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Choosing the right fuel for your body is a critical part of maximizing your performance on and off the mat. The team members here at GBJJ have plenty of personal nutrition favorites that they credit with helping keep them in fighting shape. Though we all have our own tastes, Naked Protein Powders are on everyone’s top ten list. Check out our 3 favorite Naked Protein Powders: Naked Mass - Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer, Naked WHEY Protein Powder, and Naked Pea Protein Powder Naked Mass - Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer Those of you who are friends and patrons of GBJJ know that we don’t recommend products on a whim, or based on the latest trends. We are serious about physical wellness, and clean living. Naked Mass - Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer ticks off all the boxes for us. Naked Mass products have absolutely nothing to hide. The Naked Mass line of Naked protein powder products contains just five simple ingredients. Yes, there are really just five simple ingredients: Pea Protein Powder Organic Rice Protein Powder Organic Maltodextrin (from gluten-free organic tapioca) Organic Coconut Sugar Organic Cacao We have talked about what is in Naked Mass - Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer so let’s talk about what isn’t in the bottle is equally important. Naked Mass - Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer contains absolutely zero artificial flavors, artificial colors, or artificial sweeteners. You won’t find any GMO ingredients, no soy, no gluten, and no dairy, which of course means, no rBGH or rBST. Naked Mass is the definition of clean weight gainer power. Speaking of clean, Naked Mass - Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer provides a clean burning source of complex carbohydrates. There are no wheat-based carbohydrates here, Naked Mass relies on gluten-free organic tapioca maltodextrin as the source of carbohydrates for an ultra-clean burn. Naked Mass protein is equally pure. Premium Naked Pea and Naked Rice protein provide the clean amino acids your body needs to maintain protein synthesis and promote steady reliable weight gain. Naked Mass - Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer doesn’t skimp on the nutrition either. Every serving contains: 50g of Protein 237g of Complex Carbs 10.3g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) 1,280 Calories Naked Mass - Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer makes the ultimate chocolate weight gainer shake. The mild flavor profile makes it easy to customize your chocolate shake or smoothie by adding your favorite fruits and other healthy ingredients to craft your own scrumptious weight-gainer shake goodness. >> Click here to check the latest prices for naked mass - chocolate vegan weight gainer on amazon << Naked Whey Protein - All Natural Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder What could be simpler than a five-ingredient product? How about a product crafted from just one high-quality ingredient? Naked WHEY Protein Powder contains just one ingredient: 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder sourced from small dairy farms in Idaho & California. The result: A non-denatured whey protein powder that delivers the essential amino acids, clean protein, and glutathione that help your body reach its full potential. The goodness doesn’t stop there. Naked WHEY Protein Powder is cold-processed. Careful cold processing helps to preserve naturally occurring growth factors and ensures that Naked protein powder products are not contaminated with chemical detergents, acid, bleach, synthetic additives, or heavy metals. Best of all Naked WHEY Protein Powder delivers serious nutrition with each serving containing: 25g of Protein 2g of Sugar 3g of Carbs 5.9g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) 120 Calories Blend Naked WHEY Protein Powder in a blender with fresh ingredients to create your custom flavors for your pre and post-workout shakes and smoothies. Even better, because Naked WHEY Protein Powder is just one simple ingredient with no additives, you can use the protein powder in your favorite baking recipes to create ultra-nutritious protein-packed versions of your favorite baked recipes. >> Click here to check the latest prices for Naked Whey Protein on amazon << Naked Pea - Vanilla Pea Protein Last but not least, Naked Pea - Vanilla Pea Protein is absolutely a GBJJ team favorite. Like the other Naked Protein powders in our top three, Naked Pea Protein Powder is a limited-ingredient product. Naked Pea - Vanilla Pea Protein contains just 3 simple ingredients: Yellow Pea Protein, Vanilla, and Organic Coconut Sugar. Naked Pea - Vanilla Pea Protein uses vegetarian & vegan pea protein isolates exclusively sourced from environmentally-friendly farms located in Canada and the United States. These superior plant-based proteins are free from GMOs, gluten, lactose, and soy making them gentle on the gut and easy to digest. Naked Pea - Vanilla Pea Protein is optimized nutrition in a convenient and tasty powder form with each serving containing: 25g of Protein 5g of Sugar 8g of Carbs 5.6g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) 140 Calories Here is the best part, Naked Pea - Vanilla Pea Protein tastes AMAZING as a vanilla naked pea protein powder shake, or mixed up into a nutrition-packed smoothie, or healthy green vitality drink. You can also help boost your body's crucial protein stores by adding a scoop of Naked Pea - Vanilla Pea Protein powder to tea, savory or sweet sauces, and any other dishes you are creating. Adding a Naked Pea - Vanilla Pea Protein powder shake or smoothie to your pre and post-workout routine will help boost performance and maximize your muscle recovery following a strenuous workout. >> Click here to check the latest prices for Naked Pea - Vanilla pea Protein on amazon << Conclusion There is certainly no shortage of protein powder shake options available on the market, but there are few crafted with the care and attention to purity as Naked Protein Powder products. The team at GBJJ has these in our daily diet favorites list for good reason. If you are serious about nutrition and performance you need these protein powders in your life. Use the links provided in each of the descriptions above to check out the latest specials and add one (or more) of these top-quality naked protein powder products to your pantry today. We guarantee that once you experience the flavor, and quality of naked protein for yourself you will never go back to the standard weight-gainer or protein powder again!

Kettlebells (KB) are extremely versatile tools. They can be used to strengthen every major muscle group in your body, as well as build stamina and endurance. With proper extreme kettlebell cardio workouts, everyone who is eager to boost their strength can build a strong, powerful, and agile body. Doing these exercises will not only enhance your performance but will be beneficial to your overall health. If you want some jiu-jitsu training, grab some kettlebells. Start doing some swings and snatches, and do it often – you’ll see amazing results! Below are some of the specific exercises you’ll love: One Arm Kettlebell Thruster The one-arm kettlebell thruster is an explosive jiu-jitsu training exercise that works the muscles of your torso, legs, and shoulders. Although the movement looks simple, you will feel challenged to maintain balance while lifting the weight. Because you can use a variable load to meet specific goals, you can use it as a strength-training exercise or a conditioning exercise. The kettlebell thruster also improves trunk and pelvic control, which translates into lower-back protection in jiu-jitsu. The steps: Stand in front of a kettlebell, then descend into a deep squat. By this time you should be ready to grip the bell with one hand. From that squat position, lift the bell to your chin level in a rack position. Keep your core tight and your elbow should be inside. Make a deep squat and as you go through your legs, punch the bell over your head. Everytime you perform squats, bring back the KB to your chin level. Keep KB tight to the body when lowering. Perform the same count on both hands. When done, slowly bring the bell back on your shoulder and then down the floor. Grappler’s Row Grappler's row is a wrestling training technique. The exercise engages the upper back, core, and hip flexors – especially when done as one continuous set. It’s also known as a proper weight training exercise that builds great strength in the back and hips. Here’s how to do it: Grab the kettle ball in one hand and extend your arm upwards. Do a full squat. Make sure to keep your back straight and your hips lower than your knees. While you’re doing this, pull the kettle ball towards your chest. Come back up and extend your arm upwards once more. Repeat the motion for as many reps as you’d like and then swap arms. Kettlebell Cossack Squats The Cossack squat is an intermediate exercise for grapplers and fighters. It is especially useful for developing single-leg strength, mobility, and control. The move works the small muscles around your hip and upper leg that become very tiring while playing guard or passing on the feet. The steps: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and the kettlebell held at the chest. Take a long step out to your left, bending both knees and leaning forward until thighs are parallel to the ground. Perform a deep left squat, turning your right toes upwards and flexing your right foot. Engage the glutes and push through the center of the heel to return to standing. Perform this on the opposite side. One Arm Swings When done properly, the one-armed kettlebell swing offers a dynamic full-body workout in one swift movement. It’s an ideal exercise for strengthening the shoulders, core, and legs, as well as improving balance and flexibility. Here’s how to do it: Start by standing in front of the bell. Put your toes on the bell and turn one foot until it points 90 degrees. Then, move your foot back to straight. Do this with the other foot. Hold the bell with one hand and with the other hand forward. Hike pass and then drive up, lifting your body off the ground. As you stand tall, bring your free arm to meet the working arm. Complete the swing and pause at the top of the move. Bring the kettlebell back to your side, hike the kettlebell between your legs, and thrust into another swing. Your free arm should be following the movement. Turkish Get-Ups An incredibly effective total-body exercise, Turkish get-ups engage your hips and shoulders, strengthen your grip and abs, and challenge your balance and coordination. If you are looking to improve your strength and balance this is the perfect way to do it. Take note that this exercise has many steps, making it a great long workout to test your endurance. Initial Steps Lie on your back with the kettle ball on your right. Bend your right foot. Then, roll towards the kettlebell and grab it with both hands (like hugging it). Remember to treat the KB like a heavyweight (even if it’s not). Roll back to your original position. The kettlebell should be on your chest like in a rack position. Hold the kettlebell in one hand. Press it straight over your head while keeping your core tight and your shoulder in place. Half-Turkish Get-up Place your left forearm on the floor, arm extended straight and to the left side, so that the upper arm is parallel to the floor. As you sit up, keep your arm with the kettle ball extended with the shoulder down and your opposite shoulder away from your ear. Slowly come up with your left arm’s palm on the floor. Your knee and hip should be nice and open. Hip Extension From the top of the movement, push your hips up off the ground and drive your hips toward the ceiling to create a straight line between the kettlebell and the bottom hand. Create distance between the bottom hand and shoulder, making sure that only the shoulders touch, not the chest. Maintain a tight glute engagement, so that only the heel touches the ground. No sagging in the low back. Half-kneeling and Standing From a half-kneeling position, bring the leg back and through to the inside of your stationary leg in one fluid motion, keeping your eyes focused on the kettlebell at all times. Standing with your legs slightly apart, rotate your left leg inward so that it is in line with the back of your right leg. Then rotate your body to the left. Now, while keeping your back straight and your head looking forward, stand up by pushing off the ground with your legs. Stand up straight, keeping your elbows in. Keep your shoulders back with a lot of tension through the kettlebell. Double Kettlebell Clean and Press Considered the ultimate exercise for leveraging your body weight and building explosive power, the double kettlebell clean and press works for almost every muscle group in your body. This exercise is a performance strengthening movement, in which lifters will use a combination of the clean and press, lowering the bells with control. It is frequently done with a barbell, but this kettlebell version is easier on the wrists and better for burning calories. The steps: Start the movement by cleaning both kettlebells so they are resting in the rack position on your shoulders. Once you have the kettlebells in place, push them straight above your head into a lockout position for the press. Stand with the weights at arm’s length in the rack position. Then, lower the weights until they are between your legs. After this, drive them upward by locking your elbows. Repeat this movement as many times as you’d like. Double Kettlebell Floor Press The double kettlebell floor press is a high-intensity exercise that will give your chest and triceps a thorough workout. This move focuses on the core area and will improve your posture and stability. It is a challenging exercise for most muscles, but it’s easy enough for any beginner to accomplish. Your chest, triceps, and overall upper body will grow stronger in no time at all. Here are the steps: Lie with your back flat against the floor. Keep your shoulders low and hold the kettlebells directly above your shoulders. Press the kettlebells straight up, keeping your elbows close to your body and not letting the weights stray outward. With straight arms, put the kettlebells directly above your chest while maintaining a 90-degree bend in your arms. While doing the double kettlebell floor press, try to press the kettlebells up as much as you can and push yourself away from the bells and onto the floor. Double Kettlebell Bent Rows The double bent rows are a great exercise that can be used to develop the muscles of your back, shoulders, abdominals, and arms. This exercise helps improve your overall back strength which is important for grapplers. Jiu-Jitsu athletes can benefit greatly from this exercise as it will help them improve their pulling and gripping skills in competition. The steps: Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and two kettlebells in front of you. Keep your torso upright and lean your shoulders back, hinge at the waist, bend your elbows and pull the bell to your rib cage. Next, return to the starting position with your arms extended at shoulder height and repeat the motion. Conclusion It is easier than ever to find time for our BJJ practices, especially with kettlebell workouts. It may require a bit of creativity to integrate these workouts into your schedule, but the results outweigh the work. Remember to pace yourself when you first try these workouts and do not be afraid to seek assistance or modify the exercises if you need to take things down a notch. Or, if they’re too easy for you, feel free to do as many reps as you’d like. If you want to join a BJJ strength and conditioning program, Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu welcomes you to its creative ways to stay fit. Get the exercise you need while having fun in a health-minded environment!

We all know that being safe is essential. It's not just about feeling safe; it's also about protecting yourself from harm. But what are some ways to feel more protected? One of the most effective ways is by taking self-defense classes. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the top reasons why you should sign up for self defense classes today! It Builds Confidence When you learn self-defense, there's a chance that confidence will follow. It can be hard to stand up for yourself in the face of adversity when it comes from someone bigger and stronger than you are. Learning how to defend yourself properly allows you to take control of your safety, which boosts your feelings of courage and confidence. You'll Gain Valuable Skills When we're children, our parents or guardians teach us basic lessons about staying safe so that we don't get hurt while playing outside or going anywhere without supervision. But as adults, sometimes these rules go out the window because they feel like things have changed since childhood! However, this does not mean that being aware isn't essential anymore. Taking self defense classes on personal safety could help you learn ways to feel more secure so that you can avoid dangerous situations. Self Defense Classes Are A Great Form Of Exercise Learning self-defense is not only about protecting yourself from harm; it's also a way for you to stay fit! Martial arts and other forms of fighting require discipline and dedication to be successful. No matter what your goal may be – whether it's learning how to hold your own against an attacker, or simply getting into better shape – taking up martial arts as part of a routine workout could help improve the quality of your life by allowing you time each week dedicated to staying healthy and strong. There Are Many Benefits Self Defense Class Exercise Self defense classes allow people from all walks of life the opportunity to get involved with something they love while also learning valuable skills that can be used in real life. Not only could you learn how to protect yourself, but it's also possible for you to join a group of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to living healthy and happy lives! BJJ fitness exertion levels often lead to healthy fitness routines and can be an effective (and fun) weight-loss method! Don't Wait Until The Last Minute It's important not to procrastinate when it comes time for signing up for something as useful as self-defense classes. These classes fill up fast, so if one is nearby or at an affordable rate, don't hesitate any longer because someone else may snatch your spot before you know it! Avoid Dangerous Situations Although we'd never wish harm upon anyone, sometimes bad things happen when people least expect them. That being said, learning practical ways to defend yourself could help you avoid dangerous situations in the future. If there's a chance that your safety is at risk, no matter how small it may seem to others, then go for it and sign up today! It Never Hurts To Learn As adults, we have so much going on in our lives – careers, family obligations, social activities – sometimes the idea of self-defense classes seems like too much trouble. But what if something were to happen? Although most people aren't preparing for an attack against them or their loved ones any time soon, why not take advantage of this opportunity now instead of waiting until it's too late? Self Defense Classes Work On Your Balance Improve balance at self defense classes  Another great benefit to learning martial arts is that you'll gain better balance. When it comes time for defending yourself, having a strong sense of balance can give you the ability to keep your body upright and ready if an altercation happens unexpectedly. This means that even if someone attempts an attack against you, maintaining composure will allow you to have more power over their actions, so they are less likely to succeed! Self Defense Classes help develop self-discipline- Learning how to defend yourself is not only about protecting yourself against physical attacks, but it's also a way for you to learn self-discipline! Martial arts and other forms of fighting require discipline and dedication to be successful. No matter what your goal may be – whether it's learning how to hold your own against an attacker or simply getting into better shape – taking up martial arts as part of a routine workout could help improve the quality of your life by allowing you time each week dedicated to staying healthy and strong. It Helps Develop Self-Confidence And Mood  Another great benefit to learning martial arts is that it'll help boost your confidence. By taking up a new hobby, you're able to enjoy something while also getting into fantastic shape at the same time! Not only will you be spending some much-needed me-time practicing self-defense techniques, but this type of exercise can improve mental and physical health by allowing people not just an opportunity to get involved with something they love while also learning valuable skills that can be put to use in real life. There are many benefits when it comes down to signing up for these classes – no matter what your goals may be, whether it's learning how to hold your own against an attacker or simply getting into better shape, there's always something great to learn. Self Defense Classes Improve Your Street Awareness Most people don't want to be in a dangerous situation, but they also aren't aware of how their actions affect other people's decisions. By learning various self-defense techniques and practicing them regularly, you can improve your street awareness by being more aware when it comes time to defend yourself against an attack from someone else. Learn How To Defend Yourself A common concern that people have when they start looking for self-defense classes is that it'll take too long to learn anything useful, but this couldn't be further from the truth! These days many providers offer specific programs designed with different types of individuals in mind, so whether you only want a few tips on how best to protect yourself or if you're ready to train towards becoming an expert martial artist, there's always something great waiting for everyone interested. It Helps To Develop A Warrior Spirit One of the most powerful aspects of self defense classes is the ability it gives to people to overcome fears and limitations. This doesn't just mean having an improved sense of self-confidence but rather developing a warrior spirit that allows you to go beyond your own perceived limits! No matter what type of attack may happen, learning how to defend yourself will help give you more power than ever before over your life – both physically through increased strength and confidence as well mentally by giving you tools needed in order to know what is jiu jitsu so you can handle anxiety or other types of stress brought on from everyday experiences. Conclusion  By taking up a new hobby, you're able to enjoy something while also getting into fantastic shape at the same time! Not only will you be spending some much-needed me-time practicing self-defense martial arts, but this type of exercise can improve mental and physical health. Self Defense Classes do so by allowing people not just an opportunity to get involved with something they love while also learning valuable skills that can be put to use in real life. There are many benefits when it comes down to signing up for these classes – no matter what your goals may be, there's always something great waiting for everyone interested. Get A FREE Week Of Training at Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu!

Are you looking for the best long sleeve BJJ Rash Guards? Well, you've come to the right place!  A great long sleeve BJJ rash guard is comfortable, easy to wear, and prevents mat burns. But with so many options available on the market, how do you know which one is the best long sleeve BJJ rash guard?  Most long sleeve BJJ rash guards are poorly made, with low-quality material and stitching. That's why we researched and created this list of the best long sleeve BJJ rash guards. Read on. 1 - Hayabusa Fusion Long Sleeve Jiu Jitsu Rash Guard Highlighted Features  · Premium Stitching  · Top-notch quality  · Super comfortable  · Anti-slip silicone waistband  · Excellent design >> Read real reviews about Hayabusa Fusion Long Sleeve Jiu Jitsu Rash Guard on Amazon <<  If you're looking for a top-notch long Sleeve rash guard with the ultimate comfortable compression fit, then Hayabusa Fusion is your perfect match.  The Hayabusa Fusion is the best rash guard in the Hayabusa guard line-up, with sweat-wicking technology that not only keeps moisture away from you but also regulates your body temperature.  The guard also protects your skin from potential infection, Mat burn, and scratches, making it ideal for high-intensity rolling sessions.  Hayabusa has spared no money in the design and construction of this guard, which utilizes a high-quality blend of elastane and polyester known for providing comfort, protection, and performance.  The guard features an Anti-slip silicone waistband that ensures a secure fit around your waist that won't shift up and down when you roll into complicated positions. It also features 8-panel construction with flatlock stitching for sturdy seams and minimal chafing.  This is unquestionably a fantastic choice to consider. The price is excellent compared to the superb quality, and you will be pleasantly surprised when you see the pricing. Check out the most recent price if you're interested. >> Check the latest pricing for Hayabusa Fusion Long Sleeve Jiu Jitsu Rash Guard on Amazon << 2 - Raven Fightwear Men's Wind Element BJJ MMA Rash Guard Highlighted Features  · Elite design  · Rubber lining at the waist  · Reinforced flatlock stitching  · Four-way stretch fabric stretches  The Raven Fightwear feels like a second skin. The guard features a compression that fits your body tightly without sacrificing comfort. It is breathable, and wickings sweat during intensive training and even contests, especially considering Raven's rash guards are IBJJF approved.  The artwork on this rash guard is also sublimated, so it won't fade or peel off after multiple washes. It also has reinforced flatlock stitching for added comfort and durability.   The Raven Fightwear features a rubber band that runs along the waist to prevent riding up during exercising. The fit is fantastic and makes a tremendous difference when scrambling because you don't have to constantly pull the top down to your waist since it stays put.  The guard is available in various colors and is composed of four-way stretch fabric for added comfort.   If you want to train with the best lightweight and breathable BJJ gi, the Raven Fightwear MMA rash guard is a great choice. Check out the latest price and grab yourself this high-quality guard! >> Check the latest pricing for Raven Fightwear BJJ MMA Rash Guard on Amazon << 3 - Gold BJJ Rashguard - Camo Rash Guard Compression Shirt for No-Gi, Gi, & MMA Highlighted Features  · Super breathable and lightweight  · Flat stitching for easy rolling  · Fully sublimated printing  · Beautiful design  The Camo Rash Guard Compression Shirt from Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu rashguard is the ideal everyday rashguard: it comes in short and long sleeves, all belt colors, and is made of lightweight, highly robust, and breathable material.  The fabric of this BJJ compression shirt rash guard is a moisture-wicking combination that feels great on the skin. It's the ideal rash guard for gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and mixed martial arts. They've even incorporated mesh underarm panels for enhanced breathability during intense workouts, so you don't sweat.  Sublimated printing (rather than screen printing) is used on the Foundation rash guard to prevent peeling, flaking, or fracturing. Even after several washes, this rash guard will look brand new.  If you're thinking about competing, you'll need an IBJJF-approved BJJ compression shirt like this one. The IBJJF demands that at least 10% of your rash guard be the color of your belt rank — and honestly, when you're rolling, this is just a nice touch to display your approximate ability level. >> Check the latest pricing for Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Rashguard on Amazon << Factors to consider when buying a Rash Guard 1. Fit  When choosing a rash guard, the most crucial factor to consider is fit. When trying to catch a wave, you don't want your rash guard to ride up. If you're buying a guard for surfing or even vigorous swimming, go for something skin-tight.  Otherwise, a loose-fitting sun-protective rash guard will work. It is perfect for days at the beach when you don't plan on pounding the waves and need an extra layer to keep you warm. 2. Style  Rash guards are essential for safeguarding your body, but no one wants to look ridiculous in them. Choose a style that is perfect for you. Depending on your needs, you can choose between short and long sleeves. Remember that the longer your arms are, the more protection you'll have. 3. Fabric  There are a variety of rash guards available on the market today, and they all vary in quality. Only purchase rash guards with a UPF50+ rating. Fabric can be UPF50+ in one of two ways: it can be treated or knit into the material during the manufacturing process.  Rash guards are created from a synthetic fiber combination. Elastic spandex and polyester, which is breathable, are among the materials used. Look for a rash guard consisting of a polyester or nylon blend with elastane, as it has all of the characteristics above and is also quick drying! 4. Stitches  Check to see if the rash guard stitching is flat and of good quality. When you're out and about, rash guards with over-lock seams might cause rubbing and chafing. It's essential to opt for a high-quality product with flat seams to avoid or minimize chafing.  If you plan on using your rash guard for strenuous sports like surfing, go for rash guards with flat-locked seams. 5. Design  Heat transfer and sublimation are two typical methods for printing designs on rash guards. Heat transfers are an easy and quick way to transfer designs to fabric by ironing an image onto it. These crack, discolor and peel over time.  Sublimations, on the other hand, employ a more involved procedure. It involves heating ink in the image into the rash guard, which transfers the design to the cloth. It then becomes a permanent part of the fabric, never peeling or cracking. Always check on the design to ensure the guard you buy will last long.  We've covered all you need to know about buying rash guards in this article, including reviews of the top rash guards. However, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below, and we will respond within a short while! Check out the rash guards linked in the article and pick the one that's right for you. As an Amazon Associate, our Non-Profit earns a small commission from qualifying purchases to fund scholarships for training.

The kids in your life need more than just a video game and TV to occupy their time. Martial arts for kids near me is an excellent way for children to stay active, learn self-discipline, and build confidence. Whether you're looking for something fun or want them to learn how to defend themselves against bullies, this blog post has 5 reasons why martial arts classes are the perfect fit. 5 Reasons To Enroll in Martial Arts For Kids Near Me Being a kid is tough these days! Basically, your child gets pulled in two different directions all the time, the path of respect and discipline from parents, family, and teachers, but then also a path of disrespect from peers, social media, and pop culture.  That’s where we come in! Our dedicated training staff has been practicing MMA, BJJ, and Traditional Martial Arts for decades.  We have proven our concept over and over with our own children and the children of Granite Bay and Roseville.  Let’s explore how we, at GBJJ, can use our decades of experience to help you shape your child’s development and keep them on track with a head held high, full of confidence, discipline, and respect. Kids Will Get Plenty Of Exercise Do you have kids that are looking for something to do? Martial arts is a great way to get them off the couch and stay active. Your child can burn calories and gain muscle while learning discipline and focus at the same time!  Children who participate in martial arts classes will be more physically fit than those who don't, which helps reduce the potential risk of obesity and other diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis later in life.  No matter what class they take - whether it's karate, BJJ or taekwondo - they'll be getting a full-body workout without even realizing it.     They'll Learn Self-Defense and Conflict Resolution Techniques There are many reasons to enroll your kids in martial arts and the benefits they will reap go beyond just physical. Learning how to defend themselves can help keep children safe when they're outside playing with their friends or walking home from school. Many children when faced with a threatening situation either do not react out of pure fear and have a lack of self-defense techniques, giving the bully an opportunity to belittle, embarrass and even worse, potentially injure your child.  Conversely, your child might over-react as they are not trained in conflict resolution, effectively taking a situation that could have been avoided and escalating it to a point that your child gets in trouble or injures another child.  In both of these scenarios, giving your child the tools needed to avoid conflict when it's possible, or defend themselves when the conflict cannot be avoided, are setting your child up for success in school and later in life.   Your Child Will Start To Embrace Self-Discipline and Respect As parents, we know that raising good kids can be tough! But with martial arts classes available to help teach them right from wrong and how to handle their emotions appropriately, it can drastically improve your child’s daily activities in both school and home.  Each day, we implement rules and try to teach our children to respect others. However, peer pressure can be powerful against a good-willed child. In addition, social media toxicity, other kids' influence, and a general lack of respect in society all tell our kids that they can do whatever they want.  By enrolling your child in Martial Arts, you are giving your child the tools needed to make the right choices with discipline, and treating everyone they encounter with respect, all reinforced each night in our kid’s class with our dedicated staff. We truly love seeing the development of the kids in our kids classes and hearing about all the success they carry with them when they go off the mats and into school.  Confidence  It’s pretty simple, kids who are not confident, fearful, unsure will make poor choices when faced with a tough decision. We see this all the time.  A child is faced by their peers to make a bad choice, they lack the confidence to make the correct choice as it’s easier to not challenge their peers and just give in.  Tough choices for kids come in many forms. For example, it could be as simple as making a sarcastic comment to a teacher to get a laugh in class, shoplift, skip class or maybe, a choice to fight another kid in class.  Social and peer pressure makes “doing the right thing” very hard, even as adults many find it hard to tell the crowd “no”.  However, the biggest way to improve the odds that your child makes the right choice (even when no one is looking) is to arm them with their own individual confidence that guides them and keeps them in a position to not fear the outcome when they make the right choice, even in defiance of peers' opinions.  Martial arts for kids provides that confidence through a series of events. From starting on day 1 when your child is nervous when stepping on the mats.  Getting through that first class ignites a small spark of confidence that we continue to build on each day in class, molding your child through hard work, belt promotions, and challenge events.  Join a Community! Have you noticed? Kids these days mention they will go “play with their friends” just to head into their bedroom and start gaming online with kids they have never met, don’t really know, and never venture outside. Enrolling your kids in martial arts changes that. Kids are immersed in a hands-on environment where close contact with each other is required. Kids form friendships, bonds and even make life-long friends along the way!  This newfound (in-person) friendship starts to manifest itself in many positive ways. Your child starts to see their “Jiu-Jitsu friends” when with you at the grocery store. Or maybe they start receiving birthday party invites from kids in their karate class. Events like this place your child into a new, positive community of other kids who are all trying to become better people full of confidence, respect, and discipline, the type of kids you wanted them to be friends within the first place.  Who knows, they may even start playing Fortnite less…..or maybe not. Final Thoughts: Why Martial Arts For Kids Near Me? When searching for a “martial arts for kids near me” you will likely come across several schools to pick from. Here at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu in Roseville, we understand this and thank you for considering us for your child’s development. If you would like to learn more about how GBJJ can improve your child’s health, mindset, and confidence that carries both at home and when your child heads out into the world.  We offer a free 7-day Jui-Jitsu pass for local members as well as Free Online Classes to help fund our Non-Profit.

Every martial art is different. It may only be subtle to those with an untrained eye, but each martial art is distinct. BJJ isn't karate, and karate isn't judo. But one thing ALL martial arts have in common is the muscles that are engaged when practicing them.  Failing to stretch properly before practicing martial arts of any kind will eventually lead to injury, so this article will look at the most effective martial arts stretches to avoid injury, the most common injuries, the main muscle groups that are engaged when practicing martial arts.  Also,  the subtle differences between types of stretching that could make you a more effective martial artist when practiced. Ready to find out more? Good, because you're in the right place! Types of Stretching 101 Most people don't know that there are two types of stretching. Yes, they know that there are many types of stretches, but the two types of stretching are less well known.  These are: Dynamic stretching and static stretching, and today you'll learn the difference between the two, and which is the most effective for preparing yourself for a martial arts session. Static Stretching Explained Static stretching involves holding a particular position for a period of time to stretch out certain muscles and warm them up for the activity. These are relatively easy to do, common across all martial arts (and indeed, many other sports and activities that require you to be on the move), and are very safe to perform. No movement is involved. Dynamic Stretching Explained Dynamic stretching, on the other hand, involves plenty of movement. In fact, this form of stretching involves cycling through a range of motions to warm up your body for physical activity.  These are often slightly more complex and require much more physical coordination. The movement also requires you to engage more of your muscles in the warm-up process and allows you to target multiple muscles at once rather than focus on them in isolation. Top Stretches for BJJ/Marital Arts/MMA Which is The Most Effective Stretches for Martial Arts? You've probably already guessed it by now, right? Dynamic stretching! Because of the movement involved, the amount of flexibility required, and the number of muscles that are engaged at a time, dynamic stretching yields better results for you when practicing martial arts.  You can expect to see a wider range of motion, fewer injuries, more power, and a better performance overall. The Major Muscle Groups Used in Martial Arts So now you know dynamic stretches are the best way to get your body prepared for a martial arts training session, but that doesn't tell you much if you don't recognize which muscles you use the most during martial arts.  Only then can you focus your attention on dynamic stretches that will target the muscles that will benefit you the most before a session. For your convenience, here's a list of the muscles you use most often when practicing any martial art: Leg and hip muscles - including your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and almost every other muscle in your upper leg, lower leg, and hips. That's because stances are so important in every martial art, so you'll need to engage your legs and hips constantly, which will give them a thorough workout. Core muscles - including your abs, obliques, and muscles in your lower back. Again, the transition between stances and practicing different grappling and wrestling moves involves engaging your core for maximum strength and stability. Arm muscles - including your biceps, triceps, and every muscle in your upper arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. Different grapples will require you to engage them all at some point, and even just practicing moves alone will have you working your arm muscles pretty hard during every training session, no matter the martial art. Back, shoulder, and upper torso muscles - including your pecs, lats, and delts. This is to do with your strength and stability again, both things that are supported by engaging the muscles in the top half of your body. Martial arts really are a full-body workout. Neck muscles - which will be engaged whilst keeping you protected in certain grapples and moves, protecting your spine from injury. Most Common Injuries When Practicing Martial Arts If those are the key muscles that are being used during martial arts (pretty much every muscle, considering how great martial arts are at giving you a full-body workout like no other), then it stands to reason that these muscles and the areas surrounding them will be where the most common injuries take place whilst practicing martial arts.  However, some injuries are more common than others, so let's look at those before finally getting to the specific stretches that will help prevent injury when practicing martial arts: Muscle bruises are especially common when sparring, and failure to properly warm up and cool down can exacerbate the injury Knee sprains are much more likely to occur when the muscles around your knees haven't been warmed up effectively whilst stretching Sprained ankles and wrists are common because of the grapples you practice - it's important to note that very few static stretches target these areas either, further highlighting the importance of dynamic stretching Rotator cuff strains involve the muscles in your shoulders that help you rotate - these are commonly pretty weak, so warming them up is essential to avoid damage Groin strains are common because you're using areas of your groin whilst grappling and wrestling that are not otherwise used in everyday life - that's why stretching beforehand makes all the difference Although these are the most common injuries, you can cause yourself any number of injuries by failing to warm up properly with dynamic stretches that engage all the key muscles you'll be using.  Thankfully, the following section details the very best stretches for martial arts to help prevent these common injuries from occurring in the first place. The Most Effective Martial Arts Stretches to Avoid Injury Martial arts are demanding, requiring you to use muscles in incredibly powerful ways that you'd otherwise barely use at all. That's why it's important to stretch. To finish, below are the three most effective dynamic stretches for martial arts that should feature in all of your warm-up and cool-down stretching routines before and after each session to avoid injury. 1. Assisted Reverse Chest and Shoulder Stretch The key to success for this stretch is engaging all the muscles in your upper arm, upper torso, and shoulders. Stand with your back towards a table, placing your hands on the edge. Bend your arms to lower your entire body and pull back up again slowly.  This will help engage your core muscles too, and by repeating this stretch slowly a few times, you'll effectively warm up many of the muscles you'll be using, helping you avoid injuries such as sprained wrists, sprained rotator cuffs, and muscle bruising elsewhere. 2. Standing High Leg Hamstring Stretch Still using the table from earlier, place one foot up high onto the table whilst keeping your leg bent. Now lean your chest into the bent knee on the table.  Lean in a few times to get that all-important motion in your muscles and then repeat with your other leg on the table this time.  This helps to warm up muscles in your legs, including your hamstring and quads, and it engages your core muscles again, especially your abs. This stretch will help you avoid injuries such as groin strain, knee sprains, and muscle bruises. 3. Squatting Leg Out Groin Stretch Finally, don't forget to focus on your groin this time, because it's not an area you'll work often besides martial arts sessions. Stand with your feet wide apart and lower down into a squat, with one leg stretched out away from you with your toes pointing out, and the other bent beneath you with the knee towards the ground.  Don't forget the motion to stretch those muscles thoroughly, and then switch to the other leg. This will engage all of your leg muscles and help you avoid injuries such as sprained ankles, knee sprains, and groin strains. Final Word On Martial Arts Stretches So there you have it, the most effective dynamic stretches to prevent injury during martial arts.  Just remember that you use almost every muscle imaginable when practicing any martial art, and that dynamic stretches are key to not just avoiding injury, but also helping you perform at your best too!

It’s easy to get dried-on sweat and other stains like grass, blood, and dirt all over one’s gi, especially if you practice often. So we’ve looked at a few different laundry detergents to help you figure out how to wash BJJ Gi and which one will keep your gi feeling fresh and smelling great. Depending on whether you are looking for the best value, best stain-fighting, or best-scent, there are different options. You may also need one that’s scent and dye-free yet still powerful, depending on your sensitivities.  1 - Oxiclean To Avoid Stinky, Stained Gi’s https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0776GN8Z7/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0776GN8Z7&linkId=61bd73174fefb0da2982bdbbd99c172b >> Support Our Non-Profit & Save Money By Ordering on Amazon Now!<< Oxiclean is a brand known for making a versatile stain remover, using its formula to eliminate almost any stubborn stain. Their laundry detergent is made from a powerful formula built to help get out stains, especially well with their other products.  Their stain removers are some of the best in the market and putting a dash of it on any old, dried-in stains before a wash will work wonders with Oxiclean’s detergent.  The formula is so potent that you only need to use a small amount for each load. This saves you money in the long run if you are consistently dealing with stained and smelly gis. One drawback is that Oxiclean doesn’t get the laundry to smell as good and is a little pricey compared to other detergents. However, it still gets all the smells out of your gi well. It just doesn’t leave you with as much of that after-laundry fresh smell.  Depending on how dirty your gear regularly gets, it can be worth the cost for the extra power it provides.  It can deal with tough, dried-on stains, including sweat stains, and also removes grass, blood, dirt, and food stains. So, it’s perfect if you are looking for the most powerful stain remover on this list. But, if you are finding yourself with serious stains often, you’ll likely have to use a good strain remover as well to get them out. 2 - Tide Free And Gentle To Avoid Stinky, Stained Gi’s - Minimal Allergens https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085V5ZMV9/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B085V5ZMV9&linkId=76836e596dee693fec730b32a71571af >> Support Our Non-Profit & Save Money By Ordering on Amazon Now!<< Tide has been a gold standard of laundry detergents for decades and shows no signs of slowing down. For example, Tide pods are a great innovation that cleans most clothes and are a great choice if you are looking for something to use on the go or something to just throw into the machine and not think about it. Here, we’ve decided to recommend something a bit different with their Free and Gentle formula, for those looking for a way to clean their gi with minimal allergens, scents, and other sensitivities. Its formula is just as powerful as regular Tide but much easier on the skin for those with eczema or other itching problems. It’s dermatologist recommended and free of all dyes and perfumes. It comes in both HE and non-HE options, depending on your washer’s configuration. How to wash BJJ Gi may vary based on the configuration of your washer. This is also a great detergent for keeping your whites white, as it doesn’t spread dyes very much nor stain colors over time.  For its price, it’s a high-value detergent that is great for sensitive skin while still providing a powerful stain-removing formula. Although it doesn’t leave a scent, it removes all the stink for a gi and leaves it feeling fresh. 3 - Gain Detergent To Avoid Stinky, Stained Gi’s  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N8SJ5GF/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07N8SJ5GF&linkId=958a6205236b036afc0819e6e42dd3ee >> Support Our Non-Profit & Save Money By Ordering on Amazon Now!<< Gain’s new aroma boost technology leaves a persistent, intoxicating smell after cleaning your laundry, coming out feeling fresh every time. The one linked comes in their “blissful breeze” scent, which smells of a spring day outdoors on green grass with a breeze coming by. It’s an excellent scent for going to the gym feeling fresh and confident.  Gain laundry detergent works with both HE and non-HE washing machines, locking up and lifting away dirt and stains. It might not be as powerful as Oxiclean, but still boasts an excellent formula that will deal with most laundry situations.  The detergent uses micro-capsules of scented perfume that gradually break open and release over time, keeping your clothes feeling fresh for weeks after the initial wash.  Gain’s stain and sweat removal ability are quite good, considering it’s also less expensive than many other leading brands. The combination of scent, stain-removal, and value is just an excellent proposition.  So, if you are looking for a great stain-removing detergent with a wonderful scent on a budget, Gain is a clear contender.  How to Wash BJJ Gi You can go with any detergent and get a decent clean for your gi for the most part. However, we’ve found these three are some of the best for different purposes, depending on what you need. Oxiclean is best for stain removal, especially if you use it in conjunction with one of their stain removers. However, it doesn’t have as fresh a scent and is a bit expensive.  Tide’s Free and Gentle is one of the best detergents for sensitive skin, with no dyes, perfumes, and a hypoallergenic formula, but still with the stain-fighting power of the original Tide. Finally, Gain has the best and longest-lasting scent and is good on a budget. It only might not be as powerful as its rivals on the stain-removal front. As an Amazon Associate, our Non-Profit earns a small commission from qualifying purchases to fund scholarships for training.

If you've been practicing MMA Roseville, California for some time, then you'll know that martial arts are a great way to improve your strength and stamina.  But you'll also know that if you want to be even better at MMA, you'll need to train outside of your sessions.  Obviously, you should never practice martial arts without the guidance of a trained instructor, for your own safety and those around you, but you can complete certain workouts that will make you better at MMA when you show up to your training sessions.  So, if you want to learn about essential workouts when training in MMA, then you should read this post to the end so you know exactly what to do to get better at MMA, away from your training sessions. 1. Pull-Ups The first three workouts on this list don't require the use of a gym, so you can get started on these right away.  First on the list are pull-ups, which everybody hates, but are essential for building those upper back muscles, biceps, and shoulder muscles - which are essential in MMA.  Controlling your opponent is important, and developing the muscles mentioned above will help you remain stable, even as your opponents try to escape your grapple. Pull-ups are easy in theory - simply grab a pull-up bar, and use only your strength to raise your chin about the bar, lower yourself down, and go again. In practice, though, these are incredibly difficult, so if you don't have a lot of upper body strength, you'll need to work towards these.  Using a platform to bring your head above the bar initially, and practicing the lowering portion of the pull-up move, can be a great way to work those muscles and start developing them until you can perform regular pull-ups. 2. Push-Ups Push-ups don't even require any equipment, so there's no excuse for not starting on these today. Push-ups are all about working your upper body to increase your strength, which increases the power of your striking moves in MMA.  If you want to be an effective MMA fighter, then you'll need to increase your strength. Working your upper body through push-ups is a great place to start. To conduct an effective push-up that engages all the muscles you're trying to work on, make sure your arms are tucked in with your elbows towards your rib cage and make sure your hands are beneath your shoulders.  Lower yourself down and push back up again, without adjusting your hand or elbow position for maximum effectiveness. 3. Burpees Burpees are essential for MMA for three reasons really: * They improve stamina (important for lengthy sparring sessions) * They improve upper body strength (important for grappling) * They mimic the motion of level changes required during grappling (so they directly improve your MMA performance) To perform a burpee, you don't need any equipment again, but you need a certain amount of willpower. Burpees are physically demanding, but they help you improve in so many areas relevant to MMA simultaneously that they're worth it.  Start in the press-up position, and then jump forwards, pushing your hips out wide and bringing your feet forward and swinging them out wide at the same time, without moving your hands from the press-up position.  Now jump back into the press-up position again with your hips in line with your shoulders and your feet out straight behind you. Your hands shouldn't move at all during a burpee. Then keep on repeating the motions.  You'll feel this one tomorrow morning, but it'll make all the difference next time you're sparring in MMA sessions. 4. Deadlifts Now, if you're serious about improving in MMA, then you're going to need to improve your strength beyond just a few at-home exercises.  One way of doing that is by doing deadlifts in a gym. Make sure you have a spotter for this exercise for safety, so bring along a fellow MMA fighter who wants to work on their strength and stamina outside of class, too.  Completing fitness journeys together is always easier than doing it alone. Deadlifts will activate muscles in your lower legs, upper legs, core, and glutes, as well as improving your grip, making you a more powerful striker and a more stubborn grappler in MMA. To perform a safe deadlift, keep your feet about shoulder width apart and place them beneath the barbell with your toes pointing forwards.  Then, with your eyes straight ahead of you, bend your knees slightly, keeping your back straight, chest forwards and shoulders neutral, and stick your buttocks out behind you.  Then lift, pushing through with your body until you're standing straight, then lower safely to the ground. You should feel all the tension in your glutes and hamstrings, not your quads. 5. Barbell Squats Barbell squats are all about getting strength into your legs. The focus here is on developing your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core, so you're much stronger on your feet and you're standing firmer.  This makes grappling and takedowns much more difficult for your opponent, which is one half of the battle in MMA.  Sure, building your upper body strength is important if you want to deliver the best strikes and grappling you can, but they mean nothing if your opponent can take you down in a flash. Front barbell squats require you to place the barbell in front of you, keeping the weight across your shoulders.  This forces you to stand up straighter and engage your core, which improves your form right away. The key is to lower yourself into a squat position slowly before coming up quickly. Don't mix those two up, or else you could hurt yourself.  Keep your fingers and wrists curled back to grip the bar, and lower yourself so your knees don't extend past your toes and your elbows are in line with your knees.  This is the safest way to barbell squat and it'll engage all those key muscles for MMA too. 6. Heavy Bag Work The last essential exercise for Roseville MMA training involves heavy bag work. This is important to mimic striking moves against an opponent.  The heavy bag is important because it won't move easily - just like your opponent in MMA. This allows you to practice striking moves, but you can also just punch and kick the bag quickly and powerfully to improve both strength and stamina.  Working with a heavy bag will target almost every muscle you'll use in MMA, so it's important you get heavy bag work whenever you can. It's best to do these exercises in five-minute rounds. Take your first five minutes and focus on punches, mixing up your striking techniques and trying to keep up the pace so you're practicing a bunch of different combos.  Then take a minute to rest. Your next five minutes can focus on just kicks. Some will be softer and quicker, others slower and more powerful. Mix it up so you're working on strength and stamina constantly.  Take another minute after this round. Now it's time to put them all together. This will tire you out, but it's important that you push yourself on the intensity so you give every muscle a thorough workout with your kicking and punching strikes. Final Word on MMA Roseville Training Every workout above is important for anyone practicing MMA because it'll improve your strength and stamina between sessions, making you a more formidable opponent during sparring sessions. Focus on these exercises, and you'll soon see improvement when you're practicing MMA too! If you are new to this concept, and considering starting MMA training, click here and speak with us to get you on your way into this exciting sport!