BJJ Black Friday SALE 2021 – The Ultimate BJJ Shopping Guide!

It’s that time of year again folks! Time to restock your BJJ cabinet when this particular day of the year hits! Couldn’t afford some of the latest top quality DVD’s when they came out? Maybe you need a new Gi (or a couple of them) but that’ll break your budget. Or maybe you’re itching to get your hands on that latest Meerkatsu designed rashguard combo. Well, it’s November, and you know what that means! It is Black Friday time! Or, to put it more precisely, it is BJJ Black Friday SALE time! 

While most of the mass population are going to storm the malls in search of TVs, gaming consoles, and the latest fad piece of clothing, grapplers are going to stay home this Friday. Why? Well, the BJJ black Friday SALE takes place online, and the best spot to be is in front of your computer. This is the one day in the year where you can get all Danaher DVD,s a new Gi, and perhaps a BJJ backpack, all for the regular price of just one Danaher DVD.  This is exactly what BJJ Black Friday is all about. And we’re going to make shopping a lot easier for you!

IF you’re not ready with a wishlist, or you’re thinking about wandering the online BJJ realms, stop. All you need to do is browse through our top list of the very best things from every BJJ aspect. We’re Going to go everything, from apparel to DVDs and academy inventory, practically everything you need to focus on this BJJ Black Friday! Let this article be your guide and get you ready to stock up on BJJ stuff for the upcoming year! Let’s start!

The BJJ Black Friday SALE Shopping Guide

So what should you look into this BJJ Black Friday? After all, the sale refers to everything and anything and you need to be able to achieve two main objectives. one is to find exactly what you need. The second is to be able to choose from the very best available products in that category. We have a simple system that’ll allow you to browse through everything that fulfills the two conditions set above. This is not just a guide to BJJ Black Friday shopping, it is THE guide!

To tackle the first objective we set, we have everything set up in categories. Moreover, these categories include everything and anything a grappler might need. WE’ll outline each category and what you can find in it in a short while. But first, we’d like to turn your attention to why we chose what we chose. First of all, the prices on all these products are slashed massively for BJJ Black Friday. Second, they’re all high-quality stuff, from gis to DVDs, that are more than worth your time. How do we know this? Well, we’ve done extensive research and have detailed reviews on all of these products. We’ll include the links to our reviews in each appropriate section.

BJJ DVD & Digitial Instructionals

Let’s start off with the most important category for 2021. After all, this is not just the year when hundreds of Jiu-Jitsu DVDs hit the shelves. It is also the year where most high-profile competitors and coaches put their knowledge in digital format. From Tom DeBlass to John Danaher, digital learning platforms for grappling took a huge leap forward this past year. Which is as much a problem as it is a good thing. How do you know what you need to get, from all those titles available? After all, you need to use the BJ black Friday smartly and get as many different things as possible. Even if you decide to completely devote to buying digital material we got you covered! We have a few BJJ DVD Collections you might like to reach a whole new level in BJJ. Outlined in detail with full links below!

Enter The System: Leg Locks” by John Danaher

BJJ Black FridayIt is not a great surprise that we’ll kick things off with this one. The Enter The System; Leg locks, John Danaher instructional is the most eagerly awaited instructional in the history of BJJ. From the moment Eddie Cummings started reaping heel hooks in high-level competition, everyone wanted to know how to do the same. yet, the “silver bullet” remained a closely guarded secret for many years, which is an accomplishment of its own in today’s world.

However, when Danaher finally opened his teaching methodology to the world, he did so with a bang. His leg locks instructional should be the first thing on your BJJ Black Friday shopping list, if you do not own it already. What you get is the absolute ultimate guide into lower body submissions ever put together. Danaher is a man of many words, so do not expect a few disc sets full of unrelated techniques. What you get are more than 10 hours of material, spread across 8 DVDs, and a full blast of Danaher’s leg locking knowledge. If you doubt what we’re saying (hardly possible) then, check out a detailed REVIEW of his system and then follow the link to get it at a BJJ Black Friday price!

Tom DeBlass “Half Domination” DVD

BJJ Black Friday The absolute master of playing guard, Tom DeBlass, brings you all the secrets to the half guard you’ll ever need! Who better to teach you about the half guard than the man who is unpassable? After all, nobody has succeeded in passing tom’s guard in the last 17 years. And that includes competition and training.

Across 4 information filled DVDs, Tom offers unique concepts on the half guard. From half guard philosophies, tom goes into retaining and defending from the position. later on, he also offers unique attacking directions, including leg lock attacks. All in all, he put together the ultimate half guard instruction, that you need to own, especially if you’re a No-Gi grappler. Perfect for BJJ Black Friday! Here’s our detailed review.

Tom DeBlass Half Domination DVD & Digital  Direct Link

Pressure Passing Encyclopedia – Bernardo Faria

BJJ Black Friday SALEBernardo Faria is a very charismatic 5 times World champion with a great understanding of Jiu-Jitsu. What are all the top qualities you should look for in a BJJ instructor? In addition, Bernardo is also tireless when it comes down to recording high-quality instructionals. he is one of those coaches that managed to produce an entire collection in just a couple of years. And his Pressure Passing Encyclopedia is a piece that has its place in everyone’s collection.

Despite what you might know about Bernardo, his Pressure Passing Encyclopedia is not just an Over-under pass instructional. yes, Faria demolishes everyone with his over-under, but he sets it up with different passes. He also likes to pass using different means, as long as he exerts tremendous pressure upon his opponents. So, do not hesitate to pick this DVD up, the sooner, the better!

Neil Melanson’s Catch Wrestling Formula

The Catch Wrestling Formula by Neil MelansonNeil Melanson is one of the more curious grapplers out there. He is not a BJJ specialist, nor a black belt for that matter. He is, however, areal walking (or better said rolling) encyclopedia of grappling martial arts. A black belt in Judo, catch wrestler, and well versed in Sambo he has one the richest grappling pedigrees on the planet. Trained by Gene LeBell and Gokor Chivichyan among many others, he is the coach of Randy Couture, Karo Parisian, and many standout MMA fighters.

Buy “The Catch Wrestling Formula” Instructional HERE

His Catch Wrestling Formula instructional is exactly the black box of grappling secrets you want to get on BJJ Black Friday. It has the catch wrestling essentials that make your BJJ better. At the same time, everything Neil demonstrates is going to shut down the game of pure BJJ grapplers with extreme ease. He is a mastermind of grappling who is also a regular contributor to awesome instructionals. This is the first one of his collection that you need to acquire. Read a complete review of this DVD.

Eddie Cummings “Ashi Garami Seminar”

BJJ Black FridayAnother long-awaited DVD release. This time, it is a digital release by the original leg locker himself, Eddie ‘The Wolverine” Cummings. This release came out at the same time as Danaher’s Enter the System, yet features some significantly different aspects of leg locking. For one, Cummins focus on more positions during his Ashi Garami Seminar digital release. He also demonstrates some natural progressions of what Danaher teaches.

The key value of this release is in its defensive aspects. Cummings deconstructs all the options you have when defending leg locks, and the toughest Ashi Garami positions to be in. However, he doesn’t stop there but also goes into how you can counter even the best-placed defense. As a big fan of the Wolverine, I know that if I didn’t already have it, this DVD would be my first BJJ Black Friday pick. We reviewed this release as well, as soon as it came out!

John Danaher – “Enter The System: Back Attacks”

John Danaher DVD CollectionSpeaking of John Danaher and the Danaher Death Squad, there’s another amazing series that John recorded to give us an insight into his systems. This time it is all about back attacks. As you know, apart from leg locks, chokes from the back mount seem to be the Danaher Death Squad’s favorite means of finishing.

Enter The System: Back Attacks DVD & Digital

In another 8 part series, Danaher goes over all things related to back attacks. Funny enough, you won’t just find chokes in this one but also armbars, Twisters, triangle chokes, calf slicers, and a bunch of other things. And you can get to all of them from the back mount position. IT is by far the one best system for back control that you can use in any kind of grappling martial art. As with eth leg locks DVD, a real must-have! Here’s a full review!

“Fundamentals Of A Jiu-Jitsu Renegade” by Kurt Osiander

BJJ Black Friday SALE A real legend in BJJ circles and one of the most fun characters in all of the martial arts. Kurt Osiander is as nasty and good at BJJ as he is at shit-talking, which is a real statement! Plus he is no longer a young guy, so you can bet everything he has to teach, works against all kinds of opponents. For one, he is as battered as they come, so there’s not much strength involved in his moves. next up, Kurt is all about the basics (complete review here).

His foundations of A Jiu-Jitsu Renegade is the perfect BJJ Black Friday acquisition. it is a Gi instructional and is a good fit for grapplers of all levels. Yes, even if you’re a second-degree black belt you’ll find some useful fundamentals in there. Kurt made sure that he is fun, yet understandable and serious when it comes to pointing out the key components of each technique. Check out the full review and make sure you include Fundamentals Of A Jiu-Jitsu Renegade into your BJJ Black Friday cart!

Tom DeBlass  – “Submission Escapes” DVD Set

Review: Submission EscapesRemember when I mentioned thatTom DeBlass’ guard has not been passed in more than 15 years? Well, the same goes for submitting the man. the big guy certainly knows how to get out of sticky situations, and now he is willing to teach you too. In terms of defensive BJJ instructionals on DVD, this one is on top of the pile. In it, Tom demonstrates everything you can think of. there’s no submission left untouched, whether it is a choke, crank, or a joint lock anywhere across the body.

Direct Link – Tom DeBlass Submission Escapes DVD/Digital 

On top of straight submission escapes, expect to learn how to deal with the most common attacking positions. If you can prevent all submission attacks by escaping a spot like a side control or mount, why not make it easier on yourself? Tom teaches techniques and offers great concepts and principles that help you tie everything together into one great system. To put it simply, you’ll get submitted much less frequently, even by black belts! Check out the contents!

“Down Under Leg Attacks” DVD – Craig Jones

BJJ Black fridayThe leg locker that surprised the world. If the Wolverine caught everyone unprepared for leg locks, Craig did the very opposite. The Australian phenom burst onto the scene leg locking people that were ready to defend leg locks. His attacks are just as unstoppable as those of the Danaher Death Squad. To put things into perspective, Craig is into high-level pro competition for just the past two years. He is very young and there’s still more to come from him, both on the mats and in terms of video instructionals.

Down Under Leg Attacks Craig Jones Instructional Direct Download

This BJJ Black Friday, treat yourself to one of the most comprehensive leg locking instructions out there. Apart from Cummings’ and Danaher’s stuff, Craig’s DVD set is the only other piece of leg locking instructional worth even considering. He brings some innovative concepts to further extend the realm of leg locks. In terms of entries into leg locks, Craig is by far the number one authority. You’ll never lose another leg lock again after watching his instructional!

“High Percentage Chokes: No-Gi” by Lachlan Giles

BJJ Black FridayOn the subject of phenomenal Australian grapplers, let’s not forget Lachlan Giles. Who exactly is he? Well, he was Craig Jones before Craig and is actually the man responsible for Craig’s stardom. he is Craig’s coach and the head grappling instructor at Absolute MMA in Melbourne. The highly skilled grappler now comes out with an incredible instructional of his own, and it’s going to blow your mind!

The chokes Lachlan refers to are all front headlock chokes. So, what you can expect in this 4 part DVD series are a lot of Guillotines, Arm triangles, D’arce chokes, Anacondas, etc. On top of everything else, you have a brand new innovative, and effective position to attack chokes from. Giles talks a lot about the Inverted North-South position and how to use it to surprise and coke out any opponent. Narrated rolls are also included in this DVD, giving it a very specific flare. It is a Jiu-Jitsu instructional tailor-made for BJJ Black Friday! DOn’t waste any time and get the High Percentage Chokes: No-Gi DVD now HERE

Travis Stevens DVD – “The Takedown Blueprint”

BJJ Black FridayLet’s move up from the ground for a bit and explore a different avenue of Jiu-Jitsu. In the department of takedowns, the first BJJ Black Friday title should be The takedown Blueprint. When a BJJ and Judo black belt, plus Olympic Judo medalist combines techniques into a system, you should get it. Furthermore, when that person is joined by his teacher and absolute Judo legend, you need to make sure you not only get it but carefully listen to every single word in the instructional!

Travis Stevens and Jimmy Pedro have the one single DVD instructional that you’ll ever need to set your takedown game on fire! The Takedown blueprint is far from just a Judo for BJJ instructional, though, It also features double leg takedowns and plenty of other moves not specific to Judo but perfect for BJJ. A real masterpiece that you must own! Easy direct access to the Takedown Blueprint Instructional HERE!

Neil Melanson – “Guillotine Headhunter Series” DVD 

BJJ Black FridayEveryone’s favorite BJJ torturer (unless you’re grappling against him) is back with another awesome instructional. this time, it is all about the one move that’s enjoying a complete revival at the moment – the Guillotine Choke. It turns out that the move many thoughts was a strong man submission is actually a really technical one. And Neil knows all about it.

We did a complete review of this instructional which you can read HERE. 

His 4 DVD set is unlike any other instructional you can get on the subject. Or any other grappling instructional in general. A Neil Melanson DVD often has just two or three chapters per hour-long DVD. he actually likes to teach his moves as mini-systems, tying everything together without taking needless breaks. The Guillotine Headhunter Series DVD is innovative, unorthodox, and efficient. The perfect new addition or an awesome BJJ Black Friday gift for a significant other. No hesitation here – you must have it!

Seph Smith – “The Reverse De La Riva Almanac” DVD

BJJ Black FridayYou all know Seph Smith, even though you might not remember him straight away. it took me a little to find out where his face was familiar. If you remember all those Ryan Hall DVDs that we all love and cherish then you remember Ryan’s Uke in most of them. it is his first black belt, Seph Smith. Well, now that Seph is all grown up, he ventured into digital BJJ instructions himself. And his first is a masterpiece.

Seph Smith’s Reverse De la Riva Almanac DVD Instructional

It is nothing unusual for him to focus on the Reverse de la Riva guard, given his grappling origins. However, it is a position that’s not really working nowadays, courtesy of the leg lock game of the likes of Danaher and Craig Jones. Well, the new style of RDL that Seph has in his Almanac is one that overcomes this particular hurdle. Actually, it improves most of the usual drawbacks of the Reverse De La Riva open guard and opens up crazy attacks! One for the future, remember my word!

The Ryan Hall DVD Collection

BJJ Black FridayAnd now, after talking about Seph Smith we have to give credit to his teacher and all-around BJJ personality Ryan Hall. Ryan is the next-door friendly nerd that can also tear your legs off and choke you in an instant. Since not many people knew who Danaher was a while ago, Rya was the Danaher of the time. He has no less than 10 mind-blowing DVD instructionals, all focusing on very specific parts of BJJ. While most are with the Gi, some are recorded in No-Gi, featuring subjects like heel hooks from the 50/ guard.

The Ryan Hall collection is the perfect gift to give yourself for this year’s BJJ Black Friday! What you get in the collection are 3 disc bundles, each on a very popular subject. Guard passing, defensive guard, inverted guard, arm triangles, triangle chokes, the open elbow, and more are all included in one of BJJ’s most famous collections!

Omoplata Everyone DVD Set by Bernardo Faria

Bernardo Faria DVD Omoplata EveryoneThere’s just no way to talk about BJJ black Friday and only mention one single Bernardo Faria DVD. It just doesn’t work that way. After all, his DVDs are all on very different, yet very important subjects. This time it is the turn of a very popular submission – The Omoplata. Learn how to catch literally everyone with the modifications and tricks that Bernardo demonstrates. After all, he is a world champion who has pulled the move off multiple times at the biggest stages of the grappling competition in the world!

Omoplata Everyone 4 DVD set Available HERE

What you learn is not just how to do the Omoplata against all kinds of opponents, but also how to set it up from anywhere. Omoplatas from the guard? No problem, Omoplata from the mount? Still no problem. Even from bad positions, like the bottom of side control, you’ll have ways to slap on an Omoplata. Not just that, but you’ll get it faster than your opponents can comprehend what’s going on. All in all a true gem of a BJJ video instructional, and one for your BJJ Black Friday shopping list. Check out a detailed Review HERE!

Enter The System: Kimura – John Danaher DVD

BJJ Black FridayThe Omolata’s sister submission, the Kimura is actually the subject of the latest DVD instructional that cem out. Once again it is a John Danaher release, and once again, it is from the “Enter The System” series. What you get here is what you can expect from a Danaher Jiu-Jitsu instructional-everything about the Kimura submission. Actually, this DVD also takes a really cool turn – Danaher offers a brand new learning experience for everyone. We were the first to review it!

The things that remain the same are the length and structure of the release. DVDs with over 10 hours of material seem to be the norm for a John Danaher instructional. While his systematization and explanations are flawless, Danaher introduces a completely new teaching tool here. Similar to Lachlan Giles’ DVD, Danaher goes into the so-called Classroom Commentary where he goes over rolls in Renzo Gracies Academy and points out the important aspects in each. These commentaries really help bring the DVD content together in a unique way! Get “Enter The System: Kimura” first, at an incredible price!

Crucifix And Loop Chokes – Alexandre Vieira

BJJ Black FridayLop chokes are the equivalent of Gi Guillotines. They’re extremely nasty when you can get them and you do not need much experience to become a loop, choke master. Alexandre Vieira knows how to make you one, and his DVD is definitely one to consider for the BJJ Black Friday of 2021! After all, loop chokes are not the only moves you can find here!

The DVD also features highly detailed Crucifix instructions, as Vieira is a master of those as well. Now imagine, you get both options from the bottom as well as an alternative back attack. The loop choke can surprise even an experienced opponent, while the crucifix is one of the hardest positions to escape in BJJ. Plus it offers a bunch of submission options from all angles.

Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa – “Top Game” DVD

BJJ black FridayPerhaps he is not green nor giant but he is definitely scary! Lucas Barbosa, AKA the “Hulk” is a real smashing machine. His top game, including his takedowns, is the stuff of nightmares for every grappler out there. That includes even those heavier than him, as the “Hulk” easily rules the absolute division as well.

“Top Game” 2 Volume DVD Set Available HERE

Lucas Barbosa’s DVD is divided into two main parts. The first part, consisting of two DVDs is all about Gi Jiu-Jitsu. It features both crushing takedowns and unbelievable pressure from every top position that follows. The second part is also on the same subjects, however this time without the Gi. This makes it the perfect instructional for anyone looking into pressure passing and control for either or both Gi and No-GI BJJ.

Nutrition And Weight Management System DVD + E-Book Bundle   by George Lockhart

BJJ Black FridayLet’s take a look at BJJ nutrition and how to cut weight for a little. While all the technical DVD’s are a must and a priority, you also need a good option for staying on weight and having energy. The man to go to is, of course, George Lockhart. The nutritionist of most of the UFC champions, as well as over 100 fighters from the roster, has the answer to all nutrition-related questions.

What does his bundle include? Well, you get 3 DVDs each covering crucial aspects of nutrition for grapplers and fighters. The first couple of DVDs are all about macros and designing a nutrition plan. the final one is dedicated solely to weight cutting and how to make weight effortlessly and without any danger to your health. Finally, there’s a great E-book, filled with additional advice and mouth-watering recipes. George is truly the best at what he does, and Conor McGregor’s nutritionist is now going to help you dial in your diet. If you’re pondering on getting only a couple of DVDs this BJJ Black Friday, this needs to be one of them!

“Guard And Matrix Passing ” – A Leandro Lo DVD

BJJ Black Friday One of the fiercest competitors of all times, Leandro Lo opens up on his guard systems. his DVD includes both amazing guard work and unstoppable passing sequences. The multiple-time’s World Champion is not only going to make playing and passing the guard more understandable, but he is also going to show you all the tools to excel.

Direct Link: Guard And Passing Matrix DVD & Digital

The guard DVD includes a lot of details on some of Leandro Lo’s favorite guard positions. these are the De la Riva, the X guard, and Single Leg X Guard. Lo also teaches a lot of collar guard attacks, which seem to be underrated in modern times. This just means they’ll be a formidable weapon for you once you master them! From the top, Lo’s focus is on passing virtually any guard in Jiu-Jitsu. From the closed guard to inverted guards and all the crazy lapel guards, you’ll become unstoppable from the top. With this three DVD set, you’ll learn how to start off the bottom, sweep to get on top, and utterly dominate your opposition.

John Danaher – “Enter The System: Front Headlocks”

BJJ Black Friday The final piece of the “Enter The System” puzzle (so far) is the Front headlocks set. As expected, it is a John Danaher release, this time featuring a very popular position. As we previously covered, the guillotine is making a comeback, and with it, all the associated front headlock attacks. Danaher puts everything in perspective with another classic 8 part instructional.

“Enter The System: Front Headlocks” John Danaher Digital Instructional 

What you get in this instructional is the absolute best way to approach the front headlock position. ti features slick takedowns, impressive rolling turtle attacks, as well as options from guard. All in all, you’ll learn how to guillotine everyone, how to do D’arce and Anaconda chokes even if you have T-rex arms, and how to use the front headlock to open up other great attacking positions like the back or leg locks. As far as a BJJ Black Friday goes, the complete Danaher collection is one of the absolute best things you can get for yourself with lifetime value! Enter The System: Front Headlocks – A Detailed Review!

Worry-Free Escapes” DVD Set by Dean Lister

BJJ Black FridayDean Lister is the man who inspired Danaher to look into leg locks, subsequently developing his now-famous system. Dean is one of the old school BJJ guys who always had a knack for the more unorthodox and underrated parts of grappling. Proficient with and without the Gi, the experienced grappler now offers his two cents on getting out of submissions, instead of attacking with them. And you can bet they’re going to work! Don’t take our word for it, check out the complete DVD Review HERE

While Dean Lister is a built like a bear and tough as a brick wall, these are not the main attribute that gets him out of submissions. He has a highly technical system for dealing with submissions, especially with his favorite leg locks. The Worry-Free Escapes system is heavily based on beating leg locks. However, it also goes over awesome escapes and counters to all other submissions. A toehold counter when your opponent has an Omoplata? Yup, it’s in there, along with a host of others. The only dilemma is whether you should get this one, or Tom DeBlass’ escapes DVD. Even better, get them both, as it’s BJJ Black Friday, and they’ll be all but free!

Craig Jones – “Triangle Machine” DVD

BJJ Black Friday

One more from the boy wonder from down under! Craig hits us with some real magic in this one! Many people are actually unaware that Craig’s best weapon before leg locks were triangle chokes. In fact,  he is so well versed in them that he has details that nobody else can teach you. This is instructional to turn you into an actual triangle machine impervious to any and all escapes and counters. We reviewed the contents HERE.

Triangle might be a staple of BJJ, but Craig certainly offers a new twist. Or a few twists, to be more precise. What you learn is going to be how to finish the triangle choke in more ways than you can imagine possible. From there, you’ll learn top and bottom setups that are foolproof. However, the real value of this DVD, for those looking for some flair, is in the portion of the flying triangle. Yeah, Craig goes over a bunch of attacks and counterattacks involving flying triangle chokes. BJJ Black Friday is starting to get complicated with all these opportunities, isn’t’ it?

Craig Jones “Triangle Machine” DVD set Direct Link

Battle-Tested Half Guard DVD Set by Bernardo Faria 

BJJ Black FridayOne more of Bernardo’s masterpieces. Do not let the name of this instructional fool you as it is not just another basic half guard DVD. Bernardo is a real magician with a deep half guard and has a lot to teach everyone. While he enjoys the deep half guard the most, he also works all other avenues of half guard, both in Gi and No-Gi.

The Bernardo Faria Battle Tested Half Guard Digital Video Instructional 

The Battle Tested Half Guard is a DVD set of 4 volumes, each focusing on a very specific half guard aspect. The instructional take you through an introductory DVD, followed by a deep half masterclass and all the way to some crazy sweeps and attacks from the bottom. The final chapter is full of narrated rolling sessions, which are by far the best way to conclude a BJJ instructional. If you like playing the deep half guard, there’s no way you can skip this amazing release. Check out what Bernardo has to offer in this BJJ DVD.

BJJ Gis & Belts

Can’t really train BJJ without a gi and belt, can you? Okay, all you No-gi diehards, hold your horses. rashguards are just as important and we’ll go over those as well. For now, let’s see how you can restock just Gi wardrobe with the help of the BJJ Black Friday. After all, not all Gi’s are created equal. Some are great for training, others are tailor-made for competition. Some are even a much better option for female grapplers than they are for a male. Everything is covered n detail in the subsequent Gi and belts section of our guide!

The Scramble Athlete 3.0 Gi

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Kicking things off this BJJ Black Friday is one of the absolute best Gis available on the market today – The Scramble Athlete 3.0 Gi. It is a heavy weaved and extremely durable Gi fit for any occasion. The main benefit of this Gi is one crucial to competitors – it’s cut. The Scramble Athlete 3.0 is a slim fit, yet still IBJJF legal, which is not easy to accomplish. That means less material for your opponent to manipulate. Plus, it’s a pearl weave with a rubber collar!

Hayabusa Lightweight Gi

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On the other end of the weight spectrum, we recommend a very lightweight Gi. The Hayabusa Lightweight Gi is both lights as a feather (if not lighter) and very strong for such a design. it makes it the perfect training Gi, or even a reliable tournament option. While it is not a slim fit as the Scramble it is an athletic fit, IBJJF legal, and almost as good. This Gi is, however, a bit cheaper than the Scramble.

 

Tatami Estilo 6.0

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There’s no way that we can bring you a BJJ Black Friday Gi shopping list without including a Tatami Gi. The Tatami Estilo 6.0 is a state of the art Gi fit for any grappler. The 6.0 is another pearl weave Gi that is the most durable of the lot. Simply put, if you’re looking for a Gi to use for a long time, this is your best bet!

Finally, let’s go over a choice for the finer half of BJJ. Ladies, this BJJ Black Friday, turn your attention to the Grips Amazona BJJ Gi. CoolMax lining on the knees and shoulders, extremely light, soft, slim fit. These are just some of the qualities this affordable and durable Gi brings to the table. A top pick for competitors by a mile!

BJJ Rashguards

Whether you train exclusively No-gi, or you like to combine Gi and No-gi training, you need a rashguard and good spats. Actually, even if you’re a Gi-only grappler, you still need protection under the Gi. So a rashguard is a must and a good one at that. While you’re going for a good rashguard, why not get one (or more) that is also cool looking in design? We’ve got you covered this BJJ Black Friday, with nothing but the best in our rashguards category.

Fuji Freestyle

Fuji Freestyle RashguardFuji Freestyle is the rashguard we choose to hit the ground running in this BJJ Black Friday category. First and foremost it is an IBJJF official, ranked rashguard. That means it’s great for training and competition. Fuji is a very serious BJJ company whose products don’t come cheap. This is precisely why this rashguard is one of the best BJJ Black Friday! Available both in short and long sleeves, and made from 100 % anti-microbial material. Comes in all colors.

Scramble Ranked Rashguard

Scramble ranked RashguardScramble features here again with another masterpiece of BJJ apparel. Again, it is a ranked BJJ rashguard, available to wear at tournaments. We recommend you go for the latest 3.0 version of the Scramble Ranked Rashguard and pick the long-sleeved option. Or better yet, use the BJJ Black Friday to get a few of them, as you’ll soon fall in love with this really cool BJJ rashguard.

Venum Contender 3.0

Venum also makes our list, through its Venum Contender 3.0 rashguard. This one, unlike the previous two, is not ranked, but it is certainly worth having. First of all, it’s made with compression fiber technology that features anti-odor properties. If there was ever a rashguard that’ll never stink up, it’s this one! It also features silicone rims, meaning there’s no chance of it pulling up while you’re training. Oh, yeah, and it looks really great as well!

Hayabusa Recast Long Sleeve Rash Guard

Hayabusa Recast Long Sleeve Rash Guard is also something you need to ponder this BJJ Black Friday. Being a Hayabusa design is enough reason in itself. However, we have to point out that this is a really high-quality product, with an amazing design to go with it. It is a unisex fit and comes in long sleeve version only in three colors, red, blue, and yellow. Not IBJJF friendly so don’t be tempted to take it to a tournament!

BJJ Backpacks

A solid BJJ backpack is just as important as your Gi and rashguard. What should you look for in one? Well, it should hold your Gi, preferably a couple of them, your BJJ accessories, No-gi equipment, showering essentials, water bottle, etc. plus, it should be resistant to smells and easy to keep clean. So, we did your research for you and got the best collection of BJJ backpacks together, as you’ll see further in this article. Direct BJJ Black Friday links included!

Datsusara Battle Pack Core

A good BJJ backpack is really going to make your life as a grappler easier. Take the Datsusara Battle Pack Core, for example. The Datsusara is the absolute best option you have when it comes to a BJJ backpack or gym bag. However, they tend to be really expensive, so no better time than BJJ Black Friday to go for it! This bag is made of hemp, making it light, durable, and above all competition. It’s also big enough for two Gis, plus all the added stuff you need on a daily basis.

Venum Challenger Backpack

Next up, your second best option is the Venum Challenger Backpack. This cool looking backpack is one of the best available options apart from the Datsusara. It opens from the top, like a duffle bag, making it perfect for those with a lot to carry around. It also has an outside compartment that’s impervious to water and completely insolated. On top of it, there are numerous other compartments, making organizing a real breeze. Plus, it’s made from anti-microbial material.

Elite Sports Mesh

The Elite Sports Mesh Backpack is another wonderful option for grapplers. It is actually a hybrid between a drawstring back and a real backpack. It has drawstrings instead of handles but has all the compartments and quality of a solid backpack. It’s really light and durable and has the space to fit everything you might need. A key feature is it’s ventilation, making foul odors a thing of the past.

Moonstar Duffel Bag

Also, make sure you consider the Moonstar Duffel Bag as one of your options. If you’re after a bag with plenty of compartments, this is the perfect fit for you. From hidden pockets to a mesh compartment, this bag has them all. It also ticks every other important BJJ bag box. Oh, and it doubles as a backpack as well!

BJJ Shorts

Another staple of BJJ training. granted, these are more of a No-Gi staple, but still, you absolutely need them. Even if you just use them during your strength and conditioning sessions, BJJ shorts are a must. AND there are so many options out there that figuring out which are the best might require some trial and error. With prices like these on BJJ Black Friday, you might be tempted to buy a few. Luckily we got only the best options all in one place.

Clinch Pro Series MMA Shorts

The perfect addition to your Rashguard for training No-Gi is a good pair of shorts, like the Clinch Pro Series MMA Shorts. These are high tech shorts, featuring 360-stretch technology and a very slick design. This makes them perfect for any grappling martial art and comfortable in any situation on the ground! They also have moisture removal technology that’ll keep you dry without the need for spats. They’re also incredibly light, made out of suede microfibre.

Hayabusa Metaru BJJ Shorts

The Hayabusa Metaru BJJ Shorts are a great grappling-specific version of shorts. They feature incredible comfort and are virtually indestructible. This high-performance pair of shorts allows you to grapple hard without worry, since they’re reinforced all over, especially at common weak points. They also have a unique waist tie + velcro waistband system that makes them incredibly secure once strapped.

Gameness Elite Fight Shorts

Gameness Elite Fight Shorts are also a top potential BJJ Black Friday addition. Multiple fiber designs are just one of the original traits of this pair of grappling shorts. This design provides great stretch, while also giving these shorts a long lifespan. The hook-and-loop waist closure system means you’ll never go looking for the end of your string after washing the shorts. That’s before even mentioning that they look absolutely stunning.

The Venum Camo Hero Fight Shorts are a classic, with a design to rival all. The camo design is smartly integrated with Venum’s logo, making this one of the best-looking pairs of shorts ever. Reinforced stretch fabric means you’ll be wearing them long, just not in any IBJJF competition.

BJJ Mats

This one is all aimed at academy owners out there. If it’s time for you to get new mats, or you simply want better options, we got you covered. The few absolute best types of mats you’ll ever need are all neatly structured in our BJJ Black Friday guide here. Reviews are included, so all you need to do is choose your favorite. We guarantee you’ll like it!

Dollamur Rollout Mats

This is a category BJJ academy owners are going to find interesting. Even if you’re just looking to set up a BJJ garage to roll, mats are an absolute essential. Take the Dollamur Rollout Mats for example. They’re a really practical option when it comes to an academy or a garage gym. They’re 1.25 inches thick and require no particular experience for setting them up. Just roll them out, stick them together with tape for permanent use, and you’re good to roll!

IncStores Puzzle Mats

IncStores Puzzle Mats are a more “regular” option. If you are really dead set on puzzle mats, then look no further than IncStores. Unlike rollout mats, puzzle mats are not as portable but offer a lot more security. These mats are made with a revolutionary foam and rubber polymer that makes them soft as well as durable. Sized 3×3 ft, and an inch thick, you’ll hardly find mats that are better suited for Jiu-Jitsu. All in all great BJJ Black Friday deal!

Everlast Folding Mats

The final option area folding mats, and there’s only one contender here – Everlast Folding Mats! These are bang in the middle between rollout mats and your classic Judo mats. With the folding mats, you just open them up and you’re ready to roll. While they do take up a bit more space than rollout mats, they’re better for rolling due to their size and thickness. Plus, they have an extremely smooth surface that doesn’t retain odors. They also have a  built-in handle to make transportation a piece of cake.

BJJ Books

This category features the ultimate learning tool of the past. With all the DVD instructions available now, people rarely give credit to BJJ books. yet, there’s still a lot to learn from books, especially ones that explore the evolution of Gentle Art. We have a great selection of the must-have books for any self-respectable grappler. Whether it is just one title or the whole collection, BJJ Black Friday is the perfect time to add to your BJJ bookshelf!

Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro

With all the digital content available, people seem to forget that books are still around. On the subject, few books and no digital content can rival the likes of Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro, for example. This is the book everyone needs to own preferably before stepping on the mats for the first time. This book teaches you how to survive attacks, mount a successful defense, and transition into counters and an offensive of your own. The perfect blueprint!

The Gracie Way

If there was any book that is as close to a bible in the BJJ world then it must be The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History Of The World’s Greatest Martial Arts Family by Kid Peligro. This is the book that explores all the known, and some not so known aspects of the Gracie family. It is truly a unique guide to the inception and evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to get yourself this key piece of BJJ history.

Drill To Win by Andre Galvao

Another classic title that you absolutely must have, whether it is in paperback or in E-book format is Drill To Win by Andre Galvao. This is the book that changed the lives and careers of many grapplers, from ordinary into exceptional. This is the book of secrets on how to really get better at BJJ by drilling. It outlines all the ways in which you can drill techniques along with a guide for incorporating the appropriate drills for your level.

Of course, there’s no way to skip over the original Danaher instructional – Mastering Jiu-Jitsu by Renzo Gracie, John Danaher, and Carlos Gracie Jr. The holy trinity of Jiu-Jitsu authors in one place, delivering everything you need to know to master the Gentle Art. Use this book in combination with Danaher’s DVDs for the best effect!

BJJ Accessories

Finally, we’ll cram all those things you use on a daily basis in training in just one category. Instead of offering anything, we have the absolute creme de la creme of BJJ accessories here. From the inevitable finger tape, through kneepad and mouthpieces al the way to antimicrobial BJJ soap. All those things that should have a compartment of their own in your BJJ backpack or bag are featured in this category. And, as little as they might seem, they’re definitely far from insignificant!

Finger Tapes

This is the category where we’ll offer a few suggestions to things that you’ll need at some point during your BJJ career. The first and most obvious one, especially if you train a lot with the Gi is finger tape. There are plenty of options out there for taping up banged knuckles, some much better than others. The three top choices for any grappler with joint issues are Armadillo Skin Finger Tape, TapTape, and PowerSplint Finger Tape, not necessarily in that order.

Knee Pads

On the subject of banged-up joints, the knee-pads are also going to become a requirement. the longer you train and the older you get, the more you’re going to fall in love with a pair of good kneepads. And the very best come in the shape of Venum Kontact Lycra and Gel Knee Pads. There’s no way you can go wrong with these, with all top athletes turning to them as their first choice. Additional options include Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads and the Viper Compression Sleeve Knee Pads for those with real knee trouble.


Mouth Guards

There’s also an inevitable piece of hardware for rolling and competition – mouthpieces. The best are by far those by Shock Doctor like the Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouthguard. If you want to keep your teeth safe and in place, this is the one. If you’re hesitant or want other good options, look into the SISU Mouth Guards Aero or the Impact Custom Professional.

Defense Soaps

On a final note, a product you might want to have even if it’s not BJJ Black Friday. BJJ soap is certainly one of the grappler’s essentials and your best bets besides Defense Soap Antifungal are Atsko Sports Wash and Submission Soap.

BJJ DVD Collections

The Best No-Gi DVD&DIGITAL Collection

Finally, it is time for the cherry on this BJJ Black Friday SALE shopping guide. Leaving the best for last, we’ll now offer you the option to look into the best complete gameplans for yourself. If you like to roll No-Gi only, or want to become a submission hunter, or are even looking for the over-40 blueprint, we have the best options organized neatly for you!

Best BJJ DVDs For The Master Divisions

Let’ kick it off with the old-timers. Your body wants to give up grappling but your mind won’t’ hear of it. Well, all you Masters’ divisions competitors, we have the cure for you, We went and selected the absolute key DVD instructionals into one big collection intended for Masters. Build the perfect gameplan and dominate even younger opponents with ease! Check out the Best BJJ DVDs For The Master Divisions.

Best BJJ DVD Collection For Leg Lockers!

Next up, the ultimate leg lockers guide. Danaher and Craig Jones’ instructionals not enough for you? Learn Sambo leg locking secrets as well as the principles of many other proficient leg lockers. We have the 8 top volumes in one place in our Best BJJ DVD Collection For Leg Lockers!

Best Catch Wrestling DVD Collection For BJJ

We also have a real treat for those among you that love to put their opponents in utter discomfort and before they finish them. The Best Catch Wrestling DVD Collection For BJJ is, of course, a purely Neil Melanson DVD Collection. It features catch wrestling attacks from literally anywhere, top, bottom, or standing!

Best BJJ DVD Collection For Submission Hunters

And, wrapping things up, a set for submission hunters. If you’re all about the finish and not really interested in point grappling, this is the collection for you. More than half a dozen titles in our Best BJJ DVD Collection For Submission Hunters are going to take you through every imaginable way of strangling or breaking the joints of your opponent.

Suspect Subdues Police Officer While Other Officers Watch

Suspect Subdues Officer While Other Officers Watch

Pretty weird things were happening here. The suspect was grappling with an officer and we can see another officer just walking around them instead of immediately helping his colleague.

The interesting part that we can see at the end that the officer on the ground know some grappling because he caught suspect in the crucifix position.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnExAHcH7S8

Police Officer Kristen Richmond Survived an Attack Thanks to BJJ & KM

Las Vegas POLICE Officer Uses JIU-JITSU to Control Larger Suspect (Gracie Breakdown)

The Worlds Worst Single Leg Takedown Attempt by Police Officer

 

No-Gi Bow And Arrow Choke Variation From Eddie Cummings

No-Gi Bow And Arrow Choke

It is great when you can figure out how to use BJJ techniques in both Gi and No-Gi. IN all honesty, this works fairly easy when it is a No-Gi technique you’re trying to apply it to Gi Jiu-Jitsu. The reason for this is that No-Gi training is done with the bare minimum of rashguard and shorts. This means that you can only grip bodyparts instead of clothing. So when you take most moves to Gi training, they not only work but might even end up better with the Gi. However, this link usually only works one way. Because taking a Gi specific move and adjusting it to fit No-Gi needs is extremely hard. Some would argue that it is even impossible. Well, it is possible for Eddie Cummings who has an innovative take on a No-Gi Bow And Arrow Choke. 

The bow and arrow choke is one of those chokes that everybody does. Even if you do not like it, if you have the chance to get it, you’ll go for it, no questions asked. IT is definitely one of the most potent weapons you can use in BJJ. At least with the Gi. Trying to get a No-Gi bow and arrow choke seemed contradictory until now. Since the collar of the Gi is the main choking surface, it seemed redundant to even attempt the choke without it. Well, there’s no one better than Danaher’s very first prodigy, to dispell this myth and offer a crazy effective and unexpected choke.

We all know Eddie Cummings as one of the most potent (if not the most potent) leg lockers of all time.  “The Ashi Garami Seminar DVD” is a complete leg locking video instructional, containing key information on finishing, and more importantly, defending, high-level leg locks.

The Gi To No-GI Route

In all honesty, people that train with the Gi usually decide to give No-Gi a try. Most academies that are Gi based also have a No-Gi program, or at least dedicated open mat days. While the other way around is much less common, sometimes No-Gi grapplers do decide to try rolling with a Gi. For the second category, the transfer is much easier. While they’ll get annoyed at first because of all the extra handles, it’s easy to get the hang of it. One big reason for this is the fact that most No-Gi techniques are going to work with them without any adjustments.

No-Gi Bow And Arrow ChokeWhen it comes to Gi grapplers that try to dabble in No-Gi, there’s a lot more frustration at hand. For one, there’s much less control than with the Gi, which completely changes the rhythm of rolling or matches. No-Gi rolls are faster paced and much more “chaotic” compared to those in the Gi. On top of that, a whole host of techniques are completely useless. Gripping is a major one, as all the usual Gi grips are not available. Certain positions like lapel guards or collar/sleeve based submission are also out of the question. At least at first.

What happens after a while of making this transition, is that you start replacing your favorite Gi based moves. The real challenge is to find a successful way of modifying Gi moves for No-Gi. This requires a lot of experimentation and re-adjustments until things start to click. The No-Gi bow and arrow choke is a great example of a move that nobody could adopt until the Wolverine figured it out.

The Bow And Arrow Choke

The reason the Gi bow and arrow choke is such powerful weapon is due to two main factors. The first one is positioning, which allows you to completely restrict how your opponent moves. Secondly, the finishing mechanics of the choke are really strong because of the rotational nature of the movement. On top of it all, the collar is a great gripping point, both for control and for strangling. So, a solid No-Gi bow and arrow choke needs to focus on overcoming these two great obstacles.

One of the best benefits of the bow and arrow is that you do not need to be close to your opponent to finish. You actually need the space in order to have a wider range of motion. The control comes from the fact that you have your legs around the opponent while also holding on to their bent leg. This completely takes away the opponents ability to base and posture, meaning you have complete control.

The strangle itself is due to the depth of the collar and the direction of pressure. The collar goes across the opponent’s neck catching one carotid artery, while your wrist takes care fo the other. As you go for the finish, you need to actually pull your elbow back so that your arm drags the collar deeper across the neck. This results in a rotational choke that is way more powerful than just a straightforward squeeze.

No-Gi Bow And Arrow Choke

No-Gi Bow And Arrow ChokeFor the No-Gi bow and arrow choke, you actually start in an unexpected position. Unlike its gi counterpart, that begins from back mount, the No-Gi bow and arrow choke starts from the mount. Actually, it uses another highly efficient No-Gi attacking position known as the gift wrap. Whether you the gift wrap from the mount, or via a different route is entirely up to you.

No-Gi Bow And Arrow ChokeForm the basic gift wrap, you want to make sure you have the trapped arm as tight around the neck as possible. This is going to be your main choking tool later on. The second key thing you need to address at this point is the placement of the opponent’s second arm. You’ll need to have it bent and place their wrist as close to their own trapped arm as possible. YOur far side leg is going to then go over this arm in order to trap it. As you position your leg pay attention to placing your calf under the elbow of the trapped (choking) arm. This is instrumental in the success of this choke.

No-Gi Bow And Arrow ChokeNext up, all it takes is for you to get your other leg under the head and you cross it on top of the other leg. Make it a point to cross the legs the correct way if you want the No-Gi bow and arrow choke to work. Now you’re in a position to grab the leg, which takes care of the positioning issue compared to the Gi. Finishing the strange requires a motion from your legs, rather than your arms. While you need to pull their trapped wrist as tight as possible, the choke is a result of a leg extension.

A Collection Of The Best No-Gi BJJ DVD Instructionals

A Few Very Nasty Submissions From Side Control

The Kneebar to Toe Hold and Vice Versa

Jiu-Jitsu Diet Essentials: How To Plan Cheat Meals

Jiu-Jitsu Diet Cheat Meals

Adhering to a Jiu-Jitsu diet is no easy task. If you want to be in shape to battle the best, you need every aspect of the BJJ lifestyle to be in order. This includes training grappling, training strength, and conditioning, recovering, and eating right. This last aspect is really important for maintaining weight, having energy, and helping recovery. As you can see, a good diet can result in plenty of benefits for any grappler. However, sustaining a squeaky clean diet year long can be a really hard thing to accomplish. when you factor in all the temptations of modern food, plus the social aspects of life, keeping a 100 % clean Jiu-Jitsu diet is next to impossible. This brings us to cheat meals.

Cheat meals seem to be a mainstay in almost every healthy diet plan out there. Whether it is a Jiu-JItsu diet aimed at a performance or a housewife weight loss diet plan, cheat meals are surely a part of it. To be honest, with all the “food” choices nowadays, not including some freedom in your diet is a sure way of making sure you’ll ditch it at some point. Cheat meals can save our sanity, help with the diet goals and improve metabolism.

George Lockhart is the man who successfully hacked combat nutrition. His “Nutrition And Weight Management System” bundle contains three DVDs and a very informative 100+ page E-book. The information inside includes macronutrients, meal plans, weight cutting, recipes, and everything you need to know about cheat meals. Check it out and get your Jiu-Jitsu diet in order quickly!

Jiu-Jitsu Diet

What should a basic Jiu-Jitsu diet have? In order to ensure success on the mats, you need to know what, when and how much to eat. Therefore, you should know that only unprocessed and sugar-free products fit the bill. So, all you can eat is lean meat (chicken and fish), some red meat, all kinds of veggies, fruits, and nuts, and some grains, like rice and quinoa. You’ll have countless recipe variations to use plus everything is going to support your Jiu-Jitsu diet goals.

Jiu-Jitsu Diet Cheat MealsHowever, even with the most varied healthy eating plan, you’ll get into temptation sooner or later. Your mind is going to play tricks on you, convincing you to reach for something unhealthy. You might have a sweet tooth or might have a craving for dough-based fast food. Or, you could be a pancake person or even long for a bucket of deep-fried chicken drumsticks. And it is ok. You can still have all this stuff, and even as a part of your Jiu-JItsu diet.

Cheat meals are strategically placed meals that allow you to go and eat whatever you want. The key moment here is to recognize the need for one. The second key moment is staying in control. In terms of knowing when you need vs. when you want a cheat meal, you need to answer one question. Are you lean enough to get a cheat meal? If you still have a lot of fat left on your body, there’s no need for one. Simply keep dieting until you reduce body fat. This is the time when that meals become mandatory on top of just a wish. Which brings us to control. Let me put it like this – the more prone you are to cheating, the less frequently you need to have a cheat meal.

Refeeds vs. Cheat Meals

Before we get into how to actually cheat, let’s make something clear. The phrasing here is “cheat meal” intentionally. If you do cheat days instead of cheat meals, you’re going about it all wrong. The amount of calories you can get in one that day is immense, and it can offset your Jiu-Jitsu diet significantly.

Incorporating cheat meals in your diet means allowing yourself to eat free for one meal, at a precisely predetermined time. What you eat is down to your discretion. If you want to go the true cheat meal way, you can eat anything here. You can even go for as much quantity as you like. However, it is better if you approach it with reason. If you want to eat unhealthily, you can at least limit the amount of crap you eat. Or, even better, you can go for a re-feed instead of a cheat meal.

A re-feed is similar to a cheat meal but is much more controlled. here you might go for much of the same things you eat throughout the week or month, just go for more. Or add a dressing or something along that line. What you don’t do is eat stuff that your Jiu-Jitsu diet doesn’t normally include.

The benefits of a re-feed are much the same as those of a cheat meal. The thing with a re-feed is that you actually have health benefits in addition to psychological ones. IT is actually necessary as your body is going to let you know when you need one. The cheat meal is more of a meal for the mind and to satisfy taste cravings than anything else.

Cheat Meal Structure And Scheduling

First of all structure. If you decide to go for a cheat meal, then make sure it is in line with your Jiu-Jitsu diet. If you’re following a Keto, Primal, Paleo, or similar low-carb plan, then you might opt for a high-carb cheat meal. This means that ice cream, cakes, or something along those lines is, and should be, your first choice. On the other hand, if you are on a diet that includes carbohydrates, you probably eat small amounts of fat. Or you should, anyway. In that case, reaching for more fatty food, like cuts of red meat and or a portion of bacon makes much more sense.

Jiu-Jitsu Diet Cheat MealsWhat you should make sure is that you’re aware of any potential health issues you might have. if you have any metabolic-related disease like diabetes, eating a tub of ice cream might not be such a good idea. Just use common sense.

Furthermore, make sure you schedule cheat meals correctly. The rule of thumb is to go for cheat meals on training days, rather than the common practice of eating them on rest days. Even better, if you can schedule them post-workout, you can enjoy them more. That way, they won’t get your Jiu-Jitsu diet off course and you’ll still satisfy your cravings. Also try and make it lunch as opposed to dinner, because overeating before bed is never a good idea.

And one final tip. When you do a cheat meal, restrict yourself to a specific period of time. The more prone you are to losing control, the smaller this window should be. For example, eat your cheat meal in half an hour. If you allow yourself unlimited time for a cheat meal, you’ll end up having a cheat day and even a week, for sure!

How To Set Up A BJJ Nutrition Plan On A Budget

Do BJJ And Alcohol Go Together? A Few Tips For Drinking Grapplers

The Paleo Diet For A Sustainable BJJ Lifestyle

High Elbow Guillotine Details From The Danaher Death Squad

High Elbow Guillotine

Out of all the front headlock chokes available, none is more powerful than the high elbow guillotine. The guillotine choke is the first choice of a submission from there anyway. The old school choice is the arm-in guillotine choke. As effective as it can be, it is still an air choke, which means it’s less reliable than blood chokes. There’s also the “regular” guillotine, which is indeed a blood choke. However, this one is really easy to defend, so it is a medium-percentage submission at best. Which is where Marcelo came in, paving the way for the high elbow guillotine through his modification named the Marcelotine. 

When the Marcelotine hit the stage, people suddenly got a high-percentage guillotine option that worked as a blood choke. Sound perfect right? The only issue with Marcelo Garcia is that he is Marcelo Garcia. He is built in a certain way and has physical attributes that not many of the grappling population share. While no one can dispute the effectiveness of his techniques, they’re hard to work for everyone. This is where the modern day BJJ guru swept in to clear up all the confusion. John Danaher is the man who gave the high elbow guillotine it’s the latest twist. Now, the move is available to everyone regardless of flexibility or experience level. And in this article, we’ll get over all the juicy details.

John Danaher has been on a DVD recording spree lately. So far, his DVD collection has four distinct volumes, one of which is the ultimate guide to Guillotine chokes. “Enter The System: Front Headlocks” is an 8 part DVD set that covers everything there is about the front headlock position. Setups, entries, submissions, and transitions are all explained in great detail by the master himself.

Air Vs. Blood Guillotine Chokes

BJJ chokes usually work in one of the effective strangling ways. In terms of putting someone to sleep, the goal is the same – cut off the oxygen supply. The two main avenues of doing this are by direct pressure on the airways, or by blocking the arteries that supply the brain. The first variety is known as artichokes, while those that target the carotid arteries are blood chokes. Guillotines can work in both of these ways.

The arm in guillotine usually works as an air choke, due to the positioning of the wrist and forearm. Having an arm included in the loop means your arms are stretched to the maximum. This is particularly obvious against larger opponents. It also means that there’s no way to compress the arteries. Instead, the focus is on blocking the trachea, right below the larynx. This means that the choke is particularly nasty as it has a pain component in addition to oxygen deprivation.

The regular guillotine is a curious one. It works mostly as a blood choke, but it can also double as an air choke. It all depends on how deep the wrist is and which part of your hand/forearm you’re using to choke. For the regular guillotine, there’s less space, because the arm is not included. This means that it is a tighter choke, but it is quite easy to defend. IF an opponent gets a grip on your palms, plus a grip on the elbow of one of the arms it’s all done and dusted. Which is where the high elbow guillotine comes in, as a pure and unstoppable blood choke.

High Elbow Guillotine

What John Danaher brought as a change in the high elbow guillotine was specific and precise positioning. This includes positioning of the wrists and palms, the elbows and the legs. Moreover, it includes very specific body positioning to remove all the flexibility obstacles that the Marcelotine had.

High Elbow GuillotineFirst up is wrist depth. The reason a high elbow guillotine works so well is that it is an unstoppable blood choke. This is due to the depth of the choking arm and the positioning of your grip. TUnliek usual guillotine setups, the choking arm need to be as deep as possible her. Actually, the goal is to have your palm stick out over the opponent’s opposite shoulder. Only then can you proceed to place a grip in place. The free arm needs to grip the top of the palm of the choking arm. In turn, the palm itself needs to be facing the neck in order to ensure maximum choking pressure.

High Elbow GuillotineDo you ever wonder why this guillotine variation has such an unusual elbow position? The high elbow actually allows you to get your wrist deep into the opponent’s shoulder and cover it with your other arm. This prevents both usual guillotine defenses – breaking your grip and/or controlling your elbow.

Finally, your legs. There are two main positions that you can have your legs in. One is with the bottom leg in half guard, while the other has it as a shield across the opponent’s hips. What’s really important is the top leg, which has only one position – across the back. Remember to point your toes straight, like a ballerina’s foot to ensure your leg stays in place. This is a crucial detail to maintain broken posture.

Front Headlock Setup

The best position to get guillotine choke, in general, is the front headlock position. For the high elbow guillotine, there’s actually no better setups. The first thing to have in mind here is grip fighting. Until you get to the centerline shift, you absolutely have to be in command of the grip fight. This means you need a solid and unmovable chin strap grip on the opponent’s jaw. Furthermore, you need to make sure you have control over the opposite side elbow. Triceps control with an overgrip is the best here, although an undergrip can also do the job. Make sure your opponent doesn’t have access to your chin strap arm before you go fro the centerline shift.

High Elbow GuillotineThe centerline shift is actually the most important innovation, courtesy of Danaher. I make setting up the high elbow guillotine a breeze for everyone, eliminating shoulder flexibility as a prerequisite. For a centerline shift, what you aim to do is place your head over the shoulder where the choking arm is. This is going to open space up for you to thread the choking arm really deep. It also makes the high elbow position possible, due to the angle. And, as we know, the high elbow position is important for actually bringing the wrists and palms deeper towards the neck.

High Elbow GuillotineOn a final note, falling back from a front headlock setup can be specific. The goal is to get the leg that goes over the back in position first. The goal is to get it before you fall to your side. Even if you get it over after, remember that your chest needs to stay in contact with the back of the opponent’s head at all times.

Enter the System: Complete John Danaher DVD Collection

Grip Variaitions To Finish All Guillotine Chokes

What Makes The Marcelotine Better Than A Regular Guillotine

The Best Guillotine Choke Escape Options And Counters

Breaking News! Nick Diaz Will Reportedly Return to the Octagon

Nick Diaz Returning to Octagon

UFC President Dana White tells ESPN that the former Strikeforce welterweight champion will be returning to the Octagon on March 2 at UFC 235 against Jorge Masvidal.

“Breaking: The UFC is close to finalizing Nick Diaz’s return to the Octagon, per Dana White. The fight is Jorge Masvidal at UFC 235 on March 2 in Las Vegas. Diaz’s first appearance in more than four years. Story coming soon to @ESPN.” – Brett Okamoto

Nick Diaz Talks about Return to the UFC USADA Conor vs Floyd

Gogoplata Details That Will Change Your Game Forever

Maynard James Keenan BJJ Interview About Jiu-Jitsu and Success

Enter the System: Complete John Danaher DVD Collection

John Danaher Enter The System Instructional Collection

Now that there are four John Danaher masterpiece instructionals out, it is time to start organizing them. Albeit few, they area part of a collection, one that we certainly hope will grow with time. After all, it is not about how many different DVDs Danaher has, but how much material is available. At present, the collection is more than 40 hours long, with information that addresses every aspect of BJJ. Today, we’ll go over the John Danaher DVD collection piece by piece, to demonstrate exactly why every grappler alive needs to own it. 

John Danaher is by far the most enigmatic BJJ personality in the grappling world. Until this year, there were no more than a few minutes of him online, speaking at interviews. In terms of instructionals, there was not a minute of material to be found. That quickly changed once Danaher went on the Je Rogan podcast, amazing everyone. It was, initially the introduction to what later turned into the John Danaher DVD collection. Now, in just a few short months, there are four DVD instructionals featuring unrestricted information about the most effective BJJ systems available today.

The thing about Danaher is, that people knew him exclusively as the leg lock genius behind the Danaher Death Squad. Turns out that the New Zealander is actually a true, walking BJJ encyclopedia that is mesmerizing to watch. Of course, the first title of the John Danaher DVD collection is all about leg locks, in a manner never before witnessed by the BJJ community. However, his following instructionals, featuring back attacks, front headlocks and Kimuras are also impressive. In fact, they carry perhaps even more weight than the leg locks one because they are all about position people “know”. Well, it seems we all have a lot more to learn…

Enter the System: John Danaher DVD Collection

The John Danaher DVD collection is as close to a holy trinity for grapplers as it could be. For those that manage to go through all his material, and apply it in training and competition, there are no limits. Just look at the phenoms in the Ryan brothers and Tonon, not to mention all the people we still don’t know about. Picking up the John Danaher DVD collection is the best way of obtaining knowledge directly from the source, bar going for privates at the blue basement in NY.

On the other hand, acquiring the collection is a guaranteed way of getting integral information about some of the core positions in BJJ the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. The price is more than reasonable for what you’re getting in return. You could be a brand new student or a black belt. Regardless of your rank, you’ll find something of use in the John Danaher DVD collection. Although, to be fair to new students, expect to be a bit lost until you get a bit more experience under your belt. While Danaher explains everything down to the smallest detail and repeats things often, he does approach his teachings with the notion that you have the basic principles of Jiu-Jitsu down.

The best thing about Danaher’s DVDs is that you can use them in many more varieties than just the given ones. For example, everything he demonstrates works with the Gi just as well as without it. Furthermore, Danaher’s principles apply to every aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. So, if you learn how to enter into leg locks, Kimuras, Front headlocks, and attack the back from the feet, you’ll also learn how to pass most guards you come up against. It is the power of the conceptual approach Danaher takes in his DVD instructionals.

Enter The System: A Review

The naming of the John Danaher DVD collection is spot on as well. Calling his instructionals Enter the system is probably the best possible title for the collection. He really presents everything organized into large systems, all of which have subsystems. Furthermore, the method of approach is one that is not very common in BJJ. Instead of focusing on how to do a technique against your opponent, Danaher puts a large emphasis on what the common problems with each position and move are. Moreover, he goes on to develop sound solutions to each of those problems, thus creating a very efficient and foolproof game.

Apart from the teaching methodology, which is unique, there’s also a different systematization. Each of the four releases in the John Danaher DVD collection is unique in its own way. Both the presentation and overall approach to subjects differ, depending on the subject. However, Danaher still manages to connect everything into one large game plan. You could even say that he has the one real Jiu-Jitsu masterplan.

Technically speaking, all 32 DVDs are perfect. After the unfortunate release of the first leg looks DVD, which was a real disaster in terms of audio and video quality, all subsequent have been flawless. As meticulous as he is, Danaher also released improved verso of the Leg Locks instructional. Normally, this means that all four parts of the John Danaher DVD collection are pristine in terms of production.


Go Further Faster Bundle by John Danaher  

Go Further Faster Bundle by John Danaher is an 8-Series Mega Bundle. The Bundle includes Pin Escapes and Turtle Escapes, Strangles & Turtle Breakdowns, Passing the Guard, Open Guard, Half Guard, Closed Guard, Half Guard Passing and Dynamic Pins, Guard Retention,

Danaher-Go-FurtherOne of the best grappling and BJJ coaches in the World will teach you the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and all the important concepts. Trought this Bundle you will learn how to keep your guard, and how to escape from bad positions with more techniques than ever.
Study the most successful ways how to attack and think about the half guard, closed guard, and open guard. Learning and understanding the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the biggest keys to success. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn with the most popular BJJ coaches today.

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Leg Locks DVD & Digital Instructional

The very first John Danaher DVD collection member and arguably the most anticipated release in BJJ history. People were trying to reverse engineer and figure out Danaher’s leg lock methods for years. During all this fame, John managed to keep everything in-house without a single video coming out. Not him nor his star students ever gave up their secrets before his DVD emerged. And the DVD had a profound impact on the BJJ world. To be honest, it is even more important than anyone thought.

Kimura: Enter The System in John Danaher DVD Collection
Techniques List

The first eye-catching characteristic was the length of the instructional. 8 DVDs contain a lot of material, especially when someone teaches as Danaher does. However, he really did explain his compete system in its entirety. There’s no holding back as Danaher carefully deconstructs the entire leg lock system that made him infamous in BJJ circles.

The instructional is very carefully structured, with the first couple of DVDs focusing only on philosophy, mechanics, and basic principles. Only later-on do the actual submissions start. Even then, Danaher covers all Ashi Garami positions and available attacks first, before going into entries. He also offers a transitional system that links all these positions together. Plus, he leaves strategic openings that allow links with the other DVDs.

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Back Attacks DVD & Digital Instructional

Not long after the first release, the John Danaher DVD collection got its second member. The subject was one that nobody really thought had more to offer than what we already know. Danaher proved everyone wrong, though. His straight jacket system is as revolutionary as his Ashi Garami system. Plus, he offers so many auxiliary systems that this DVD will make you re-think your complete approach to the back mount.

Back Attacks: Enter The System in John Danaher DVD Collection
Techniques List

To begin with, Danaher again covers the basics first. It is all about the principles and goals of the back mount position. On top of it, Danaher explains his philosophy and systematization of all the possibilities this position offers. Coinciding with the release of this DVD was the increased use of this position by his students. Actually, most of Gordon Ryan’s latest victory area actually down to back attacks using this system.

Danaher goes over his famous Straight Jacket back attacks system in detail, dedicating two whole DVDs to it. After the halfway mark, he goes into auxiliary systems, exploring options you have if you can’t choke someone from the Straight Jacket. This is where his knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu truly becomes apparent. Expect everything, from basic armbars to Twisters and calf slicers. Wrapping things up are entries and transitions, just like in the previous release.

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Front Headlocks DVD & Digital Instructional

The third installment is the one that got me the most excited. Yes, even more than leg locks. I’ve always favored front headlock attacks and this DVD quickly became my favorite. Unlike previous volumes, it starts with setups into the position, mostly standing ones. The Front Headlocks system is arguably the “simplest” one from the John Danaher DVD collection. It is not as elaborate as the previous ones, or the next one, for that matter. However, this makes it the easiest to learn, and its effectiveness was never in doubt.

Front Headlock: Enter The System in John Danaher DVD Collection
Techniques List

Danaher’s front headlock system features a great systematization of all attacks available from the position. Guillotine chokes, of course, play a huge part in this release. Danaher managed to categorize guillotines much better than the previous very rough two-category system of the arm in guillotines and guillotines. Learning the low and high wrist position concepts is going to change your approach to choking people from the front forever.

There is also a multitude of arm triangle chokes, in the form of Anaconda and D’arce strangles. Actually, this is the most comprehensive instructional on the Anaconda choke that I have ever seen. As for the D’arce, let’s just say nobody is ever going to escape it ever again. What is the true gem in this instructional are the principles of choking which are unlike anything you know so far. Plus, it all ties in perfectly with the rest of the titles in the John Danaher DVD Collection.

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Kimura DVD & Digital Instructional

The lastest part of the Enter The System series is all about the Kimura. However, if you think that Danaher is only going to demonstrate Kimura locks, you’re gravely mistaken. Danaher teaches Kimura as one of the most powerful positions in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. He has a completely different system to anything you know, and even to his previous systems. Actually, this DVD has one amazing new feature that makes it stand out even amongst its peers. Here, the volumes end in so-called “classroom commentary” where Danaher goes over the techniques in real-time. It is the absolute best way to bring all the lessons he teaches in context.

Kimura: Enter The System in John Danaher DVD Collection
Techniques list

Furthermore, the final part (for now) of the John Danaher DVD collection sheds a whole new light on what we know as the Kimura trap. Danaher calls it the T-Kimura and he offers many more opportunities than anything seen before. Furthermore, he connects the Kimura with every other arm locks variation possible, from both top and bottom positions. Not only that, but he also explores some unorthodox ways of applying Kimuras based on his principles. The Kimura, reverse Omoplata and the multiple Kimuras concepts are just a few examples of what to expect.

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Triangle DVD & Digital Instructional

The latest part of the ENter’ The System Series” that is now available in the Triangles DVD set. This latest addition to the John Danaher collection is actually the penultimate set. In it, John goes over a true staple of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – the triangle strangle. As with all previous DVD’s you get a complete system that revolves around the triangle as a position and a submission. Similarly to Kimuras, you’ll soon find out there are more triangle variations than what you originally anticipated.

John Danaher DVD Triangles
Techniques List

What you get with this set are 8 more prestige volumes, filled with triangle related information. Of course, it all starts with a long and detailed introduction to the triangle, it’s mechanics, central problems, and possible variations. After all the general information though, Danaher goes straight into the first of 5 triangle variations – the front triangles. Three whole volumes cover this variation. Inside them, Danaher teaches everything, from how they work, to setups, adjustments, and entries from anywhere and everywhere.

The remaining four volumes cover a triangle variation each. As per Danaher’s triangles system, those variations are the side, rear, reverse, and opposite triangle. You might be familiar with some or all of them, but you’ll certainly understand each and every one of them with this instructional. All in all, you get the best guide to using triangle chokes for grappling that is in existence today! If you’re a triangle lover, you’ll discover hidden secrets in every volume. If you do not like triangles then you actually need this instructional more than people who do them!

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Armbar DVD & Digital Instructional

The Armbar series is the final part of the John Danaher DVD Collection. As Danaher himself stated, he bases his No-Gi curriculum on 6 essential systems. The first five are leg locks, guillotines/front headlocks, the back mount, Kimuras, and triangles. The final piece of the Danaher No-Gi puzzle, and the “Enter The System” series are armbars. This final piece of John Danaher wisdom is still to be released though.

What we know so far is that the complete Armbars Danaher DVD instructional is recorded and ready. However, Given that the Triangle series just recently came out, our guess is that we’ll have to wait just a little bit longer to get it. Still, it won’t take too much as Danaher’s next huge project is already on the books. But before that, we’ll get to enjoy 8 more volumes filled with Danaher’s take on what’s arguably the oldest submission in all of the martial arts. That said, Danaher’s thoughts on it are going to be just as revolutionary as his previous volumes, no doubt about it.

Let’s face it, whether you love or hate armbars, you’re still doing them whenever the opportunity arises. Now, you’ll learn how to create those opportunities and use Armbars along with every other piece of Danaher’s comprehensive No-Gi grappling system. As soon as the DVD is out, we’ll do an in-depth review and analysis to let you in on what’s cooking inside.

Wrestling Spladle – The Ultimate Single Leg Counter

Wrestling Spladle For Jiu-Jitsu

There’s no doubt that wrestling has a lot to offer people that train BJJ. The oldest (arguably) grappling martial art in the world is a real treasury of useful techniques. Throughout the centuries accumulated hundreds of moves, all of which were more than effective at some point. Among them, there are the core moves, the techniques that transcend time and work universally as well today as they did in ancient Greece. And then there are the modern moves that actually transcend the boundaries of sport with their usefulness. One such crazy effective move is the wrestling spladle, a move that can make any grappler feel desperate. 

The first time I came across the wrestling spladle, I didn’t think too much of it. It is like a move that wouldn’t really work in BJJ. Plus there was the question of its legality under IBJJF rules. However, after revisiting it later on I got hooked and never looked back. The wrestling spladle is a move that stretches your opponent’s crotch similar to a banana split, while also putting pressure on their neck. In wrestling, it is a pin, but in BJJ it offers much more than just a way to hold your opponent down. Plus it works as the ultimate counter to some of the most annoying moves in the whole of Jiu-Jitsu!

The best wrestling variety for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is by far Catch Wrestling. On top of your “basic” wrestling takedowns, pins, and pressure it also offers unique submission threats. One of the most complete grapplers of today, and a Catch Wrestler by trait, Neil Melanson has the ultimate guide on how to integrate it into your BJJ game. Check out the “Catch Wrestling Formula” 4 DVD set and bring a whole new world of pain to your opponents!

The Wrestling Spladle

As a move, wrestlers use the wrestling spladle mostly to counter the single leg takedown. However, it works more than just a counter as it is a great way to achieve a pin in wrestling, which is a match-winning move. For a wrestling pin, you need to keep the opponent’s shoulders on the ground for a certain amount of time. A great way to achieve this is to lift the opponent’s legs and hips in the air. An even better moment is to put a wedge behind their neck. And the ultimate way to make sure an opponent can’t wiggle out is to make sure their legs are as far apart as possible, on top of everything else.

Wrestling Spladle For BJJTo try and explain the wrestling spladle as best as I can, we’ll start at the turtle position. Imagine that your opponent is gunning for a single leg from the turtle position. They have a tight grip that’s preventing you from sprawling efficiently. However, that also means that they’re pulling you towards them. The key moment to focus on is trapping the head with your hips. Once you have that, you can focus on establishing grips.

If the opponent has your right leg, you should use the right arm to grab their right leg. When you’re grabbing, the goal is to reach your arm from the inside of their thigh towards the outside. That’s where your other arm should come in, establishing a palm to a palm grip, or an S-grip. From there, all you need to do is sit down to your right side and pull with your arms. This is going to bring the bottom leg in reach, and you’re going to trap that one with both your legs. The wrestling spladle is on.

Single Leg Counters

The one key use of the wrestling spladle is to counter the single leg takedown. We already saw how you can use the spladle against an opponent attempting a single leg from the knees. With a standing single-leg takedown, the mechanics are somewhat different. However, from standing, you end up directly in a deep spladle position that’s more uncomfortable than the previous one.

Wrestling Spladle For BJJWhen an opponent shoots for a single leg, the first thing to focus on is to keep the opponent’s head down. Put your chest over the back of their head to force their head down. From there, think about reaching for a Kimura trap. However, this time you’re going to go for the leg instead of the arm. Use your right arm to grab the right leg of the opponent, inside-out, same as before. As you get a grip on the leg, make sure your trapped leg hooks the near side leg by doing a leg curl.

This is where the most fun part takes place. Once everything is set up, simply roll over your left shoulder, maintaining the position you have over the back of the opponent’s head. This is going to land you in a deep wrestling spladle. From there, you can proceed to hold the opponent down or go for neck cranks, leg locks, or chokes.

Preventing The Berimbolo

This is one very useful application of the wrestling spladle. Grapplers really skilled in the Berimbolo are almost impossible to stop. Unless you know how to time your move exactly. And of course, that move is the wrestling spladle.

Wrestling Spladle For BJJFrom the basic De La Riva guard, as the opponent tries to Berimbolo, you’ll need to make sure you put your hip to the ground. This should be done on the side in which your opponent rolls for the Berimbolo. This is going to stop the Beimbolo at least momentarily. The goal is to use this pause and force your opponent on their back, inserting your bottom leg under their head at the same time. Once there, get the grip on the near side leg and you’re all set for the wrestling spladle. The other leg is already in place thanks to the opponent’s De La Riva hook.

Attacking With The Wrestling Spladle

From a more offensive aspect, you can go for the wrestling spladle off of back attacks. You might even go for it directly from the top turtle position. However, off the back, it works unbelievably well, especially when the opponent goes for a specific defense.

Wrestling Spladle For BJJVery often when you have back control, opponents that manage to get on all fours are going to attempt to shrug you off. This is actually a legitimate defense that lands them in top position. Once an opponent starts shrugging you off, simply transition your hooks to the outside, so you can sneak one leg in for a wrestling spladle. Since their legs are straight and apart, you can achieve this quite easily. The trick is not to let go of the seatbelt control as you’re doing it. From there, you just get the grips on the far leg as you roll as you do against a single leg takedown. The rest is up to you.

10 Best Leg Locks DVDs and Digital Instructionals

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Double Leg Takedown – How to Do It & The Most Common Mistakes

The Leg Lasso Guard – A Masterclass On Playing And Passing

Robber Begging for Mercy After Being Caught in an Armbar by Jiu-Jitsu Girl

Robber Begging for Mercy After Being Caught in an Armbar by Jiu-Jitsu Girl

It’s pretty interesting how thieves, robbers, and similar people turn into such crybabies once they’re caught.

The guy assaulted a girl and tried to rob her but she was able to make good use of her Jiu-Jitsu to subdue an attacker and call the police.

Gas Station Clerk Knocks and Chokes Out a Robber With A Guillotine Choke

Thug Tries to Rob a 72-year-old Jiu-Jitsu Coral Belt!

Guy did a Brutal Takedowns To Destroy Two Guys Who Attacked Him

Enter The System: KIMURA – John Danaher DVD Review

John Danaher DVD Collection

And that makes it four! The John Danaher DVD collection just got bigger by a quarter! The latest video instructional featuring everyone’s favorite dark lord of BJJ is out and about! The “Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD” is the fourth installment in what is surely turning out to be the greatest set of Jiu-Jitsu video instructionals ever accomplished. It seems that now that Danaher decided to put his knowledge out, he has no intention of stopping. And we’re all loving it! This final release is that much better because it focuses on one of the most basic, yet versatile moves in BJJ – the Kimura. Knowing Danaher and his previous work, we all expected a lot more than just Kimuras. And boy, did he not disappoint! 

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Kimura –  Enter The System by John Danaher

When John put together his leg locks DVD, most of the people in the BJJ community thought that he did his job. Nobody expected more from the famous coach who changed the landscape of BJJ. After all, he is the mastermind behind the versatile leg lock game that’s a huge part of modern Jiu-Jitsu. Well, Danaher appears to have had other intentions. Or he simply just liked filming and/or the response he got. Whatever the case, he hasn’t stopped filming since. Not only that, but he is delivering groundbreaking insights into the Gentle Art with every new video instructional he releases. Now, the “Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD” is here to challenge everything we thought we know about grappling’s most famous bent armlock.

The John Danaher DVD Collection

Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVDEven if you’re not a really big fan of leg locks, by now, you should be knee-deep into John Danaher’s work. The Renzo Gracie black belt is truly a master of Jiu-Jitsu and only got famous because of the Danaher Death Squad’s leg lock success. that, however, does not mean he’s just a coach that can teach you about one aspect of grappling. As he proved (not that he needed to) during the past six months or so, he has arguably more understanding of the inner workings of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu than anybody else. So far, he has four DVD instructionals out, counting the Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD as well. And they’re all pure grappling gold!

The first volume that came out was the much-anticipated leg locks instructional. People were begging for years to catch even a glimpse of Danaher’s teaching methods in video form, yet were unsuccessful. Danaher managed to stay hidden from the public until the time he saw fit to reveal his knowledge. The main thing his leg lock DVD accomplished was to show the grappling world how mistaken they were when they thought they understood leg locks. Ultimately, it turned into the best lower limb submission guide you can wish for.

The second installment was all about clearing up certain myths and misconceptions about the back positions. Once again, Danaher offered some truly unique insight into a position that comes up literally every time we’re on the mats. For me, personally, it completely changed the way I approach back attacks.

The penultimate DVD set was on focusing on front headlocks, which turned out to be another gem. Guillotines, anaconda chokes, Darces, takedowns, top, and bottom setups, they’re all dumbed down to the tiniest detail. And, now, finally, it’s time for the Kimura!

The Kimura Submission

As a submission, the Kimura lock has a mysterious history. Nobody can truly pinpoint the exact origin of this versatile lock. It appears throughout grappling history and is a part of virtually any grappling martial art. There are instances of Kimuras in wrestling, Judo, Sambo and many other arts, where each has a different name for the same move.

Today’s name that we use in BJJ is in respect of the famous Judoka Masahiko Kimura. He used the submission to finish none other than Helio Gracie in a two-round match. Kimura actually broke Helio’s arm with the move. Later on, Helio decided to adopt it and use it in BJJ, giving it the name of his rival.

The Kimura submission is one that most academies teach fairly early one, considering it to be one of the basics. It is a fairly simple lock, at least in appearance. For a Kimura, you need to have the arm of the opponent bent at a 90-degree angle. On top of that, you’re using a very specific figure-four grip configuration to keep the arm in place. The pressure is a rotational one, affecting the shoulder joint. The potential of the submission is huge and it can have grave consequences.

“Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD” is the DVD that is about to change the perception everyone has of the Kimura. it is no longer going to be just another submission in your arsenal. Instead, Danaher is going to show you how to use it as a control position and how to build a whole system around it. The best part is that his DVD fits right in with all the previous ones, giving you a complete BJJ gameplan.

Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD 

Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD
Techniques List

The standing fear with every next Danaher DVD is that it is going to be full of technical difficulties, much like the initial leg lock release. Well, you can rest assured, bad camera work and the barely audible sound is a thing of the past. Moreover, it was just a one-off mistake that is no longer a concern.

As with previous releases, Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD is divided into 8 volumes. Some of them run at over an hour while others are just under 60 minutes. All in all, what you get is about 10 hours of Danaher knowledge, organized in the most effective way possible. Unlike previous instructionals, though, there’s a surprise edition in this DVD, that makes learning from it an even better experience. Read on and find out what it is!

#1 Mechanics

If you’ve ever seen a Danaher DVD you should know not to expect the move that is in the title to feature until later in the series. It is pretty much the same with the  Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD. In volume 1 it is all about an introduction to the Kimura, and Danaher’s Kimura based system.

After the basic layout of his system, Danaher tackles a few very important points of the Kimura. For one, he goes over the thumb or no thumb conundrum, clearly demonstrating what’s more effective, and more importantly, why. He also explains why the Kimura is a move he admires, which, knowing his preference, comes down to the fact it is a rotational submission as opposed to a straight one.

The DVD goes on to explain the intricacies of the Kimura, where Danaher goes over power lines, getting into position and the main problems you’ll face. He round the first volume off with a look at the roll through Kimura, which features heavily in following volumes.

#2 Dorsal Kimura

Despite the Latin name, this is a Kimura variation we all know. Once again, Danaher keeps naming things according to his own preferences. There’s no arguing that he makes things crystal clear though.

To be honest there’s way too much information in a Danaher DVD to actually be able to do an in-depth review without spending a year studying the material. However, after a first glance though, the thing that caught my eye more than anything in part 2 was the method of separating locked hands. This is probably the number one issue most Kimura enthusiast face, and one that never had a common solution. Until now.

Ona another very impressive note, Danaher goes over a bunch of ways in which you can use your legs to finish a Kimura. Also, he explains his transitional philosophies. As you know, Danaher likes to either focus his submissions very specifically or diffuse them across the whole surface of the body. It’s the same with the Kimura, which he likes to mix up with other things in order to ensure he gets the tap.

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Kimura –  Enter The System by John Danaher

#3 T-Kimura

Here’s where things get interesting. It is in the third part of the Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD that John goes some of the possible follow-ups that stem from the Kimura position. And there are a lot more than you might think.

When you are in a Kimura position, you can also think about spreading your attacks. The T-Kimura is a position we all know as the Kimura trap. However, Danaher has a twist to it. He really includes the whole body and every possible submission category. Danaher splits his system into a top an bottom knee and focuses his attacks off one of those main positions. To that extent, he likes to base most of his attacks of the bottom knee position. Possibilities include transitions to the back, armbars, triangle variations, and even Ashi Garami attacks.

Wrapping things up is a beautiful way of connecting the Kimura and the biceps slicer submission.

#4 Applications 

Now, this is where Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD takes a new twist compared to previous ones. This is also a part in which the Kimura system Danaher teaches really gets its shape. To begin, Danaher starts from what’s arguably the most used position for hunting Kimuras – side control.

Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVDFrom the top of side control, Danaher shares a very easy to understand and incredibly efficient methodology of obtaining the Kimura. Everything, from grip details to breaking the opponent’ resistance and finishing is covered in detail. Since he is on the subject of top position, Danaher spreads his system into the top half guard, offering some never-before-seen options for getting a Kimura lock.

The one thing that sets the Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD apart from his previous releases starts at the end of the fourth part. He engages in what he calls “classroom commentary” at the end of this DVD and carries this over onto the rest of the parts in this release. During this commentary, he goes over every part of the Kimura system as he and his students do it in class. Live rolling is included, giving context to everything he talks about in each volume.

#5 Passing And Kimura

Still, on the subject of getting into a Kimura from the top, Danaher dissects another crucial aspect – going up against the butterfly guard. This whole volume is about the various ways in which you can bypass the butterfly guard in order to get a Kimura. As we all know, the most direct route of getting a Kimura from there is to roll over, getting the grips in right before you roll. Well, Danaher has other, less risky ideas, before approaching the rolling Kimura. Even then, he breaks everything down into clear steps that leave no place for improvisation.

Also featuring in this volume are ways to break down the turtle position with the help of, you guessed it, Kimuras! Danaher also touches the subject of using the position to counter single-leg takedown attempts from the knees.

A real threat is what Danaher calls Kimura’s Kimura, in respect to the legendary Judoka. At the end of this volume, there’s classroom commentary again, putting things into perspective.

#6 Kimura From The Bottom 1

The standing single leg takedown counter with a Kimura is at the beginning of part 6. However, Danaher doesn’t dwell on it too much before moving on to bottom side attacks.

Normally, he starts at the very beginning, in the closed guard position. Talk about feeling like a beginner again! Danaher’s take on the closed guard Kimura is totally different from the basics we’ve all learned as beginners. It does, however, bypass all the common problems the basic Kimura encounters.

Before engaging in highly specific classroom commentary once again, Danaher also begins explaining the bottom half guard Kimura system. It also includes a very very cool Sumi Gaeshi variation that I particularly like.

#7 Kimura From The Bottom 2

Still on the subject of bottom side Kimura attacks, the “Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD” stays on the course of bottom half guard attacks. This time, he goes into the T- Kimura in order to spread the attacks. The results are awesome armbar and triangle options that complete the system.

Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD
Techniques List

As the volume progresses, Danaher gets into the turtle position, but this time from the bottom. And it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Believe me. Danaher’s bottom turtle concepts are effective and logical, yet can only work if you get every detail right. If you do, however, there’s no way for you to fail. You’ll not only get out of the turtle position but acquire a tight Kimura as you do. this DVD features a dozen ways of countering from the turtle, including getting out of a seatbelt grip and into a Kimura.

Finally, a section on standing Kimuras. Single legs and double legs dominate here, with Kimura options off of plenty of variations. Of course, the inevitable classroom commentary marks the end of the volume, again helping understand the material presented before.

#8 Crazy Kimura Setups

This is where Danaher seems to take things into a fun territory. You can tell he is truly enjoying the particularly painful and unexpected Kimura variations. These include a reverse Oomoplata done with the legs and a crazy submission Danaher dubs the Trimura. But that’s far from it. There is also the concept of multiple Kimuras, which was revolutionary for me, to say the very least.

There’s also a great section that focuses on the roll through Kimura and how to make sure you time it right in every attempt. Head and arm Kimura options complete this crazy volume before another crucial classroom commentary. In all honesty, it is the classroom commentary sections that I love more than anything else in this DVD. The make the Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD really stand out, even amongst all the instructionals of the Danaher DVD Collection.

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Kimura –  Enter The System by John Danaher

Enter The System: Kimura John Danaher DVD
Techniques List