WATCH LIVE: Greg Souders vs. Dan Manasoiu and Tom DeBlass Debate on Ecological Training

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Greg Souders vs. Dan Manasoiu and Tom DeBlass Live Debate on Ecological Training

Greg Souders, a vocal advocate for ecological training methods in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has agreed to a live debate with ADCC veterans Dan Manasoiu and Tom DeBlass. This debate is set to ignite the BJJ community, as it pits the innovative ecological approach against traditional training techniques.

Will Souders’ controversial, but very popular views hold up under scrutiny, or will Manasoiu and DeBlass dismantle his arguments? The stage is set for an explosive showdown on Jan 29, which will be streamed live.

Who is Greg Souders?

Greg Souders is a prominent figure in the BJaJ world, known for his strong advocacy of ecological training methods. His approach emphasizes learning through natural, intuitive movements rather than rigid, traditional techniques.

Souders has been a polarizing figure, with some praising his innovative ideas and others criticizing them as undermining the core principles of BJJ. He has also never been shy about expressing his feelings on how the methodology beats the old-school, ‘flawed’ way of teaching BJJ that made the sport popular around the world in the first place.

Eco vs the World: A Looming Debate Challenge

The debate stems from Souders’ recent criticisms of renowned instructor John Danaher’s teaching methods. Well, sort of. Souders never directly attacked Danaher, just argued that his instructional DVDs, particularly the converted leg locks marathon, are repetitive and lack substantive content.

The result was a heated response from Manasoiu, who trains under Danaher. The challenge for a live debate was issued later by Manasoiu, and Souders promptly accepted, setting the stage for a very interesting clash of training ideologies in Jiu-Jitsu.

“This flawed concept has been spreading unchecked in Jiu-Jitsu for too long, and it is time to challenge it head-on. I’m tired of watching it mislead dedicated practitioners and dilute the essence of the sport,” Big Dan announced.

“The entire Jiu-Jitsu community will thank me for finally addressing this and setting the record straight.”

Greg Souders’ acceptance of the debate challenge was met with both applause and skepticism. Some see it as an opportunity to shed light on alternative training methods, while others view it as an unnecessary conflict.

The debate, which is set to be streamed live, promises to be a heated exchange of ideas, with Souders defending his ecological approach against the traditional methods championed by Dan Manasoiu and Tom DeBlass.

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Big Dan Manasoiu’s Blistering Critique in Defense of Danaher

Dan Manasoiu, known as “Big Dan,” did not mince words when criticizing Souders. In a series of social media posts, Manasoiu blasted Souders for his arrogance and accused him of disrespecting John Danaher’s legacy.

He claimed that Souders is only “providing misinformation and diluting the essence of the sport with his flawed concept” of the Ecological Approach. Manasoiu’s scathing remarks have only added fuel to the fire, making the upcoming debate one of the most anticipated events in the BJJ community.

“For thousands of years, all of human progress across every culture and discipline has been built on the foundation of passing knowledge down through generations, refining and improving it over time,” Manasoiu wrote on social media.

“This approach completely undermines that tradition, discarding hard-earned wisdom in favor of empty rhetoric that does nothing but confuse and mislead serious practitioners.”

Tom DeBlass Steps In

Tom DeBlass, who seems to have a hand in everything happening in BJJ these days, also shared his views of how Souder’s approach is “flawed” and alludes to Greg as being “arrogant” and his methods “unproven”.

“He has an arrogance about him that is very irritating. Im all about positional training with specific goals in mind. Fight from half guard both people looking for underhooks. Start in the triangle position and look to hold without allowing your opponent to escape while your opponent tries to escape,” shared DeBlass.

“I simply don’t like the arrogance. I met him in person once or twice and he’s always been kind. However he talks shit online and i don’t get it. People are entitled to their different approaches, but don’t sh*t on people who have proven themselves for decades.”

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Do we Really Need this Debate?

The debate between Greg Souders, Dan Manasoiu, and Tom DeBlass is more than just a clash of personalities; it represents a broader discussion about the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Most coaches are divided on the efficacy of ecological training methods, with some arguing that they offer a more natural and adaptive approach to learning, while others, which remain the majority, maintain that traditional techniques are foundational to the art.

If Souders’ ecological approach gains traction, it could lead to a shift in how practitioners train and develop their skills. Conversely, if Manasoiu and DeBlass effectively counter Souders’ arguments, it could reinforce the importance of traditional training methods.

The real question is do we really need such a debate, or should we allow everyone to train the way they want to and let results speak for themselves? The debate live stream is scheduled for January 29, at 2 PM EST.

Final Thoughts

Nobody knows what’s the “correct” way to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu if there is one such way. There is a lot of merit to training the old-school way, the so-called “Eco” way, which is more precisely a subset of the Constraints Led Appraoch or using a hybrid of them all.

I’ve done all over the course of more than 30 years in martial arts, 15 of which in BJJ, and I prefer the CLA for the time being. While curious about the debate, I doubt it’ll change anything in anyone’s mind, to be honest.

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10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A No-Gi DVD providing a roadmap through the 10th PLanet Jiu-Jitsu leg lock systems.
Features finishing details, control, entries, and signature 10P moves and concepts.
While more geared toward attack, it delivers a lot of defensive material too.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 7.5 out of 10.

10TH PLANET LEG LOCKS JEREMIAH VANCE DVD AVAILABLE HERE:

10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD Preview — WHAT’S INSIDE: 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD

Not another leg lock instructional! How is this one different from all the others? Well, honestly, it’s not. But that’s the point.

When you’re looking for a leg lock instructional, you’re likely trying to learn leg locks. To do that you’ll need a system. It is hard to make an existing system work, so you’ll likely need to pick things up from different ones and put them together.

This means you’ll need resources, and that’s exactly what the 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD is – a key building block of your personalized leg lock system.

Navigating Leg Lock Systems

In early 2010 nobody had any idea what to do with the legs. Just 15 years later, there are all kinds of leg lock systems in BJJ, from Danahers, through the Sambo innovations of Riley Bodycomb, to the giant slaying system of Lachlan Giles, and ending with the old school approaches of Erik Paulson.

So which one should you pick? Well, there is really no one system that you can pick and be content with. Yea,h even Danaher’s. Here’s one huge reason (there are more) – it doesn’t contain the game over/Sambo knot position which is jsut as good, if not better than the Inside Senkaku promoted in it.

The bottom line is that if you want to figure out leg locks as a system, you’ll need to build your own. Yup, that man experimenting, asking, tapping a lot, getting frustrated, and watching tons of instructional. The good news is that all the resources you need already exist. Check out the 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD to kick off your leg lock system-building experience. You won’t regret it.

The “Rubber Guard Assasin” Jeremiah Vance

If there is one gym in the world that has produced more ‘interesting’ characters than any other in the world, it is the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu conglomerate. Regardless of whether people train at 10P HQ or any of the moons, Eddie Bravo’s crating draws in all kinds of very quirky, in a cool way, people, who tend to introduce a lot of innovation to Jiu-Jitsu.

One of the standouts to watch at the moment, proudly waving the 10th Planet banner is Jeremiah Vance. A black belt under Eddie Bravo, Vance has already built a name for himself in grappling circles as the man with one of the nastiest rubber guards this side of 2010. Step aside Ben Eddie.

Vance, a.k.a. the Rubber Guard Assaisn has a much more versatile arsenal, though, than just getting people stuck in his guard. The 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD offers a very detailed and systematized peak into another area Vance excels at. You can guess what it’s all about from the title.

10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD Review

Vance provides the perfect insight into everything you need to know about the leg locks used by the best competitors from the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system. Over the course of four volumes and 2 hours, the 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD teaches offense, defense, and all kinds of innovative positions and finishes:

Part 1 – Following With Leg Locks

As Jeremiah starts the 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD, there is a sense of chaos, but that’s always present when 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is in focus. Things do come into focus as you watch on, though.

The first part of the DVD explores the best ways to finish an opponent who’s attempting to flee your Ashi Garami. Vance will teach you how to finish outside and inside heel hooks, ankle locks, and toe hold variations in transition, which, for a leg locker, is a crucial skill to have.

Part 2 – The X Break

Most of the moves presented in the opening part of the 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD were nothing new, although Vance’s takes on finishing had some originality sprinkled through. The second part, however, is all about 10th Planet’s signature moves.

The X break is something I thought was very dumb the first time I saw it, as it seemed like you’re giving away a free Texas cloverleaf to opponents. It turns out, that there’s brilliance behind the move that is both a move that helps you defend leg locks, and that hinders your opponent’s arm useless in an Ashi, giving you the upper hand.

This volume offers several different finishes from this signature 10P position. The Jerry Montana finish is my personal pick from the bunch of heel hooks Vacne covers in this section of his instructional.

Part 3 – 50/50 Magic

Part three is all about flair and swagger as spinning leg lock entries take center stage. You’ve heard of the Imanari roll, but do you know what the Jackie Chen is? Well, the 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD is here to clear up any confusion about this 10p spinning leg lock entry.

The end result of the entry is the 50/50, with Jeremiah offering top and bottom options, which, as expected results in an array of heel hooks. Everyone’s favorite leg locking position, the honey hole, also makes an expected appearance, seeing how closely related it is to the 50/50. Once again, entries outnumber finishes in this part of the DVD.

Part 4 – Defending Leg Locks

As we reach the final portion of the 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD, the entire focus shifts to dealing with leg locks, 10th Planet style. Given how much they suffered at the hands of Eddie Cummings and Garry Tonon, trust me, 10th Planet grapplers know how to defend leg locks.

A few of the many moves in this volume that I can point out as particularly useful are the Single Leg X counter that lands you in a Spiderweb, the Honey hole counter that leads to the 50/50, and the Outside Ashi smash pass.

Thinking Outside the Box

Adopting anything from a source as varied and creative as the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system can only help your BJJ. However, you need to look through it with a filter, and if you are not able to, then ask someone with more experience to do it for you.

I spent a lot of time working on 10P concepts over the years, including their warm-up series. The stuff coming out of there is usually very good, often exceptional. One concern I usually have is that many things that come from the craziness that is 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu are not meant for everyone.

Simply put, with innovation highly encouraged in the gym, many people come up with very effective stuff that works perfectly for them but might not work for others. The rubber guard is one clear example.

That said, peeking into the open-ended box of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu did provide me with moves such as Twister side control, the Truck, the monkey mount, the Locoplata, etc, which I use a lot to this day. So, whoever you see something systemized emerge out of there, like the 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD, you’d most likely be better off picking it up than skipping over it.

10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD Free Sample — FREE MOVE: 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD

FULL DOWNLOAD: 10TH PLANET LEG LOCKS JEREMIAH VANCE DVD

Look Into It…

What I particularly enjoyed about Eddie Bravo, ever since I learned about him, is that he doesn’t try to shove the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system down your throat. He’ll present awesome stuff and jsut say ‘look into it’. The 10th Planet Leg Locks Jeremiah Vance DVD does that for leg locks, allowing you to pick and choose from the varied buffet that 10th Planet has to offer.

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The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Key Takeaways

A No-Gi BJJ/Luta Livre instructional breaking down the bear trap position.
Covers basic positioning, how to enter, and how to finish calf slicers from the Bear Trap.
Focuses on teaching the position using context and scenarios you’ll encounter on the mats.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

BEAR TRAP NICOLAS RENIER DVD AVAILABLE HERE:

The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD Preview — WHAT’S INSIDE:” The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD

if you’re after more submissions in BJJ, then you need to think more about baiting people in spots that allow you quick taps, rather than being obvious with your attacks. You can develop these skills the hard way, by figuring out traps by yourself or focus directly on proven, tried, and tested trap systems.

The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD delivers one such system, which is better than most others simply because it centers around a submission many people dismiss – the calf slicer. There is a reason this position is called the Bear Trap, and you’ll find out exactly why in this DVD.

Figuring Out Compression Submissions

Compresison-based finishes are a rare sight in Jiu-Jitsu. That is pretty baffling, seeing how painful they are when applied properly. In all honesty, setting them up is not the easiest thing in the BJJ world, but, then again, that’s true for all submissions.

For the most part, people are familiar with calf slicers and biceps slicers as the main representatives of compression-based submissions. Both are legal, albeit past brown belt, which is probably another reason why people tend to shun them away, and never really explore them once they have the license to.

The story is a bit different for those open to learning everything since day one, as well as those who only compete under more liberal rules. It turns out that these submissions are the perfect opportunistic moves that can completely change the outcome of a roll or match in an instant.

That said, isn’t it better to be the one applying them, rather than on the receiving end of a super-tight biceps slicer or a nasty calf-slicer trap that’s impossible to get out of? The latter is exactly what you’ll be able to figure out using the material in the Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD.

European Luta Livre Pioneer Nicolas Renier

Renier has been involved in grappling more than most people who are reading this if not all. He is a black belt in BJJ and Luta Livre, having won a ton of different grappling championships throughout the years. His competitive efforts also include several impressive ADCC performances, which not many people can claim to have achieved.

Grappling since he was a kid, Nicolas Renier started training and competing in France which led to him quickly excelling through the ranks. In his 20s he opened the NRfight Club team in Paris and kept leading by example, competing more than any other European grappler at the time.

Presently only focused on teaching, the 37-year-old has a unique style that blends together Luta Liver and BJJ. Obviously, his forte is No-Gi, and for anyone who doesn’t have access to him, his instructions, which are quite a few, are the next best thing. The The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD is probably one of his best.

The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD Review

This highly informative Nicolas Renier calf slicer DVD only has two volumes, but in them, it contains literally everything you’ll need to figure out and start using the position. The total running time is just over an hour and a half.

Part 1 – What’s the Bear Trap?

Once you find out about the Bear Trap position in BJJ, it’s going to become one of your most trusted ‘ace in the sleeve’ options. The opening part of the Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD does an excellent job of explaining exactly what the position is, and how you can use it in BJJ.

While the positional introduction is short, Renier provides an incredible number of details once he shares his first setup. I appreciated this because he explained the position with context to grappling rather than in isolation – a mark of a great instructor.

The first application is the butterfly guard, which is often the main launching pad for intentional Bear Trap entries. Interesting butterfly half guard and closed half guard setups follow suit, also containing an exemplary level of detail.

Part 2 – Bear Trap-Based Attacks

The second portion of the instructional moves away from the essentials, as Renier offers plenty of attacking opportunities that you have at your disposal from the Bear Trap. interestingly enough he shares defensive advice first, which only helps reinforce the principles of proper finishing that follow it.

Providing much more than just calf slicers and toe holds, Renier shows how you can use the Bear Trap to reliably sweep and take the back, without any risk of the opponent slipping out, on account of the constant leg lock threat.

The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD comes to a close with more application of the position in specific scenarios, such as using it to deal with a De la Riva rather than passing, and most importantly, using it during leg lock exchanges, when people counter and try to escape your initial Ashi Garami attacks.

Why Trappers Have it Easy in BJJ

If you like to focus on submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, then the best way to ensure you get them is to start looking at the setups for the submissions from the standpoint of a trapper. I know that many people use the term ‘submission hunter’, but as cool as that one sounds, being a ‘submission trapper’ is much more efficient.

The concept of traps is nothing new in grappling. In fact, most of the top-level grapplers operate based on this concept for every offensive move they make, from submissions to sweeps and passes. At the highest levels of grappling, though, the trappers usually need to herd their opponent into their trap, which makes it seem as if they’re attacking.

That is where the essence of the art of trapping in BJJ lies. As long as you can keep working, rather than just waiting, appearing as if you’re constantly trying to do something, only to end up trapping your opponent in another, is a foolproof way of not just succeeding in BJJ, but also being able to roll for a very long time.

One aspect of trapping that’s often overlooked is using the highly uncomfortable Bear Trap position. As you’ll see from the Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD, it offers a lot more than just calf slicers and back takes.

The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD Free Sample — A FREE DVD SAMPLE: The Bear Trap Nicolas Renier

FULL DOWNLOAD: BEAR TRAP NICOLAS RENIER DVD

Bait and Trap!

It won’t take long to go through the instructions laid out in the Bear Trap Nicolas Renier DVD. Once you do, you’ll be itching to try them out in your academy. However, if there is one piece of advice I can give you on applying what you learn from this DVD, it is to exercise patience and don’t overplay your hand. Wair for people to fall into your Bear Trap rather than trying to hit them on the head with it. After all, that’s how traps work, right?

Watch Marcelo Garcia vs. Masakazu Imanari – Full Fight

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BJJ World

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Marcelo Garcia vs Imanari Watch Full Fight

Marcelo Garcia, often referred to as the “Michael Jordan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” stunned the grappling world with his highly anticipated comeback on January 24, 2025, at ONE 170. This legendary figure returned to competition after more than a decade, facing none other than submission expert Masakazu Imanari. For fans and practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), this moment was nothing short of historic.

A Legend Returns to the Mats
Marcelo Garcia retired in 2011, leaving behind a legacy defined by his unparalleled achievements. A five-time ADCC champion and four-time IBJJF World Champion, Garcia’s innovative techniques and aggressive yet technical style revolutionized modern BJJ. Known for his mastery of the butterfly guard and the north-south choke, Garcia became a beacon of excellence in the grappling community.

After stepping away from competitive grappling, Marcelo dedicated his time to teaching, establishing the Marcelo Garcia Academy in New York City, and nurturing future champions. However, his battle with stomach cancer, diagnosed in early 2023, marked a turning point. After successfully undergoing treatment and making a full recovery, Garcia announced his return to the competitive stage in November 2024, signing an exclusive deal with ONE Championship.

The Comeback Match: Marcelo Garcia vs. Masakazu Imanari
Garcia’s opponent, Masakazu Imanari, is a legend in his own right. Renowned for his deadly leg lock game, Imanari posed a formidable challenge for the returning champion. Fans were eager to see how Marcelo’s skills would measure up after his long hiatus.

The match began with both athletes showcasing their signature styles. Garcia’s relentless pressure and precision were on full display as he neutralized Imanari’s leg lock attempts and maintained dominant positions. In the final minutes of the match, Marcelo secured his iconic north-south choke, forcing Imanari to tap out. This victory was a testament to Garcia’s enduring skill and determination.

An Inspirational Journey
Marcelo’s comeback is more than a sporting achievement; it’s a story of resilience, determination, and passion. Overcoming cancer and returning to peak performance in one of the most physically demanding sports is a testament to his character. His journey has inspired countless fans and practitioners worldwide, reminding everyone that challenges can be overcome with perseverance.

The Impact on the Grappling World
Garcia’s return has reignited interest in competitive grappling and brought attention to ONE Championship’s growing roster of elite submission grapplers. For younger generations, it’s an opportunity to witness a living legend in action and learn from his unmatched technical brilliance.

Watch the Full Fight
Don’t miss the chance to witness history. Watch Marcelo Garcia’s full comeback match against Masakazu Imanari and see the master at work:

Conclusion
Marcelo Garcia’s triumphant return to competitive grappling is a moment that will be remembered for years to come. His performance against Imanari not only solidified his legacy but also inspired the next generation of grapplers. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the world of BJJ, Marcelo’s comeback is a reminder of the transformative power of discipline, resilience, and an unyielding love for the sport.

Can You Just Decide to Self-Promote To Black Belt? Yes, Claims Roland Sarria

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Can You Just Decide to Self-Promote To Black Belt? Yes, Claims Roland Sarria

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where tradition and hierarchy are sacrosanct, a self-promotion to BJJ black belt is nothing short of a seismic event. The story of Roland Sarria, and his decision to self-promote to black belt, is as controversial as it is fascinating, covering his self-promotion, and the backlash that ensued.

From his tumultuous tenure at Rickson Gracie’s gym to his exploits as an MMA promoter with “Rage in the Cage,” Sarria’s journey is a compelling narrative of ambition and controversy. Here’s an in-depth look at the man who dared to break the mold.

Who is Roland Sarria?

Roland Sarria is a name that echoes through the corridors of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, though not always for the most conventional reasons. A practitioner who has dedicated decades to the art of BJJ, Sarria is also an MMA promoter known for his event “Rage in the Cage.”

In the hierarchical and tradition-bound world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, belt promotions are sacred milestones typically bestowed by higher-ranking practitioners. For Sarria, however, the conventional path didn’t align with his vision.

In an unprecedented move, he promoted himself to black belt—a decision that sent shockwaves through the BJJ community. This act of self-promotion was more than just a quest for recognition; it was a statement of independence and self-belief.

“God Promoted Me to Black Belt “

But what led to this controversial decision? Sarria’s motivations were rooted in his deep dissatisfaction with the existing structures and his desire to chart his own course in the martial arts landscape.

The decision to promote himself to black belt was not made lightly by Roland Sarria. Frustrated by what he perceived as the slow and politically driven promotion process within the BJJ community, Sarria took matters into his own hands.

“Instructors got black belts inside the academy, but they never competed in their lives—those cowards. Yet, they want to make fun of me when I competed against the best of the best, and they did not” announced Roland Sarria after he decided to self-promote to black belt.

Roland claims that it was Rigan Machado who helped him secure a super match with David Myers, suggesting that Roland was at a black belt level already. It was the post-match interaction that prompted Roland to self-promote to black belt:

Then some Brazilian came up to me and said, “Hey, who promoted you?” I looked at the monkey and said, “You saw the match, right?” He goes, “Yeah.” I said, “Do I look like a black belt?” He didn’t say anything. I said, “I’ll tell you who promoted me—God did.””

His announcement sent ripples through the BJJ world, triggering a wave of backlash, particularly from Brazilian practitioners who saw his actions as a blatant disregard for tradition and respect.

“I Wasn’t Born to be a Sheep; I Was Born to be a Lion.”

In numerous interviews afterward, Sarria defended his decision, stating that his years of dedication, skills, and contributions to the sport justified his promotion. He argued that the established system was flawed and that his actions were a form of protest against a rigid hierarchy that often overlooked merit.

“Let’s talk about kind of quantify this – how many guys you know that had the balls to do that back in those days?”

Despite his justifications, the criticism was relentless, with many in the community questioning his integrity and commitment to the art.

“There’s got to be a little bit of frustration, especially when you’re dedicating your entire life and time to something” said Sarria.

Training at Rickson Gracie’s Gym: “It was a Cult”

Roland Sarria’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu took a significant turn when he began training under the legendary Rickson Gracie. He was there in the early days, filled with old-school training and Gracie challenge matches. In fact, he was one of the witnesses to the Rickson vs Yoji Anjo fight.

“American guys followed the pack like, like little, like little, like little sheep. And yeah, they were like little sheep, and the shepherd was misleading them into the cave with the wolves.” said Sarria in an interview.

“The Rickson Gracie school was not structured; it was very primitive, somewhat disorganized. It was kind of like being in Brazil and just training. It was just too clicky, it was just too Brazilian for me that I wasn’t used to that and I didn’t like it.”

“After I left, I felt their wrath at every tournament,” he shared. “When I went to Ken Gabrielson, a white American black belt, I took so much sh*t from those guys. Conan Silveira was setting me up with all these Brazilian champions at every belt level.”

Beyond the BJJ mats, Roland Sarria ventured into the world of MMA, establishing himself as a prominent promoter with his event, “Rage in the Cage” based out of Arizona.

Is Roland Sarria a Fake Black Belt?

Roland Sarria’s decision to self-promote to black belt and his subsequent actions have sparked intense debate within the BJJ World community. Some argue that Sarria’s move undermines the traditional values and hierarchical respect ingrained in BJJ, while others view it as a bold statement against a sometimes rigid and slow-moving system.

At the end of the day, very few can deny that Roland had the background experience and knowledge to be a black belt by the standards back then. His issue was running into the Brazillian wall that decided, for some reason, he shouldn’t have his belt. Most likely for leaving Rickosn’s gym.

The backlash he faced, particularly from old-school Brazilian practitioners, underscores the cultural importance of these traditions and the resistance to change. In the realm of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his actions challenge the established norms and prompt discussions about the balance between tradition and progress.

It is true that Roland set a dangerous precedent, but I’d rather we look at his case as an outlier, a blip in the system. There are more than a few blips of people not getting what they clearly deserve at the hands of malicious instructors. However, at the end of the day, people can’t just start to self-promote to a black belt, or any other belt – that’ll mean chaos.

Order Beats Chaos

On one hand, his decision to self-promote and his outspoken nature have made him a polarizing figure. Some argue that his actions undermine the integrity of BJJ’s deeply rooted traditions.

On the other hand, supporters see him as a maverick who challenges the status quo and advocates for a more meritocratic approach to BJJ belt promotions.

While I don’t hold the proponents of the old-school approach in high regard, I find the second stream, of those who support Roland, as more dangerous and as having the potential to fully disrupt the belt system, and with it, a big chunk of the credibility of BJJ.

We kind of need order at the end, even though belts really do matter less and less, and different aspects of training Jiu-Jitsu are now much more important than how much time you spent at blue belt or how old you were when you got your brown belt.

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Elite Grappler Vagner Rocha Hospitalized with Heart Failure

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Elite Grappler Vagner Rocha Hospitalized with Heart Failure

In a startling turn of events, elite grappler and UFC veteran Vagner Rocha has been hospitalized with heart failure. The news has sent shockwaves through the grappling community, as Rocha, known for his resilience and competitive spirit, faces one of the toughest battles of his life.

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A post shared by Vagner Rocha (@vagnerrochabjj)

Vagner Rocha “The Doctors Found Out I Have Heart Failure”

At 42 years old, Rocha has built a storied career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, earning accolades and respect from peers and fans alike.

However, his recent diagnosis of heart failure has brought his journey to a sudden halt. As the news of Vagner Rocha’s hospitalization broke, we found out that he spent several days in the hospital undergoing tests, and doctors confirmed the severity of his condition.

Numerous achievements, including multiple ADCC World Championship medals and a successful run in the UFC mark Rocha’s career. His dedication to the sport and ability to remain competitive at the highest levels have made him a legend in the grappling world.

Despite his recent health scare, Rocha’s legacy inspires aspiring grapplers and fans alike. His positive outlook and determination to recover have resonated with many in the BJJ community.

In a heartfelt post on social media, Rocha shared his experience and expressed gratitude for the support he has received.

“Spent the last 5 days in the hospital undergoing tests, and the doctors found out I have heart failure. We don’t know how long this has been going on, but they said it could’ve been tragic if I had waited any longer to seek help.”

Resilience is the Mark of a Grappler

As Rocha embarks on his road to recovery, he remains optimistic and focused on taking each day as it comes. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of health and the need to listen to one’s body.

The grappling community continues to rally around Rocha, offering support and encouragement as he navigates this difficult chapter.

Rocha himself credited his faith for providing him with peace during this challenging time and emphasized the importance of seeking help promptly.

“It’s been a serious situation, but through it all, I’ve experienced a deep sense of peace. I’m thankful for the care I’ve received and for the love and support from loved ones.”

“One thing I notice is if you can’t discern God’s time you won’t understand the process, you will fear, have doubts, and will be desperate. But when you understand the process, you have total trust that God is using people and situations to develop and equip you for what’s to come in the next chapters of your life”

The outcome of the Vagner Rocha heart failure scare is a testament to his courage and resilience. His story serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity, reminding us that with faith, support, and determination, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

We wish the ADCC silver medalist a quick recovery!!!

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Ex Instructor Blows Whistle on Ryron Gracie Threesomes, Explains Gracie University ‘Shame Rituals’

By

BJJ World

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Ex Instructor Blows Whistle on Ryron Gracie Threesomes

Evandro Nunes, an ex-instructor in the Gracie University empire, has decided to go public with his experiences after becoming fed up with the brothers’ culty behavior. And, boy, does he have some saucy stories to share! Over a three-hour video, the Gracie black belt demonstrated the super cult-like practices that Rener and Ryron Gracie enforce at Gracie University, from crazy shame rituals to rowdy see parties involving Rayron and his spouse.

Evandro Nunes Blows the Whistle on the Gracie University

Evandro Nunes already opened up about the shady stuff happening over at Gracie University when he called Rener Gracie a ‘spineless rat’ a few weeks ago. The Gracies, of course (and by the Gracies I mean Rener and Ryron) fired back, offering long-winded explanations of why he was overreacting.

To be honest it all smelled like a bit too rehearsed from the Gracies (as with all their content) rather than sincere. Nunes, on the other hand, seemed more genuine, but that’s as far as we dare go in terms of gauging the trustworthiness of both parties.

At the end of the day, the lift was pretty much lifted on some practices behind the scenes of the Gracie University, which, to a point did not surprise most people in the BJJ World. A series of money grab systems, cult-like loyalty being fostered in members, mirky contracts that ended up benefiting the brother, etc.

We all know that the entire Gracie University empire is set as a men’s towards profit, with Jiu-Jitsu not even in the top ten priorities the brothers have set for themselves. That became apparent when they announced online belt tests for their paying members.

Gracie Polyamory Seanses

As it appears, though. there was a lot more happening behind the curtains than just trying to get more and more cash out of their members. Nunes revolted at Rener’s attempts to defend the Gracie University position and shared the full extent to which the shenanigans went.

As per his 3-hour-long stream, Nunes was invited to Ryron and Victoria Gracie’s relationship but asked to keep it private to protect the reputation (hmm) of Gracie University. The pretext for the invitation was that they were polyamorous.

Evandro goes on to be pretty detailed about what took place behind closed doors, both between him and Ryron’s wife, Victoria, as well as with the participation of Ryron himself.

Ryron and Nunes became friends after Ryron’s Metamoris performances, and over the years developed a deeper friendship, that Nunes did not expect to develop into Ryron Gracie’s threesomes.

Furthermore, he explained in his video that the tactic was used on several other ‘inner circle’ Gracie Univeristy members and gym members.

One such situation occurred in 2019 when Ryron asked Nunes, who was living in his house at the time, to ask a female student from the academy over, so she could join the sex parties.

In a weird twist of events, the trio of Nunes, Ryron, and Victoria even ended up seeing a couples therapist who specializes in polyamory.

Cult Vibes on Maximum: Violent Shame Rituals

Another shocking truth that Nunes shared in his marathon rant about Gracie University is the supposed Shame Rituals that the brothers enforced. They involved dress-ups in shocking costumes for supposed promotional purposes.

Evandro recalls a particular request issued to him about wearing a mountain lion costume, which he decided to refuse. The payback came in class when Ryron ended up being intentionally violent with him when using him as a Uke, to the point of injuries.

Other allegations, some corroborated with bits of proof like private communications, include the Gracie University’s tax evasion tactics which only encourage instructors to accept cash payments.

Delayed payments were also a common practice, with a barrage of excuses explaining to instructors why they weren’t getting paid on time, despite the instructors themselves carrying large amounts of cash for the brothers from classes.

Evandro mentions his own social Jiu-Jitsu project in Brazil, which started under the Gracie University umbrella, but ended up cut by the brothers because it was not profitable. We’re talking about a social project here.

The one accusation everyone was waiting to hear concerns the fake testing standards in the University. As per Nunes, all tests were set up so that paying members pass, regardless of their performance. At the same time, nobody got 100% even if they performed perfectly.

The full video series where Nunes uncovers the Gracie University secrets is available here.

Two Sies to Each Story

I expect the Gracies are going to have a lengthy explanation and response to all of the dark secrets and allegations shared by Nunes. After all, Rener did join the 3-hour stream at one point, prepared with a full-blown presentation to counter the claims that Nunes was sharing.

As always, the entertainment factor with Rener and Ryron Gracie is high, even though I doubt they’ll love this particular type of attention very much. Let’s see how this one unfolds.

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Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A Gi BJJ instructional offering a modern perspective on the spider and lasso guard.
Covers using spider and lasso guards against standing and kneeling opponents.
Features a very specific structure that also goes over ways to pass the guards.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 7.5 out of 10.

SPIDER AND LASSO GUARD JARED WELMAN DVD AVAILABLE HERE:

Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD Preview — FULL TRAILER: Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD

I have to be the first to admit that it’s been a while since I played the spider guard. I don’t enjoy having my fingers dislocated from hanging on to sleeves, so it’s not my first choice. The lasso is a different story, as there are ways to mitigate the knuckle pressure and pull it off.

In fact, I did it just the other day and had lots of success preventing a huge and athletic purple belt from passing with ease. The lowdown on these classic Gi BJJ guard positions is that they are timeless in effectiveness. It’s a shame that instructionals such as the Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD are few and far between, which leaves us with huge knowledge gaps in the application of these guards in modern Gi Jui-Jitsu.

Where Have Gi Guards Gone?

Gi guards are quite a specific subject. Please note that I am not using the phrase lapel guard, but rather Gi guards. There is a perhaps subtle, but very important difference between the two.

By Gi guards, I refer to guards that you can only play with the Gi on, but not necessarily guards that involve the lapel. The spider guard and lasso guard are the perfect examples. They both involve the use of sleeve grips which cannot be replicated in No-Gi, to begin with.

However, these guards do not require you to half-undress your opponent before you can start working. Instead, they offer efficiency from a position that’s easily attainable anytime you train or compete with the Gi.

So, why have these guards fallen behind in terms of their continued development and use? 15 years ago the spider guard was the hot new thing everyone knew about and was trying to figure out. These days, it’s rare to see someone using it at a high level, let alone build a competition game around it.

The lasso guard shares both the unfortunate fate and the high efficiency and potential of the spider guard. So, when I came across the Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD I was both excited about what it rings, but also that someone is breathing a bit of fresh air into these BJJ guard classics.

Who is Jared Welman?

One answer to this question is that Jared Welman is the mobility guy who can fix your body so that it can do Jiu-Jitsu better. Another is that he is an instructor at Bernardo Faria’s academy who can also fix your Jiu-Jitsu game. I guess he is the guy who can fix all your troubles on the mat.

Jared got the huge honor of a BJJ black belt directly from Bernardo Faria. He also has a black belt in Taekwondo and is certified for Yoga. His approach to BJJ is twofold – being super technical by understanding movement and the human body.

To that extent, he has been dedicating a lot of time toward specific mobility for BJJ, from general drills to position-specific stuff. Speaking of positional specifics, Welman has introduced the mobility angle to guards, taking them to a whole new level. His Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD is all about that.

Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD Review

In the Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD, you get the usual four-volume BJJ DVD format, with each part lasting a bit over 30 minutes. What’s different is that this Gi instructional has the same structure applied to each of the volumes with no adjustments of differences whatsoever. Check it out:

Part 1 – Spider Guard vs Kneeling Opponent

This instructional has one of the simplest and most sensible structures I’ve ever seen in a BJJ DVD. Jared addresses two guards and covers how to use each against a kneeling and against a standing opponent.

The Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD starts with an overview of the spider guard, and how to set it up against a kneeling opponent. Jared first discusses positional details and tips on tactics that will yield the best results.

He then moves on to explore the attacking opportunities from the guard, offering not just sweeps and submissions, but easy ways to connect them into chains as well. I loved that he also included the other side of the coin, by briefly but thoroughly covering how to pass the spider guard from kneeling.

Part 2 – Spider Guard vs Standing Opponent

Volume two of the Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD follows the same structure as the previous part to a ‘t’. Welman starts with positioning again, this time using the spider guard against a much trickier standing opponent.

He lays out the tactical goals first, before offering ways to achieve them by linking together attacks that involve sweeps, submissions, and transitions. For the latter, he offers routes into other guards, leg lock, or that back. Passing rounds off the spider guard portion of this instructional, this time from a standing starting position.

Part 3 – Lasso Guard vs Kneeling Opponent

As we reach the halfway point of the Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD, the focus is still on guard, albeit changing now to a completely different structure – the lasso guard. Seen as an advanced guard, this one seems to trouble lots of people, but Jaredd makes it seem really easy.

Once again, positional details and a tactical analysis precede the attacks. With the opponent on their knees, Jared offers a set of sweeps and submissions that are interchangeable and easily accessible from the guard. His take on passing, which makes the end of the volume is a method I haven’t seen before, and which seems very legit for the job.

Part 4 – Lasso Guard vs Standing Opponent

The final piece of the puzzle in the Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD is addressing standing opponents when you’re dead set on playing the lasso guard. It’s way more difficult than executing it against a kneeling opponent, but Welman does a solid job again at drawing parallels between the two.

By now, you probably know what to expect – a positional strategy, an overview of key problems and goals, and all the submissions, sweeps, and transitions you need to achieve said goals and solve the problems. Let’s not forget the short, but highly important conclusion that offers passing options as well.

Taking the Arms Away

There is a very dumb-looking drill that perfectly captures the role of the arms in passing the guard in BJJ. Have a partner sit down on the mats, let them grab both your palms with their hands (grips don’t matter), and only focus on not letting them go. Then try to pass.

It doesn’t work, I know. Granted, the bottom person can’t achieve much either, but it helps to put things into perspective. The main thing to understand is that the top person needs to control their arms, in order to pass, and keep the position successfully.

That makes guards that target the arms an obvious choice when you want to retain your guard. They not only mimic the drill above but also place the legs against the arms, which brings the advantage to the bottom player, as well as opening up direct attacks.

The drawback is that the top person tends to be far away for a huge diversity of attacks, but you can definitely still sweep and submit. A key advantage is that you don’t have to change your guard configuration once the top person changes levels. Watch the Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD and you’ll understand it all better.

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FULL DOWNLOAD: SPIDER AND LASSO GUARD JARED WELMAN DVD

Fix Your Fundamentals

What are fundamentals? A decade ago people thought of the spider guard as an advanced position. These says it’s fundamentals. Who cares. What matters is what you do with it, and that is where the Spider and Lasso Guard Jared Welman DVD fills a big gap. It’s not as if there is no information on the spider and lasso guards already, but there is not a lot of it in terms of modern BJJ. This instructional is here to fix that.

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Ffion Davies vs Adele Fornarino – UFC Secures Grappling’s Dream Match at FPI 10

By

BJJ World

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Ffion Davies vs. Adele Fornarino - UFC Secures Grappling's Dream Match at FPI 10

In an unprecedented move that’s shaking up the combat sports landscape, the UFC has pulled off a masterstroke by booking the highly anticipated Ffion Davies vs Adele Fornarino bout as the main event for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 (FPI 10). This isn’t just another matchup—it’s a historic convergence of two of the most formidable forces in women’s BJJ, and it’s all happening under the UFC banner.

Female BJJ Titans: Davies and Fornarino’s Rise to Stardom

Ffion Davies has been a relentless force on the mats. Hailing from Wales, she’s amassed a collection of world titles, including multiple ADCC World Championships. Her aggressive style, technical precision, and unyielding spirit have made her a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents.

Adele Fornarino, on the other hand, has blazed her own trail through the competitive BJJ circuit. With a background steeped in traditional martial arts and a transition into grappling that seemed almost predestined, Fornarino’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

Her cerebral approach to the game and her ability to adapt mid-match have earned her accolades and respect across the grappling community.

UFC Outmaneuvering Traditional BJJ Organizations

By securing this bout, the UFC has effectively outpaced traditional BJJ organizations, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying its combat sports portfolio.

The UFC Fight Pass Invitational series has been a platform for showcasing elite grappling talent, but landing Davies vs Fornarino elevates FPI 10 to a whole new level.

This strategic move not only brings mainstream attention to the art of submission grappling but also provides a lucrative and highly visible platform for athletes who have long deserved the spotlight.

“If you’re going to talk about fair pay, who is suffering the most?” said Davies. “It’s the girls, and it’s not deserved. We bring the heat, we have brilliant Jiu-Jitsu, and people love to watch.”

UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10

Set to take place at the UFC Apex facility, FPI 10 promises a card stacked with top-tier talent. However, it’s the headlining matchup between Davies and Fornarino that’s capturing global attention.

This bout symbolizes more than just a contest between two athletes; it’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the evolution of women’s roles in combat sports.

The Significance of The Bout for Women’s Grappling

Having two female grapplers headline a UFC event is a significant milestone. It reflects a shifting paradigm where women’s accomplishments in martial arts receive equal recognition and fanfare.

Both Davies and Fornarino have been trailblazers, not just in collecting titles but in inspiring a new generation of female athletes to pursue excellence on the mats.

Their matchup at FPI 10 isn’t just about personal glory; it’s a statement about the capabilities and appeal of women’s grappling at the highest levels.

A Clash of Styles and Wills

As we edge closer to the event, the buzz around this matchup intensifies. Davies brings an aggressive, pressure-heavy game, constantly seeking the submission and overwhelming her opponents with relentless attacks.

Fornarino, conversely, is known for her strategic brilliance and defensive prowess, often luring opponents into traps and capitalizing on the slightest mistakes.

The clash of these contrasting styles sets the stage for a captivating encounter. Will Davies’ relentless offense break through Fornarino’s defenses? Can Fornarino find a way to neutralize Davies’ aggression and implement her game plan?

Ffion Davies vs Adele Fornarino: A Must-Watch Event

UFC FPI 10, set for March 6, is shaping up to be a landmark event, not just for grappling fans but for the entire combat sports community. The Davies vs Fornarino headliner is the kind of matchup that transcends disciplines and appeals to anyone who appreciates athleticism, strategy, and heart.

The UFC’s commitment to bringing such high-caliber grappling matches to the forefront is a testament to the sport’s growth and the fans’ appetite for diverse forms of competition. If you’re a fan of high-level grappling or simply appreciate the artistry and dedication of elite athletes, mark your calendars for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10.

Ffion Davies vs Adele Fornarino are poised to deliver a performance for the ages, and their clash is a testament to how far the sport has come—and where it’s headed next!

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Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A Gi BJJ DVD instructional on the design and place of a closed guard game in modern BJJ.
Covers directions on retaining, controlling, and attacking from the closed guard.
Dilemma attacks and sneaky lapel setups are just a couple of ways Adam makes classic closed guard attacks fun.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10.

CLOSED GUARD ADAM WARDZINSKI DVD AVAILABLE HERE:

Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD Preview — WATCH THE TRAILER: Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD

Adam Wardzinski and guard go together like beer and peanuts. For the most part, just like with the special brew and the salty aphrodisiacs, there is a go-to combination, which in the case of Adam is the butterfly guard. However, snacking on some cashews from time to time is a welcome change, so when Adam decides to talk about a different guard, it’s a great opportunity to learn for the rest of us.

The Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD has that ‘same but different’ factor, delivering yet another boat full of the BJJ World Champion’s knowledge bout guards. For anyone thinking the closed guard has no place in the top competitive circles these days, this DVD is going to be the slap in the face that you need.

Elevating the Closed Guard

I feel somewhat of a fraud when I talk about fundamentally basic positions like the closed guard. You see, I hated the position when I was a blue belt, which contributed to overusing it as a tiny white belt.

The thing is that once age, injuries, and most importantly, the experience gathered, I finally saw the value of the closed guard, and all the other fundamentals people love to ignore. I was a brown belt at the time, and my affection and appreciation for these positions have only grown since.

What I found out is that you don’t just have to play closed guard like you did when you were a white belt. As a more experienced grappler, you get to put your own flair to it, and make it fun and interesting just as much as any other guard can be.

In fact, you don’t even have to be that experienced – the same is true for anyone who decides to mess around with the closed guard, experiment, and gather data about it. You can do it yourself, through trial and error, or get some directions, like those provided in the Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD.

Adam Wardzinski’s Guard Toolbox

Guard just comes naturally to mind when the name Adam Wardzinski is mentioned to anyone actively involved in BJJ. Adam is one of the few people who actively carry the flag for guards in modern BJJ, with a particular knack for using it in the Gi.

So far, Adam’s main playground has been the butterfly guard, which he took through trial and error a lot over the course of a decade, finally winning the worlds in 2024 with a very dominant performance, that was, as expected, very guard-oriented.

Many people often fail to see Adam’s prowess in a myriad of different guard positions, as they’re only looking at his butterfly guard. However, the butterfly would never work as well as it does without the Octopus, half, and closed guard, to name a few fallbacks that Wardzinski regularly uses.

So, instead of looking at his main weapon, today we’re looking at how Adam uses his guard sidearm, which more often than not, is the closed guard. As expected, the world champ does a stellar job presenting it in the Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD.

Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD Review

This very information-packed, but logically constructed Adam Wardzinski Closed Guard comes with six volumes, each targeting a different aspect of playing closed guard intended for use in modern BJJ. Adam loves the Gi, so understandably, this is a Gi instructional. We get to enjoy more than 4 hours of Wardzinski teaching in this instructional:

Part 1 – Controlling the Closed Guard

Adam’s opening volume skips past the boring stuff, such as what is the closed guard, and immediately goes on to explore the key aspects of controlling people from it. What that means is that Wardzinski will show you exactly what to do with those irritating, struggling people who break your closed guard open.

Some of the key things you’ll pick up from the opening act of the Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD include dealing with common hand positions, such as hips, biceps, or collars, and how to ensure you keep your upper body free from the top person’s control. My favorite part was the section on dealing with people who stall – perfect for any competitor.

Part 2 – Sweeps and Submissions

Attacks follow control in the Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD, with sweeps first up for deconstruction. Adam covers the classics in this part of the DVD, with the flower, pendulum, and scissor sweep as his main focus. Lots of detail.

Once he comes to a point where he outlines common failing points for the sweeps, he uses it as a way to introduce submissions as the alternative. Again, the classics are up first, with Omoplatas, triangles, and armbars, done in different scenarios, dominating the second part of this volume. A sneaky Kimura is the cherry on top.

Part 3 – Dilemma Attacks

After the classics, it’s time to start connecting the dots. The third part of the Closed Guard Adam Wardzinski DVD goes a step further in teh land of closed guard opportunities, connecting at least two attacks together into mini systems.

Examples include lapel sweep threats to Omoplatas, dragging to open up the back with a bow and arrow finish on the other end, and a very cool traingle setup using Adam’s famous belt grip, usually seen as part of his butterfly guard. He builds on this last one with more shoulder lock alternatives.

Part 4 – Using the Lapels

For all those enjoying heavy use of the cloth, this is the portion of the Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD to pay really close attention to. It starts with the shotgun armbar, which is done with no lapels, and for me, is the best part of this volume, but to each their own.

Adam’s lapel options revolve around chokes, with a lapel version of the cross collar choke coming on the back of a complete breakdown of the classic X choke setup. A sneaky Darce, or Brabo if you will, with the lapel also features here. Finally, Adam throws in an armbar to ensure you get a tap even from people who stubbornly defend chokes.

Part 5 – Answers to Common Scenarios

This portion of the Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD contains a bunch of different tactics that are seemingly unrelated to each other. However, there is a lot of sense behind it, as they represent situations that usually occur in closed guard, especially if you attack using any of the means explored already in this instructional.

Stacking is the bane of my BJJ existence, as a result of a heavily herniated neck, so seeing Adam’s counter was super helpful. He also offers ways out of another common sticking spot, which is the hip bump sweep, complete with a triangle to wrap it up.

Part 6 – Back Exposure and More Sweeps

As we reach the end of this pretty impressive Closed Guard Adam Wardzinski DVD, a few back attacks appear through the cracks. Adam does an arm wrap to set them up, which I found to be a useful approach, especially for unathletic, aging grapplers like me.

Butterfly hooks finally appear (about time), ensuring you take stability away from the top person as you use Adam’s back-taking methods. In fact, even more sweeps feature in this part, most of which will help you get back exposure even if they fail. Wardzinski ends this DVD with my all-time favorite – the mermaid sweep. Style points right there!

The Ultimate Fallback Position

You’re tired. You’ve been scrambling for the better part of the match, and you somehow end up on the bottom. The good news is, you’re ahead. Before you even think, your body locks up the closed guard around your opponent’s waist. Now, you get to chill and see out the round, maybe ensuring the win by threatening a sub or two to stop the top from trying to pass.

This is a scenario where most of us have ended up, at one point or another, during a BJJ match. When we’re talking rolling, this is a 100% true scenario for anyone training longer than a year.

The problem is, that the outcome is rarely as the one above. While this optimal scenario is not difficult to achieve, the fact remains that you’ve forgotten all about the closed guard. Be honest, how much time have you dedicated to it since your white belt days?

The thing is, you somehow seem to end up there any time you’re under stress. That inverted K-guard with a quarter lapel that you do in the gym to annoy everyone simply doesn’t materialize in a match. I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count.

Going back to exploring the closed guard is the obvious solution here. You can still play your De La Spider Dead Bug Fake Worm Guard, but when stuff hits the fan, and you go to the ultimate fall back position, you’ll at least know how to see the match off. The Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD is what you need.

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When In Doubt, Close Up!

It’s as easy as closing a guard any time you want to bring the pace of a match down, and your opponent with it. As long as you understand and use the stuff from the Closed Guard Reintroduced Adam Wardzinski DVD, people won’t be able to stand up and pass, meaning you can do whatever you want with them. The choice of whether you’ll bore them to death by stalling, or submit them with trilemma attacks is completely down to you.

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