Forging The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD Review [2025]

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ DVD outlining how to get to the DLR and attack sweeps and leg locks, delivered by the reigning ADCC champ. 
  • Contains a system for leg pummeling that leads to inside guards and Ashi Garamoi.
  • Offers a selection of sweeps, leg locks, and back exposure through the X-guard, K-guard, Bolos, and the 50/50. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8 out of 10. 

FORGING THE DE LA RIVA GUARD GIANCARLO BODONI DVD GET HERE:

Forging The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD Free Sample
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There are probably as many De la Riva guard instructionals out there as there are closed guard ones. I often refer to the DLR as the open guard counterpart to the full guard – everyone is going to use it at some point, regardless of whether they prefer to or not.

Digging through the rubble of DLR information out there and finding useful bits is hard, which is why we’re here to point out resources worth exploring. The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD is good for beginners, ideal for intermediate grapplers, and useful for experts. After all, we’re talking about the reigning ADCC champ as the source here.

Outside Open Guard

These days, most people play overcomplicated hybrid guards that actually trap you as a guard player more than they allow you to move. This means you restrict your options of attacking, and when the person on top starts blocking them, you find yourself in a pickle.

Understanding what guards offer in terms of general positioning will lhelpo you determine what guard to use for a given situation. For the most part, the easiest way to organize guards is as outside guards (your legs on the outside of your partner’s body/legs) and inside guards (your legs between the opponent’s legs).

Both of these have limitations and advantages, but in general, inside ones are more dangerous as they present a direct threat of lower limb submissions and many more sweep threats. To that effect, transitioning from outside guards, which are easier to get to, into more effective inside ones is a strategy you should master.

That said, if you’re wondering where to start, the answer is with something easy and reliable. The De la Riva ticks both these boxes, plus it works with and without the Gi. A very good resource to organize your guard game around the DLR is the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD.

Double ADCC World Champ Giancarlo Bodoni

Danaher’s New Wave bunch of athletes get extraordinary results on the mats but also cause an extraordinary amount of noise in the BJJ world. Gordon Ryan is synonymous with trash-talking by this point, and Big Dan seems to be following in his footsteps. I’m not even going to mention Meragali’s embarrassment.

The quiet guy in the bunch, who lets his performances and results do the talking, is Giancarlo Bodoni. Aged 29, Bodoni started off in Alliance but decided to jump on board with Danaher in Texas. It proved to be a great decision, with two consecutive ADCC world titles already added to his name.

Bodoni is a big guy with a very methodical game, favoring technique over explosion. Originally a black belt under Lucas Lepri, Bodoni is a skilled guard player with a closed guard skillset to match that of Roger Gracie. His open guard skills might actually be even better than his closed guard, as he clearly demonstrated in the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD.

Forging The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD Review

Bodoni delivers over two hours of material in the very detailed De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD. He uses lots of key concepts to guide you through the attacking options that the DLR offers in No-Gi while outlining the risks to be wary of at the same time:

Part 1 – Pummeling

A skill not often associated with the De la Riva guard is pummeling, and yet, it somehow seems to define modern BJJ attacks from the position. As the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD opens, Bodoni makes sure to provide you with an in-depth blueprint on coming on top of any pummel exchanges you might encounter while playing the guard.

With the DLR, it’s all about foot position, with the hook providing control and the free leg offering off-balancing opportunities but also being a leg-locking liability of sorts. Bodoni goes over several foot and knee pummeling scenarios that happen often, showing you how to keep your feet safe and not lose any of the control you have from the guard.

Part 2 – Ashi Exposure

Bodoni’s guard work very often leads to leg locks, but since Danaher’s Ashi system requires the hips of your opponent to be on the mats, it yields the much-welcome side effect of sweeping. This is exactly the relationship that he uncovers in the second part of the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD.

Using the DLR as a starting position, Giancarlo offers several different sweeps, a route into the X-guard, and several reverse reap follow-ups that essentially create a mini system. Bodoni introduces some modifications to his X guard and also accounts for level changes, with the waiter sweep well hidden from the top person’s attention.

Part 3 – K Guard Bolos

As we get to part three, leg lock and Ashi entanglements continue, but now with everyone’s favorite show-stopping element – inversions. Bodoni shares lots of Bolos in this portion of the Giancarlo Bodoni De La Riva DVD, constantly adding more leg-locking threats.

In fact, he uses the K guard to launch his inversions, ending up in interesting positions, such as Kani Basami and the backside 50/50. All of the motions start in the DLR and feature pummeling, bringing the entire content presented in this instructional into the frame.

Part 4 – Connections and FAQs

As we reach the final part of the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD, the attention is on building an entire No-Gu guard game centered around the DLR, which is very easy to get into. Bodoni explains how he uses constant off-balancing to easily retain the guard as he looks to set up his attacks.

I liked a lot that he addressed the fallacies of playing the De la Riva guard in No-Gi, pinpointing the key risks and goals of the guard. As he brings the DVD to an end, Bodoni also talks about body positioning details that people often ask about, as well as how to optimally connect to the top person.

Forging an Unbeatable Guard

There is no such thing as an unbeatable guard. However, there is an advantage to playing the De la Riva guard that might make it seem unbeatable if you know what you are doing, especially in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.

At the end of the day, the goals from the guard are to get on top, on the back, or submit. You only want to keep the top player on your guard for as long as you need to achieve any of those. That means that one key guard tactic is not allowing the top player time to figure out how to break your guard.

Another thing to consider is not to get too carried away with a specific guard. Keep someone in half guard, and they only have your half guard to pass. Start in De la Riva, and you have access to just about any open guard you want, and even closed guards, depending on the situation. Bodoni covers this in-depth as he presents the material in the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD.

Forging The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD Preview
FREE TECHNIQUE DEMO: Forging The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD

DOWNLOAD HERE: DE LA RIVA GUARD GIANCARLO BODONI DVD

A Bundle of Surprises! 

Get to guard. That is your first priority when you find yourself with your back on the mats, intentional or not. Going for the DLR is usually the path of least resistance, as it is immediately available against standing opponents from a medium distance.

Getting the guard is not the issue, though, as much as what you do with it. That’s where the Forging the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD comes in, delivering a complete system that Bodoni has tested at the biggest possible stage of competitive grappling. And yes, the DLR is a great choice for No-Gi – pick up the instructions, and you’ll learn exactly why that is.

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Mat Force Fightwear Review – The Best Unorthodox BJJ Fightwear On The Market

Mat Force Fightwear Review - The Best Unorthodox BJJ Fightwear On The Market

In the No-Gi world, rash guards and fight shorts are essential tools for performance, comfort, and safety on the mats. With that in mind, there are a lot of quality BJJ fightwear manufacturers, and most of them offer all of the things listed above.

But what differentiates them from each other, and what in the end attracts you, me, and all BJJ practitioners, is their style, design—the things that our eyes can see. Most of the “standard” BJJ brands are focused on simple and straightforward designs, lacking that WOW factor.

That’s where Mat Force Fightwear steps in. What Mat Force Fightwear offers is quality BJJ rash guards and shorts that are performance-tested but with a little twist. All of their designs are edgy, provocative, and maybe not for everyone.

Fit, Fabric, and Functionality

The primary functionality of rash guards is to protect your skin from scratches, cuts, skin irritation, and all of the skin infections that are unfortunately common in our grappling sport. So, finding a good-fitting, quality, and durable rash guard is the primary focus when buying a new one.

Mat Force Fightwear rash guards are made from 92% polyester, 8% spandex, with four-way stretch fabric that is quick-drying, crease-resistant, and lightweight. They have double-needle bottom and sleeve hems for durability. Double-stitching around the armholes strengthens the seams, making them less prone to ripping apart.

Mat Force Fightwear fight shorts are made from 100% polyester fabric that is quick-drying, crease-resistant, and lightweight. The shorts are tailored for a secure fit, with a velcro closure, elastic waistband, and adjustable drawstring that provide optimal comfort and freedom of movement.

Mat Force Fightwear Review: Designs

When choosing from all the available unorthodox BJJ fightwear designs, we decided to go for the top 3 most popular Mat Force Fightwear designs:

1. Choke Me Daddy

Right off the bat, Mat Force gives us the edgiest BJJ rash guard that I’ve ever seen—two choke-hold hands wrapping around the neckline. The pink and white color combo enhances the playful tone behind this rash guard.

Of course, keep in mind this is all a joke, and as stated before, it’s not for everyone. But some of us like to have fun with our rash guards and make people smile while doing what we enjoy most, which is BJJ.
Choke Me Daddy Rashguard Review Mat Force FightwearChoke Me Daddy Shorts Review Mat Force Fightwear
2. Familiar colors

The second most popular Mat Force Fightwear design is a BJJ rash guard featuring the most familiar color combo in the world and the words Jiu-Jitsu right in the center of the chest. It playfully insinuates the “unwritten” nature of BJJ, which can seem a bit erotic to outsiders.

Familiar Colors Rashguard Mat Force Fightwear

Familiar Colors Shorts Mat Force Fightwear

3. Testosterone

The third and final design we will feature is the defining factor of all great BJJ competitors—testosterone—poking fun at the undeniable use of steroids in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. The graphic on the front shows a muscle man with a TRT needle for a head, while the back features a graphic of the TRT chemical structure, usage, and ingredients.

Testosterone Rashguard Mat Force Fightwear Testosterone Rashguard Mat Force Fightwear Review Testosterone Shorts Mat Force Fightwear

Final Thoughts

What defines Mat Force Fightwear is its unorthodox designs with a bit of a twist. If you need quality, durable, high-end but affordable rash guards with eye-catching, edgy designs, Mat Force Fightwear is the place to go. They offer a lot of different rash guard designs, with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, suitable for both men and women.

Visit their online shop https://mf-fightwear.com/ and enjoy a variety of designs—if you’ve got the guts for them!

Also, Mat Force Fightwear sells ONLY to U.S. customers and offers FREE shipping on all orders.

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Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD Review [2025]

Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ DVD that offers a blueprint for passing guards based on Mikey’s own guard strategies and experience. 
  • Offers details on engaging, mitigating dangers, and passing on the inside and/or outside.
  • Features explanations of concepts such as baiting, dealing with walls, and attacking with boxes. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10. 

BREAKING THEIR GUARD MIKEY MUSUMECI DVD HERE:

Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD Preview
WATCH THE TRAILER: Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD

Guard passing is a term that I have been struggling with for years, as it doesn’t really capture the essence of dealing with guards. Guard breaking seems to be a much better description, ideally followed by leg passing.

While it seems easy when put together like this, it is far more difficult in practice. leave it to Darth Rigatonni to simplify it, focusing your attention on exactly what is essential in guard passing. Let’s go deeper into what the Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD has to offer.

Breaking Guards Down, Wall by Wall

Whenever you find yourself in a situation that requires you to pass the guard in BJJ, what is your main focus? People will give different answers, but for the most part, they all boil down to the same end-range goal – get a pin by ending up above the bottom player’s waistline.

There is no dispute that this is the ultimate goal of a guard pass. However, focusing on it often makes you miss the key details that actually allow you to achieve this goal, essentially preventing you from achieving it.

These finer details of passing are the layers of the guard, which exist in any guard anyone is going to play. The bigger the distance between you and the guard player, in fact, the more layers you have to deal with.

Anyone in the BJJ world, from the Gracies to John Danaher and, of course, Mikey Musumeci, has their own way of moving in stages as guards toward the end goal of pinning. I find that the concept of walls, first made popular by Ryan Hall, is optimally and effectively explained in the Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD in a way anyone can understand, even day-one students.

BJJ Ambassador Mikey Musumeci 

Mikey Musumeci turned out to be one of the loudest ambassadors of professional Jiu-Jitsu these days, and it is not a role many associated with the American. The super-kind and chill small guy, known for his exceptionally effective game and the ability to beat giants, has had quite a year.

Mikey was one of the pioneers of the ONE Championship pro-grappling era, spearheading the effort to popularize BJJ using MMA platforms. You know that it worked when the UFC followed suit and launched their own pro grappling league, baiting Musumeci to join them as their ambassador.

It wasn’t hard for Mikey to jump ship, seeing as ONE stripped him of his world titles on account of missing weight, which was a first for the super-professional Musumeci. Perhaps the UFC was already whispering in his ear.

Rumors aside, Mikey has now been making his trade on the UFC Fight Pass Invitational while racking up new instructionals. His latest one, the Guard Passing Mikey Musumeci DVD, is a bit different from all his previous work, showing that Mikey can pass guard as well as he can play it.

Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD Review

The Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD delivers over two hours of Mikey Musumeci guard passing magic, divided into four distinct volumes that all center around crucial concepts that we’ve seen Mikey use:

Part 1 – Layers of Guard

Mikey kicks this DVD off by addressing guard structure first, and what he refers to as the walls of guard. It makes it easy for him to put into perspective what a pass is, and how you should approach it for maximum efficiency.

Speaking of passes, the Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD defines two main avenues of passing, outside the legs and inside the legs, which has been a prevalent concept in the last couple of years. He also covers example applications of each as it best suits specific scenarios.

Somewhere around the hallway point, Musumeci addresses the concept of walls, which is crucial for this instructional. According to it, his passing efforts usually run into two walls, each presenting a different problem to solve.

These walls involve distance and are marked by the ankles and knees of the opponent, respectively. Mikey even goes further to break down the main components of each wall, as well as how to begin removing them. Examples such as Torreando’s passing help put things into perspective.

Part 2 – The Box Concept of Passing

Mikey’s concepts for playing guard used boxes to categorize different attacks, making it easy for him to reach into a specific box based on the situation he is in. He now sticks with the box concept again in the Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD, but he flips the attention to passing.

The first box you’re going to learn about in this instructional is threatening with submissions, used by Mikey to accentuate his passing efforts. Stuff like heel hook exposure and neck exposure make up the meat and bones of this box.

Also featured in this part is the back attacks box, something that is a signature of Mikey’s game as much as leg locks are. Here, he introduces the reverse Torreando grips for No-Gi, which seem to be an interesting way to shake things up and surprise the guard player.

Part 3 – Removing Knee From Chest

One of the main issues you’ll face when passing is the half guard. The last frontier that stops you from getting to a pin, after you pass the walls and manage to defend all attacks, is often the most frustrating.

In this portion of the Mikey Musumeci Passing DVD, the focus is on dealing with the knee on the chest by utilizing all the concepts laid out before. Mikey offers combo inside and outside passes, featuring the knee cut, duck under, long step, and double arm frame passes.

Part 4 – Baiting 

The top skill of any high-level grappler is the ability to bait their opponent into their game, covering their true intentions with misdirects. Mikey puts this strategy into a concept box and delivers the essentials of setting it up for passing in the final volume of his Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD.

What you can expect to pick up from this volume is the art of baiting people with outside passes so you can get inside ones, which represent the shorter route to your final destination. Side passing is up first, with the cross step getting lots of time and attention, from dealing with frames to securing the pin against guard recovery.

Toward the end of the DVD, Mikey provides several different bait combos, but not as deeply as the cross-step pass. The Torreando features again, along with my favorite, the crazy dog pass, as well as a folding pass iteration.

Early Pinning

What is the point of guard passing? Okay, the name is kind of a dead giveaway as to the final goal, but what you’re most likely missing by focusing on it is a crucial aspect of what your priorities should be as you are passing.

Namely, if the guard player can get away from you, get up, or keep you very far away, they’re not playing guard by definition, meaning you can’t really pass, can you? The first thing to think about when trying to pass the legs for a pin is to focus on keeping the guard player in a position where you can attack them – a.k.a. in a guard.

This is why high-level grapplers often force half guard – it gives them only one guard to pass, as opposed to leaving the bottom person space for transitions between guards. In other words, pinning begins a lot earlier than the moment you pass the legs.

You actually need to look at passing positions as pins that keep the bottom person on the bottom FIRST, and THEN allow you to tear the walls of their guards down and pass. This concept, while not directly addressed, is the essence of the material in the Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD.

Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD Free Sample
FREE DVD SAMPLE: Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci

DOWNLOAD HERE: BREAKING THEIR GUARD MIKEY MUSUMECI DVD

Break it Down! 

So, now that you know that guards have walls, it’s time to focus on breaking them down! For those with no idea where to start, the Breaking Their Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD has everything you need! If you already understand the concept, then this instructional has top-level competitive strategies, such as baiting, to help you ensure an almost flawless execution of every pass you attempt.

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Viral Grappler Post Claims IBJJF Biggest Impact Is Helping Brazilians Get Green Cards

Viral Grappler Post Claims IBJJF Biggest Impact Is Helping Brazilians Get Green Cards

In the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, controversy is as integral as technique and discipline. A recent viral comment from a prominent grappler has ignited fierce debate, with the claim that the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) isn’t just a regulatory body but a facilitator for Brazilians seeking U.S. green cards. 

Social media comment on IBJJF

“3 Reasons to Quit the IBJJF”

The conversation began when a viral grappler post by Sam Gaier asserted that the IBJJF’s biggest contribution lies not in standardizing tournament rules or nurturing competitive excellence, but in helping Brazilian athletes secure green cards.

This statement has quickly become a lightning rod for discussion on social media and within the BJJ community. The claim suggests that, beyond organizing world-class competitions, the IBJJF’s policies and international events might be boosting Brazilian athletes’ profiles to the extent that they open doors to U.S. residency opportunities.

Outraged by the IBJJF’s rules for uniforms and competition, Gaier, in a video post singling out three reasons to give up on the IBJJF, stated:

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“You can fly all the way across the country for Worlds, Pans, or even an Open, lose in the first round, and you’re cooked. You’re out—probably thousands of dollars—with the flights, registration fees, membership fees, hotels, and food.”

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He went on to proclaim that “the IBJJF likes to pretend they’re in charge of Jiu-Jitsu” and that they’re only making it more difficult for people to sign up for tournaments and enjoy the experience. In fact, he added that he felt that the IBJJF’s stances on belt rank and uniform strictness are silly and impractical:
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“You don’t have enough square inches of blue on your rash guard for it to be a blue belt rash guard.”

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“How long you can be at each rank, how long you have to be at each rank. These rules have Olympic medalists competing at blue belt. That’s insane.”

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A post shared by Sam Gaier (@samgaier)

The BJJ World Divided and Passionate on The Subject of IBJJF

The comment’s fallout from the viral grappler post has been immediate. Reactions across BJJ forums, social media platforms, and comment sections have been polarized:

  • Supporters: Enthusiasts who back the statement argue that it sheds light on a little-discussed benefit of the IBJJF. They believe that if the federation’s international exposure truly assists athletes with immigration, this “bonus” could actually be a significant facilitator for Brazilian talent seeking broader opportunities.
  • Skeptics: Many practitioners insist this view is an oversimplification. They point out that the primary mandate of the IBJJF has always been to uphold the sport’s competitive integrity—not to function as an immigration aid. To them, the BJJ green card claim distracts from the federation’s real achievements in promoting BJJ on the global stage.

For decades, the IBJJF has been synonymous with competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Its tournaments have not only showcased the pinnacle of technical skill but have also woven the sport’s rich traditions into a global tapestry.

On one hand, the federation is revered for its contribution to elevating BJJ standards worldwide. On the other, critics now argue that its expansive influence inadvertently paves the way for unintended benefits.

One of them obviously is as a platform that can help elevate Brazilian athletes into international arenas, sometimes even leading to immigration opportunities.

IBJJF rant by grappler goes viral

Another IBJJG Witch Hunt? 

At BJJ World, we believe that every contentious discussion enriches the narrative of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The interplay between the IBJJF’s traditional role and its modern-day implications invites us to reflect deeply on what it means to support athletic excellence in a globalized era.

Is the federation expanding opportunities beyond the dojo, or is this viral grappler post controversy merely a case of overblown hyperbole?

Viewing the situation through a broader lens reveals that sports often blur the lines between athletic competition and socio-economic mobility. IBJJF’s international events expose athletes to diverse opportunities—ranging from lucrative sponsorships to life-changing immigration prospects.

Whether this is a deliberate strategy or an incidental advantage, the debate is both timely and complex.

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BJJ Training Tips: How To Spend A Lifetime Doing Jiu-Jitsu

BJj training tips on how to train until well into your 90s

Whenever people hear of Helio Gracie rolling deep into his 80s they always try to figure out the secret. Was it down to the Gracie diet? Did he do Ginastica and Yoga? What was his BJJ style?

The answer is, Helio had no particular silver bullet. He just knew how to train well before he was 80. The trick to a lifetime of BJJ training is not in how you train when you are old, but rather how you do it when you’re younger.

To that extent, we can offer some crucial BJJ training tips that will extend your stay in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu well past your prime. You might not end u prolling as long as Helio, but you’ll certainly get a lifetime out of it! 

If You Break Your Body, You’re Done! 

A healthy body is a vessel for a healthy mind. How do you get a healthy body? Well, you train, of course. What most people do not realize is that training actually puts our bodies under stress.

In terms of training, it is the way in which our body responds to stress that results in certain benefits. However, when you take everything into account, we are not really built for a lifetime of intense physical activity. Particularly when that physical activity is grappling.

The way Jiu-Jitsu taxes our bodies is unlike anything else in the domain of physical training. Grappling training has us moving our bodies through space in unusual ways, performing a lot of bodyweight movements, and carrying and manipulating the weight of our opponents. Throw in submission holds and there’s only so much that our bodies can take.

If you know how to train, however, you can really reap the benefits with just a fraction of the side effects. We offer some key BJJ training tips to help you significantly extend your BJJ journey.

BJJ training Tips - Rolling

BJJ Training Tips For Longevity In Grappling

The trouble with longevity is that people do not start thinking about it early enough. There’s only so much you can do at 60, and given BJJ’s injury rate, that might even be a stretch for most.

Instead, you need to start thinking about training for BJJ longevity from the moment you sign up. Remember that Carlos and Helio really knew the ins and outs of training, on top of having some really impressive genetics.

Training For Your Goals 

First and foremost, make sure you know what your training goals are. No amount of BJJ training tips will help if you have no idea what you’re doing on the mats.

Whether your goal is to stay in shape, become a top competitor, learn and understand the art, or learn self-defense, be clear about it. Once you are, you can approach your training the right way from the get-go.

This does not mean focusing specifically on one aspect and abandoning all others. On the contrary, it means using every session to work towards your goal. You can still learn valuable competition lessons by training for self-defense. Or you can get in tremendous shape by visiting the occasional competition training.

Know what you want, and figure out what types of training modalities fit your goals. Give everything a try and find your passion. Remember, there’s no way to be the best in every aspect of the art, so be real about it if you want to spend a lifetime training!

Don’t Be Afraid To Tap

This is a really hard one for people just starting. It is even harder for those who are blue/purple belt level and looking to actively compete.

It is also the number one reason why people end up with a bunch of recurring injuries when they grapple. Those injuries that you’re not feeling now will get really annoying once you get past 50, believe me.

One of the best BJJ training tips ever is to tap a lot, and in general, much earlier than you think. there’s a great concept on the subject that is really useful for people that like to make BJJ a lifelong experience.

Know the “point of no return” for as many moves as you can. There are escapes in defenses in BJJ that are technical and that work. There is also a point past which anything you do is down to chance. And you do not want to keep taking that chance!

So tap, dust off, and go straight back in it!

BJJ Training Tips To Help You train As You Get Older

Diet And Lifestyle

When you enter BJJ, nobody tells you that it is going to take over your life completely. Even those people who disappear after the blue belt do live the lifestyle for a while. And, if you’re already a purple belt you’re in it for life.

Knowing your goals and tapping early are great ways to protect your body in training. But what happens when you’re not on the mats? This is when the body heals and rebuilds and really needs your help.

For one, you need to be wary of what you eat. There’s no need for a diet but you do need real food to fuel your body. So, choose something that’s sustainable and healthy, and let it change your life. And no, it doesn’t have to be the Gracie diet.

On a different note, show your body some love. Make sure you stretch or do Yoga as often as possible. As little as 3-5 minutes a day is plenty. Also consider visiting spas, cryotherapy, massages, and similar relaxing activities.

Choose Who You Train With

This is arguably one of the most thrown-around BJJ training tips. it is also the one you really need to take seriously. There’s no glory in getting a submission over the top competitor in training. Especially if it means you won’t be able to move properly for the next week.

Choose your training partners according to your goals, and always aim for people of similar build. In certain cases, even go for lighter weights if possible. In terms of rank, both lower and higher belts will do, again depending on your goals.

there’s another aspect to training partners you need to consider. That is the style of rolling. leave the Spazzes and the ultra-competitive guys aside. You don’t have to roll with anyone unless you’re okay with it, so do not feel the obligation to answer any call.

After all, you’re in this for life, right?

Deal With Injuries 

The hardest thing for a BJJ addict is to accept injury recovery time. As a matter of fact, accepting injuries is a problem to begin with, as unusual as it sounds. The thing with injuries is that they have a nagging habit of returning. The older you get, the worse they become.

Remember when I said you need to show your body some love? Well, letting it heal from twists, bumps, crans, etc is a real Valentine’s Day special for your body. Let your injuries heal by doing the one sane thing grapplers hate- taking time off.

Oh, and do see doctors for stuff that really looks bad. Bonus tip: choose a doctor who rolls if you really want to be heard.

Vacation Time! 

Read that again. It says Vacation, not a ‘Traincation’! That implies packing swimming trunks instead of Gis and rashguards and downloading cocktail bar addresses rather than those of  BJJ academies.

Just like with work, you need to give both your body and mind some time away from BJJ. there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Go somewhere and do something else that doesn’t involve grappling with other people!

You’ll only be better at BJ when you get back!

BJJ training Tips: Take a Vacation

Try Flow Rolling

As you might notice, most longevity BJJ training tips are related to one another. This one ties in with choosing a solid training partner. The thing with flow rolling is that you need a willing partner to execute it correctly.

Once you find a soulmate who likes to take things easy, make it a habit of flowing at least once each class. AS good and fun as it may be, make sure that you’re not only for rolling through. Keep throwing in the occasional hard roll to keep you in top shape!

More Privates, Less Open Mats

This tip, along with the next one area aimed towards older grapplers. Perhaps you joined BJJ late in life or didn’t really think of longevity until now. Worry not, there are still things that you can do!

One thing to consider is taking private lessons on a more regular basis. Ideally, you’d switch an open mat for a private on a weekly basis. Since this can be financially challenging, you might consider switching open mat with drills only or a flow-rolling session.

Keep getting in privates when you can though! they’re invaluable as a learning tool, particularly when you hit a snag.

Masters’ Divisions Strategies

Remember that you’re not the first one who’s looking to extend their BJJ journey. Most of these BJJ training tips come courtesy of people who have already faced these problems.

There is a reason Masters’ divisions exist in competition. The strategy of the two Master competitors is much different from that of adult competitors. Whatever they do in competition, you can do in training.

That means figuring out safe spots that do not tax your body but let you control a roll. It also means that the technique is your best friend, and strength is your enemy. Become smart, technical, and sneaky. this is the best way to ensure you can challenge Helio’s record of grappling into old age!

Daniel Beleza Masters Guard DVD InstructionalCheck out some of Daniel Beleza’s Masters’ strategies in his “Masters’ Guard” DVD Instructional. Beleza is a multiple time Masters World Champion and a wizard when it comes to the guard. This 3-part instructional is as good as any of the BJJ training tips we offered, so give it a shot! 

Summing It All Up

Training Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health. Yes, the sport is demanding, but it is also very fulfilling. Use these BJJ training tips to make sure you keep reaping the benefits with none of the drawbacks!

It sucks if you can’t keep doing the one thing that you’ve dedicated your life to, just because you did too much of it. Stay smart and safe, and keep rolling until your time is up!

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“Jiu-Jitsu For Old Guys” – Bernardo Faria Instructional Review

Creonte Culture – Loyalty, Disloyalty, and Traitors in BJJ

Demi Lovato’s Ex and MMA Fighter Guilherme Vasconcelos’ Cause of Death Ruled Suicide

Demi Lovato's Ex and MMA Fighter Guilherme Vasconcelos' Cause of Death Revealed

The MMA world was rocked by the tragic news of Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos’ death in October 2024. The 38-year-old Brazilian fighter, known for his stints in the UFC and Bellator, as well as Demi Lovato’s ex boyfriend, was found dead in his Illinois home. Recent reports have confirmed that Vasconcelos’ death was ruled a suicide, leaving fans and fellow fighters in shock and sorrow.

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Demi Lovato: “Rest in peace, dear angel”.

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A Promising Career Cut Short

Vasconcelos, who had a professional MMA record of 10-6, was celebrated for his aggressive fighting style and dedication to the sport. He gained significant attention not only for his performances in the cage but also for his high-profile relationship with pop star Demi Lovato in 2017 when she was actively training BJJ.

Vasconcelos and Lovato were first seen together in 2017, ringing in the New Year and enjoying a movie date on New Year’s Day. Their relationship, however, came to an end in May 2018, with reports suggesting that it had simply run its course.

On the morning of October 15, 2024, authorities were called to Vasconcelos’ residence after a woman discovered his body in the garage. Security footage revealed that he had taken his own life the previous night.

The police found multiple vials of anabolic steroids at the scene, but a toxicology report confirmed that the only substance in his system was caffeine.

Demi Lovato ex Boyfriend Guilherme Vasconcelos

Injuries and Constant Setbacks

In the months leading up to his death, Vasconcelos faced several challenges. He had withdrawn from a jiu-jitsu tournament in Las Vegas due to a recurring back injury, which he described as one of the most frustrating experiences of his career.

“I believe in my jiu-jitsu and I believe that I could have gone further,” he wrote in a social media post. “But unfortunately, the injury I had in my lower back one month ago came back, and when I finished my first fight, I could no longer walk and had to abandon the competition”.

Remembering Guilherme Vasconcelos

The news of Vasconcelos’ death has sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Fellow fighters, fans, and friends have taken to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the late athlete.

Demi Lovato shared a heartfelt message on social media, immediately after his passing writing, “Rest in peace, dear angel”.

Vasconcelos’ uncle, Walter, also released a statement mourning his nephew’s passing. “You chased your dreams in the United States as an MMA fighter, Guilherme Bomba,” he said. “You became a champion in Brazil, but we never imagined that this journey would lead you to a point of no return without any of us by your side”.

Guilherme Vasconcelos’ legacy extends beyond his achievements in the cage. He was a dedicated father, leaving behind a one-year-old daughter, Naomi, whom he shared with model Kayla Lauren.

Guilherme Vasconcelos MMA Fighter

Final Thoughts

The loss of Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos is a tragic chapter in the world of MMA. As fans and fellow fighters mourn his passing, they also celebrate the impact he had on the sport and the lives he touched. His memory will live on through his contributions to MMA and the love and support of his family and friends.

For those struggling with mental health issues, it’s crucial to seek help and support. Resources are available, and reaching out can make a difference. The MMA community stands united in honoring Vasconcelos’ legacy and advocating for mental health awareness.

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John Danaher Claims Round Timers Are Holding You Back

John Danaher Claims Round Timers Are Holding You Back

The legendary John Danaher claims round timers are holding back your true potential on the mats.

When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, few figures are as influential as John Danaher. The mastermind behind champions like Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon, Danaher is renowned for his analytical approach and innovation in the art of grappling. But in a world where structure and routine dominate training protocols, Danaher is challenging one of the most ingrained practices in martial arts gyms: the use of round timers.

Throwing Time Out the Window

Traditionally, BJJ classes incorporate timed BJJ rounds to simulate the constraints of competition and to organize training sessions efficiently. However, Danaher argues that this method might be holding practitioners back.

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“When you tell someone this is going to be a five-minute round, if it’s going badly for them – in their head they’re just saying: “One minute, two minutes left survive.

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John Danaher Claims Round Timers Are A Waste Of Time

The Case for Timeless Rolling

Danaher’s philosophy centers on immersive learning. By removing the pressure of the ticking clock, students can:

  • Explore Positions Thoroughly: Without time constraints, grapplers have the freedom to navigate and understand intricate positions without feeling hurried.
  • Develop Patience and Timing: Grappling without a timer fosters a sense of timing that’s dictated by the opponent’s movements, not by an external countdown.
  • Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Extended rolls allow practitioners to encounter and address a wider array of situations, promoting creativity and adaptability.

Jiu-Jitsu is termed ‘human chess’ for a reason. You wouldn’t rush your moves in chess because a timer is beeping. Every position deserves the time it takes to understand and overcome it.

Danaher Says Round Timers Are A Crutch

The results of Danaher’s unorthodox methods are hard to dispute. His students consistently dominate at the highest levels of the sport, often showcasing superior technique and problem-solving abilities that set them apart from their opponents.

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“The only thing when you’re not going to get saved by the clock that will save you is your technique and so it creates a mindset in students where the only thing they know they can rely on is their own technique.”

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While Danaher advocates for the elimination of round timers in certain aspects of training, he acknowledges that they have their place, especially when preparing athletes for competition scenarios.

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“They will learn the technique, but when they learn to rely on the clock to save them – the progress quickly dissipates.”

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Danaher’s insights aren’t just for elite competitors—they hold significance for hobbyists and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

  • Reduced Anxiety: Without the stress of the clock, students can enjoy rolling more and focus on technical improvement.
  • Enhanced Learning Environment: Instructors can tailor sessions to the needs of the students rather than fitting into predetermined time slots.
  • Community Building: Extended rolls can foster camaraderie as practitioners work together to solve grappling puzzles.

Embracing Change?

Adapting to a timer-less training regime may seem daunting for gyms accustomed to strict schedules. However, incorporating even a few sessions without time constraints could offer noticeable benefits.

As John Danaher claims round timers are a waste of time, we should see it as an invitation to rethink how we learn and teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By prioritizing depth over duration, practitioners at all levels might unlock new facets of their game.

In a sport that constantly evolves, being open to such revolutionary ideas could be the key to staying ahead. What’s your take? Have you trained without round timers, or are you intrigued to try? Join the conversation and share your experiences.

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Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD Review [2025]

Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A Gi BJJ instructional covering the use of De la Riva guard for competitive purposes. 
  • Contains details on positioning, control, and transitioning into other guards such as Single Leg X and Shin-to-Shin.
  • Includes sweeps in multiple directions, upper and lower body submissions. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 7 out of 10.a

DYNAMIC DE LA RIVA GUARD OTAVIO SOUSA DVD HERE:

Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD Preview
FULL TRAILER: Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD

De la Riva is the most common, and most mispronounced open guard in the history of the sport of BJJ. Regardless of how you say it, you’ll need to have an idea of how it works, if nothing else, then to be aware of what you need to shut down when you want to pass it.

With so many De la Riva instructional out there, why should you go for the Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD exactly? Well, for starters, nobody plays the position better than Brazilians who’ve come up with the Gracies. Next, if someone is a multiple-time World champion, and has dedicated their life to BJJ, it’s a good bet they know what they’re talking about.

Everyone’s Favourite Open Guard

The De la Riva is to open guard what closed guard is, well, to every guard. It is a position you’re going to find yourself in, even if you don’t want to play it – it is that common. So, what are you going to do when you end up in the DLR guard while rolling or competing with the Gi?

Well, first up, let’s see what the dangers are. You should ensure your hook leg is sticky enough so that the top person cannot simply strip it off at will. next, be aware of your active leg, as it can easily end up in a leg lock if you push on the hips too much.

Now that structure is out of the way, what are your attacks? Well, it will depend on your grips. If the top person is kneeling, you can pretty much use anything you want, except for leg locks. When they’re standing, you’re likely gripping the sleeves and should consider sitting instead of lying on the mats.

Finally, just like the Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD teaches us, sweeps are your best friend from the De la Riva! Subs can happen here and there, but the best way to approach the guard, when you want to actually attack from it and not transition to a neighboring one, is to try and end up on top.

Gracie Barra’s Otavio ” The Steamroller” Sousa

Otavio Sousa is the perfect depiction of Gracie Barra professor. He spent his entire grappling career training under the GB banner, starting at the legendary Recife Academy, led by Ze Radiola as a teenager.

He competed a lot rising through the ranks, and eventually conquering his first world title as a brown belt, before winning three more world titles, five Pans titles, and the Brazilian Nationals. He got his black belt from Carlso Gracie Jr. and ended up in Irvine, California, as the head coach of the local GB academy in town.

While the initial GB posting did not work out for Sousa, who fell out with owner Chirs Pizzo, it did earn him a following of core students, including Budo Jake, who went with him as he found his home in GB Huntington Beach. The Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD clearly shows the Gracie influence and knowledge Sousa has of the Gentle Art.

Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD Review

The Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD is a four-part BJJ instructional with the Gi, offering competition-tested techniques by a Carlos Gracie JR black belt and multiple times world champion. All the material is organized systematically and the full length of the instructional is just under 2 hours:

Part 1 – Seated Sweeps

A lot of the attacks in this Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD are centered around sweeps. This is understandable, as a standing opponent doesn’t leave too many submission options from the De la Riva guard.

Naturally, sitting up is the optimal De la Riva structure against standing opponents, so Souse delivers most of the material in the first volume from that position. He begins with a few basic DLR sweeps, tilting the top person backward or forward, before launching into several wrestle-up options based on leg hooks.

He also covers some common reactions in this part of the instructional, addressing how to still get a sweep when the opponent drives into you, or tries to pull back. My favorite part of the entire DVD came in the very final chapter of this volume – a DLR kneebar setup.

Part 2 – Rolling Sweeps

Part two is all about those who love to sweep with flair (and have no neck issues – yet). Overhead sweep variations, branded “roll under” sweeps, make up most of the material in the second volume of the Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD.

Most of the initial setups for the sweeps still begin in the seated De la Riva guard position, often working in a reactive fashion based on what the top person does. While not the optimal way to figure these things out, I applaud Otavio’s attention to detail.

The first submission in this DVD also makes an appearance here, although it can be branded a cameo. Professor Sousa shows his Omoplata entry using a cross-sleeve grip and offers an additional route to the back from the same sequence.

Part 3 – Shin to Shin Concepts

The part of the Otavio Sousa De La Riva DVD that competitors will enjoy the most. let’s not forget that Sousa is a multiple-time world champion, who proved his DLR can cause trouble to the best in the world, and this particular aspect played a major part in his open guard game when he competed.

Since this is a Gi instructional, the lapel was bound to make an appearance at some point. It is the perfect way to increase the connection when playing the shin-to-shin guard, a natural follow-up of a seated De la Riva and one of the best attacking seated guards, according to me.

Sousa shows plenty of sweeps, maps out the integration and connections of the DLR and the Shin-to-Shin guards, and provides directions to the Single leg X guard, which is the next natural progression. While demonstrating how to move through guards, Sousa throws in Omoplatas, wristlocks, and back takes to serve as useful checkpoints.

Part 4 – Single Leg X-Guard

Finally, we get to the Gi version of the Single Leg X guard, something most people in the Gi associate with the De la Riva. The final portion of the Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD shows how to integrate an inside guard position with an outside guard, essentially closing the system.

Leg attacks feature here, only legal ones, as this is a GB instructional, but efficient when done right, nonetheless. Toe holds and ankle locks are responsible for lower body attacks, while more sweeps, featuring the lasso position provide even suitable options to pair up with the submission threats.

Using Guards As a Funnel

Generally, most guards put you in a position where your legs are on the outside of your opponent’s legs, or between them. The first kind is outside guards, while the second is referred to as inside guards. Both, understandably have their strengths and weaknesses.

This is not the place to go into the discussion of what exactly are the options for each, but rather to understand the context in which the martial from the Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD can help your guard game as a whole.

A goal of guards is to progressively trap the top person, leading them into submission or sweep. These are funnels that you use to impose your game and are based on the specific options available from outside or inside guards.

For example, if you try to go for leg locks from an outside guard like the De la Riva, apart from the Caio Terra ankle lock, you can’t really do much, just like setting up a triangle from the butterfly guard is impossible. The point is that you should use guards as funnels, recognizing whether outside or inside-based attacks are the easiest to get to.

Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD Free Sample
FREE DVD SAMPLE: Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa

DOWNLOAD HERE: DYNAMIC DE LA RIVA GUARD OTAVIO SOUSA DVD

World Champ Guard! 

You won’t become a world champion by mastering the material in the Dynamic De La Riva Guard Otavio Sousa DVD, but you just might get a title or two if you make the De la Riva the center of your open guard game. And why wouldn’t you? It connects great with other guards, works against different levels of passing, and is just as useful in No-Gi as it is with the Gi. Off to practice now!

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Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD Review [2025]

Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ DVD outlining how to master the elusive art of flow pressure while passing
  • Features a shot of techniques and concepts on passing inside and outside of the legs.
  • Offers a set of useful drills to enforce what you learn in the technical sections. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8 out of 10.

FLOW PRESSURE KAUAN BARBOZA DVD HERE:

Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD Preview
CHECK THE TRAILER: Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD

You’ve heard black belts talk about cooking your opponents from top position, and about using pressure to make them suffer without trying to achieve a specific goal as fast as possible. While easy to understand, this particular aspect of BJJ is notoriously hard to execute, especially for those newer to the sport.

The Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD offers an easy-to-understand perspective on the whole thing, by limiting pressure from top to passing only. This allows for lots of motion, which, in turn, makes flow pressure possible. Once you get the hang of flowing pressure, static pin pressure becomes a piece of cake.

What is Flow Pressure?

You’ve heard of flowing in BJJ, and I bet you’ve heard, AND felt pressure. The question is, can you combine them together? Logically, it seems you can’t because in order to flow you need motion, and usually, in BJJ, for pressure, you need to stay relatively static.

What’s tripping you up here is context. Pressure is not the same across all aspects of grappling, most notably passing and pinning. For the most part, people think of pressure in terms of mount, side control, or knee on belly. While correct, this is not the same pressure that you would and should use during passing, nor is it pressure that allows for a simultaneous flow.

The Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD does a great job of explaining what passing pressure is and how using motion until you reach a pin is what makes passes and attacks against the guard effective. After all, you can’t pass if you don’t move, regardless of how heavy you are, right? 

Checkmat HQ Coach Kauan Barboza 

Not many kids from Brazil who only care about soccer make the transition to Jiu-Jitsu, and even fewer end up excelling as grapplers. Kauan Barboza is one of those few, having swapped soccer for BJJ as a teenager, and developed into one of the top professional grapplers to represent Checkmat these days.

Originally from Rio, Kauan actually wanted to try out Japanese Ju Jitsu, but his father knew a BJJ coach named Ari “Galo” a standout representative of the Carlson Gracie lineage. Barboza started competing almost immediately after signing up, winning a bunch of medals that led him to the No-Gi worlds in 2015 as a purple belt.

He met his next coach Andre Vasconcelos there, and ended up under his mentorship, eventually getting his black belt from Andre in 2017. Barboza quickly adapted to the Checkmat HQ, even marrying inside the academy. Eventually, Vasconcelos and Leo Vieira asked Kauan to pick up a coaching position at the headquarters academy.

The Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD shows what his game and approach are all about. Curiously, even though it is a passing DVD by a guard specialist, it offers incredible concepts that make enormous sense.

Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD Review

The Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD contains two volumes and offers just over an hour of material. There is a clear structure to the instructional, which is No-Gi and contains technical and tactical information and great drill setup ideas.

Part 1 – Drills & Outside Passing 

Kauan starts off introducing his take on passing by going through four drills, each targeting a specific pass. All of them refer to passing sequences that lead you around the bottom person’s legs, also known as outside guard passing.

As Barboza gets to the technical portion of the Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD, his first order of business is to demonstrate a slick way of solving inverted guards by using leg drags. He also covers lots of shin-to-shin control via wipers to trap a leg and open up passing opportunities.

One of the most noticeable things is that Kauan doesn’t try to pass as quickly as possible, but rather focuses on constantly making the bottom person carry his weight. Even more, by favoring the shin-to-shin position he places focused pressure that inevitably opens up options for all the passes he shows, such as double under, folding, knee cut, etc.

Part 2 – Inside Guard Passing

By inside passing, Kauan means dealing mostly with half-guard variations. Sticking to the constant pressure concepts already presented in the first volume of the Kauan Barboza Pressure DVD, he now demonstrates how to use passing pressure to expose the back or finish past the legs using different methods.

The portion covering the deep half guard was particularly interesting. In it, Barboza explains exactly how to make the bottom person carry you, even though they chose that guard, ending with either a pass or a Berimbolo.

Finally, as the instructional comes to a close, the focus is on knee slice pass, done on both sides of the guard. Switching sides and pass destinations is the perfect example of the flow pressure concept Barboza is introducing here.

Tactical Guard Passing

Passing is a very complex part of BJJ and one that nobody can say they’ve mastered. There is to much live work and unpredictable behavior to be able to claim that you know exactly what to do against all guard threats you might face on the mats.

That said, a passing strategy is never a bad thing to have. In fact, it is imperative that you approach guards tactically, whether it is by looking to stall, out-maneuver your opponent, or pressure them into removing their guard.

This last bit seems to be a real favorite of many people, but the end result is never like the stuff they see on YouTube. That’s because the pressure you need during passing is not the same as the pressure you use for pinning, a distinction that is perfectly made in the Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD.

Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD Free Sample
WATCH A FREE SAMPLE; Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza

DOWNLOAD HERE: FLOW PRESSURE KAUAN BARBOZA DVD

Pressure On! 

Time to put some pressure on the next person who decides to play guard against you! Equipped with the solutions for both inside and outside guard passion from the Flow Pressure Kauan Barboza DVD, all that is left now is to iron out the kinks from trying something new and enjoy your newfound passing success. Let me tell you, passing a guard after you take a person’s soul with pressure feels much more gratifying than simply cutting through!

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WATCH: Kade Ruotolo Arm Triangle ONE 171 Showstopper Submission!

WATCH Kade Ruotolo Arm Triangle ONE 171 Showstopper Submission!

Kade Ruotolo, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wunderkind, showcased his grappling mastery once more at ONE 171, securing a dominant first-round submission victory over Argentina’s Nicolas Vigna. The Kade Ruotolo arm triangle choke that left the crowd in awe, allows the 20-year-old to extend his professional MMA record to a flawless 3-0, all wins coming by way of submission.

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The 20-year-old BJJ sensation continues his undefeated streak with another spectacular finish!

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Watch The Kade Ruotolo Arm Triangle That Forced Nicolas Vigna to Tap

From the moment the cage door closed, Ruotolo wasted no time asserting his game plan. He engaged Vigna with calculated strikes, setting up the takedown that would inevitably lead to his signature ground game.

Just minutes into the first round, Ruotolo deftly closed the distance, imposing his aggressive style from the start. Displaying a pressure game that we’ve grown to expect from him, he hit Vigna with that after-threat, almost coming close with a leg lock.

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“Oh, this is the end finish, the arm triangle. I don’t even hit that many arm triangles, so it’s good to get an arm triangle finish. I thought for sure after the first exchange, when I got to the leg lock that was the end of the fight. I felt the ankle pop, I hate feeling the ligaments pop like that. That’s never fun to feel that. Then I felt it in the knee stretch really hard.”

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Seizing another submission opportunity, though, Ruotolo locked in a tight arm-triangle choke. Vigna struggled but was left with no choice but to tap out after just over three minutes in the first round, marking yet another early finish for the young American.

Ruotolo exclaimed with a beaming smile during his post-fight interview. “It’s incredible to see my hard work paying off. Each fight is a new lesson, and I’m just getting started.”

 

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The MMA Rise of the Best Lightweight Grappler in the World

Kade Ruotolo’s transition from elite BJJ competitions to the mixed martial arts arena has been nothing short of sensational. At only 20 years old, he’s not only clinched world titles in grappling but is now making waves in MMA with his aggressive and submission-oriented style.

With this victory, Ruotolo sends a clear message to the lightweight division: he’s a force to be reckoned with. His impeccable timing, seamless technique, and calm demeanor under pressure make him a nightmare matchup for anyone unprepared to handle his ground game.

Analysts are already speculating about potential future opponents. A step up in competition seems imminent, and fans are eager to see how Ruotolo will fare against the division’s elite.

World-Class and Still Improving

What sets Ruotolo apart is not just his skill but his mindset. He approaches each fight as an opportunity to grow.

“Every time I step into the cage, I’m testing myself,” Ruotolo shared. “There’s always room to improve—whether it’s my striking, wrestling, or jiu-jitsu. I’m hungry to evolve as a complete martial artist.”

His humility and dedication resonate with fans and aspiring fighters alike, painting the picture of an athlete committed not just to winning but to the art of combat sports.

Ruotolo’s success highlights the ever-evolving role of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in modern MMA. While the sport has seen a surge in striking-centric fighters, Ruotolo proves that elite grappling remains a pivotal skill set.

His ability to control opponents and finish fights without absorbing significant damage prolongs his career and sets a tactical blueprint for others to follow.

Kade Ruotolo ONE 171 Showstopper Submission

What’s Next for Kade Ruotolo?

The sky’s the limit for Ruotolo. With three consecutive first-round submissions, the anticipation for his next bout is already building. Will he face a seasoned veteran to test his mettle, or will ONE Championship continue to nurture his development with carefully selected matchups?

One thing is certain: Ruotolo isn’t shying away from any challenge:

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“I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me,” he stated confidently. “I trust my team, and I trust the process. This is just the beginning of an amazing journey.”

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With an extra $50,000 in bonus for his performance, we’re in for a lot more Kade Ruotolo MMA delights as he is fully dedicated to his MMA career:

“I have to be honest guys,” Kade shared. “I definitely want to defend my grappling title here, I got the belt and I definitely need to defend it, but if I’m being 100% honest, MMA is in my heart 100 percent. And if it’s what I want, it’s definitely another MMA fight. I want to get back in there as soon as possible and keep it in the first round again.”

Kade Ruotolo Arm Triangle Submission ONE 171

Final Thoughts

The Kade Ruotolo ONE 171 performance is a vivid reminder of the exciting blend of youth, talent, and charisma that he always brings to the mats, whether it is MMA or grappling. Based on his statements, his perfect record, and his latest performance, we’re bound to see a lot more from Kade with MMA gloves on, rather than off, although I think Craig might be able to draw him to CJI again.

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