, which is quite famous.

Training since the earliest possible age, Ralph was never a stranger to violence. His generation is the one that really made the name for BJJ in the international fighting circuit. Even as early as 16, a skinny Ralph proved how fearsome he knocked out a much bigger and older guy at the beach of Rio. After fighting in numerous MMA fights where he earned the nickname Pitbull, Ralph settled in San Francisco, where his cousin Caesar Gracie reside. There, Ralph opened an academy that brought about characters like Kurt Osiander, for example.

Flavio Almeida

Flavio Almeida, younger brother of Ricardo Almeida is also a BJJ black belt, also under Carlos Gracie Jr. 8 years junior of Ralph, he was one of the standout Jiu-Jitsu competitors of the ’90s. Flavio, AKA “Cachorrinho”, or “small dog”, was born and raised in Rio. His first encounter with martial arts was at 12 when he discovered Karate. Only a short while later, though, he went on to follow his brother into BJJ where he became a legend.

Flavio actually used to train with Ralphs brother Renzo, who gave Ricardo his black belt. Curiously enough, Flavio had a break from BJJ at a certain point, dedicating himself to an academic career. After succeeding in his non-grappling quest, he returned to BJJ to represent and teach at Gracie Barra. Currently, Almeida is the North America Executive Director of Gracie Barra and has his own GB academy in Dana Point, California.

The Aftermath

As you see, the two black belts are no strangers to each other. It is not surprising that the Ralph Gracie attack had massive aftermath that’s still far from over. With the video that clearly shows what, happened, plus the accounts of several eyewitnesses, Ralph could end up in some real trouble. The injuries sustained by Almeida are no joke, as Felipe Guedes (head instructor of GB San Clemente) stated via social media:

” I’m a dentist myself and I was at the dental office a couple of hour after the attack with Prof. Flavio, his two cemented crowns got exploded out of his mouth, shattering the remaining roots, one in six different pieces! His head got punched and kicked by two different attackers while unconscious on the floor. Professor suffered head concussions that left him confused for a few days, not even able to read his books for more than 15 minutes. What the attackers did not know is that they were only making him stronger, and our Gracie Barra Team more united and bullet prove!

The cowards have their days counted in so many ways. We are the land of laws, we are a civilized country where criminals have no room to succeed. I will never, I mean never have in my life a “fodacy” (f*ck off) attitude. I will always care about people, I will always obey the laws and I will never be a coward. My heart is happy to see my Professor Flavio roaring! I would expect nothing less from him. And this is just the beginning. We are the light vs the darkness, and the light will always prevail! We will always fight to improve people’s lives through Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu and Master Carlos Gracie Jr’s legacy.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOHhhqg9WI/?utm_source=ig_embed

Gracie Barra Statement

In a statement on their official web site, Gracie Barra also addressed the incident. According to BJJ’s most widespread organization, the ramifications of the Ralph Gracie attack are far from over. They also called upon the IBJJF to take action in the matter.

“The cowardice of these violent acts against Flavio and Gracie Barra represents the collision of two different ideologies: The old-fashioned thug mentality focused on personal gain through fear and intimidation, against a philosophy of respect and professionalism espoused by dedicated Jiu-Jitsu instructors who work hard every day to build better individuals, families, and communities through martial arts.

This assault is unjustifiable, unethical, and unlawful.

Gracie Barra unequivocally condemns any act of violence and declares to every single one of its team members around the world NOT to resort to violence in retaliation against the aggressors or anyone associated with them. We must remain vigilant and united in supporting the authorities, and trust the justice system will do what is right. Our attorney has confirmed the issuance of a restraining order that prevents the main aggressor from coming near Flavio, his family and Flavio’s places of work.

It is also our sincere hope that the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the media, and other key players in the Jiu-Jitsu and MMA communities take a strong stance on this matter standing united condemning these individuals and their actions.”

Ralph Gracie’s Legal Team

So far, Ralph Gracie himself has stayed off the radar concerning the assault. The only statement depicting his side of the story came via his legal team. James Cook, a member of Ralph’s legal team stated the following after the Ralph Gracie attack:

“I reviewed the video and I had an opportunity to discuss the incident with Ralph Gracie. Ralph would like to tell his side of the story about events leading up to the altercation. However, I strongly advised him to say nothing.

“I cannot disclose too many details about Ralph’s side of the story given attorney-client considerations. However, I can say that the video does not capture the full spectrum of words and actions leading up to the incident. To view the video within the full context, it is easy to conclude that altercation should be characterized as mutual combat.

It’s worth noting that the incident took place at a combat sporting event. Emotions often run high and disputes materialize off the mats. Regardless, Flavio Almeida and Ralph Gracie are icons of our sport. Because of this, I believe that any further dispute can and should be resolved quickly and without court intervention.”

Ricardo Almeida Statement

Even Ricardo Almeida sounded off via social media to give his support to his brother after the Ralph Gracie attack. How this might potentially affect his relationship with Renzo Gracie further down the line nobody knows.

“Once in a lifetime, something happens that makes you question the very foundation of what you believe in … I feel confused, betrayed and powerless. Thanks to everyone who reached out asking about my brother Flavio, he is recovering under medical care. ” – says Ricardo’s statement.

Renzo Gracie Statement

Of course, Ralph got his own fair share of support as well, with his brother Renzo coming out to his aid. Renzo referred to the post by Felipe Guedes, calling out Gracie Barra as being weak.

The legendary grappler and MMA fighter stated the following: “champ if you are against the Fodacy.. Sorry you couldn’t even grasp the idea..you are weak..and you being one of the main executives in the GB shows how weak it had become..mouth shut, and no questioning about law abiding.. please don’t, and I know what I’m talking about… if you have an f*^%#job today thank me, because my uncle was more worry about growing a vegetable garden in Teresopolis than making sure the GB went forward…Before you talk, lower your head, and show respect…Or I will be the one teaching you the laws that GB was created on… Keep going and selling your joke…but don’t you push my buttons or I will question yours…”

Marco Feitosa Statement

Marcio Feitosa, one of the head figures in Gracie Barra, also wrote on his Instagram, recapping what happened and condemning the Ralph Gracie attack:

“Thank you for your concern and for the messages of support and care. As you may know, while passing instruction to athletes at the No-Gi World Championships, Flavio was cruelly attacked by some individuals. The attack was completely by surprise, was not provoked and did not allow Flavio to defend himself. It was clear that the attack was to hurt Flavio and also to intimidate Gracie Barra. The police are investigating, the doctors who are taking care of Flavio advised him to rest with the family and recover from injuries, as soon as he is able to return to work. We thank you very much for your concern. We’ll share more information when the time is right.” – Feitosa wrote.

IBJJF Official Statement

The IBJJF didn’t take long to get into the mix, not only coming out with a statement but also taking swift action. As per their decision, Ralph Gracie earned an indefinite suspension from all activities involving the IBJJF following the Ralph Gracie attack.

“Traditionally, IBJJF policy mandates that any disciplinary actions are dealt with internally between the Federation and the affected parties. Likewise, any sanctions that ultimately may be imposed are not publicly announced by the Federation. However, given the nature of the alleged incident at the 2018 World No-Gi Championships, the Federation is compelled to take immediate action as follows:

The alleged perpetrators have been immediately and indefinitely suspended from any and all IBJJF sanctioned events. Said suspension includes attending, competing, coaching or in any way participating in IBJJF events. Once our investigation has been completed and a final decision reached, we will update you accordingly. In the meantime, we assure you that the alleged conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstance.” – is the stance of the IBJJF.

Why Did It Happen?

Finally, after we know what happened, and the aftermath of the Ralph Gracie attack so far, let’s try and figure out why it happened. After all, it is beyond a doubt that Ralph had a reason for acting the way he did. Or at least he thought he did.

What we know about the reasons behind the Ralph Gracie attack on Flavio Almeida so far is purely rumors. Reports say that the reason behind the incident is a turf war regarding San Francisco. The claims suggest that there was an unwritten agreement that Gracie academies won’t get in each other’s ways in certain cities. San Francisco is one of those cities. So far, Ralph Gracie’s is by far the most famous BJJ academy there. However, there was a lot of turmoil there in recent months.

Just recently, Ralph brought in a new coach in João “Jerry” Oliveira, a Gracie Barra standout. João moved to the Bay Area and ended up in Ralph’s academy. As a result, two long-serving coaches at the Ralph’s Gracie academy, Kurt Osiander, and Jake Scovel left Ralph’s team along with some students and opened their own academy.

On top of all of this, it seems Ralph got news that Gracie Barra was about to open their own academy in San Francisco. The presumption is that Ralph was actually after Feitosa at the No-Gi Worlds, but ran into Flavio instead, where he demonstrated his opinion on the matter.

Future Consequences

Finally, what can we expect to happen? So far, the IBJJF suspended Ralph indefinitely, which is probably just the first of many steps. As Gracie Barra’s statements suggest, there’s also legal action against Ralph Gracie that’s in motion. In that sense and given the grievous injuries on Almeida, the Ralph Gracie attack might cause a lot of serious trouble for Ralph.

Of course, there’s the Jiu-Jitsu community as well. For now, it seems that the Gracie Barra and some Gracie family member are on opposite sides. This is definitely going to put a strain on some relationships in the BJJ world, particularly because Ricardo and Renzo are so close. It’s a case of brothers by blood and brothers by the Gentle Art, and it remains to be seen which bond is going to be stronger.

Ralph Gracie: If You Make A Mistake I’ll Hit You In The Head

Best BJJ Training Masks – 2021 Reviews And Full Guide

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BJJ World

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Altitude training masks are a subject of a lot of controversy in the fitness world. Some people swear by their effectiveness while others claim they’re a waste of time. This debate does not look likely to end soon, so there’s only one logical approach – give it a try yourself. If you train just for the sake of training, or aesthetic reasons, there’s n point in getting one. However, if you’re interested in significantly increasing your conditioning, a training mask is one of your best options. Of course, you’ll need to actually train with it to get results, but you’ll be surprised at how difficult and uncomfortable it’ll be. Just like BJJ. For that purpose, we give you a complete guide for the best BJJ training masks for grapplers in 2021. Detailed reviews included!

Using a training mask for grappling conditioning is not for everyone. Yet, most people in the world, apart from those living and training at a very high altitude, will benefit from it. The thing with a training mask is that it does not only lead to psychological improvements in conditioning but also increases mental toughness. Since it does so in a fashion that makes breathing challenging it is the perfect tool for grapplers. In terms of specific training, any conditioning drill becomes Jiu-Jitsu specific with a training mask on. Still, even between training masks all are not equal. The very best BJJ training masks have to deliver on certain qualities in order to guarantee effectiveness. And we have the ultimate guide for you!

Altitude Training Masks On Trial

For all intents and purposes, the training masks remain on trial in the fitness industry. So far there are at least as many arguments against the theme, as there are for them. Still, athletes, particularly combat athletes are using them on a regular basis. Let’s look at some of the facts and try to reach a verdict of our own before looking at the best BJJ training masks for 2021.

In defense of training masks, their aim is to provide a simulation of high altitude training. This means that you’re tricking your body into thinking it’s training in a region with less oxygen than is readily available, In turn, this should provide you with all the benefits of training in a hypoxic environment, like more red blood cells and more efficient oxygen utilization.

Those in the prosecution of the training mask rest their claims on lack of evidence. The training mask is a fairly new training tool that makes the claim of lack of evidence stand. There are studies on its efficiency, but they go both ways. Of course, studies depend al to on conditions and variables so until la decisive one comes out, the doubt will remain. What we know though is that altitude training works. Do training masks successfully emulate the effects of altitude training?

So far science supports certain aspects of both claims. The fact remains that the best BJJ training masks are going to teach you to breathe more efficiently. This makes our verdict in favor o training masks, as, more red blood cells or not, efficient breathing can really influence a grappling match. Plus they look really cool!

Best BJJ Training Masks 2021 Guide

Time to dive in straight into the deep end and give training masks a go. We couldn’t really write a complete review without some personal experience now, could we? So, we got around and collected data, some from personal experience, others from the experience of others who use certain types of masks. We also factored in conditioning levels and all the important mask properties you’ll see further on.

To be completely fair to both streams of thought, our guide contains fairly few masks. While this goes in favor of the claim that training masks still have a lot to prove, it also demonstrates the opposite. We managed to find half a dozen masks that we consider to be the best BJJ training masks for 2021. Giving any of them a try is guaranteed to at least make you more efficient when breathing during rolls and matches. Not a bad return, considering we also got you the best deals price-wise! Check it here:

Training Mask 2.0

The Training Mask is actually the pioneer in the field of simulated altitude training. Hence the simple name, which is now a trademark. Still, the mask we have on offer here is leaps and bounds beyond the prototype that hit the shelves a few years ago.
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The training mask is now at version 2.0 which is a cutting edge respiratory conditioning device for serious athletes. This quintessential training mask does not only restrict breathing but has a multitude of settings to help you specify your conditioning parameters. It offers 21 levels of resistance, 6 interval training zones, and up to 36 airflow combinations! It is like altitude training on steroids without having to actually climb a mountain. You’ll get two training masks with every purchase, containing the original training mask and a Turn Flow Upgrade Kit. This one is a best seller and a leader among the best BJJ training masks!

Phantom Training Mask

Following closely behind the original training Mask, Phantom’s mask is another produce well worth your while. While the original one has an eating design and great efficiency, there’s no mask that looks better than this one. It’s like something Bane would wear only with a conditioning benefit attached! Our personal favorite.
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Phantom’s training mask comes in black and three different available sizes. It features an elastic band combination that holds it firmly in place while allowing for adjustments. It offers 4 inhale resistance levels that you can easily switch between while training. The mask is made of medical-grade silicone and special resilient fabric. It is lightweight and extremely durable, with an anatomical design. Given the efficient design, you can wear this mask even during rolling without any discomfort.

Dimok Hypoxic Workout Mask

Price-wise, you’ve got a real winner in this one. Even better, the quality it brings is right up there with all the other best BJJ training masks of 2021. Dimok’s Hypoxic training mask is very practical and easy to use and is the perfect one to get as your first training mask.
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The Dimock Hypoxic mask features an efficient ergonomic design and It’s another Bane-like mask, that is going to revolutionize your conditioning levels. It comes in black color and one size only. Still, the mask fits everyone with no problem, given its adjustable nature. There are 16 different resistance levels, easily accessible and interchangeable during training. There are two air-flow valves on this mask, combined in a multilayered system. One valve controls and restricts inhales, while another does the same for exhales. This type of system allows you to emulate training at a range of 2.000 – 18.000 feet. There’s a full refund guaranteed with every purchase in case the mask doesn’t meet your expectations.

Cardio King Altitude Training Mask

This is one more mask with a simple yet powerful design. It comes in black, with a bit of blue here and there. The mask is one of the best priced high-quality masks you’ll ever find. It is a fully adjustable mask, that comes in three different sizes nonetheless.
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Lightweight and with a cutting edge anatomical design, this musk is one of the best fitting masks on the market. it can fit snugly on people of all sizes, 120-230 lbs. There’s a non-slip strap that ensures the mask won’t budge no matter what you do. And yes, that includes rolling with it on. The material it is made of is premium quality neoprene There are three rubber pressure control valves. On them, you fit a combination of three out of six different resistance level caps, according to your needs. As a bonus, you get a booklet with instructions on how to use the mask, as well as some workout ideas.

TEC Workout Oxygen Mask

At the tail end of our best BJJ training mask guide is TEC’s workout oxygen mask. That doesn’t make it the least effective one though. Quite the contrary. This mas will boost your endurance and increase oxygen levels incredibly fast! It also increases your lung capacity which translates directly into a bigger gas tank.
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This mask comes in black color and one size. Since there’s only one size, an adjustable closure system is a given. It has a lightweight, ergonomic design and the extra quality of being extremely silent. Having a mask on while training is hard enough, without having to sound like Darth Vader. There are 16 resistance levels that are easy to manage and set up. This mask offers quite a challenge so it is a better fit for more advanced athletes and people used to higher altitude training. Comes with a free black case for the mask and 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Sparthos High Altitude Training Mask

The Sparthos High Altitude training mask is another one with an awesome slick looking design. This mask is available in multiple colors coming in at both full black and with different colored camo patterns. It is also highly durable and very versatile with its settings.
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This mask comes in only one size since it offers adjustment options to fit everyone. It features an anatomical design and cutting-edge technology that guarantees effectiveness. In terms of intensity, you get 16 different breathing levels. This makes the mask a great choice for people just starting off, as well as experienced athletes. Changing the levels during high-intensity training is also extremely easy, with no need to remove the mask at any moment. The mask is completely CO2 resistant and the ergonomic design makes it more comfortable to wear than other masks. 100 % guaranteed by the manufacturer.

Ready For Your First Training Mask?

Now that you know what the best BJJ training masks are, do you think you’re ready to go get yourself one? Let’s recap a few things before you start shopping.

The benefits of wearing a training mask for grapplers are numerous. It’ll increase your conditioning, improve lung capacity, improve breathing efficiency and build mental toughness. On top of it, you’ll get better stamina and endurance. It is a valuable tool given the fact that it offers varying resistance. That means you’ll be able to train with your mask for an extended period of time. In terms of conditioning, you can do virtually anything. You can run, jump, lift weights, do circuits, and even roll with the mask. Rolling with it is really useful as it provides you with even more breathing restrictions than regular rolls. That means that competing without out is going to be a breeze after you’ve trained with it for a while.

The mask itself needs to be a good fit for you as well. While the best BJJ training masks above are all great options, you need to find the one for you. That means figuring out your price range, needs and factoring in your training experience. Wearing a mask is a grueling experience, especially when you’re not used to it. So make sure you carefully choose whether you get a thin or thick one, as well as all the altitude adjustment options. Normally, the safest thing is to start with low airflow resistance and build up.

Best Battle Ropes for BJJ In 2020 – Guide, Reviews & Workout

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BJJ World

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Getting in the best shape of your life doesn’t always have to do a lot with grappling in particular. Sometimes you need to look indifferent, more general directions to get your conditioning up. Still, some training methods are much more beneficial for grapplers than others. It has to do more with the ability to train with an intensity that matches BJJ, than training specifically for grappling. Luckily, today we have a huge number of different tools to take conditioning to a world-class level. One of those tools is something right out of a pirate movie – battle ropes. For that purpose, we’ll take a look at what they are, how to train and the best BJJ battle ropes you can get for yourself or your academy.

You’ve seen them on UFC previews, on BJJ training montages, and perhaps even in a Crossfit gym. Battle ropes look cool, but often raise the question of what exactly do they offer? Does moving ropes in circles really make you strong or better conditioned, especially for combat sports? The answer is obviously yes, as you’d be hard-pressed to find a world-class grappler or fighter that doesn’t use them. Still, you can’t just get any boat rope and hope for the same result. First of all, battle ropes have a specific design that makes training with them safe and efficient. In that sense, the best BJJ battle ropes are not hard to find, but we make that quest even easier. This is our 2020 shopping guide for BJJ battle ropes!

What Are Battle Ropes?

Have you ever wondered what makes battle ropes such an exceptional conditioning tool? After all, they’re just a couple of big ropes, right? Wrong! There’s a lot more to battle ropes than meets the eye and you need to know what they’re made of before you look to acquire some for yourself.

First and foremost, safety. Remember that battle ropes are specially designed for training. For that purpose, they come with a secure anchor and are made of a material that can withstand repeated intense use. Remember to always anchor battle ropes as whiplash from a 40-50 lbs rope can knock you out. Battle ropes are mainly made from Polyester, Poley Dacron, Rubber, And/or Nylon. If any of these materials is the main building block, you can safely assume you’re on to one of the best BJJ battle ropes from 2020. Furthermore, battle ropes come in many different lengths and associated weights. This makes them highly versatile and fit for all athletes of all levels.

Battle ropes are the perfect tool to give your cardiovascular system a complete overhaul. Also, help with the coordination and development of functional strength that has great carryover to grappling. In terms of grappling, they not only provide high general levels of conditioning but have a specific impact as well. Namely, battle ropes help emulate a lot of grappling movements which helps to improve the power and output of specific movement patterns. In terms of dispelling a myth, battle ropes train the whole body and not just your arms and shoulders. As you’ll see later on, battle ropes offer many different ways in which you can train.

Best BJJ Battle Ropes Guide For 2020

So far, we know what battle ropes are, and we know they can help grapplers develop a better gas tank. We also saw some of the main materials of battle ropes. What’s left now is go through the very best BJJ battle ropes available in 2020. We have an in-depth guide, complete with reviews of every battle rope we consider to be perfect for grapplers. At the tail end of this article, we’ll also go over how you can organize battle rope training and even offer you a sample workout.

Battle ropes are fairly “new toys” in the conditioning world, but unlike some of their contemporaries, they actually do what they claim. the trick. Unlike BOSU balls and some wacky elastic training tools, battle ropes are only for serious athletes and grapplers. If your intention is to dominate the mats, there’s nothing more than you need apart from battle ropes and perhaps a kettlebell or two. If you want to be modern and train one-legged BOSU ball frisbee throws, by all means, do so. But do not expect any grappling improvements in return.

Bull Strength Anchor Kit Battle Ropes

We start with a pair of ropes that contain the term “anchor kit” because we like to point out the importance of anchoring your ropes when training. That said, Bull Strength’s set of battle ropes is probably the best way to begin our guide. They provide an immense full-body workout with an emphasis on the cardiovascular system.
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These battle ropes come in a black and red pattern, with an anchor and specialized handles included. The anchor consists of two nylon straps with double sewn nylon webbing and a carabiner to secure everything. These battle ropes are premium-quality ones, made from Poly Dacron material. This type of material allows for maximal flexibility and improves whipping motions. The handles area also Nylon and fit comfortably without any possibility of slipping. They come in 5 different lengths, and multiple weight options to challenge even the toughest people in Jiu-Jitsu.

Garage Fit Battle Ropes

Talk about a suitable name for a battle rope! Garage Fit’s battle ropes are the cream of the crop without a doubt, coming in at many different sizes and weights. With these ropes, you get not only different lengths and weights but also a few additional diameter options for really heavy-duty training.
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The ropes themselves are three strands, ultra-thick ropes, made from high-grade polyester. As far as durability goes, they’re hands down the best BJJ battle ropes you can get. The ropes are completely tear-resistant and offer immense tensile strength. They also feature extremely comfortable handles that are capped off with heat shrink caps. This eliminates any option of unraveling as well as provide a perfect gripping surface. They come in black color, with a blue tracking line running down the length of the rope. Lengths vary between 30 and 50 feet. The more experienced you are, the longer the rope you need.

ZENY Poly Dacron Undulation Training Rope

The battle ropes by Zeny are also heavy-duty and available in a bunch of different versions. These are not for the faint of heart, as they’ll push you to the maximum, guaranteed! These ropes come in black color with a yellow tracking line and built-in Nylon handles. For grapplers, it can hardly get better than these highly versatile ropes.
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Options for these ropes include different diameters, lengths, weight, and even options for one or to anchor straps + the mandatory carabiner. They’re made from 100% Poly Dacron, feature three strong construction strands, and are resistant to any wear and tear. They designed to last even under the harshest condition, so you can train with them outside without ever seeing any damage. The ropes are extremely convenient for maintenance and feature waterproof sleeves. These sleeves actually help protect the ropes from friction and fray. Heat shrimp caps feature once again on the handles.

Trademark Innovations Battle Rope

In our west for the best BJJ battle ropes, we came across the Trademark Innovation battle rope. At first glance it looks just like the Zeny one, coming in black with a yellow tracking line. However, this rope is different in one very important aspect – price. With this rope, you get all the qualities of a high-end battle rope for a fraction of the price!
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The Trademark Innovations battle rope comes in at a thickness of 1.5″ and varying lengths of 30′-50′. Also includes an anchor that provides you with the possibility of attaching it to a huge variety of objects. This rope is perfect for training at home or in a garage, but can also do the trick at an academy as well. Handles are from nylon that’s heat shrank providing security and a tight grip. A perfect rope for beginners, especially in the lighter and shorter varieties.

NEXPro Battle Rope

NEXpro’s rope is another one that’s really worth the effort to purchase. This rope is as simple as it gets when it comes to design. It is black, tough, and is going to have you gasping for air. What it “lacks” infancy design it more than makes up for performance-wise.
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The material of this battle rope is a special blend of Polyester and Polypropylene, with immense tensile strength. That means that the ropes are durable and un-tearable, but it also means you’ll need strength to train with it. This includes training even with the lighter versions. Probably not the rope for people just getting into battle rope conditioning but a premier choice among BJJ competitors. Features the safe and sturdy three-strand design and has a waterproof 6000 Oxford coating for protection. Three sizes available, all at 1.5″ thickness.

Giantex Strength Training Battle Rope

On the subject of 1.5″ thick battle ropes that are perfect for grapplers, Giantex features very high on the list. An ergonomic design, durable build, and easy transport properties ensure it has its place among the best BJJ battle ropes for 2020. Not only that, but it’s our top choice for a battle rope from today’s selection.
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There are two lengths available, 30′ and 40′ with a common thickness of 1.5″. The perfect rope to start training with, but also a challenge for advanced athletes. There’s no chance of fraying or shedding fibers because of modern secure design. The handles are topped with heat shrink caps while the rope itself is 100% Poly Dacron. Protected by a waterproof sleeve, his rope features tensile strength like no other. A big caveat is the ease of transport of this rope and the easy attachment wherever you want. Great for nomadic grapplers that want to stay in shape. Extremely well priced as well.

EliteSRS Premium Battle Rope

This rope is a story on its own. It’s made from a unique combination of materials to provide the best battle rope training experience. It also offers a huge variety in every sense. From design and colors, down to lengths, width, and weight, you have a multitude of choices. In terms of BJJ, this is the perfect rope to anchor in a Jiu-JItsu academy for all students to use.
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The EliteSRS Premium battle rope is an 80 Poly Dacron and 20 % Polypropylene rope. This makes it uniquely tough and elastic, offering the opportunity for a very wide range of exercises. It also comes in 7 different colors, plus 6 different lengths and two different diameter versions. All in all, the perfect rope to customize for yourself. The handles are also unique in that they’re extra long at 10″ with the customary heat shrunk caps. Two nylon anchor straps accompany the rope, providing easy attachment anywhere at any time. 1-year warranty from the manufacturer with a full refund option.

Titan Fitness Poly Heavy Battle Rope

The best BJJ battle ropes guide for 2020 concludes with a truly remarkable product. Titan’s heavy battle rope is a real man maker, for a lack of a better term. This rope is heavy-duty, indestructible, thicker than any other and the hardest one to manipulate in training. For grapplers, it’s just the sort of challenge needed to develop insane cardio.
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The rope comes in different lengths and up to three different diameters. It also features a really cool looking, metallic gray color that makes it stand out. It comes with a complete anchor system and can also include specialized Titan wall mounts if you’re interested. The weight of this rope is up to 40 lbs, which is more than enough to leave you exhausted after you first give it a try. Water-resistant, no-fray technology included, with heavy-duty nylon handles. Can double as a climbing rope. It is also one of the lower-priced battle ropes in our guide, affordable for anyone.

Battle Ropes Training For BJJ

For grappling, training with battle ropes has immense benefits. First of all, you get a full-body workout, Next, you get to throw in some very specific movements that’ll extremely improve your grappling. Furthermore, you’ll notice incremental strength gains, the heavier the rope, the greater the gains. There’s also the fact that training with battle ropes is easy to set up, requires little space, and can even be done on the outside.

For movement patterns, there are few general rules you need to remember. The first is to anchor the ropes really well. Next up, make sure you move in as many directions as possible. Training with battle ropes should not just be standing in place and making circles with your arms. On the contrary, you need to be moving from side to side, front, back, and everywhere to engage your entire body. That’ll help you build a core of steel in addition to your gas tank.

Also, try to use as many different movements as possible. Normally, this is not as easy when you’re just starting out but try to widen your arsenal as you progress. Use the ropes for everything, from specialized conditioning sessions to finishers after rolling or strength training. You can even warm up with them. The different resistance levels also provide you with a stimulus that keeps changing as you get stronger and used to the movements.

A Sample Workout

Now that you know which are the best BJJ battle ropes, let’s start using them. The workout below is an intermediate one, meaning everyone can do it. Beginners could adjust it by shaving off some of the work time or increasing rest time. Using a rope that you’re comfortable with is also very important. Advanced athletes can do the opposite, although a heavier rope with the same training parameters is your best bet.

The workout is in circuit training fashion, meaning you get no rest between exercises. That means 5 minutes of grueling work that’ll emulate the fatigue of a grappling match like nothing else can. Go for as many reps as you can during a one minute period and move on straight to the next exercise. After you complete the whole circuit, give yourself 2 minutes break. IF you can do 5 rounds of the circuit, you’re a complete beast and ready for anything.

BJJ BATTLE ROPES CIRCUIT:

1. Battle Ropes Double Wave – 5 rounds x 60 sec
2. Battle Ropes Alternating Wave – 5 rounds x 60 sec
3. Battle Ropes Reverse Grip Wave – 5 rounds x 60 sec
4. Battle Ropes Alternating Punch Wave – 5 rounds x 60 sec
5: Battle Ropes Hip Toss – 5 rounds x 60 sec

Gordon Ryan DVD Review: “Systematically Attacking The Guard”

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BJJ World

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Talk about great timing! Well, for me, at least, but I doubt anyone in the grappling community is going to say no to a Gordon Ryan Passing DVD. For me, it comes at a perfect time because of a knee injury that prevents me from doing my go-to knee slice pass. So, as I’ll be revising some alternative positions, the “Systematically Attacking The Guard” Gordon Ryan DVD is hands down the top source to use. And yes, it is still being filmed as I’m writing this, but I’m no less excited about the upcoming Gordon Ryan DVD Review! After all, Gordon has passed the guard of some of the most fearsome grapplers of our generation. And he’s just getting started!

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Gordon Ryan Systematically Attacking The Guard

So far, the Danaher Death squad has been really active in the DVD instructionals scene. Both Gary Tonon and Eddie Cummings came out with leg lock instructionals of their own. Gordon Ryan did a strength and conditioning DVD not that long ago. And, of course, Danaher himself did a whole series of No-Gi DVDs and is now entering the realm of Gi instructionals. Now, Gordon is filming another DVD, but this time, it is all about one of the most important aspects of BJJ – guard passing. Furthermore, if all the other members of the Death Squad are anything to judge by, we’re in for a treat. Ryan is very well articulated and has immense knowledge of BJJ despite his young age. As I said, the perfect instructional at the perfect time! And we get to do a Gordon Ryan DVD review as soon as it is ready!

Gordon “The King” Ryan

By now we all know who Gordon Ryan is, but let’s recap for a little. Gordon is a John Danaher black belt that’s training at Renzo Gracie’s New York City academy. He is actually a black belt under Gary Tonon, a close friend of his and DDS teammate. This also makes him a part of the Tom DeBlass lineage. On top of everything, he trains with John Danaher for hours on a daily basis, which is why he is all but unbeatable.

At only 23 years of age, Ryan is already a black belt, ADCC champion, No-Gi World champion at ultra heavyweight and absolute as well as multiple time EBI champion. The submission specialist with a record of 50 submissions in 62 wins at the black belt is exactly the guy you want demonstrating techniques in a DVD instructional. Just recently he destroyed everyone at the IBJJF No-Gi worlds, proving that he can be superior under any ruleset. And he is far from done.

While Ryan is undisputed in the No-Gi game, he still has the Gi BJJ circuit to conquer. And he’s not one to back away from a challenge. Right after Ryan won the ADCC in 2017, he decided to start getting ready for Gi Jiu-Jitsu. Although he set 2019 as the year to prove his Gi dominance to the grappling world, he recently decided to actually transfer to MMA instead. And, while we’re waiting for him to do what he does best, we can also learn from “The King”. After his first DVD, which is not exactly a BJJ instructional, I’m stoked about this Gordon Ryan DVD review even more than some of Danaher’s stuff!

Gordon “King” Ryan Passing DVD – The Expectations

It’s probably redundant to talk about expectations from a Gordon Ryan DVD, but still, let’s amuse ourselves. Until we get access to the material to do a Gordon Ryan DVD Review, we can speculate. With my fresh knee injury, I discovered that the knee slice will be unavailable to me for quite some time. So, when I turned to instructionals on a guard passing concept I found myself stuck. The moves that are available, like leg drags or pressure passes are clear to me, but what I am looking for is a concept-based passing system. Preferably, I’d like something that gives the option of a “position zero” to start from.

If we look at what Ryan does on a regular basis, it’s evident that this is exactly what we’ll get. While a lot of the DVD instructionals out there focus on specific passes, like Faria’s over under pressure passing style, none take into consideration multiple modalities of guard passing. Of course, Danaher is the man to put things together, but there’s nobody better than Gordon to demonstrate them. If you think about it, Gordon is like Danaher’s lab rat. He puts into practice what the evil BJJ mastermind puts together in the blue basement of RGA. In that sense, we can expect a system as complete as Ryan is well rounded at grappling!

So far we know that Ryan likes to pass mostly from standing. Yet, there are also instances of him passing from the knees, which indicates he’s comfortable everywhere. Moreover, Ryan has a specific style of passing that’s neither speed nor pressure passing specifically. If this is anything to judge by, the upcoming Gordon Ryan passing DVD is going to have it all. The expectations are an overall system that’s not based on a single guard passing approach. Plus, at over 8 hours of material, be ready for a wealth of information like never before!

Gordon Ryan DVD Review – “Systematically Attacking The Guard”

So far, we know Ryan can pass the guard. We also know there’s a Gordon Ryan Passing DVD in the works, expected to come out as early as this month. Finally, we know we can expect an in-depth system running at an excess of 8 hours. That is a lot of material to go through and it is going to be groundbreaking without a doubt. make sure you watch this space as we’ll provide you with a complete Gordon Ryan DVD review as soon as it comes out and certainly before anyone else does!

UPDATE

As promised, we got our hands on this before it is even available for purchase. still, you’ll only have to wait a few more additional hours until you can get it for yourself! Well, only a few hours if you get the digital version, and probably a couple of days more if you order the actual DVDs. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this instructional while doing the Gordon Ryan DVD review, and I’m certain you will too.

In the style of his teacher and mentor, Ryan delivered an 8 volume DVD set that pretty much covers everything in regard to passing the guard. It has two parts to it, each with 4 volumes of immaculate instructions. It turns out that Ryan is just as good a teacher as he is a competitor. Taking into account his age, he’s probably going to be Jedi knight level when he gets to Danaher’s age.

In technical terms, this DVD is flawless. No issues with sound, video or content organization. Ryan uses his girlfriend and conditioning coach as his Uke. They have a great understanding of each other so there are no stops during demonstrations. Moreover, Ryan likes to explain a lot of the details. This means you get long chapters with very thorough instructions. And, you get so many passes!

DVD 1 – Fundamentals

The first volume of this DVD starts with an intro, pretty much as expected. Gordon goes over his (and Danaher’s) guard passing philosophy and principles. During this Gordon Ryan DVD review, we got to go back and re-listen to it many times. It is that important, so pay close attention! Gordon Ryan DVD Review

After the intro, it’s down to business, with the closed guard as the first problem of the day. The solutions Ryan offers are simple, basic and one you haven’t thought of. In order to skip repeating this, everything Ryan goes over works both in Gi and No-Gi. That aside, the real gem here is his take on defeating the Rubber guard. No more trouble when going against those ultra-flexible grapplers!

After the closed guard, Ryan moves on to passing open guards. A rolling Kimura is his solution to the seated guard before he dedicates some attention to the Reverse De La Riva. Here, he demonstrates how to kill the entire guard with very simple detail. next, he shows you how to enter Ashi Garami which results in either a pass or a leg lock. There’s also a “cure” for those that like to invert.

The final chapter of this volume is actually something the I found reoccurs a lot during the Gordon Ryan DVD review. It is the ‘split squat” concept, something that pretty much defines a lot of Ryan’s passing efforts.

DVD 2 – Destroying The Knee Shield

The spit squats kick the second volume off, this time as a solution to the lasso guard. While the lasso isn’t a guard people play regularly in No-Gi, the principles apply to Gi as well. And it is going to be a game-changer if this guard is a sticking point for you. The split squat Ryan talks about is kind of a position zero for most of his passes. As far as dealing with open guards goes, the backstep is Ryan’s favorite route. He shows a bunch of variations, throwing in a guillotine finish of the pass for good measure.

Further, in this volume, Ryan focuses on the knee shied. He has two main modalities of passing it – a low passing system and a high one. Both work perfectly an all you need to do is recognize which to use given the circumstances. It is all covered in great detail as Ryan offers about 10 different options to pass the knee shield. The cross shoulder post is one that deserves special attention, as it completely pins your opponent. As per usual, submissions feature along with guard passes, this time of the D’arce choke variety.

DVD 3 – Half Guard Solutions

When doing this Gordon Ryan DVD review, the first break I had to take was at this point. there is so much key information that you need 100% focus to just get through it once. It’s all going to be worth it, though, as stuff from this disc starts working in training right away!

In this part of the instructional, Ryan’s attention switches to passing common half guard varieties. He starts with the bodylock pass that is a big favorite at Renzo’s NYC Academy. From there, it’s over-under pass time, one of the most coveted and high-percentage passes. However, Ryan’s take on it is different from everyone, including Bernardo Faria who is notorious for it. A kneebar finish rounds of the over-under pass portion.

The final third of the volume is all about the deep half. This is one of the guards that can really frustrate people. Dealing with it is much harder than it looks unless you’re using Ryan’s system. As usual, some basic concepts are followed by a few passing options. Some are familiar, while others are unorthodox. All of them work, though, without a doubt! Passing varieties include dealing with the Z guard, underhooks and even the dreaded lockdown.

DVD 4 – A Masterclass On Killing The Half Butterfly

Halfway through the DVD, Ryan is still on the subject of half guard. The fourth volume covers one of the more modern guard variations, and certainly a difficult one to pass. It is a guard people use a lot lately, especially in conjunction with leg locks. So, Ryan gives it the respect it deserves by dedicating an entire volume to killing it off.

Going back to what I mentioned is going to reoccur during this Gordon Ryan DVD review is the utterly critical concept of the split squat. Once again, Ryan uses his split squat system to first stabilize, then neutralize and finally, pass the half-butterfly guard. Some of the caveats here include using guillotines to deal with the half-butterfly, as well as the cross shoulder post I highlighted previously.

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Gordon Ryan Systematically Attacking The Guard

Best BJJ Joint Supplements in 2021 Reviews And Guide

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BJJ World

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Elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, shoulders, spine… You name the joint and I’ll show you a dozen different injuries that can affect it as a result of grappling. To be honest, it’s not just injuries. Injuries are actually the cherry on the proverbial cake nobody wants to eat. Doing any kind of sport puts our joints under stress. In the case of grappling martial arts, the stress is unlike anything else. While other sports, like running, for example, put focused stress on specific joints, in BJJ it’s all around. Without even thinking about injuries, Jiu-Jitsu puts demands on our joints that are hard to comply with. A stack of the best BJJ joint supplements or even just one carefully picked product might make rolling a much more enjoyable experience for years to come.

There’s no training BJJ with messed up joints. Wait, there is, actually. If you’re a purple belt or above, you’ve got yourself a favorite joint or two that require some extra attention. A lot of factors play in how your joints work while you’re trying to grapple. Especially if you’re doing so at a high pace and level. Age is a huge factor that is very limiting in itself. Training frequency, rolling style, injuries, and even genetics also have their contribution. Just like you’re probably drinking some sort of post-workout and recovery drinks, and taking vitamins, you need to be including joint supplements. For the average BJJ athlete, the best BJJ joint supplements are not optional. If you’re a competitor and a high-level one at that, they become much more than that. They’re actually the single most important supplement you can have!

Joint Supplements That Work For Grapplers

The way our joints work is actually not that complicated. In essence, our joints are where two ends of our bones meet. At this meeting point, the outside is covered with a capsule. Inside, the bones are connected with ligaments. The motion of the joint is cushioned by joint cartilages, which are often the focus of joint trouble. the outside of every joint, above the capsule, is covered with muscles that allow it to move in a very specific fashion. With joint locks in BJJ, we aim to move the joints opposite of their natural direction of movement. You can see how this disagrees with them.

The trouble with joint supplements, in general, is that there are a lot of fake ones. There are even ones that contain some of the components that work, but not ineffective combinations or doses. With grappling, nothing but the best BJJ joint supplements with a high rate of efficiency will do the trick. For that, you need a combination of a few very potent ingredients.

To begin with, the two supplements we all know are chondroitin and glucosamine. The thing with them is they need to be in a very specific combination and dose to work. They actually work even better when you throw in some Turmeric. Yeah, that stuff does a lot more than just spice up your food. Finally, there’s an ingredient not many people know about in MSM. This organic sulfur-based compound is crazy effective when it comes to connective tissue repair. IF you have a combination of some, or even better, all of the above, you can safely consider the supplement to be high-quality.

Best BJJ Joint Supplements In 2021

Now that you know what you’re looking for, let’s see what exactly is on the market. We’re going to go over some of the very best BJJ joint supplements, breaking down their contents and why they work. All you need to do is choose one and give it a shot. You’ll soon realize that rolling with healthier joints is way more satisfying. You’ll not only feel better but be able to do things your wary joints were preventing you from.

Just remember, we did extensive research and some testing before we decided to make this 2021 best BJJ joint supplements guide. In the guide below you won’t find any “snake oil” type of stuff, promising but not delivering. Every single one of our supplements is top-grade and perfect for the needs of grapplers. You could even go for a combo of two or three of them and stack up for good. Check them out:

RSP Joint Support

RSP has a supplement out that pretty much embodies all the ingredients we talked about. It is the perfect blend to help resolve joint pain and prevent collagen degradation. Every ingredient is GMP certified and extensively tested, so do not expect any side effects.
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The main ingredients are chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM in a very carefully balanced ratio. This supplement comes in a bottle in capsule form, containing 180 capsules. It helps alleviate any kind of joint stiffness, inflammation, and even osteoarthritis. It also helps keep your cartilage safe, which is of the utmost importance for grapplers. there’s more characteristic, though that puts this supplement firmly among the best BJJ supplements of 2021. You get the option to subscribe and get it delivered on a monthly, or up to 6 months schedule. If you choose this option you’ll get each bottle with a significant discount too!

Vostok Natural Joint Pain Relief

This all-natural extremely powerful supplement comes to you courtesy of Vostok Nutrition. This supplement actually goes a bit overboard on supplements, but in a good way. It contains not only the powerful four of chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, and turmeric but a few more key ingredients.
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The blend of these special ingredients which include Boswellia, quercetin, bromelain, and others allows for the repair of the damaged joints at an incredible level! It is the perfect supplement to help you heal your damaged joints and even hasten injury recovery. OF course, it has a host of anti-inflammatory properties and lubricates joints. Expect an increased range of motion and improved shock absorption. Comes in capsule form with 90 capsules per bottle. A subscription purchase plan is also available.

Chiroflex Turmeric Curcumin Supplement

If you’re all about plant-only, completely natural products, this one is for you. It contains only turmeric (or curcumin) but in a very potent dose! Actually, the formula is patented by Chiroflex and is one of the best available on the market!
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The power of turmeric lies in curcuminoids, which Chiroflex has identified and used in their top supplement. Over 95 curcuminoids are in this joint supplement. Plus it is highly bioavailable with a great rate of absorption. The supplement comes in capsule form, with 120 capsules per container. The manufacturer guarantees that you’ll feel the first results within as little as 2 hours! 100 % money-back guarantee, even with an empty bottle!

Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength

Osteo Bi-flex Triple Strength is one of the best BJJ joint supplements simply because it contains an incredible blend of ingredients that make your joints feel 10 years younger! They feature a “Joint Shield” technology, kept secret by the manufacturer. Still, they’re more than potent and effective when taken.
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This supplement comes in a container of 120 capsules at an incredible price. There are also packets of 40, 80, and up to 200 capsules available. The claim is that you’ll start noticing a difference within 7 days of taking the supplement. So far, there haven’t been any complaints among people taking it. It provides incredible joint support, cartilage repair 9which many other products do not) and very fast injury recovery. There are no side effects and you can take the supplement daily to help you keep your joints healthy and mobile for grappling.

Schwartz Maximum Strength Joint Supplement

Once again, it’s glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM time! This time, Schwartz offers a very powerful supplement that relieves joint pain. It is a much better option as opposed to painkillers. There are no side effects, no addictive properties and it actually helps with joint damage in addition to relieving pain.
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This supplement has superior bioavailability and is clinically tested. It is an all-natural, no GMO product, with no artificial ingredients whatsoever. The formula is so potent that it helps with osteoarthritis and even the healing of fractures. For cartilage trouble, it is one of the best BJJ joint supplements of all time! It helps your joints stay lubricated and healthy while allowing them to work at a high pace. Come in capsule form with 90 capsules per container.

Arazo Nutrition Joint Support

Arzo Nutrition’s Joint Support supplement is also one featuring the top possible ingredients for joint health. It repairs cartilage, improves mobility, and helps protect the connective tissue in your joints.
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The ingredients inside and chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, and turmeric, along with a few others. The powerful four mean that this is one of the overall best BJJ joint supplements. A huge benefit of taking this supplement is joint lubrication, so much that you might even feel like wanting to do some running again. A 100% money-back guarantee is included. With every purchase, you get 180 tablets and you have the option for a subscription plan. My personal favorite when it comes to joint supplements for grappling.

Zenwise Extra Strength Joint Support

The final product in our best BJJ joint supplements guide for 2021 is an extra-strong one. The supplement manufactured by Zenwise is an advanced blend of MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine. There’s also the inevitable feature of turmeric, turning this into a highly potent weapon to battle joint issues.
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Something other products often lack and that makes a world of difference is Hyaluronic acid, present in this supplement. It ensures that your joints remain full and healthy so that they can absorb force better. You get better joint strength and increased mobility which is what grapplers area after. Plus, you get to train pain-free. Subscription plan available for 180 tablet containers at intervals of your choosing.

Grappling Related Joint Trouble

The most abused joint in BJJ is actually one most people do not even consider. It is the fingers of our hands, and often, the toes as well. For grapplers in Gi Jiu-Jitsu, damaged fingers are a fact of life. They often into chronic arthritis at an older age and are a really painful thing to deal with. This is before we even touch on the subject of the toes getting stuck in mat cracks or the opponent’s Gi.

Another potentially crippling joint injury that grapplers face is discussed hernias, which are basically cartilage protrusions along the spine. There are hardly any black belts that haven’t felt the effects of a herniated disc somewhere along the spine. It is also an injury that you can deal with if you get eth best BJJ joint supplements from our guide above.

UFC Female Fighter Polyana Viana beats up armed Mugger

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BJJ World

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Polyana Viana, a UFC strawweight (115lbs/52kg) fighter was the victim of an attempted robbery in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Viana was waiting for an Uber in front of her apartment complex in Jacarepagua, a neighborhood in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro when a man approached her.

The robber had reportedly tried to steal her phone, claiming he had a weapon.

Polyana Viana Naked

Viana told MMAjunkie

“He was really close to me. I thought, ‘If it’s a gun, he won’t have time to draw it.”

“So I stood up. I threw two punches and a kick. He fell, then I caught him in a rear-naked choke. Then I sat him down in the same place we were before and said, ‘Now we’ll wait for the police.'”

The ‘gun’ was a cardboard cutout.

She said she then kept his arm immobilized in a kimura-like position until police arrived.

“Since he took the punches very quickly, I think he was scared. So he didn’t react anymore. He told me to let him go, like ‘I just asked for the time.’ I said, ‘Asked for the time my ass,’ because he saw I was very angry. I said I wouldn’t let go and that I was going to call the police.

He said, ‘Call the police, then’ because he was scared I was going to beat him up more.”

According to Viana, they took him to an emergency care facility to treat his wounds and then to the station, where she filed a police report. The man had been arrested before and had only recently been released.

Polyana Viana Attacker

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Marlon Sandro 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt Chokes Out and Beats his Fiancee

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Arrested For Inappropriately Touching his Teenage Students

Best BJJ Elbow Pads For 2021 – Guide And Reviews

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BJJ World

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Do you have any idea what the most common BJJ injury is? Let me put it like this. Do you know which joint get hurt the most in BJJ? If your answer is the elbow, then you’ve got it right. It is not that we use our elbows more than any other joint. It is that they get attacked so often from so many different positions that they inevitably crack under the pressure. Other joints get their fair share of injuries too, but nothing comes close to the elbows. This means that if you do not look after your elbows, you’ll end up with either a serious or a chronic injury on one or both of them. Unless you have support for your elbows in the form of BJJ elbow pads. And of course, they have to be the Best BJJ Elbow Pads that exist in 2021.

Let’s face it, protective gear is a must when you train BJJ. Wearing it as a young grappler or beginner might not be on many people’s priority list. In all honesty, young guns and beginners do not really need it. The thing with protective gear is that you should use it before you need it, or it may be too late. The best thing is to identify a problem area and address it as soon as possible. Moreover, if you’re an advanced or senior grappler, get yourself a pair of the best BJJ elbow pads straight away. You’ll notice the difference straight away and your elbows will be grateful. After all, the point is to keep on training right?

Also, there’s a difference between Elbow Compression sleeves and Elbow compression pads. Pads are more suitable for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as there’s a lot of friction in BJJ, MMA, and other grappling sports. Compression Elbow Sleeve pads for BJJ, MMA, grappling, etc. will give your elbow compression and protection from rubbing and blows.

The Most Injured Joint In BJJ

The elbow joint is one of the most important joints in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This usually becomes clear to people only once they’ve ended up injured. Training with an elbow injury is actually possible in BJJ which makes it that much more of a problem. For example, if you tear knee ligaments or roll an ankle, you’ll have to take a rest for a while. However, if you injure an elbow, apart from breaking it, you can still roll, albeit not at full strength (nor advisable). This is why a lot of people aggravate elbow injuries and turn them into chronic ones. It’s also where the best BJJ elbow pads can make a huge difference.

The elbow joint is mainly intended for flexion and extension. It can also do twisting motions, but only with the help of the shoulder joint. Now, in BJJ, the goal is always to have extreme control over the neighboring joints of the one you’re attacking. This means with every attack the elbow joint’s range of motion is diminished. And this is before people even look to attack it. Not to mention that there are a bunch of attacks on the elbow joint, like straight armlocks or armbars.

The main trouble with the elbows in grappling, though, is posting. When you’re passing the guard, or in mount you have to constantly post. All the time, your opponent is trying to explore and looking to trap your elbows. Then, there’s playing guard. Looking to frame and protect guard positions, as well as an attack can be dreadful on your elbows. Not to mention scrambles and all possible twists and tweaks they bring about. No wonder the elbows get such a beating during Jiu-Jitsu training.

The Best BJJ Elbow Pads 2021 Guide

The best BJJ elbow pads that we have in our guide today might surprise you. Not all of them are what you might have in mind when you think about elbow pads. As technology advances, so does protective sports gear, and particularly combat sports gear. This means that today you don’t just have a simple pad and an elastic band to hold it. On the contrary, there are highly specific systems like sleeves, or adjustable multi-directional protective braces and pads. On top of everything, they’re all made of durable and high-grade material that’ll keep them strong for ages.

There’s also a hugely important aspect in the design of BJJ elbow pads. Most of the pads in our 2021 best BJJ elbow pads guide are made specifically for grappling and combat sports. There are some that are intended for all kinds of sports, but they’re so high-grade and adjustable and offer so much protection that they simply had to feature. We made sure we include elbow pads that come in pairs, as well as provide the best-priced products for you in 2021.

Liveup SPORTS Elbow Brace

We’re kicking it off with a bang here. Liveup Sports are the manufacturers of an extremely cool pair of elbow pads fit for any sport. One of the best things about this product is that it is a two-pack, meaning you get two extra strong elbow sleeves for the price of one.
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These elbow pads come in gray color with white stripes and are somewhere in between pads and elbow sleeves. They provide immense compression and won’t slip an inch thanks to a special no-slip cuff on the inside. The compression helps alleviate pressure from your joint and prevents it from popping while training. The material is an even split between rubber, polyester, and nylon which makes it virtually indestructible. Not only that, but this blend also guarantees that the pad will remain elastic. It is breathable and moisture-wicking plus resistant to odors. A great product to start exploring the best BJJ elbow pads for 2021!

G-Form Pro-X Elbow Pad

Here’s a BJJ elbow pad that’ll make you look like something out of “The Terminator”. Well, if you wear it in No-Gi at least. Despite its looks this elbow pad is a very modern product made with the latest technologies. It is also a pad that provides incredible protection. Also comes in a pair.
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G-Form’s “Pro-X” elbow pad is a protector made out of special foam that is soft and flexible. When the elbow is under pressure through the foam stiffens to protect it from the force of impact. This is possible thanks to proprietary Reactive Protection Technology designed by G-Form. Despite looking bulky at first glance, these pads fit perfectly under a Gi and won’t impede your motion. More importantly, they won’t injure your opponents since they do not contain hard, sturdy plastic. The best part is that they’re completely washer-friendly so you can throw them in along with your Gi. Available in 6 different color designs.

COOLOMG Compression Padded Arm Sleeve

COOLOMG’s compression sleeves are as cool as the name suggests. No really, it’s not a pun! First of all, you get two of them to start with. Next up, they come in a bunch of different designs. Furthermore, the designs are not just the same one with different colors but completely varied. And, of course, they do their job without a flaw, hence their inclusion in our best BJJ elbow pads guide for 2021.
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These compression sleeves come in a size that fits most people, thanks to their immense elasticity. The material is 90% polyester and 10 % Spandex plus high-grade EVA pads. They’re completely permeable to air and have moisture-wicking properties. Perfect to keep your elbows safe while providing nearby muscles with much-needed compression. Keeps its elasticity even after repeated washing. Comes with 100% lifetime warranty with every purchase.

Bodyprox Elbow Protection Pads

As far as the best BJJ elbow pads go, these offer probably more protection than any other pair of pads out there. This page actually doubles down as both protective pads and elbow sleeves. The perfect combination for any grappler, especially those with elbow issues.

They come in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and in black color. Still, what they lack in modern funky design, the makeup for in quality and protection. These pads feature a foam grid that is placed in a way that guarantees relief from most elbow injuries. Information, tennis elbow, even ligament damage area all easy to resolve with these pads. The material is abrasion-resistant. The pads offer a full range of motion and support throughout the most complex movements. The special design means they’re impossible to slip and are suitable for both sexes and people of all sizes. Money-back guarantee included!

RDX BJJ Elbow Support Brace

RDX is one of these companies that offer a lot of products intended to help grapplers and fighters. Out of all their stuff, their line of protective gear is definitely up there with the best of them. Normally, their BJJ/MMA elbow support brace is one of the best BJJ elbow pads you can get this year.
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The RDX elbow brace is available in three colors (black, red, or blue) and comes in a pair. Sizes range from small to extra large, meaning they can accommodate virtually anyone. They are different from other products so far in that they’re not a slip-on pad. The RDX elbow pads feature a cross-over strapping system that makes them fully adjustable. The padding is made out of extra light carbon fiber that ensures complete protection and no tearing whatsoever. The fibers feature sweat-wicking technology and keep your elbows cool and dry. These pads are among the highest quality pads you can get!

Mueller Adjustable Elbow Support Pads

Mueller’s adjustable elbow pads come in one size that fits all and also come as a pair. They feature a strap closing system and ensure maximal protection while staying flexible. they’re also completely adjustable to anyone’s arms, plus both straps can be worn on each arm.
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The material in these best BJJ elbow pads contenders is a special neoprene blend. This blend is soft and helps retain body heat to improve circulation. In this sense, it also relieves pain and helps the body heal. A hugely important aspect for grapplers is that these pads are extremely comfortable to wear and don’t interfere with training at all. They’re also a bit longer than regular pads, meaning extended protection and a better fit. There’s complete breathability via a strategic Hydro mesh panel. An extremely high-grade product is tailor-made for training Jiu-Jitsu.

McDavid 489 Elbow Strap

Here’s where we go off the reservation a little bit. Still, we are going to offer a product that’ll relieve pain and discomfort in many grapplers. one of the most common injuries grapplers run into is tennis elbow. This is is often a chronic thing that requires a lot of attention and caution during training.
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McDavid’s elbow strap is specifically designed to help resolve tennis elbow symptoms. This is a small pad compared to others. In fact, it is not a pad at all, but a strap that you wear on your forearm, right below your elbow. This strap offers targeted pressure to the area affected by tennis elbow symptoms. It is small, comfortable, and easy to wear under the Gi. The strap100 % neoprene, with Dual Sorbothane pads that provide the targeted pressure. There are a hook and loop system to adjust it to your arm, plus it comes in three different sizes. Available in black and definitely one of the best BJJ elbow pads that grapplers can own. The price makes it really affordable to get even if you already have a more heavy-duty elbow pad.

Venum Kontact Elbow Protector

Finally, wrapping up our best BJJ elbow pads guide for 2021 is a BJJ classic. Well, at least in terms of a manufacturer. Venum offers everything a grappler might think of, from Gis and backpacks to dedicated headgear and elbow pads. They’re specific to BJJ, very high-quality and extremely useful.
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The Venum Kontakt Elbow Protectors are available in six different colors. They come in one size since they’re fully adjustable via a straps system. The material in these pads is very high-grade cotton with strategic reinforcements for improved protection. The closure of the straps is via Velcro tape to ensure there’s no slipping and that the pad fits perfectly. The pads come in a pair and are washable in a machine. Made to fit perfectly under the Gi without impeding motion at all. Offer additional abrasion protection from mat burns when training No-Gi.

Elbow Pads For Grapplers

The trouble with elbows is that they’re exposed from day one all the way to the advanced levels. As we saw, there’s not much we can do about it, no matter how careful we are in training. What we can do is grab ourselves a pair of the best BJJ elbow pads and go on to roll like usual. While our guide above is by all main comprehensive, here are a few more caveats of what makes a pair of elbow pads perfect for grappling.

As you know by know, elbow pads come in a variety of sizes, designs, materials, and intended uses. Your own needs are going to determine the type of elbow pad you need to keep your elbows healthy. As we saw, materials range from polyester and rubber to neoprene and/or nylon pads. Depending on what you’re looking for they can offer immense compression, elbow padding, specific movement restriction, or all of the above. The material defines the properties of the pads, so choose according to your needs.

Tom DeBlass Interview – I’ve been submitted two times in competition over a 17-year span

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BJJ World

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GK: Let’s start with something simple. Could you tell me about your beginnings in Ji-Jitsu? How did you start training BJJ? Tom DeBlass Interview

TD: Yeah, I was 20 years old and I was actually involved with track and field. I was much smaller, and I tore the ligaments in my ankle. And I remember watching the UFC and thinking that it was pretty interesting. So, I found a Ricardo Almeida black belt, well actually, first I found this local school by me because I wanted to get involved in training.

I started training there for like six months and then I heard about Ricardo Almeida. One of his black belts happened to be in the town over from me. So, I started training with him like six months in, and then from him, I made the transition to be full time with Ricardo. So, I was with Ricardo from white belt to black belt. I was always an aggressive kid but I never wanted to fight for no reason, so I always wanted a purpose. I found that Jiu-JItsu satisfied those needs for me, you know? I’ve been hooked ever since.

GK: There’s a rumor going around about you, that you’re pretty much un-submittable. I know it’s more than a rumor so could you tell us if there’s any basic concept or principle you use to avoid getting submitted, both rolling and in competition?

TD: Nah, I can get tapped man. I say with leg locks, I don’t get tapped, my feet are pretty flexible and they’re pretty big. I’ve been submitted two times in competition over a 17-year span, so it is very hard to submit me. My basics are very good, and, the thing is that I recognize danger immediately. The thing that I tell everybody is that most people get submitted because they don’t address the situation immediately. So, if someone gets a grip on me, they’re looking for something, I’m immediately addressing that grip and I’m never thinking it’s OK. Except for leg locks. I’ll let people get to the leg lock position and try because then it gives me the opportunity to work my own offensive leg locks.

I wouldn’t say thatI’mm un-tappable, you know, everybody could get tapped for sure. But, I have pretty sound basics, my foundation is very very strong and it is very hard to do anything to me. Like, the matches that I’ve lost have been from people kind of just holding me, winning a decision, they haven’t done much as far as passing my guard. I think that in 17 years competing I’ve given up less than 12 points. I credit that to solid basics, my foundation and my framing ability is pretty good.

GK: Speaking of concepts, conceptional Jiu-JItsu seems to be all the jazz lately? Do you prefer going the conceptual way or do you like to rely more on specific techniques?

TD: I like concepts because when I teach a seminar, I may teach 50 techniques and you might only get four, but you remember the concepts forever. The last time I was at ADCC Finland I talked to a bunch of ADCC referees and we spoke a different language. But they were able to understand my concept, they were able to understand what I was trying to get across. So, I believe in concepts. What I do when I’m telling someone to go do a technique but ask why are you going to do it? Why is it working? What is behind the technique that is making it special? So, I do believe in concepts much more than I believe in just showing a technique and telling people to go and drill it. Tom DeBlass Interview

GK: Let’s talk about your latest DVD. It is all about the butterfly half guard. I got the DVD and I really like it because I enjoy working from the position. Why do you prefer this guard over other half guard variations? Tom DeBlass Interview

TD: The thing is I’ve always competed in the heavier weight class. Even though I am a fairly big guy, like 225/220 lbs, the guys I compete against are much heavier. SO, the half guard, I felt, was a position where I could fend off bigger, stronger opponents. It was a very good defensive position where I could mount some offense. But, what’s been happening lately is guys have been just not trying to pass. They’ve been kind of just like keeping posture up, pushing me away and not letting me get underneath them. So, I had to develop another strategy. That (strategy) was the butterfly hook in. I could stop all the same half guard attacks, but when I have the butterfly hook it gives me a little bit more offensive Jiu-Jitsu than just using the half guard. Tom DeBlass Interview

I feel there is a little bit more attacks I could have from there, I have a better chance of elevating my opponent, I can hip heist a little easier which I went over in the DVD. There are a few different things that I can do from the butterfly half guard rather than just the half guard. When you get a really big strong guy it is hard to use the knee shield across, when they collapse all their weight on it. With the butterfly half guard, the more square up your knee is, you can hold more weight. Because when the knee is across the body, they can collapse it. When it is pointing up, it’s very hard to collapse.

I believe there is a time and a place for both, half guard is still my main thing for sure. I love half guard, I love deep half guard, I’m most comfortable there. But that is a problem, just be comfortable. I find myself sometimes getting lazy, not looking for a reversal, kind of just keeping the person in my guard. You have to make things happen, you know?

GK: It is an awesome DVD, it’s doing wonders for my game since I’m a smaller guy. It is really working for me. You run Ocean County BJJ as we all know. You are a very successful academy owner. Any tips on your personal philosophy of running an academy?

TD: Yeah, you have to really care about your students, you can’t do it for the money, you have to do it for the love. I always wanted to be financially comfortable but I didn’t go to Jiu-Jitsu to be rich. I went into Jiu-Jitsu to help change lives and to share a passion I truly love and believe in. So, I think if you care about your students the sky is the limit. Of course, thigs have to be run professionally, you have to make sure the business aspect is in line. For me, I don’t really look at myself like running a business, rather than running like a culture. Tom DeBlass Interview

I let a lot of things slide that maybe other academy owners won’t but I understand that life isn’t easy for people. So, it’s hard for me to turn somebody away if they want to train, but they can’t afford my price. If they can afford something lower it’s hard for me to say “no, you can’t train”. As long as people are honest with me, and they have a good heart, I do my best to accommodate them. I’d say the first thing to running a school is to truly care about people, to truly care about the students that walk through the door.

GK: Speaking of which, I coach kids classes in our Academy. I know you were a teacher, and I know you also have a kids’ programme, so, any tips there?

TD: So, the kids’ programme for me, I want it to be all positive. Of, course we have to keep them in line, we have to make sure they’re learning, but I want it to be a positive experience. I don’t put too much pressure on my kids. My daughter just started training yesterday, she’s 7. She trained three years ago and then she didn’t want to train and I didn’t push her, because Jiu-Jitsu is going to be a part of her life forever. So I waited until she asked to train and now she’s back training. Tom DeBlass Interview

I think it is just important that parents keep it fun for the kids, I think sometimes parents and instructors get a little bit too intense and they demand too much. They’re just kids, man. At the end of the day, they want to please us. They’re not going to be perfect, they’re going to act up, sometimes we’re going to have bad days. And, it is ok to correct them, but they need to know that you care about them. Any game I implement is directly persuaded by Jiu-Jitsu movements. It is not just like a random game that doesn’t make any sense. I mix it up with technique and some games, I try to keep it fun.

At the end of the day, kids feed off your energy, so if you’re positive, and you let them know they’re messing up, like, it hurts your feelings. You know, they don’t want to hurt your feelings. I find I have a better chance of getting through to a child, rather than yelling at him, like letting him know he’s upsetting me, you’re making me feel bad. And when you talk to kids rather than like little kids you have a much better chance of getting through to them. Because they’re people man, they’re just little people. We were all kids, and i remember what it feels like. I remember specific things as a kid, that happened to me, good and bad. I don’t want to be that bad memory in a child’s brain.

GK: You’re currently 36 and you’re physique is impressive. You also have a DVD out on nutrition and strength and conditioning. A word or two on your S&C routine? It is short but intense one as far as I understand? Tom DeBlass Interview

TD: I’m kind of switching things up. I did a lot of work with just a 45 lbs plate, like get-ups and stuff like that. Lately, I’m doing a lot of isometric work which wasn’t on my DVD. I’m pushing on walls for extended periods of time, I’m pushing against my hands, I’m pulling against my hands. Everything in Jiu-JItsu is very isometric. I fast daily so my first meal generally isn’t until 12 PM daily, or sometimes 1 PM. I stop eating around 11 PM. It helps me a lot to stay fairly lean, I’m in pretty good shape. Tom DeBlass Interview

I try to do compound movements, I try to get every body part, every time I exercise. I’m probably doing something like 4 days a week. If I have dumbbells I put them all the way to the ground and pressing them all the way up, just exercises for JIu-Jitsu that I think are helpful. Deadlifts, cleans, squats I haven’t done them in a while like I said I’ve been doing more isometric exercises. Plate lifts, if anyone likes to Google “Tom DeBlass plate lifts” or “tom DeBlass Jiu-JItsu conditioning”, you’ll see some of the things I do with that and I feel like that was very very helpful for me.

GK: You’re still very active on the competition scene. Last time around, you won the ADCC trials in North America. Thinking about competing in the trials again, and eventually the ADCC next year?

TD: I won the trials three times, I won’t be doing them this year I’ll just be running them, organizing them, being the promoter. I do plan on competing in ADCC again. I’m hoping that I get the invite since I won the trials a few times. I’ve got to give someone else the chance to win the trials, I won three times already. I want to commit fully to running them and really dedicate myself to focusing on a good show. I ran them last time and competed. Thank God I won, but that was a really, really stressful time. Running them and competing was a very very stressful thing.

I feel I’m better than I’ve ever been, but I’m not looking to compete as much as I used to. I like to compete once in a while, I have other things that I’m focusing on. The stress of competition, it can take it out of you a little bit. Of course, ADCC is always in my heart, I know it is the best competition in the world. I won the first trials in 2009, second 2014 and then 2016. So, I’ve been there close to a decade and I’ve seen a lot of changes. It’s great to be a part of it.

GK: Speaking of which, could you tell us about your mindset when you compete? I mean, it is the most important thing, after all when you step on those mats and you have another person standing against you. WHat’s going through your head, how do you approach that specific problem? Tom DeBlass Interview

TD: They need to implement wrestling, and use their submission awareness not to get caught, to pass the guard to advance position. Ultimately, they need to use their Jiu-Jitsu to put their opponents in compromising positions in order to strike and hurt them on the ground with their fists and elbows. We see certain people that are really great at using their body and their leverage, like Khabib (Nurmagomedov). He is a world class wrestler, but he’s got submission awareness. He is a grappler. It is important man, if you’re not sharp on the ground. It’s not going to be easy.

GK: Obviously, you’ve always had a Renzo Gracie relationship through Ricardo Almeida. Were you always training with them out there in the blue basement, as it’s often referred, or did it happen later on?

TD: Always with Renzo, I would always be at Renzo’s, I had a close relationship with Renzo. I would always train with him when he was getting ready to fight. I was his main training partner when he was fighting BJ Penn. Like, I didn’t hook up with Danaher until last year. I always knew him, we knew each other, we respected one another but I’d never train with him until a year ago. But Renzo has always been my guy since I’ve been a 19-year-old kid and now I’m 36.

GK: A couple of very quick often asked questions before we finish. Heel hooks for beginner, yes or no? Tom DeBlass Interview

TD: Defense yes, offensively no. You have to be able to defend, so you have to recognize danger and you have to be able to get out of those positions. Do I think you should work them offensively? Not so much, no. Not as a white belt.

GK: Do you prefer to train and/or compete in the Gi or without it?

TD: Without the GI man. Our team is more No-Gi. I stayed in the Gi until brown belt and then I took it off. I enjoy No-Gi much better. It’s just easier man, leaving with a sweaty Gi, it’s hot, traveling and bringing the GI. With No-Gi, you have a T-shirt and shorts and you’re good to go. That’s what I like the most about it, the convenience. But, I do think the Gi is very important.

GK: Tom, let’s wrap this up. If there’s anything you’d like to say to all the Jiu-Jitsu people out there in the Grappling Kingdom?

TD: First of all I appreciate all the support I get, and I hope to keep inspiring people the best way I can. I feel like the only thing special about me is I kept showing up and I just worked hard. I never go upset when I had a bad day. I’d get upset but I would never let it discourage me. Tom DeBlass Interview Tom DeBlass Interview

If you’re a competitor in North America ADCC trials North America coming up, make sure you do not miss it. I know it’s a very, very stressful thing and I do believe it is a very very tough tournament. Not believe, it IS a very tough tournament to win, but the experience you get is priceless. Overall, just have fun, enjoy the mats, be thankful. Try to find a reason to be thankful every day you’re training because life is tough. If we constantly beat ourselves up, we’re going to get discouraged. We have to be our own biggest fan, we have to believe in ourselves. And, have fun, enjoy life, God bless you guys and I appreciate you guys.

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GK: Let’s start with something simple. Could you tell me about your beginnings in Ji-Jitsu? How did you start training BJJ? Tom DeBlass Interview

GK: There’s a rumor going around about you, that you’re pretty much un-submittable. I know it’s more than a rumor so could you tell us if there’s any basic concept or principle you use to avoid getting submitted, both rolling and in competition?

GK: Speaking of concepts, conceptional Jiu-JItsu seems to be all the jazz lately? Do you prefer going the conceptual way or do you like to rely more on specific techniques?

GK: Let’s talk about your latest DVD. It is all about the butterfly half guard. I got the DVD and I really like it because I enjoy working from the position. Why do you prefer this guard over other half guard variations? Tom DeBlass Interview

GK: It is an awesome DVD, it’s doing wonders for my game since I’m a smaller guy. It is really working for me. You run Ocean County BJJ as we all know. You are a very successful academy owner. Any tips on your personal philosophy of running an academy?

GK: Speaking of which, I coach kids classes in our Academy. I know you were a teacher, and I know you also have a kids’ programme, so, any tips there?

GK: You’re currently 36 and you’re physique is impressive. You also have a DVD out on nutrition and strength and conditioning. A word or two on your S&C routine? It is short but intense one as far as I understand? Tom DeBlass Interview

GK: You’re still very active on the competition scene. Last time around, you won the ADCC trials in North America. Thinking about competing in the trials again, and eventually the ADCC next year?

GK: Obviously, you’ve always had a Renzo Gracie relationship through Ricardo Almeida. Were you always training with them out there in the blue basement, as it’s often referred, or did it happen later on?

GK: A couple of very quick often asked questions before we finish. Heel hooks for beginner, yes or no? Tom DeBlass Interview

GK: Do you prefer to train and/or compete in the Gi or without it?

GK: Tom, let’s wrap this up. If there’s anything you’d like to say to all the Jiu-Jitsu people out there in the Grappling Kingdom?

UPDATE