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Knee sleeves are a great addition to anyone’s BJJ gear. However, many out there are too clunky to wear while doing Jiu-Jitsu or are specialized for other purposes. We’ve tracked down three of the best ones for BJJ in particular, looking at their comfort, flexibility, durability, and moisture-wicking properties, along with their ability to reduce inflammation and support the knee.  With this selection, you should be able to find a pair that suits your needs. 1- Bauerfeind Knee Sleeve https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BJ3ZTIY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01BJ3ZTIY&linkId=a4690df23aa623ea395263cd97280567 The Bauerfeind Knee Sleeve uses incorporated silicone Omega to relieve pressure on the kneecap. It also provides intermittent compression to increase circulation in the surrounding areas. This helps with swelling and inflammation, as well as provides pain relief to the knee joint.  There are many different sizes, so refer to the sizing chart and video to measure your best fit properly. This is important to avoid slippage with the knee sleeve. The soft knit fabric is stretchy, breathable, and comfortable. It is woven to wick sweat away from the skin. The braces are machine washable while maintaining elasticity. They also allow for a consistent temperature at the knee, even when worn for extended periods.  The main use of the knee sleeve for BJJ is to prevent and treat knee strains and sprains, as well as any kind of inflammation.  The Bauerfeind provides incredible support to the knee and lessens any pain felt over time considerably. One benefit for BJJ compared to other knee sleeves is the low profile. It helps when rolling because other knee braces tend to be too thick, heavy, and loose-fitting to work effectively. That’s why it is vital to get the right size when purchasing one. Unfortunately, the one downside is that It is a bit more expensive than other options. However, it is well worth it for the level of support and low profile it provides.  2 - Incrediwear Knee Sleeve  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055QNLN2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0055QNLN2&linkId=0341bac339e6a3a4d60a9adad1c4c830 Incrediwear’s knee sleeve is a form-fitting knee brace that features semiconductor material to stimulate body heat and increase circulation. It is made of a polyester, nylon, and cotton blend that is excellent for moisture-wicking and elasticity. Unlike a compression sleeve, these are non-invasive and help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain without needing to come off often. The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, allowing it to alleviate inflammation without getting in the way of sweat and temperature regulation while performing. There are two stays for support on either side and a particular area for the kneecap.  These can be worn 24/7 to relieve muscle soreness and speed up knee recovery. This is optimal for those who want to set it and forget with an active lifestyle, as they can be worn all day without getting too hot or sweaty and provide adequate support all day.  The cotton does mean it can take a while to dry when it does get too wet, which can be frustrating. However, the materials are high quality and feel durable. It’s also quite comfortable to wear for long periods.  Overall, the Incrediwear Knee Brace provides a nice balance of comfort that means you can wear it all day, which is perfect for BJJ. 3 - Cambivo Knee Sleeve https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G24KZ65/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07G24KZ65&linkId=7469d31b97f73822ae77f5d68654ac47 The Cambivo Knee Sleeve is made from a nylon, latex, and spandex blend, having no problems with moisture retention. The make is highly durable and built for comfort and design, which works well for pressure relief on the knee joint. It reduces knee pain caused by exercise and other conditions but alleviates pressure on the knees and reduces swelling and inflammation. It also supports muscle recovery by heating the area and increasing circulation, promoting faster healing.  The anti-slip silicone waves provide a secure grip on the knee, providing superior reinforcement without becoming uncomfortable. This is an excellent compromise between too rigid of a support and too loose and unhelpful of a knee sleeve.  The Cambivo’s have a solid amount of compression to help with knee pain without becoming uncomfortable or interfering with movement. They provide immediate relief when putting them on and continuous support afterward. They also have a highly durable design that is excellent for stabilizing the joint.  Another fun factor is that they look good compared to other options, so you can wear them in public, and they make sense as a part of your gear.  The only negatives are that sometimes they can slip, and it can be hard to get the sizing right. So make sure to measure twice, purchase once.  Overall, these are great value for the cost and balance many important factors when looking for a good knee brace for BJJ.  Conclusion Each of our three picks is a great option for a BJJ knee sleeve. It comes down to your preference between them. The Bauerfeind is probably the best all-around pick, but it is more expensive. Whereas the Cambivo has a cool design and is excellent for rolling around in, but can’t be worn all the time. The Incrediwear is easiest to wear for the long term but doesn’t provide quite as much relief nor make as much sense to wear at the BJJ gym. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a very challenging martial art with immense benefits if you dedicate yourself to it. But besides the obvious hurdles, there are a few additional small challenges that you might not have considered when choosing to train BJJ. One of these is choosing the right gi for you.  BJJ is practiced in a uniform called a gi and it’s very important that you choose the correct size for your specific body and build. To help you do that the manufacturers created gi size charts. This is a very good solution, but it would have been much better if they used a universal standard sizing system.   There are frequent problems people face like falling between sizes or being too big or small to fit into some of the charted categories. On top of that, each brand has its own size chart and in this guide, we will help you decipher the most important aspects of them and pick the perfect gi for your BJJ practice. BJJ GI vs Judo GI All gis derive from the traditional Japanese keikogi, but each is adapted to better suit the respective martial art they are used in. The most frequent comparison is with the judogi simply because judo is the other prominent martial art that is grappling based. At first glance, the judo and BJJ gi may look the same, but if you take a closer look you will find that the judo uniform is a lot looser and with wider sleeves. The BJJ gi on the other hand is more fitted.  The differences are rather functional, not just mere aesthetics. The tighter fit of the BJJ gi makes it much more comfortable for extended rolling where the wide sleeves of the judogi tend to get in the way. The BJJ gi is designed for the intense action the sport is known for. In contrast, the judogi is made from a much lighter and breathable canvas-like material, that's very comfortable but nowhere near as durable.  If you have any previous knowledge and experience with gi size charts from other martial arts, don’t rely on it, or you’ll end up with a very inappropriate sized gi for BJJ. Now, let us navigate you through the BJJ gi size charts Understanding the BJJ size chart As we said each brand has its own size chart, but generally all of them consist of a letter and number. The letter shows who the gi is made for like A for adult males and F for females etc. The number is indicative of the size most often ranging from 0 to 6. Other brands use fewer numbers, but offer half sizes like 2.5 or 3.5. Sometimes additional letters may be added like “L” for long or “S” for short.  The main consideration in the size charts is the height and weight of the user. They serve as the main reference. For a better understanding, we’ve included the Venum size chart. In this example, if you are 6”1’ and weigh around 200 lbs your size is A3. However, If we include another chart like for our own GBJJ Charles Gracie gi (https://live-gbjja.pantheonsite.io/products/adult-uniform-gi ) uniform we will see that the same person will fall into the A-4 size. What to do if you end up right between two sizes you ask? It’s often the case that when you take your measures you will find that you fit in two different sizes and feel unsure which to choose. In this case, it’s almost always the right decision to go with the one that will fit your body tighter, even if you have to deal with slightly longer sleeves and trousers. You can always roll them or get them shortened by a tailor.  If you choose length over width from the size chart the gi will be looser and baggy and this can become a nightmare when you start training. Don’t forget that a snug fit also looks much nicer. Everybody has a different build and the chart cannot accommodate everybody perfectly. So always choose with comfort as your highest priority. Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Gi The market is very saturated and there is an overwhelming variety of gis to choose from, so we need to discuss a few more things worth considering. The most important characteristic of a BJJ gi besides the size is its weave pattern. If you don’t know what does this means the easiest way to look at it is that weave equals appearance. The type of weave also often signifies the weight of the gi.   The lightest one is made in a single weave. This is the simplest weave and the fabric looks smooth and flat. This weave is great for hot weather, but if you intend to roll every day it will most likely not endure for too long.  The Pearl weave is by far the most used fabric for BJJ gis. It strikes the perfect balance between weight and durability.  The gold weave is preferred by some practitioners because it’s lightweight, but also durable. The big drawback of gold weave is that it tends to shrink a lot. A double weave gi is made like the single, but with twice the amount of threads used. This makes the fabric extremely strong, but also heavier, more restrictive, and more expensive. The heavier gi also prevents the opponent from securing a tighter grip. There are more types of weave, like the crystal weave and honeycomb weave, but they are less popular, which does not mean that they are worse.  It’s All Personal Preference Finding the right gi presents some unique challenges. If you ask the more experienced guys in your gym you will get contradicting opinions that may confuse you even further. After all there is no “better” weight or weave. It’s all up to you to find the one you feel and perform the best in. This may take a couple of tries, but we hope this guide made it easier for you to navigate the different size charts and material specifications.

The belts are an inseparable part of traditional martial arts, symbolizing rank, knowledge, and progression within the art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no different and even before the first time you step on the mats, you will need to learn how to tie the jiu-jitsu belt. BJJ originated from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and as such is most often practiced in a specific uniform called a gi, quite similar to other martial arts styles like judo, karate, and taekwondo. Aside from its deep symbolism, the belt has a very important purely utilitarian purpose-to hold the gi’s jacket together. Learning how to tie a BJJ belt properly is a lesson you will carry through your entire jiu-jitsu journey, so it’s a good time investment to learn to do it properly.  There is no single correct way of doing the knot, but from the several different methods, there are 3 that are by far the most common. In this article, we will take you through the traditional way, the karate way, and the Unbreakable BJJ knot. The Symbolism Of Jiu-jitsu Belts Traditional marts arts all have a belt system that shows the rank of the wearer. Each time a practitioner is promoted he gets a new color belt that signifies his accent in the rankings. This practice brings a more easily measurable feeling of progress alongside all the physical and mental benefits gained through martial arts practices. BJJ doesn’t mess around with its ranking and it’s one of the strictest systems. There are only five different belt colors in BJJ- white, blue, purple, brown, and black. This means each promotion comes after dedicating an immense amount of time and hard work. You will never see a kid wearing a black belt in jiu-jitsu, unlike many karate and taekwondo schools.  Some schools have introduced stripes that signify the progress towards the next level, but even with them getting from one color to another is a big deal. Earning and wearing а higher grade belts means you possess certain skills, knowledge, and understanding and have spent the necessary time on the mats to acquire them.    Tradition and hierarchy are held in very high regard in jiu-jitsu. The gi must be worn with dignity, pride, and respect. Tying your belt correctly is one part of this tradition.  Here is a step-by-step guide of the 3 most popular variations to do it. How To Tie A Jiu Jitsu Belt Standard variation- This is the most popular way to tie your belt and most likely the first one you will learn if you just started BJJ. The pros of this method are that it's very quick to do and it’s easy to learn. Even kids don’t have a hard time with this technique. On the flip side, there will always be an overlap on the backside, which is not the best aesthetically speaking. Here is how to tie using the standard variation- Find the middle of the belt and fold it in half. Place the middle of the belt in the center of your belly your center point, right below the belly button. Come around the back with both tails and cross them over to the front. Extend both tails forward to tighten the belt. Feed the right side under all the layers of the belt coming in from the bottom and coming out on top. Tie a tight knot with the two tails putting over the high tail over the low one. Karate variation- The gi is the standard uniform for all Japanese martial arts, so it’s only natural that they also use belts to hold the jacket. One difference is that striking martial arts like karate don’t put the same stress on the gi as in grappling, so the belt stays secure even with a looser knot. This does not mean that karate guys can’t tie their belts properly. One of the most popular knots in BJJ comes from karate and is preferred by many because of its neat looks. With this method, you will have no overlap on the back typical for the standard method. This is how you do it. Take one tip of the belt and place it halfway on your back. Depending on the length of the belt this may come only to the lapel of the gi. Take the other end and wrap the belt around your body twice tightly overlapping it. Tuck the tail that is left in front under all others from the bottom and out through the top. This is the high tail. Take out the inner tail that you started with (the 3rd inner layer). Both tails should be equal at this point. If not adjust accordingly. Tie a knot with the higher tail going over and under the lower tail. Now pull the belt tight. The Unbreakable BJJ knot- You will likely want to learn this method even before you’ve seen it just because of its name. Also known as the superlock, this is the most secure way to tie a belt and forget about it during practice, sparring or competition. The first few steps are the same as the traditional way. In fact, you can also use the karate method up to step 5. The finishing details are where this method shines. Find the middle of the belt and fold it in half. Place the middle of the belt on your lower belly below the belly button Cross over both parts through your back before they come in front. Ensure the length is equal Put the right side underneath all layers and pull it out on top Take the lower tail and put it under the top layer, but only partially.   Put the other tail through the loop created in step 5 and underneath the top layer on the other side.  Pull both ends tight There are more ways to tie a BJJ belt and the best one is that it’s most comfortable to you. But whatever method you use you mustn’t worry about your belt getting loose and focus on the important stuff - improving your skills.

If you are searching for learning Jiu-Jitsu near me, you need to at least consider the responsibilities (and risks) that come with it.  Jiu-Jitsu as a martial art is a great way to get in shape, learn self-defense, and even be part of a growing community.  However, there are also some risks associated with the sport that you should be aware of before starting your journey. One such risk is back pain! If you want to protect your back while doing jiu-jitsu then we recommend adding yoga and cross-training into the equation!  These two practices will help strengthen your core muscles which can reduce injury in your lower back and neck. We'll go through more on this topic below: Can You Train Jiu-Jitsu And NOT Injure Your Back? The short answer is YES! You can absolutely learn jiu-jitsu near me and still maintain a strong, healthy back that will carry yours through your jiu-jitsu journey for the years to come. When you learn jiu-jitsu, your back gets stronger! However, most people don't understand how quickly this can happen. It's important to note that we're not talking about a significant amount of time here; typically only two months is needed for your back to go from a weakened state to a stronger version with consistent training, good stretching, and cross-training.   Two months is a very short amount of time, and since jiu-jitsu classes are so social, it's easy to get great advice from your fellow students as well. Ask them what they do on their off days or when they have pain in certain areas! This will allow you the opportunity to learn more about common training problems for people as well as making new friends at your local jiu-jitsu classes. Remember, the key here is to make cross-training and yoga an essential part of your jiu-jitsu training.  Why Jiu-Jitsu Athletes Need Yoga And Cross-Training? This one is easy! The more you train the better shape you'll be in, right? Well, that's not always true when it comes to doing jiu-jitsu.  You see, jiu-jitsu can put a lot of stress on your back, specifically your cervical spine area in the upper back as well as the lower lumbar area of your back. If you come straight off your couch at 40 years old with little physical activity in your daily life, you may find yourself injured very fast without proper stretching and strengthening. A good cross-training program that incorporates a series of movements designed to strengthen your whole body is key to ensuring your body can adapt to your new movement cycles found in jiu-jitsu. 4 Easy Ways To Incorporate Yoga and Cross-Training with Jiu-Jitsu For FREE There is no need to overdo it here. You don't need to enroll in Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga, and Crossfit all at once. Not only would you likely not have the time for all three schools, but you would also be spending a small fortune on that much training. Instead, you have several options to incorporate all of these for little to no additional costs. Let's look at some options below: Use Your Local Jiu-Jitsu gym to take yoga classes and use the gym equipment. Often good schools will offer some additional classes to help you out, sometimes at no additional costs. Free YouTube videos with yoga and DIY at-home strength training. You would be surprised at the excellent workout you can get at home for free with the help of endless content on YouTube. Something like this is an excellent place to start. Network with other jiu-jitsu classmates on their go-to warmups, stretches and classes they recommend to level up their jiu-jitsu journey. Get the most out of your pre and post-class stretches and warmups/cooldowns. You are already in class and ready to learn, while the younger students may not take the warmup too seriously, this is a prime time to heed the advice and leadership from the experienced jiu-jitsu coaches and follow their guidance with the warmup exercises and stretching. Our coaches here at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu have been learning to keep their bodies in excellent condition to facilitate learning jiu-jitsu for many, many years. Click here to speak with a GBJJ staff member today! Yoga and Jiu-Jitsu For Back Strength and Improved Flexibility In a recent survey, it was found that jiu-jitsu athletes were prone to lower back and neck injuries. This is because the sport of jiu-jitsu uses your core muscles quite often so it's important to be strong in these areas! To protect yourself from injury we recommend adding yoga into this equation as well. Yoga will not only help build up your core strength but also improve your flexibility.  Increased core strength and improved flexibility are a recipe for a much more enjoyable experience when learning jiu-jitsu near me. Stretching Before and After Jiu-Jitsu Before and after each jiu-jitsu class it's important to stretch your muscles. If you don't, you could be putting yourself at risk for injury in the long run!  Make sure to take time before and after class to do some light yoga stretches or other exercises that are focusing on your back, neck, and hips. Jiu-Jitsu and Our Aging Bodies As you get older, your body becomes stiffer and less flexible. You will start to notice that injuries happen more often in certain areas of your body than when you were younger.  Make sure to take extra care with the back, neck, and hips while learning jiu-jitsu. These areas are particularly vulnerable to injury as you age. For example, if a person does jiu-jitsu and doesn't strengthen their back muscles, they will be more likely to suffer from a herniated disk or even worse, an injured neck when rolling during class.  When paired with yoga and other cross-training exercises before starting Jiu-Jitsu, you are greatly increasing your odds to have an enjoyable jiu-jitsu learning experience without the frustration of an injury. Final Thought Remember, your class might have several younger, 20-somethings that wrestled in high school and have the energy and strength to roll for days without any injuries. For us over 40 on the other hand, we need to be a bit more tactical in our approach to a long and healthy jiu-jitsu learning career.

A Guide to Learn Jiu Jitsu at Home and Improve Do you want to learn more about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Do you have the opportunity to train at a gym, but maybe you are considering learning or improving your jiu-jitsu skills from home? You can certainly learn jiu jitsu at home, or at least the basics. There's still no substitute for the experience on the mat! This blog post will provide tips for improving and learning BJJ from the comfort of your home. There are many things to consider when deciding how to go about this process, and it may seem overwhelming at first. However, once you have the basics down, learning from home is actually pretty simple and straightforward. If you are interested in learning more about training jiu jitsu from home, you are in the right spot! What Are The Benefits Of Learning Jiu Jitsu At Home? There are a number of reasons people choose to learn anything from home, whether that be college classes, arts and crafts, or even a martial art like jiu jitsu. Let's face it, we live in changing times. Many people have demanding schedules that don't offer a time slot that matches your local jiu jitsu school's class schedule, or maybe you are an immuno-compromised individual and would rather learn from the safety of your home. Heck, maybe you are just flat out nervous about starting and would like to “dip your toes” into jiu jitsu from home before committing to an in-person routine. Fortunately, in today's ever-evolving classroom settings, we now have access to technology in the palm of our hands that connects us to what we want to learn at any given time. Martial arts is a popular way to get in shape and learn self defense that truly works in real life encounters like with BJJ. The internet offers an excellent opportunity for people who are too busy, too nervous, or live too far away from martial arts school to take in-person classes. Many online programs offer video, audio, and text instructions which can be accessed anywhere at any time. Online students also have the benefit of staying connected with classmates through social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. The benefits of learning martial arts online include: convenience (you can study from your home), flexibility (can work on lessons when it's convenient for you), affordability (online courses are often cheaper than traditional ones). What Equipment Will You Need To Learn BJJ At Home? There is no getting around it, almost every new hobby, skill, or course of instruction usually involves some sort of initial investment in supplies, books, clothing or equipment. Fortunately, with Jiu Jitsu, the most important piece of equipment you will need is FREE! And that piece of free equipment is an open-mind and discipline to keep showing up each day. Now, with that said, there are a few things that you may want to invest in to make training jiu jitsu at home a bit easier. Here is a short list of items along with a brief description of why they are suggested: A Space To Train: This can be as simple as an open area on your living room floor, a cleared out space in the garage, or even your backyard! However, no matter what area you choose, just make sure you have a dedicated place you can train. For a size reference, you will generally need about 8-10ft by 8-10ft radius. This will give you enough room to roll, move and practice as you would have at an in-person BJJ class. A Computer, Smart TV, Tablet or Phone: You can't train jiu jitsu from home if you don't have the means to access the digital content. Fortunately, most everyone has some sort of access to a smart device and can access their BJJ training 24/7. Gym Mat or Floor Mat: A small gym mat or padded floor mat will make life a lot easier when learning jiu jitsu. Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art, essentially, you're learning to control another individual on the ground. Additionally, there are a number of moves that require the student to safely and effectively fall to the ground as well as various takedowns to practice. Having a good floor mat to provide a little cushion between the students body and the floor is a big help. Gi for Bjj, Spats, and Rashguards: Now, these aren't required, BUT, if you're serious about learning BJJ, many of the moves require learning grip sequences on BJJ Gi collars or gi pants. Depending on your course of BJJ, you may also be learning what is called “No-Gi” which is learning to grapple without relying on the Gi. Having the correct training clothing for your specific BJJ program is a very helpful start to learning BJJ at home. If you don't know where to start with selecting a Gi check out our guide to the best BJJ Gi and our guide to the best BJJ rash guard. Mouthguard (If You Have A Training Partner): If you have a friend, spouse or other training partner to physically train with at your home, you will want to have a mouthguard to protect your lips, teeth and gums. In jiu jitsu, you are grappling with another adult in very close proximity, it is not uncommon for an accidental knee, elbow or head to collide with you when training. A mouthguard is a cheap investment to protect that pretty smile! How To Get Started Learning Jiu Jitsu At Home It’s never been easier to learn Jiu Jitsu at home. With the increase in technology and information available today, you can now train with a world class instructor right from your own living room! Granite Bay is excited to offer lessons for adults and kids at an affordable price that will fit any budget or schedule. So, whether you want to get some form of self-defense training or just stay in shape, we have something for everyone! Click here to find out more about how our team goes above and beyond when it comes to your learning experience with GBJJ. We hope this article gives you all the info you need on learning BJJ at home - feel free to drop by, give us a call, or just click here to get started today!

Over the years, Jiu Jitsu has gained in popularity, so much so that the traditional forms of Jiu Jitsu have been revised somewhat to create a more competitive style of Jiu Jitsu. Combat Jiu Jitsu is a mix between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).  If this sounds like something you are interested in but you don't yet know enough to sign up to classes, well, you're in the right place. This beginner's guide to Combat Jiu Jitsu tells you everything you need to get started in this exciting sport!  What Is Combat Jiu Jitsu?  BJJ is a calm sport. Yes, it's full contact, but open palm strikes are not permitted. In relation to other full-contact sports, it's a lot more tame, focussing on technique, precision, and poise, rather than force.  And that's how Jiu Jitsu remained for many years. That is, until Eddie Bravo became a household name within the sport. He is an athlete that bridges the gap between MMA and BJJ, and thus a new form of Jiu Jitsu was born to accommodate his style: Combat Jiu Jitsu.  Combat Jiu Jitsu takes all the skills required of BJJ and adds in more contact. Open palm strikes are common in Combat Jiu Jitsu, and thus the traditionally calm BJJ became a little less calm.  This exciting, relatively new form of Jiu Jitsu is becoming more and more popular, because it is focussed on real-life self-defense - teaching those who practice Combat Jiu Jitsu techniques that will help them in a real-life fight should they find themselves in a position where they need to defend themselves.  What Are The Rules Of Combat? Below is a complete list of the rules of Combat Jiu Jitsu, so you know what a fight would look like in practice:  A match lasts for 10 minutes, with overtime if necessary. Open palm strikesareallowed, butonlywhen competitors are on the ground. Strikes are forbidden when both competitors are standing. Open palm strikes are allowed to the face or body of your opponent. A competitor is considered to be 'downed' when their knees or buttocks hit the floor. Combat Jiu Jitsu is designed to be in constant action, so if after 1 minute there have been no takedowns to allow open palm strikes, then the referee will intervene and implement the 'get down' rule. A coin will be flipped, and the winner decides if they will be on top in the butterfly guard or on bottom. Competitors are allowed to be in the purgatory position for 30 seconds over the course of the entire match. This is when one competitor is standing whilst the other is on the ground. Any time spent in this position over the 30 second limit will be added to the overtime result to prevent competitors from stalling. If a player is in full guard of their competitor, or their competitor is in a leg entanglement with them, then this is not considered purgatory. If they break guard or disengage from the leg entanglement, then they have 10 seconds to re-engage before the purgatory timer starts again. All submissions are allowed. Matches are won by either submission, technical knockout (TKO), or during overtime. How Is Combat Jiu Jitsu Practiced?  Combat Jiu Jitsu was first introduced to the masses during an Eddie Bravo Invitational tournament, in which the new open palm strike system was allowed on the ground.  The crowd generally received it well across the 3 fights in which it was introduced, and ever since Combat Jiu Jitsu has been seen as a legitimate form of Jiu Jitsu that aids in self defense.  It's more complicated than BJJ, because you now have to think about ways of preventing yourself from being hit too, so lots of people have felt drawn to it.  Ever since its introduction at the Eddie Bravo Invitational, Eddie Bravo has stepped away from these tournaments to focus more on the Combat Jiu Jitsu world championships.  More and more competitors are becoming involved in the sport each year, with backgrounds in both BJJ and MMA, because competitors from both camps can see the benefits of the sport.  If you're interested in seeing the fights in action, then check out some highlights from the Combat Jiu Jitsu World Championships for a look at the sport in practice.  Should You Learn Combat Jiu Jitsu?  The only person who can answer that question is you. If you want to learn more about the sport and allow yourself to pick up Combat Jiu Jitsu techniques that help you with self defense, then yes, learn it.  It's a great way to stay fit, it's an exercise of the mind and the body, and it teaches you amazing techniques such as takedowns, submission holds, and ways to strike your opponent to keep them from striking you.  The rules involved are also a great way to keep you focussed and they allow you to fight in a relatively safe manner whilst still practicing good fighting techniques.  Some people may not wish to take part in a competitive sport that involves combat, in which case BJJ may be better suited to you. One thing's for sure though, Combat Jiu Jitsu is becoming more and more popular, so if you're interested, then you should think about taking the next steps.  Next Steps If you've researched Combat Jiu Jitsu, have watched videos of the sport in practice, and feel as though it is something you would like to learn, then your next steps are simple: You need to get involved in some classes.  GBJJ can help you with a range of classes that will teach you all the latest Combat Jiu Jitsu techniques, rules, and submission holds to get you started. Learning with GBJJ can be a really transformative experience and it'll get you ready for taking Combat Jiu Jitsu as far as you wish to take it. Want to learn as a way of keeping fit whilst learning some self defense? That's fine. Want to learn the in's and out's of the sport so you can take it to competition level? GBJJ can help you with that too, so sign up for classes today!

The back mount. One of the most dominant and versatile positions in jiu jitsu. While we all may know that the back mount is a great position to seek out in a roll, oftentimes, we don't take the time to learn and understand the fundamental philosophy of back mount. Today, we are going to share 5 tips that will help you better understand the importance of back mount and level up your jiu jitsu game. Why Is Back Mount A Good Position in BJJ? With all positions in Jiu Jitsu, there are pros and cons as well as a list of sweeps, chokes and escapes that can be applied from both competitors. However, the back mount specifically is one of the more dominant positions in BJJ where the person securing the back mount has more options to control their opponent and get the tap over most any other position. Once back mount is obtained, the competitor has the ability to run a series of transitions to chokes where their opponent must solely focus on reversing the position and/or escaping. Development of your back mount game in jiu jitsu is crucial. Certainly, getting comfortable in guard is a must, but it's just as important to get a good back mount game. Let’s explore 5 tips to develop a solid jiu jitsu back mount game. 5 Tips To Develop A Solid Back Mount Game 1. Learn To Take The Back Consistently You can't develop your back mount game in jiu jitsu if you don't know how to consistently take your opponents back. So, number one is going to be getting better and learning how and when to take back mount.  While there are many ways to enter the back mount position, it's important to start with one or two simplified methods that you can focus on when rolling. Practicing just 1-2 at a time gives you the opportunity to practice your back take without having your mind race through the 500+ Ryan Hall can take. Preferably, go with two entry positions to back mount that you can practice. By picking two methods, you can have an alternate entry from another common position (like mount or side control). Just like the first time you became proficient in a trap and roll sweep, you had to learn the timing, opponent’s movement, and angles to time your sweep just right. Learning to take the back is no different, you must learn to drill the fundamental movements, and then fine-tune your back take by repeatedly trying the entry in live rolls at class. At first, your back take will not work (just like learning a sweep didn't work at first), but, with time, practice and feeling out your opponent's movements, you will start to dial-in the timing and movements to consistently take the back. So, start slow, drill it, apply it in live rolls and get good at consistently taking the back. 2. Learn To Maintain Back Mount What good is the back mount that you finally learned to take consistently if you can't maintain back control long enough to enter into a submission attempt? Control in back mount has several fundamental steps that must be met before you will be able to maintain back mount without your partner escaping at will. Start by focusing on a strong chest-to-back pressure. Once your partner feels you taking the back, they will often immediately start to turn inwards, placing their back against the ground to prevent a choke and start their own escape. By maintaining a core fundamental like strong chest-to-back pressure, you start your back mount off with good control, limiting the space for your partner to roll towards you. Even if your hooks fall out, your partner may scramble, but with solid chest-to-back pressure, you can follow your partner and maintain the backpressure. 3. Use Your Hooks It's hard to discuss back mount while not discussing your hooks. “Hooks” in jiu-jitsu are referring to the control of your opponents’ hips and legs by “hooking” their inner thighs with your feet and ankles, effectively preventing them from kicking a leg out and escaping. Traditionally, with a back mount, you will use both feet (hooks) to control your opponent's movements. Using both feet is considered a standard method, however, you can also use a single hook and use your other foot to control the upper leg of your opponent. Play with both scenarios of a single hook and double hooks, you will learn that the single-leg hook coupled with strong chest-to-back pressure is an excellent method of limiting your partner's escape ability. 4. Focus On Your Partner Oftentimes in jiu jitsu when we get to a dominant position we start focusing on how we can finish the match and get the tap. However, if you take a mental step back and focus your attention on your partner's escape attempts, it can open a whole new world of opportunities to finish the match.  We can learn a lot from allowing our partners to escape a bad position. This “cat and mouse” approach really opens up your mind to the fundamental aspects of the move and also becoming aware of the vulnerabilities where you apply it. 5. Let Your Partners Break Free From Back Mount Yes, let them break free from your back mount. Why? Because it is inevitable that your back mounts will be challenged by those you roll with and you need to learn to stop it and regain control. By slowly starting to let your opponent escape, it's an excellent opportunity to study your opponents reactions as well as finding methods to regain that back mount control. Start small with this to really level up your game. From time to time, let a hook fall out, or let your opponent start to turn towards you. By allowing this to happen and then regaining that control back, you will find your problem-solving skills in this position will increase and your overall back mount retention will really start to improve. Final Thoughts Jiu jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. You must learn to embrace the difficulties, the challenges and the confusion. By applying these small steps in your live rolls, you will start to slowly see an improvement in your back mount game as well as your overall jiu jitsu IQ.But, that's enough of us talking about jiu jitsu training, the real results are in the work. So, put a couple of these tips into action, drill to win them at every opportunity and go train!

So many people look at BJJ as a young man's or young woman's game. It may be the fact that a lot of it is fought with takedowns, and a full contact sport at an older age may seem a little daunting. But don't be fooled, BJJ is a sport for all ages, and if you're thinking of starting BJJ at 30, 40 or heck even 80, then there is room in this sport for you. Read on to find out about why BJJ is perfect for all ages. Are There Any Age Restrictions In BJJ? Absolutely not! If you're middle aged, a senior citizen, or somewhere in between, then you're still welcome to join the BJJ family. In fact, there are plenty of people picking up the sport in their 30s, 40s, 50s, all the way through to their 70s and 80s, and probably even older people that haven't been identified just yet. There are certain safety considerations that will need to be made, of course, but these are considerations to be made by you as a potential competitor within BJJ. No instructors or trainers will turn you away from BJJ classes because of your age. In fact, GBJJ is renowned for their ability to work with anybody at any age, so if you are looking for a place to start, check out our classes here. But you'll see more about that later. For now, let's focus on why you should think about practicing BJJ later in life! What Are The Benefits Of Learning BJJ Later In Life? First off, BJJ has some amazing physical health benefits, especially within the aerobic department. Hip mobility is something that decreases naturally as you get older, but BJJ focuses on moving the hips with some common techniques, and this will help you improve your hip function in everyday life too. Your grip is also strengthened in BJJ because of some of the holds and stances that you learn. In fact, our cells in our bodies age slower when we are involved in intense physical activity. BJJ certainly counts as that, so it will help your whole body age at a slower rate. As BJJ engages muscles across your entire body, you get these benefits everywhere. Not only will you feel great and look great, but BJJ can physically slow down the aging process too! BJJ for Mental Health Another key benefit is that your mental health improves, as well as your physical health. Practicing something as demanding as BJJ later in life helps you to remain focused and drives you to work towards certain goals. This is really rewarding for your mental health. As you achieve more by becoming stronger and fitter throughout your training, you'll feel much better in every walk of life too! Your mental health also improves because of the community within BJJ. A full contact sport such as this requires other people, so you'll naturally form connections with those you train with and compete against. Jiu Jitsu for seniors is especially important, because loneliness is something that a lot of senior citizens battle each day. With BJJ, you'll form new friendships and connections, and you'll be seeing them regularly as you train. One more benefit of practicing BJJ later in life is that you will be actively fighting against certain diseases and illnesses that are associated with older people. Things such as heart disease, arthritis, loss of muscle mass, and high blood pressure can all be addressed through regular physical activity. Given that BJJ is a full-body workout, you'll be giving yourself the best chance to avoid these illnesses and diseases that might otherwise impact upon your life. Finally, BJJ affects your metabolism too. Senior citizens have less effective metabolisms than younger people, it's a natural process that happens as you age. But there are things that can be done to improve your metabolism, which will, in turn, make you lose weight and burn calories much quicker. The best way to do this is through physical exercise. BJJ is an excellent form of exercise, so it improves your metabolism, making you fitter and healthier. Are There Any Drawbacks? There are some drawbacks associated with BJJ. The main one for seniors who are practicing BJJ is that you rarely get to choose your partner. That means a 60, 70, or 80-year-old may well be facing off against a 20, 30, or 40-year-old. Fortunately, if you're not competing, you can just communicate to your rolling partner in class if you have any pains, sore areas or any other aspect you want your partner to be cautious of. This in itself isn't a problem if you're physically fit and are able to keep up with your competitors, but it can become a little overwhelming at first. But remember, within BJJ you should always be able to say no. If you don't feel comfortable facing off against a much younger person just yet, then say so. Any BJJ instructor worth their salt will understand and support you in that decision. Another drawback is that if you're joining later in life, there may be others who have been practicing for years and are much stronger competitors as a result. Again, this shouldn't phase you. Everybody has to start somewhere, so as long as you go in prepared to see people who are excellent at BJJ, then you will be fine. And remember, practice makes perfect, so maybe one day you'll be as great as those who have been training for years too! Safety Considerations This section is all about you, and knowing what your capabilities are. BJJ is a full contact sport, and it requires lots of flexibility and mobility. While practicing BJJ will improve this, you require a certain base level. If you know that moving is a struggle for you, and you have no room for flexibility because of a medical condition, then think about whether a full contact sport such as BJJ is right for you. Consider whether you can realistically practice BJJ each week without causing yourself too many injuries. Yes, you'll naturally feel a little bruised after your first couple of sessions, but if you know that you're not in a position to train frequently to improve your stamina and physical health, then again, you need to think about whether BJJ is a safe sport for you. Having said that, if you feel physically capable and want to join in with BJJ, then be confident in the knowledge that any BJJ instructor would be lucky to have you join them. Signing Up For Classes Finally, if you're looking for classes that offer Jiu Jitsu for everyone, at any stage in life, then you should check our classes here at GBJJ.The c lasses offered here are suitable for beginners and experts alike, no matter your age. So if you're serious about BJJ and you want to improve your health and fitness under the guidance of understanding and professional instructors, then head over to GBJJ's classes page and sign up for a FREE week today!

Your Gi, as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu participant, is one of the most important pieces of kit that you'll need. Take a look at any tips or rules for BJJ and you'll see that presentation and pride in your appearance is crucial. So, let’s check out the best BJJ Gi’s for 2021. That's why you need to make sure that you are wearing a Gi that looks the part. But away from that, you also need a Gi that is comfortable to wear so that you can perform at your best.  That's why finding the best Gi for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is so important. Here's a list of the best Gi for BJJ in 2021, with the top recommendation appearing last. Best Women's Gi in 2021 Some Gi's are designed with women in mind to fit their particular shape. If purchasing one that fits your body specifically is important to you, then you can find the best women's Gi here. Just bear in mind that Gi's aren't traditionally designed with men or women in mind, and some of the best Gi's on the market in 2021 are actually designed for both men and women. Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi (Womens) This Gi is still very impressive. It's known as an Aeroweave Gi because of its ultra lightweight material. This comes in handy when practicing BJJ because it allows for freer movement and it's much more comfortable to wear when you're working up a sweat.  >> Read real reviews about Gold BJJ Gi (Women's) on Amazon << It's also incredibly durable too because of it's reinforced stitching, and Gold even says that if it gets ripped, they'll replace it for free. As far as the best women's Gi goes, there's few that even come close to this one. Pros - Aeroweave, ultra lightweight material - Durable reinforced stitches - Clean design (which has been IBJJF approved for competitions) - Designed and refined by women who practice Jiu Jitsu - One-year guarantee Cons - Reinforced collar may _look _great, but some women complain of it becoming uncomfortable - Sizing chart can be misleading and some women struggle with finding the right size for them Comfort For comfort, this womens Gi scores highly. Some women complain about the reinforced collar being uncomfortable, which is understandable. There isn't really a way to fix this either as they have designed the collar that way to ensure wearers are always presentable at a competition standard. If you're just looking for a Gi as a BJJ enthusiast rather than competitive athlete, then this might not be the best for you. >> Check the latest pricing for Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi (Womens) on Amazon << Why It Works For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu It's competition approved if you want to take BJJ that far, and it's incredibly durable and backed by a one-year guarantee. The lightweight material makes for a comfortable training session too without risk of you becoming too hot. Best Mens Gi Again, some people prefer a Gi that is specifically designed for a man. This isn't necessary, but if you prefer that, then you can find the best mens Gi here. Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi (Mens) It's no surprise that Gold also produces the best mens Gi as well as the womens. There isn't much difference here in terms of the durability and style, just in the way it is designed to fit the body. Men may find this more comfortable as a result. It is, however, known as a Gold Weave Gi rather than an Aeroweave, and it is certainly not as lightweight as the womens Gi. It is still incredibly durable though. >> Read real reviews about Gold BJJ Gi (men) on Amazon << Pros - IBJJF competition approved - Gold Weave Gi that's medium weight and durable - Stylish design - Reinforced material >> Check the latest pricing for Gold BJJ Gi (men) on Amazon << Cons - Medium weight so isn't the lightest, which can cause discomfort during a hard training session - Collar is again, uncomfortable for some Comfort The comfort of this one comes down to personal preference. If you're somebody who prefers a lightweight Gi, then there are certainly more options available to you that may suit you more. If you like something a little more robust though, then you'll find this to be very comfortable and very durable. Why It Works For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu It's great for those looking to take BJJ to competition levels, because it's approved and it really looks the part. It is comfortable for those who like robust Gi's, and the reinforced material will mean you can train hard with confidence. Best Gi For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Overall 2021 Not everybody feels the need to have a Gi that is designed specifically for men or women. Some believe that BJJ is a sport where all are equal, and thus any well made Gi is good enough for both men and women so long as it is comfortable, practical, and properly presentable. As such, here is the best Gi for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2021, no matter your gender. You can find it here [https://live-gbjja.pantheonsite.io/products/adult-uniform-gi] . Charles Gracie Uniforms bjj uniform (gi) - granite bay jiu-jitsu This Charles Gracie BJJ Gi is the best overall Gi on the market today. It's well made, fits any size and shape perfectly thanks to the handy sizing chart available on the website, and it is incredibly durable and lightweight. You'll struggle to find another Gi that is as well presented, comfortable, and practical to wear on the mats when you're practicing or competing in BJJ. Pros - Meets competition standards - Designed to fit perfectly to meet all requirements of a traditional Gi - Lightweight, yet durable - Clean design - Logo of the Charles Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy is prominent but stylish - Most professional option of all Gi's looked at today Cons - May not be necessary for amateur BJJ enthusiasts to own something of this quality and professional standard, although it is always good practice to do so, especially for the price Comfort You won't find a Gi that is more comfortable than this. They are made of a lightweight, breathable, yet durable material that means you can use your body to the best of your ability without being restricted in any way. >> Order an Authenticate Charles Gracie BJJ Gi << Why It Works For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu The Charles Gracie Gi's have been designed to fit your body perfectly. They meet competition standards, which means they are the perfect fit to practice BJJ in and perform at your best. Rules regarding the length of the sleeves, top, and pants have all been respected, so you can be confident that this Gi is perfect for BJJ. The Verdict You need your Gi to look and feel professional if you are somebody who takes BJJ seriously. As a sport with such prestige and history, it makes sense to purchase a Gi that is the best, and in 2021, there are no Gi's better than the Charles Gracie offering above, no matter your gender. As an Amazon Associate, our Non-Profit earns a small commission from qualifying purchases to fund scholarships for training.

Being awarded a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a major accomplishment. Someone who earns a black belt has demonstrated prowess on the mats, but there is more to a black belt than martial ability. Black belts should embody a high standard of personal behavior both on and off the mats. They should be ethical, humble, and honorable. After all, a person who has earned a black belt is going to be considered a representative of the sport no matter where they go in life. The opinions of their families, friends, and work colleagues about the art of jiu jitsu will be influenced by how the black belt behaves at work, at home, and in public.             That is all true, but it is also very abstract. What are the specific skills that it takes to earn a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu? What kind of jiu jitsu training is needed to become a black belt? What specific accomplishments must a black belt meet to earn this high honor? What does it take to master this art? The Skills of the Black Belt A black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is someone who has spent a great deal of time and energy mastering this complex martial art. In fact, the average black belt has spent a decade or more honing their skills, competing, learning, and teaching. This dedication to the art helps the black belt hone their capabilities to a level of expertise that can only come with dedication and consistent practice. What are some of the specific skills of a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu? Teaching             Is teaching really a skill that black belts need? It absolutely is. A black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is not just a master of the physical art, they are also capable of conveying their knowledge to others. The role of the black belt as a teacher is so important that in some BJJ academies black belts are referred to as “Professor.” Black belts must be humble enough to continue learning but skilful enough to pass their knowledge on to others. Planning             The long-term training and practice of the black belt gives them the ability to plan ahead. If you are fighting a black belt, chances are they are thinking much further into the combat than you are. Many students can relate to the sensation of believing that they have a fight planned out, only to find themselves baited into a mistake and quickly defeated. It is safe to assume that the average black belt is thinking several steps ahead of less advanced competitors. You may have a plan when you’re fighting a black belt, but chances are the black belt has a plan too - and they’ll impose it on you before you realize what’s happened. Energy use             Anybody who works out can tell you that rationing your energy is important. Even a simple jogger will know that beginning a run with a burst of speed is going to blast through their biofuel quicker than a more measured pace would. Similarly, a black belt has mastered the art of conserving their energy. They possess an air of calm and relaxation, and are able to conserve their energy until a more critical point in a match has been reached - whereupon they can use their stored energy to quickly dominate a match. Biomechanics             Black belts have a broad swathe of experience in fighting to draw upon when in a match. Years of dedicated practice have helped them learn to master their body positioning to maximize their effectiveness. A black belt knows how to move their body just right to gain leverage over their opponent and wrestle them into submission with minimal effort. Something as simple as moving one’s limbs or body a few inches one way or another can change the balance of the match in favor of the black belt. What it Takes to Earn a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Promotion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just based on technical achievements. Just because one takes jiu jitsu training and masters a new technique they are not guaranteed to get a promotion. There is much more to earning a black belt than just beating opponents. Commitment The first thing it takes to earn a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is commitment. It can take years and years to advance through the belts in jiu jitsu. One does not go from learning how to tie a jiu jitsu belt one day to becoming a black belt six months later. Those who want to earn the black belt must commit to the sport for the long haul. Perseverance Perseverance is another key trait of the black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Learning any martial art is going to come with a fair share of ups and downs, but this is especially true in jiu jitsu. A jiu jitsu fighter may feel on top of their game only to be routed by a novice fighter, or to find themself struggling with a specific sweep or grappling technique. Giving up and wandering off is not the way to become a black belt: those who earn this honor persevere even when the sport becomes demanding. Nobody ever got their black belt by quitting. Humility Finally, black belts are humble. Those who reach this level of mastery have been through a lot of matches and endured many painful learning experiences. They know that they are skilled fighters, but they also know that novices and lower-ranked competitors are on a similar path to mastery. They know the struggles of less experienced jiu jitsu fighters because they have been there themselves. They are not boastful or arrogant; rather, they maintain an air of dignity and humility that makes them a valuable resource for those who look up to and admire them. Skill             Those who earn their black belt all began with their white belt and little to no knowledge of the sport. It is through years of dedication, perseverance, and humility that one advances through the ranks in Brazilian jiu jitsu. The skills of the black belt can be taught, but only those who are willing to put in the effort and the work will ever achieve this high level of mastery. If you want to become a black belt, there is no day better than today to begin learning. Just remember to be persistent and stay humble, and someday, you could be among those who have achieved this remarkable level of mastery.

So, you are exploring self-defense options for your child and you keep hearing about Jiu Jitsu. Maybe you are wondering what jiu jitsu is and if it is even worth your child's time (and ultimately your money)? As a 5 year student of Jiu Jitsu and father of two kids who have actively been in Jiu Jitsu for the past 4 years, I can confidently tell you that Jiu Jitsu is the best martial arts program available today for your child, and I’m excited to explain why. What Is Jiu Jitsu? Jiu Jitsu is a grappling martial art with roots in Japan and Brazil. You may have heard it referred to as “Brazillian Jiu Jitsu” or just “jiu Jitsu”. In jiu jitsu, a person learns how to control another person using leverage, skill and very little strength where they can ultimately end a physical conflict with a submission. Jiu Jitsu was introduced to America in the early 1990’s and since its debut, it has become the premier martial art for adults and children alike. Why? Because it works, that's why. Why is Jiu Jitsu the Best Martial Arts For Protecting Your Kids? If you have been looking for martial arts programs for your child lately, you may be in a bit of sticker shock at the price of any martial art, let alone jiu jitsu. When you start spending upwards of $150-$200 a month, understandably, you want real results. Because of this, you do not want to enroll your child into a martial arts program just to learn that it's not something that could work in a real life scenario your child could become faced with. Remember, there's an old saying that applies to life (and jiu jitsu),  and it is “Cheap training isn't good, and good training isn't cheap”. So, let’s explore why jiu jitsu is not only worth the investment, but also a tool to equip your child with that will set them up for success in personal defense encounters, and life in general. Having Fun and Getting Fit One of the best parts about jiu jitsu is that kids just love it! It’s in their nature to roll around and wrestle with each other. You will see kids from all walks of life and in all socio-economic backgrounds laughing together, training together, and just having fun! When your child starts to grapple, there just isn't a way to do it without using a lot of physical strength, especially when you are new and not sure how to handle it. Your child will use lots of core strength, and overall, receive a full body workout each day in class, but don't tell them that, they are just having a bunch of sweaty fun. It’s A Practical Martial Art for Real World Encounters When jiu jitsu arrived in the US in the early 1990’s, no one knew what it was, but everyone quickly learned that jiu jitsu was the reigning king of martial arts when it was introduced in the very first UFC. The beauty of the first UFC events whas how it was arranged. Any fighter of any martial art discipline could compete and settle the debate of which martial art was the best. Well, the results are in, you cant even consider being a martial arts competitor (or even defend yourself) these days without knowing how to grapple. If you have ever been into a traditional martial arts studio, you may have noticed kids breaking boards, or maybe practicing kicks and punches from a standing position. But did you know, that the overwhelming majority of fights are taken to the ground within seconds, it's very rare two people fighting just stand there and trade blows. If your child has only practiced reciting kids karate kicks and punches, they may find themselves panicking the moment they are taken to the ground and not equipped to deal with this encounter. Kids Jiu Jitsu vs Kids Karate While karate schools do a good job of teaching kids moves, it's just not safe for kids to practice karate at full speed and strength in class each day. Kids would be getting concussions and other injuries from daily karate matches, even if they used pads and gloves, it's just not safe. On the other hand, Jiu Jitsu is the only martial arts program where each day your child will get to use what they learned in actual grappling matches where other kids are using all their strength against them. Injuries in jiu jitsu for kids are extremely low and rare. Because jiu jitsu is grappling on the ground, your child will not be punched or kicked while practicing at full speed. Once a child has a submission locked in, the other child taps either verbally or with their hand and the match is over, they “slap and bump” their hands and do it again. At first, your child may be let down when all of the other kids in their jiu jitsu class can “beat them”. But, your child's confidence will quickly spike the day a new kid comes into class and your child is able to control and submit them, and it only gets better from there. That's when they start to realize the power of jiu jitsu (and so will you). Real Confidence and Real Results Have you ever noticed in many traditional martial arts schools how there are so many children of all ages wearing black belts? A black belt is a designation that a martial arts student has spent an enormous amount of time learning, drilling and applying a martial art, and has reached a level recognized internationally as a competent practitioner. You will never see a child black belt in jiu jitsu, not because they aren't good, it's because the black belt is reserved for those that have been training jiu jitsu for MANY years, often over 10-15 years. Giving your child a black belt after two years of training in any martial art, is a good way to provide false confidence that they can deal with any physical altercation. It might be fun to punch and break a flimsy board as often seen in karate for kids, but it won't help you in real life, and any confidence gained from that will quickly deflate the moment a single punch or kick doesn't work in the real world.  Once your child leaves the jiu jitsu mats after months and years of training, they will enter the real world with real confidence as they have already put in the sweat equity and seen the results. You can't put a price on giving a child real confidence. Get Comfortable With The Uncomfortable Life is tough, there is no getting around it. You may be able to shield your child from danger for the first few years, but once they enter their middle school years (and beyond), they are in a position where they can't call on mom and dad for an immediate intervention, they need the tools now that empower them to take charge and control a bad situation whenever it arises.  One of the best parts of jiu jitsu is learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. What does that mean? Well, jiu jitsu is almost like a metaphor for life, when weak minded people get into tough (or uncomfortable) situations, they may panic or just lack the tools needed to deal with a bad situation. Because Jiu Jitsu requires intense physical grappling on a daily basis in class, it teaches the students to learn to think when even in the most uncomfortable situations. Fortunately, this skill carries with your child throughout life. If you can learn to think clearly, strategize and problem solve when you are drenched in sweat with the weight of another human on top of you (who is actively trying to submit you), you can then take those same skills into any scenario in life and apply them. Does that mean your child will try to take their teacher down to the ground and choke them? Nope, but it does mean that the same child when faced with a bad situation, will have the mental fortitude to relax, think, and problem solve without losing their cool, panicking, or making a poor choice out of fear. How To Get Started With Jiu Jitsu Hopefully this was helpful in pointing out a few of the many ways jiu jitsu will change your child's life for the better and why jiu jitsu is better than any other martial arts for your child. Contact Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu today and change your child's life for the better with a Free week of Jiu Jitsu Training!

Martial arts are an excellent form of physical and mental exercise. Practicing martial arts is a great way to build physical strength and stamina while simultaneously building mental discipline, focus, and confidence. Two highly popular forms of this practice are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay thai. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu             Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a combat art that is focused on grappling and bringing your opponent to the ground. Rather than focus on strike-based combat like kicking or punching, BJJ is based on the idea that one can gain a dominant position over their opponent through use of joint locks, choke holds, and the use of leverage and body mass to redirect an opponent’s motion. Rather than pummeling an opponent into submission, a BJJ practitioner focuses on ground fighting. Once an opponent has been taken to ground with a tackle or a sweep, the BJJ fighter will grapple with them until the opponent is physically restrained and has no option but to surrender or submit. Unique Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu The first benefit of learning jiu jitsu is that it is a reliable form of real-world combat art. When you learn jiu jitsu, you will begin by learning the basic maneuvers such as guards, full mounts, and side mounts. These techniques are potentially useful in the unlikely event that you ever find yourself in a real fight. Many physical altercations end on the ground, where opponents end up grappling for a dominant position. This is the main crux of BJJ! Someone skilled in jiu jitsu has an excellent chance of grappling an opponent, even a larger opponent, to the ground and into submission. Apart from learning applicable combat skills, BJJ is a phenomenal physical workout. When you take jiu jitsu classes, you will spend your time practicing combat techniques with other students. These techniques provide an excellent physical workout, and because they focus on real motions, they work muscle groups that traditional workouts may miss. Not only will you get a great muscle workout when you learn jiu jitsu, you will also get a solid cardio workout. This combination makes BJJ one of the best ways to get exercise and to learn applicable fighting techniques. Muay Thai             While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art, Muay Thai focuses more on striking your opponents. It is sometimes referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” as it focuses on using all available body surfaces to strike one’s opponent, not just one’s fists or feet. A Muay Thai fighter will use their fists plus elbows, knees, and shins to strike at their opponent. Traditional fist-punching motions such as jabs and haymakers are used in Muay Thai but tend not to be the main focus of the combat, as these actions may leave a combatant open to a counterstrike from their opponent’s knees, elbows, or feet. Muay Thai fighters use their elbows extensively during combat. Elbow strikes, blocks, thrusts, and slashes can be devastatingly effective, especially at close range. Use of the elbow often incorporates use of the shoulders and hips to bring more rotational force into the strike; indeed, elbow strikes are considered one of the more dangerous moves in Muay Thai. They do, however, leave fighters open to knee strikes or foot strikes that can push them off-balance. Unique Benefits of Muay Thai             Muay Thai is a form of fighting that is designed to be straightforward and effective. Learning Muay Thai is a fantastic way to get in shape. Training for Muay Thai is an intensive process that involves cardio exercise as well as strength-building and a focus on body mechanics and coordination. This mixed training helps you burn fat and build strength. Not only is Muay Thai good for your body, it is good for your mind. Muay Thai training can be highly demanding physically, and it requires a certain degree of mental toughness to push one’s body in the way that Muay Thai training does. When you decide to learn Muay Thai, you can expect to be challenged in new ways that will benefit you both in terms of your physical and mental health. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay thai: Benefits of Combined Training             BJJ and Muay Thai are very different combat arts. As we’ve learned, one focuses on grappling and ground combat while the other focuses on standing strikes with the hands, knees, elbows, shins, and feet. Doesn’t this difference make it hard to train both?             On the contrary! Because these arts are so different from one another, they complement each other perfectly. For instance, if one was trying to learn Muay Thai and Taekwondo, it would be easy to mistakenly mix forms or strikes, or to make other mistakes. Similar errors could be made if one was to mix BJJ training with another martial art. Braziliain Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai are a perfect training combination whether you are looking to become a well-rounded MMA fighter or just seeking physical conditioning and the capability to defend yourself. Muay Thai, a standing and striking sport designed to bring an opponent to the ground, combines perfectly with jiu jitsu: one could knock an attacker to the ground and grapple them into submission with little difficulty.But couldn’t you just use BJJ to defend yourself? Does Muay Thai add value to your self defense? The answer is that Muay Thai absolutely complements BJJ. When you learn jiu jitsu, you learn grappling and domination techniques, but you don’t really learn anything about taking or delivering strikes. You might be an expert at grappling someone into a hold, but that does you little good when they punch you in the face. On the other hand, learning Muay Thai will teach you how to effectively block strikes as well as how to deliver them effectively to bring an opponent to ground - which is where your BJJ skills will come into play. Indeed, it seems that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai are perfect complements to one another. If you want to get in shape, learn to defend yourself, or even pursue MMA fighting as a hobby, learning these two martial arts together is one of the best ways you can get started.