Nate Diaz Faces Battery Charges After Nightclub Altercation
UFC star Nate Diaz is back in the headlines, and not for his performance in the Octagon. The MMA fighter has been charged with battery following an alleged altercation with a bouncer at a Las Vegas nightclub.
The incident, which occurred late on December 10, 2024, has sparked widespread discussion within the MMA community and beyond.
According to reports from multiple sources, Diaz was involved in a heated exchange with a nightclub bouncer, which quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Witnesses claim that Diaz struck the bouncer after being denied entry into the club.
The details of what led to the Nate Diaz nightclub altercation are still murky, but it appears that tensions flared when the bouncer refused to let Diaz and his entourage inside.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Diaz was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
“We received reports of a disturbance at a local nightclub involving Mr. Nate Diaz. After reviewing the evidence and witness statements, we have charged Mr. Diaz with battery,” a police spokesperson said.
Legal Fallout
This isn’t the first time Diaz has found himself in legal hot water. The UFC veteran has had previous run-ins with the law, though none quite as serious as this latest charge.
If convicted, Diaz could face significant penalties, including fines and possible jail time. Diaz’s attorney has stated that his client plans to fight the charges.
“Nate Diaz maintains his innocence. We are confident that once all the facts come to light, he will be exonerated,” the attorney said in a statement.
Reactions of the MMA Community
News of the Nate Diaz arrest quickly spread across social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the situation. Many have expressed disappointment, while others have shown support for the fighter, urging everyone to wait for more details before passing judgment.
Within the MMA community, reactions have been mixed. Some fighters have come to Diaz’s defense, citing the pressures and challenges that come with the territory.
Others have called for stricter standards of behavior for fighters, emphasizing the need for professionalism both inside and outside the cage.
UFC President Dana White has yet to make an official statement, but it’s likely the organization will be closely monitoring the legal proceedings. Diaz’s future in the UFC could be at stake, depending on the outcome of the case.
Broader Implications as Nate Diaz Faces Battery Charges
This incident has reignited debates about the conduct of professional athletes outside their sports.
UFC fighters, who are known for their intense and sometimes volatile personalities, often find themselves under scrutiny for their actions off the mat.
Diaz, known for his brash demeanor and no-nonsense attitude, is no stranger to controversy, but this latest incident could have serious repercussions for his career.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Nate Diaz battery charges unfold. His next court date is set for early 2025, and until then, the MMA world will be buzzing with speculation and analysis.
For now, Diaz’s fans can only hope that their favorite fighter can weather this storm and return to the Octagon with his reputation intact.
How do you best escape mount? How about side control? Is there a way to get out of back control? These are some of the most common questions I hear. Even when the subject is control from these positions, escapes come up, without exceptions.
The Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD covers all three positions from the perspective of the escapee, but without teaching you step-by-step escapes that are bound to fail. Instead, Craig helps you understand how to kill the good positions before you pick one of the many ways out of the bad ones.
BJJ Defense vs. Escapes
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve covered this particular debate on the site, but from what I am seeing in my academy and most matches in pro grappling circuits, this warrants a lot more repetition. So here it goes.
Do not mix up defending and escaping in BJJ. Escaping cannot happen effectively without defending. You can’t just get out of mount or back – if you can do it then you’re either very strong compared to your opponent or you’re a sandbagger.
What you need to focus on when caught in a position that costs you points is not to give away more points or submission by panicking. That means tidying up the space you have available and killing all offensive options your opponent has. That’s defense.
Once that’s in place, you can start thinking about getting out. Plenty of opportunities arise from annoying people with your defense, such as setting up your deliberate and favorite ways out or capitalizing on the top person’s mistakes born out of frustration.
The Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD covers both these aspects – after all, Craig is the ultimate BJJ troll! It turns out, trolling is a great way to get out of tight spots if you can use it wisely.
The Nuttiest Person in BJJ – Craig Jones
There is not much about Craig Jones that people don’t know. In fact, his past is very much part of grappling folklore at this point – he came up grappling in Melbourne under Lachlan Giles, became an overnight sensation after almost submitting Gordon Ryan in EBI, switched camps to become a part of the DDS during COVID, and had a very public falling out with them, eventually forming his own, B-team.
Craig has since turned into a troll, making fun of BJJ dogmas whenever he can. That, however, does not undermine the quality of his Jiu-Jitsu, or that of the members of his team.
Moreover, Craig Jones managed to single-handedly stir up the professional grappling world when he decided to oppose the ADCC monarchy in No-Gi by launching his own invitational tournament on the same weekend as the ADCC. The CJI, a.k.a. Craig Jones invitational offered athletes huge payouts, with seven-figure prizes for champions.
With the second installment of the CJI tournament confirmed only days ago, the only unknown about Craig Jones is what he’ll do next to shock the BJJ World. Until then, we take a look at one of his instructionals – the Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD.
Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD Review
Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD is a No-Gi instructional consisting of four different volumes. Craig delivers escape options for three of the main top positions in dedicated volumes, all preceded by one covering the key escape principles and concepts he uses. The instructional lasts around 3 hours.
Part 1 – Principles of Positional Escapes
One thing about Craig’s game that is hugely underestimated is his ability to defend. He has only been submitted three times since 2017, once by Kaynan Duarte and twice by Gordon Ryan.
The Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD is a blueprint for the Aussie’s system for dealing with dominant positions, which ultimately renders the highest-percentage submission attacks useless. The first volume is all about the concepts Craig uses when stuck in a bad spot.
One of the biggest things you’ll learn in BJJ, which Craig opens his instructional with, is the value of small, deliberate movements as opposed to grand ones. When you’re defending, this is extremely important. Paired with the mentality of not accepting anything as finished, Jones does a great job at demonstrating that bad positions are not really that bad – all you need is patience and a few tactical options.
Part 2 – Side Control Escapes
The position everyone loves to hate in BJJ is definitely side control. You’ll end up in it one way or another in just about every roll you do, so you should be aware of what your best options are when you’re on the bottom.
The second part of the Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD addresses this exact problem, offering a few directions for effective side control bottom escapes. Jones begins with hip escapes, before covering the static running man position that renders top side control useless.
He piles even more directional escapes by presenting slick escapes that lead directly to attacks, such as the Heisman and single leg. A solid escape strategy, based on the defensive power of the running man.
Part 3 – Getting Out of Mount
Mount is next on the agenda, with Craig Jones looking into the best ways to help you get out regardless of what the top person is doing. This last part is crucial, as all of Jones’ escapes work based on the fact that he kills off all the top person’s attacks.
Craig’s system involves combining a few different directions of escape, just like with the side control escapes. He shares details on knee-elbow escapes, the classic bridge escape, and kipping movements.
Nothing we haven’t seen before, really but it all makes sense in the very last chapter of this part of the Don’t Be Finished Craig Jones DVD that outlines how to beat the underhook, the most annoying aspect of defending mount.
Part 4 – Dealing with Back Mount
The back mount is the final position addressed by Craig in the Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD. The back is not an easy position to get out of, even though preventing chokes and other attacks is no big deal.
Craig begins with the basics, offering a few sliding-back escapes that are classics, but offer more details to up both the flair and effectiveness of the escapes. Once again, he pinpoints key structures that you need to break, such as underhooks, the body triangle, and beating the very annoyingly boring single hook.
Stop Fearing Bad Positions
There is nothing bad about bad positions in BJJ. Understand this sentence in any way you want, but I meant it literally. Bottom mount, side control, knee on belly, or having your back taken are not going to be comfortable, but nothing bad is going to happen.
There is a dogma that follows these positions in BJJ which acts as a psychological rather than physical dominance. The old “don’t give your back or they’ll choke you” is a great example of the fallacy of bad positions in BJJ.
Someone having your back, hooks and all, does not guarantee they’ll finish you. The entire sport of BJJ is in between them having your back and choking you out. Once you remove panic as the source of your trouble from ‘bad’ spots, you can focus on getting to a dominant position yourself, slowly and patiently, just like in the Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD.
The bottom line is that you don’t want anyone to submit you, right? Well, if you manage to hold people off from bad positions, and escape these bad spots, nobody is going to come even close to setting up a submission! The Edging Yourself Out of Danger Craig Jones DVD has the blueprint, all you need to do is put in the time to introduce it to your game.
The secrets to one of the most successful Gi guards in BJJ are now available, demonstrated by the grappler everyone (except maybe Gordon Ryan) loves – Mikey Musumeci. If you want to understand how to best use one of his best guards, then the Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD is tailor-made for you.
The best part about this instructional is that Mikey offers adjustments for bigger grapplers and people who can’t find a way to make his favorite setups work for them. Take it from a No-Gi guy – if there’s one guard you need to use when rolling/competing with the Gi it is the collar sleeve. This is how you learn it fast!
The Most Reliable Gi Grips for Guard Players
If you’re playing guard, and you’re not using the collar sleeve guard you’re missing out on one of the most effective options to control and attack the top person in BJJ. To be honest the only drawback the collar sleeve guard has is that it doesn’t work in No-Gi.
There is hardly a more paralyzing position to deal with than having one arm and one shoulder isolated as you’re trying to defy gravity and deal with guards as a passer. One very useful aspect of the collar sleeve guard is that you can opt for either collar and still end up with a huge set of offensive options.
The most common version, though, as demonstrated in the Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD is to isolate one part of the opponent’s body, meaning the same side sleeve and collar. This group structure alone creates an imbalance in the top person, which means it is ridiculously easy to start combining sweeps, submissions, and backtakes from there.
The Man of the Hour – Mikey Musumeci
Everyone in the BJJ world knows exactly who Mikey Musumeci is at this point. Despite having a heap of World Titles in Gi and No-Gi, and winning just about everything there is (No ADCC title yet), Mikey Musumeci is in the public’s eye a lot these days for more than just his crazy BJJ skills.
He started riding headlines earlier this year (2024) when he gave up on his ONE FC contract and left to go back to the USA. At the time, nobody was any wiser to the fact that Mikey was actually going back to spearhead the UFC’s attempt at signing the best grappling talent in the world for their new pro-grappling league.
Mikey already got his first ‘W’ in the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, defeating Felipe Machado on points on his debut for the promotion. The dominant win just cemented Mikey’s place as one of the best grapplers in the world, particularly in the lighter-weight divisions.
The diminutive Fabio Gurgel black belt is also one of the most sought-after teachers, filling his time in between matches with packed seminars. He also has quite a few DVDs out, and we’ll be looking more closely at his Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD here today.
Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD Review
The four-part Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD offers a deep dive into the collar sleeve guard, along with super-effective variations and modifications taught by one of the best grapplers in the world. Each volume covers a specific aspect of the guard system, with the full length of the material just over 2 hours.
Part 1 – Combat Base Collar Sleeve Guard
the task of the Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD is to provide a versatile and offensive option against one of the most common passing positions at the highest levels – the combat base, a.k.a. the half-kneeling position.
Musumeci first defines the combat base, outlining where its weaknesses are and offering the most easily attainable ways to exploit them. Mikey’s guards are legendary because people can’t find a way to break them, so a good portion of this first volume goes into explaining essentials like elbow positioning, grip attachments, foot placement, and hip motions.
As you’d expect from any resource featuring Mikey Musumeci, there is a section on how to drill the basic positioning, constantly attacking the weaknesses of the combat base. He wraps up the first part with an Omoplata attack as his focus shifts towards attacking.
Part 2 – Sweeping
The first set of attacks, or as Mikey likest to dub them ‘box’ of attacks contains sweeps. The second portion of the Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD contains just over 30 minutes of sweep chains, with Musumeci constantly showing dilemma and trilemma attacks.
He also includes flanking attacks in the sweep series, given how often people choose to end up on the bottom rather than allow a back take. Of course, Mikey also shows how to get the back despite the top person’s defenses, as well as how to constantly change between back takes and sweep chains.
Part 3 – Overhook Collar Sleeve
The real innovation in this Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD appears in the third part of the series, with Mikey managing to craft a brand new hybrid guard position. He combines the collar sleeve configuration with the overhook grip, ending up with what seems like the perfect guard for half-kneeling and kneeling opponents.
In the longest volume of this Mikey Musumeci DVD, you get to learn about the mechanics of the overhook collar sleeve guard, and how it leads to submissions such as Omoplatas and the super-fast shotgun armbar, as well as more sweep attacks you can add to your sweep chains.
Musumeci also covers some De la Riva options (it’s Mikey Musumeci, there was no way this DVD wouldn’t have DLR chapters) that work perfectly against the combat base. He sticks to the Omoplata as his main submission threat but does offer a different box of sweeps from the DLR version of the collar sleeve guard.
Part 4 – Modifications
Wrapping up a really great DVD is a volume offering modifications to some of the most common aspects Mikey already demonstrated. In a unique approach to DVD content delivery, Mikey acknowledges that his favorite setups from the collar sleeve might not fit all types of grapplers, so he offers ways to adjust.
The final part of the Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD contains modifications on the Omoplata entry, the De la Riva transition, and attacking setups, as well as the initial grip positioning and body alignment.
Pass Prevention 101
Have someone try to pass your guard as you keep pushing one of their shoulders to the mats. Even better, try it yourself.
What you’ll discover is one of the best defensive options you have to prevent guard passes. When only looking at guard retention, the common reaction for the guard player is to try and get the top person’s head to the mats at the same time they’re trying to pass. You’ll get a sweep.
The collar sleeve guard allows you the same, but without having to push the limits of your guard just before a pass works in order to implement it. As long as you can force a shoulder to the mats, and prevent the top person from posting out, you can sweep easily, or set up subs as they desperately try to block the sweep.
Guess what people don’t try to do when caught in such a dilemma? Pass. That makes that collar sleeve guard one of the best guards to prevent direct passing sequences, while at the same time having direct access to plenty of attacking options. Just like the ones in the Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD.
Mikey managed to beat all kinds of top-level opponents using his ways to break the most common passing position people use – the combat base. Now, you can use one of his proven methods, outlined in the Collar Sleeve Guard Mikey Musumeci DVD to do the same, transforming your guard from good to world-class.
Ex-Marine Daniel Penny Not Guilty in NYC Subway Chokehold Case Which Resulted in the Death of Jordan Neely
In a verdict that has stirred significant public interest, former U.S. Marine Daniel Penny was found not guilty in the high-profile case involving the death of Jordan Neely. The incident, which took place on a New York City subway, sparked widespread debate about the use of force and self-defense in public spaces.
The Incident and Trial
On May 1, 2023, the usually routine commute on a New York City subway train turned tragic when Daniel Penny, a former Marine, used a chokehold on Jordan Neely, a street performer known for his Michael Jackson impersonations.
Neely, who was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis at the time, died as a result of the confrontation. This NYC subway chokehold case quickly became a focal point for public discourse.
The prosecution argued that Penny’s actions were excessive and resulted in unnecessary loss of life. They painted a picture of a man who used his military training inappropriately, leading to a fatal outcome.
The defense, however, contended that Penny acted in self-defense and in defense of other passengers who felt threatened by Neely’s erratic behavior. This NYC subway chokehold case highlights the complexities involved in self-defense scenarios.
Ex-Marine Daniel Penny Not Guilty: Jury’s Deliberation and Verdict
After a lengthy trial that captivated the nation, the jury took several days to deliberate before reaching a verdict. On December 9, 2024, Daniel Penny was acquitted of all charges, including second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
The jury’s decision was based on the argument that Penny’s actions were justified given the circumstances he faced in the crowded subway car.
“I am relieved by the verdict,” Penny stated outside the courthouse. “It was never my intention to cause harm. My heart goes out to Jordan Neely’s family, and I hope this brings some closure to everyone involved.”
Public Reaction To Jordan Neely Death Trial
The not-guilty verdict has elicited mixed reactions from the public. Supporters of Penny argue that he acted out of necessity in a high-pressure situation, defending himself and others.
Critics, however, believe the case underscores systemic issues related to the treatment of individuals with mental health issues and the use of excessive force. The ex-Marine Daniel Penny not guilty verdict has sparked discussions about public safety and mental health.
Jordan Neely’s family expressed their disappointment with the verdict, calling for greater accountability and reforms to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
“We are heartbroken by the outcome. This case highlights the need for better mental health support and de-escalation training for the public,” the family said in a statement.
Broader Implications
The case of Daniel Penny and Jordan Neely has sparked a broader conversation about public safety, mental health, and the responsibilities of bystanders in emergency situations.
Advocates for mental health reform are urging for increased funding and resources to address mental health crises proactively, rather than reactively through law enforcement.
Legal experts have also weighed in, suggesting that this case could set a precedent for how similar incidents are prosecuted in the future.
“This verdict may influence how self-defense cases are viewed, especially in public settings involving individuals with mental health challenges,” noted one legal analyst.
Moving Forward
As the dust settles on this contentious case where the jury found ex-Marine Daniel Penny not guilty, the city of New York continues to grapple with its implications. The subway system, a lifeline for millions, is under scrutiny for its safety protocols and the way it handles passengers in distress.
Both supporters and critics of the verdict agree on one thing: the need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of such incidents. Whether through improved mental health services, better training for civilians, or changes in legal standards, the hope is to prevent future tragedies and ensure justice for all involved.
Craig Jones Drops Bombshell: CJI 2 Confirmed, Warns BJJ Stars About UFC Deals
Craig Jones, the audacious and charismatic figure of the BJJ world, has just lit up the grappling community with a double whammy of announcements. Craig Jones reveals CJI 2 is set for 2025, while at the same time issuing a stark warning to BJJ athletes about signing exclusive deals with the UFC.
Craig Jones Reveals CJI 2 Date in 2025
In a move that has fans and competitors buzzing, Jones confirmed that CJI 2 will take place next year, thanks to secured funding that promises to elevate the event to new heights.
The first CJI event was lauded for its high-stakes matches and engaging format, setting the stage for an even bigger and better sequel. “Funding was a big hurdle, but we’ve cleared it. CJI 2 is happening, and it’s going to be a game-changer,” Jones announced with his characteristic flair.
Craig is bringing back the widely celebrated Craig Jones Invitational for a second installment, set for 2025. The event is expected to draw top-tier BJJ talent from around the globe, eager to showcase their skills on a premier platform free from the constraints of exclusive contracts.
Jones’ Warning: Beware of UFC Exclusivity
Jones didn’t just stop at the exciting news of CJI 2. He took a bold stand, advising BJJ stars to steer clear of signing exclusive contracts with the UFC.
His message was clear: maintaining flexibility and independence is crucial for athletes in the evolving landscape of combat sports.
“Don’t tie yourself down. Exclusive deals with the UFC might seem attractive, but they can limit your opportunities and growth in the long run,” Jones cautioned.
He emphasized the importance of keeping options open and exploring various avenues to maximize one’s career potential.
The MMA and BJJ Intersection
Jones’ statements reflect a broader conversation happening within the BJJ and MMA communities about the benefits and drawbacks of exclusive contracts.
The UFC, while offering significant exposure and financial incentives, often imposes restrictions that can hinder athletes from participating in other high-profile events like CJI.
“As a BJJ competitor, you want to have the freedom to compete in different formats and events. It’s about showcasing your talent on multiple stages, not just one,” Jones elaborated.
This sentiment echoes the frustrations of many athletes who feel constrained by the rigid structures of exclusive deals.
What to Expect from CJI 2
The upcoming CJI 2 promises to build on the success of its predecessor, with even more thrilling matchups and a wider array of competitors.
Jones has hinted at some exciting changes and improvements designed to enhance the viewer experience and increase the stakes for participants.
“We’re looking at some innovative formats and match rules that will keep fans on the edge of their seats,” Craig teased.
He also highlighted the importance of providing a platform where athletes can perform without the pressures of exclusivity, fostering a more dynamic and diverse competitive environment.
As anticipation builds for CJI 2, the BJJ community is abuzz with speculation about the potential line-ups and matchups. Jones’ dual announcement has not only set the stage for a thrilling event but also sparked important discussions about the future of BJJ and the role of independent events in providing opportunities for athletes.
Jones remains a pivotal figure in this ongoing dialogue, advocating for the interests of BJJ practitioners and pushing for a more open and competitive landscape. His efforts with CJI are a testament to his commitment to advancing the sport and supporting its athletes.
What’s the most important thing about leg locks? It is the same as with every other aspect of BJJ – stay in control long enough to kill resistance and get your lock. You won’t get anything without resistance, so you might as well plan for it.
The best way to deal with resistance is to attack it from multiple positions. In terms of leg locks, this means knowing how to move seamlessly from one Ashi Garami position to another, something that’s covered pretty well in the Leg Lock Strategies Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD.
Ashi Garami Flows
One of the best things about the Ashi Garami positions is that there are so many of them. If you know what you’re doing, you can easily flow from one to another without ever abandoning your leg lock target, or losing control.
In fact, it is one of the key aspects of leg locks I insist my students work on constantly – how to tightly transition between different Ashi Garami variations. They are all close, but there are still distance management aspects to master when learning how to navigate them.
Once you get this flow, though, there’s no stopping you. Now, you have more than simply an array of interconnected leg-locking positions – you also have a very effective guard. All Ashi positions provide sweeping opportunities and some also double as great spots to attack the back from.
You can even set up Darces from there, ending up with a foolproof system that is highly reliable and fairly easy to master by BJJ standards. The Leg Lock Strategies Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD offers a great blueprint to achieve this mastery.
No-Gi Champ Jack Stapleton
Jack Stapleton is a first-degree black belt who teaches at and owns Ascension Athletics MMA and BJJ in Bristol, Connecticut. In the few years he has been a black belt, Jack has spent plenty of time competing and has several huge titles to show for it.
He is the reigning IBJJF Pan Ams Champion in the adult divisions, as well as ranked number three in the World Rankings. Despite being only 21 he already has a 2-0 MMA record, as well as plenty of super fight victories and high-level performances in the professional grappling circuit.
Jack has a very submission-heavy game, always on the lookout for the next finish. He is not a mindless opportunist, though, but rather a cunning strategist who expertly navigates transitioning between positions. He shares his transitioning tactics in the Leg Lock Strategies Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD which is definitely worth looking into.
Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD Review
The Leg Lock Strategies Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD offers two volumes of No-Gi strategies covering leg locks from a transitional and more dynamic perspective. There is about an hour of material in this instructional, covering vertical and horizontal applications of leg control and finishing:
Part 1 – Working From X-Guards
There is no time wasted in this DVD as the first volume opens up with transitions between the Single leg X and full X-guard. Stapleton covers movement patterns against standing opponents rather than technical transitions which I found to be helpful and effective.
He then goes on to address different leg entanglements (outside and cross) and how they relate to the X-guards. A truly valuable aspect of the Leg Lock Strategies Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD is that the transitions connect offensive and defensive cycles as well, providing plenty of counterattacking opportunities.
The final portion addresses the reap, covering how to force your way into it and how to deal with opponents who try to attack you with reaping. A smooth back take helps provide a deeper dimension to the traditional attacks, with even more leg lock opportunities arising.
Part 2 – Leg Locks and Passing
The second and final part of the Leg Lock Strategies Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD goes over a different transitional combination that you must have in BJJ – connecting passes with leg locks.
He begins by covering the threat of heel hooks to open up guards, something most of us have used so far. What really surprised me, in a very positive way, was Jack’s toe hold/kneebar/heel hook submission chain that he launches off of leg drag passing threats.
Plenty of details on the finishing mechanics of all the leg locks covered so far in the instructional feature in this volume as well, as Jack wraps up with a different set of transitions – going from one leg lock finish to another without relieving tension on the leg.
The Value of Leg Control in BJJ
All it takes is one leg. No matter what position you’re in, from standing to grounded exchanges, if you can control and manipulate one of your opponent’s legs, you can pretty much impose your game any way you want.
For example, let’s say you need to pass. Sit on one leg, and you’ve taken all but one guard away from the bottom person. Or, grab one of their feet and make sure it can’t touch the ground or post anywhere on your body. Now, you’re in the driving seat.
You can do the same from guard, trying to move your opponent in a way that makes them have one leg on the ground before you sweep or submit. Pins, escapes, and takedowns, all offer plenty of options using one single leg control.
Leg locks, of course, are the epitome of this, providing a finish based on using your entire body to control a leg. The one thing people tend to miss is that you can do so much more in BJJ than simply hunt for leg locks.
For the most part, the only thing you really need to understand is how to transition from leg lock attacks to sweeps or passes using the same controls. A lot of that stuff is in the Leg Lock Strategies Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD.
If you want to do leg locks these days you can’t just jump on a leg, Gokor Chivichyan style, and hope to get taps. You need to strategize, utilize different Ashi positions, and know your transitions. The Leg Lock Strategies Navigating Entanglements Jack Stapleton DVD offers a great way to understand the dynamics of hunting for leg locks and using leg control to dominate.
What’s your favorite leg lock system? Nope not a leg lock finish, not your favorite Ashi Garami position, but a complete system? You know, entires, control, finishes, transitions, and ways out. Nope?
Then, you need the Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD. If you stop reading now and pick it up immediately, you’ll learn everything about leg locks that you need to start organizing them in systems. If you keep reading, you’ll learn how this DVD is going to teach you everything about leg lock systems. Your choice.
Best Time to Learn Leg Locks
Now. Today. Start immediately. I don’t care if you are a black belt who has trained for 20 years or if you discovered BJJ 20 days ago. You need armlocks, leg locks, and chokes to succeed in this sport, and you need to start learning all as soon as possible!
It doesn’t matter if you practice ankle locks, heel hooks, or calf slicers. It would help if you started getting aware of where leg locks are, how you can attack them, and how people will look to attack them against you. The same as every other submission in BJJ.
When you decide to jump on the leg locks bandwagon, keep an open mind and try them all. The Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD is a great resource if you need an introduction, but also if you are already experienced but lacking a competition system that works. Whatever the case, start leg-locking today!
“Big” Dan Manasoiu
Leg lockers come in many shapes and sizes these days, and one of the larger humans that can tear off your lower limbs from many different positions is Dan Manasoiu. The New Wave representative is one of the most feared people in pro grappling circuits, and he’s only getting better.
With a weight of 300 lbs and standing at 6’7, Dan is a very imposing figure at first sight. Add to that the fact that he trains with Gordon Ryan, Bodoni, and Meregali daily, and is being tutored by John Danaher and you have the recipe for one scary grappler right there!
Born in 2001, Dan has plenty of time on the mats in front of him. Already, the purple belt has won pro tournaments such as Sub Hunter Pro, has 2 ADCC Trials titles and two more silver medals, as well as a bronze in the 2024 ADCC in the +99kg division. His intricate system of attacking legs is now available in the Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD.
Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD Review
The Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD is a four-part No-Gi instructional that offers three mini-systems of Ashi Garami-based leg locks that tie in together into a bigger system. It features all kinds of finishes and is perfect for everyone, beginner to expert:
Part 1 – Single Leg X
The quintessential leg locking position, the Single Leg X-guard, a.k.a. the Straight Ashi Garami is the first subject that Big Dan covers in the Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD.
He doesn’t just go over mechanics and countless entries but rather explains what the main issues you’ll encounter are. Of course, he offers seemingly easy solutions to all of them. Submissions follow along, with Dan covering how to create exposure against half-kneeling and standing opponents.
Heel hooks and figure four ankle locks dominate this portion, as Dan introduces entries towards the end of the volume, covering basic leg locking principles and connecting the dots from initial contact to finish. This is the part that is ideal for people with no prior leg lock or BJJ experience.
Part 2 – Double Leg Cross Ashi Garami
The cross Ashi Garami position comes next as Big Dan dedicates an entire volume of the Leg Locks Dan Manasoiu DVD to controlling the Cross Ashi Garami position. He begins with problems again, offering troubleshooting options for common entries.
He uses the false reap to set up an entry, immediately focusing the attention on the secondary leg. Dan likes to set up his leg-locking positions by going for the secondary leg as early as possible, creating sound control even before he arrives at the cross-Ashi position.
I liked that Manasoiu offers control points even if you can’t get control over the second leg, as well as offering high-percentage heel hook setups and finishes. He ends the second part by covering the turning problem and ways you can prevent it and capitalize on the motion.
Part 3 – Cross Ashi Attacks
Once the control details are out of the way, it is time to finish from the position. Building on the double trouble, part three of the Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD offers control and speed-based attacks, offering versatility that will lift anyone’s game.
There’s a lot of leg lacing in this volume, which is not surprising seeing as Big Dan loves torturing people from the position. All of his favorite attacks feature here, from heel hooks to ankle locks.
In fact, Dan spends quite some time on heel hooks, covering both outside and inside options, while retaining double trouble control of the cross ashi or transitioning back to the outside Ashi.
Part 4 – Footlocks from the 50/50
The final part of the Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD takes a route toward the 50/50 position, starting immediately with submissions. The Z-lock opens the account, followed by a bunch of toe holds and different foot locks, most of them of the twisting variety.
There is a solid portion in this part covering how to split the legs of the opponent in 50/5 which tends to be the most common problem. In fact, Dan covers several different strategies for gaining an advantage while tangled in the 50/50 position, offering slick finishing options at the end of each.
Develop A System
The best way to make leg locks work is to figure out how to organize them in a system. That said, the Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD as a whole is probably not going to work for most people out there unless they’re both black belts and seasoned leg lockers.
The good news is that each volume can work as a system on its own, or a mini system if you will. That means you can pick whether you like to work from the 50/50, cross Ashi, or straight Ashi and start exploring. Dan offers plenty of different attack options both in terms of submission finishes and types of attacking.
If you have an instructor who is on board, you will learn leg locks and develop a system using this DVD really fast. If you have to do it on your own, or with friends from the academy, it will still work, but it’ll take more time and drilling. However, once you do, you can think about expanding on it using one of the other volumes to keep evolving it constantly.
You can always opt to follow the 12-hour-long Danaher leg lock system. You’ll need years just to make sense of the information. You can also try specialized instructionals and learn 10 ways to finish a heel hook or toe hold. Alternatively, you can pick up the Leg Locks From Beginner To Advanced Dan Manasoiu DVD and get the best out of both worlds – a focused and concise way of developing leg lock systems for BJJ. Proven at the highest level!
Should the No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD be the next addition to your BJJ DVD collection? Given the subject matter it covers, I’d say yes, even before I went through the entire instructional with a fine-tooth comb.
After seeing what Lachlan has to offer in this DVD, my stance remains the same – the K-guard is like the closed guard of open guards (feel free to read that again) which means everyone should know how to play it. Even if you think you know the K-guard, you should see what this DVD has to offer. I bet you’ll find something you had no idea existed. I know I did.
Introducing a New Letter to Your Guard Alphabet
So open guard and how we name them in BJJ… that is a subject we can debate for hours. I am the first to confess that I am not entirely sure whether using letters from the alphabet helps us categorize guards in a smart way, or just mixes things up more. But that’s beyond the point.
Z-Guard, Y-Guard, X-guard(s)… We have our fair share of letter-named guards in BJJ these days. I intentionally left out a major letter guard because, well, that’s what we’re going to talk about today. The K guard is not just another letter in the alphabet of open guards – it is a letter you absolutely need to add to your grappling vocabulary. The sooner – the better.
Before we go any further looking into other No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVDs let me make one thing clear – the K-Guard is great for leg locks, but that doesn’t mean that is the guard’s only purpose. Even if you’re not a leg locker, you should consider this open guard for your game.
One of the Best – Lachlan Giles
The most popular Aussie coach (nope, Danaher is from New Zealand) is undoubtedly Lachlan Giles. Taking over the mantle from Kit Dale, for all of you training longer than 20 years, Lachlan methodically became the biggest BJJ name Down Under.
And with good merit. The 38-year-old initially got worldwide recognition as Craig Jones’ first coach, who put Craig on the grappling map. However, he later took on competitive efforts of, going on a legendary run through the ADCC absolute division in 2019, earning himself the title of giant slayer and ending up with the bronze medal in the hardest division of the biggest BJJ competition in the world.
Apparently, there’s something that makes Aussie grapplers approach BJJ as if it were a logical puzzle to be solved in a university setting. Danaher, Dale, and Giles are great examples, with the latter using his physiotherapy knowledge to rewrite some staple positions of BJJ, making them better in the process.
The 50/50 springs to mind immediately, along with the inverted North-South position. While I have no idea who came up with the K-guard nor do I need to look for that information, I know who made it popular – it was Lachalan. Let’s see how deep his knowledge goes by carefully dissecting the No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD
No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Review
The No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD is a long instructional, consisting of eight different volumes and lasting upwards of six hours. Lachlan is an exceptional coach and does a stellar job of organizing the material and delivering the key points.
Part 1 – Guard Strategy
Lachlan begins his No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD with quite a lengthy introduction of not just the subject, but also how he organizes the material in this instructional. He shares key ideas about the open guard, Gi vs No-Gi, offers common problems people face, and gives directions on how to watch the DVD and train using the material.
After about half an hour, he narrows his attention to the open guard, talking a lot about retention and leg positioning relative to the opponent. He likes to launch attacks from a position of safety, which emphasizes retention, which is where the K-guard delivers.
Part 2 – Game Plan
In a Danaharesque fashion, not really common for Lachlan Giles instructional, the Melbourne native spends the entirety of the second volume of the No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD discussing open guards from a broad perspective, still not touching the subject of the K-guard.
The subject of guard retention is still the focus, with Giles dissecting it by sharing the key tasks you have against opponents standing across you at different levels of passing. After outlining retention duties for each of them, Lachalan gives an overview of guards that help you achieve them, presenting the De la Riva guards, X guards, 50/50, and finally, the K-guard.
Part 3 – K-Guard Essentials
As the K-guard earns its time in the spotlight, Lachlan opens with the positional hierarchy of guards based on distances, giving the K-guard a very specific spot. Once the reasons why this guard works so well are out of the way, Giles begins covering more technical aspects, with entries up first.
The first set of techniques in the No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD offers several ways into the K-guard, without too much specificity. At this point, Giles still goes over angles, grips, distance management, and how to invert. I felt that the material was drawn more than it needed to be, honestly.
Practically speaking, the pummeling chapters and crossface prevention are the most important parts of this section.
Part 4 – Entries vs. Kneeling
The closed guard is the first launching pad for K-guard entries that Lachlan covers in the No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD. Armbars help seal the deal with this transition quickly wrapping up a subject I thought would get more attention.
Instead, Giles focuses more on open guard entries, beginning with a kneeling opponent. He goes over the 2-on-1 grip setup, offering entries even against opponents who decide to be heavy, as well as those trying to flee or sprawl. The volume ends with narrated rolls featuring lots of the entries covered so far.
Part 5 – Entires vs. Half-Kneeling
Luring opponents in combat base to your K-guard is what volume number five of the No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD is all about. Control and positional details come first, paving the way for connecting the De la Riva guards to the K-guard in a variety of ways.
Lachlan also briefly covers entries versus standing opponents in this part of the instructional, once again utilizing the Reverse De la Riva Guard to set up a K-Guard game. He ends this part with a narration of rolls featuring the subject as well.
Part 6 – K-Guard Follow-Ups
This is where things hit an advanced note, but Lachlan really manages to pull it off in terms of connecting all the key dots. It is not easy to work off of dynamic concepts such as guard retention, but Giles somehow succeeds.
This portion of the No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD addresses how to get back into guard after someone almost passes your guard, as well as how to stay on guard using the K-guard principles already covered. It is a great way to give meaning to entries and provide defensive pathways into the K-guard as opposed to solely covering offensive ones.
Lachlan also begins his coverage of offensive options from the guard in this section, introducing the subject by presenting key grips and the super important position of both your legs in the K-guard configuration.
Part 7 – Attacking from the K-Guard
The K-guard is prominently a leg-locking launchpad and that is exactly where Lachlan starts his attacking lessons. Backside 50/50 heel hooks are the primary attack Giles offers, with plenty of finishing variations and details that we’ve already seen in Lachlan’s 50/50 DVD.
X-guard follow-ups also feature in this volume of the No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD helping blend leg locks together even better with K-Guard setups. He wraps up by offering an alternative attack chain featuring the lateral closed guard.
Part 8 – Troubleshooting
The final part of this very long instructional is all about solving common problems that you’ll encounter playing the K-guard. Most of the chapters cover reactions that you’ll face often, such as people trying to clear your legs or fleeing away from your K-guard.
Lachlan also covers all relevant guard passes, such as leg drags, which might present a danger to your K-guard, as well as back takes, crab rides, and foot locks from the top. A set of drills and more narrated rolls conclude the No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD
The Best Open Guard in BJJ?
This debate is one we can’t really settle. With new guards, alphabet named or not, emerging constantly, I can’t claim that the K-gaurd is the end-all and be-all of all guards, but it does offer one of the best, if not the best option for playing open guard these days.
First of all, the guard doesn’t require any particular athletic abilities to set up and play. Secondly, it offers a great balance of retention qualities and attacking options, which not many open guards do. Finally, it is perfect for both Gi and No-Gi, but really favors No-Gi a bit more which is crucial, as most people have no idea what open guard to play without the Gi anyway.
The No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD is not just an introduction to the K-guard. It provides everything and the kitchen sink in terms of the guard and doesn’t require you to watch the full instructional in succession. This means that you can pick apart those bits that provide the information you need for your game only and use them immediately.
It is about time you mastered the guard every No-Gi competitor in the world is becoming proficient at! The K-Guard is going to help your BJJ, whether you’re a competitor or not, and it will improve your games regardless of belt level or experience. The No-Gi Open Guard K-Guard Lachlan Giles DVD is the only resource you’ll need (to date) to reach a K-gaurd mastery that transforms your game.
Is the BJJ world ready for Garcia vs. Imanari? In a highly anticipated announcement, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Marcelo Garcia has revealed his return to active competition. Garcia, widely regarded as one of the greatest BJJ competitors of all time, will face off against Japanese grappling icon Masakazu Imanari at ONE Championship’s ONE 170 event on January 24, 2025.
Marcelo Garcia’s Remarkable Journey
Garcia, who turns 42 just a week before the match, has been out of competitive BJJ since 2011. During his hiatus, he focused on coaching and overcoming a battle with stomach cancer, which he successfully beat in 2022.
His return to the mats is a testament to his resilience and enduring passion for the sport. “I just want to be a part of this,” Garcia said in an interview. “I still feel like I have age, I have desire, I feel good in my body.”
Imanari’s Anticipation
Masakazu Imanari, known for his mastery of leg locks and the famous “Imanari roll,” is equally excited about the matchup.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” Imanari commented. “I’m looking forward to testing my skills against one of the best.” The match will be a 10-minute, one-round, openweight grappling contest at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Both fighters bring a wealth of experience and accolades to the table, making this a must-watch event for BJJ enthusiasts and grappling fans alike.
Training and Preparations
Garcia has been intensifying his training regime in preparation for this comeback. Reports suggest that he has been focusing on blending traditional BJJ techniques with modern grappling innovations.
His training camp, based out of his renowned academy in New York City, has been buzzing with activity as he fine-tunes his skills for the upcoming battle.
Similarly, Imanari has been rigorously training, sharpening his signature leg locks, and developing new strategies to counter Garcia’s formidable ground game. The Japanese grappling wizard is known for his unpredictability, and fans can expect him to bring his A-game to the match.
Anticipation Among Fans and Pundits
The announcement of this match has generated significant buzz in the martial arts community. Ever since news broke out of the Marcelo Garcia comebacks, everyone has been wondering who the legend would face first.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Garcia’s refined techniques will match up against Imanari’s unorthodox grappling style. Many view the Marcelo Garcia vs Masakazu Imanari grappling match as a clash of titans that will offer insights into the evolving strategies within the sport.
Garcia vs. Imanari: History in the Making
The Garcia vs. Imanari bout is expected to be a historic event in the world of grappling. As two of the most respected figures in martial arts, their clash is not just a competition but a celebration of skill, perseverance, and the spirit of combat sports. The event promises to deliver high-level grappling action that will be remembered for years to come!
Antioch, CA – On Thanksgiving Day, Pastor Nick Neves of First Family Church in Antioch faced an unexpected challenge when an axe-wielding burglar broke into the church early in the morning. The Jiu-Jitus pastor, trained in BJJ, used his martial arts skills to subdue the intruder until the police arrived.
Photo via NBC.com
Jiu-Jitsu Pastor Saves the Day
The incident occurred around 2:00 AM when Pastor Neves responded to a security alarm at the church. Upon arrival, he discovered a shattered window and a man inside the building with an axe. The burglar attempted to flee but was confronted by the pastor.
“I shouted at him to stop and told him the police were on their way,” Pastor Neves told NBC News. “He ran, and I grabbed hold of him, and we ended up wrestling in the parking lot of the church.”
The pastor’s Jiu-Jitsu training proved invaluable as he managed to restrain the burglar for about 12 to 15 minutes until the police arrived and took the suspect into custody. The Antioch Police Department praised the Jiu-Jitsu Pastor for his quick thinking and bravery.
“I was just hoping to keep him from getting away so that justice could be done and our church could be protected,” Pastor Neves said. “It was never my goal to hurt the man or do him harm.”
The Aftermath
The burglar, whose identity has not been disclosed, is facing charges of burglary, robbery, and battery. The Jiu-Jitsu pastor, who walked away from the altercation uninjured, expressed forgiveness and hope for the suspect’s future.
“I don’t have hatred towards him,” Pastor Neves said. “Hopefully, he’ll have to sit and think about this, and it’ll change his heart and mind.”
The church suffered around $2,000 in damages, primarily from the broken window. Despite the ordeal, Pastor Neves remains committed to his community and the church’s mission.
