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Deciding when to enroll your kids in martial arts can be tricky for some parents. They know martial arts benefit adults, but they might be less clear about how it will benefit their kids.  Well, today's post will look at the best age to start martial arts for kids near me, before examining the benefits of martial arts for kids, as well as the most effective martial arts for encouraging your children to get stuck in and soak up all the amazing benefits discussed throughout this article. TLDR: It is acceptable in most schools for children to start around 4 years of age. At 4 years old, a child has developed enough to understand direction, instructions and memorize movements. Aside from the starting age of 4, the best age to start martial arts is ANY TIME between ages 4 and 104! When Is The Best Age To Start Martial Arts? There are only really two things that you need to take part in a martial arts class successfully: * A willingness to learn * A genuine interest in the field If your kid has those two things, then they can really start learning as early as four years old.  That might sound quite young, but the sooner you get your kids involved in martial arts classes, the quicker they'll pick up the skills they need, and the sooner you'll see the benefits listed in the section below. Classes for children at this age focus on the basics and teaching them the discipline they'll need to succeed as they get older, and teachers willing to take on students at this age make safety a priority (as do all MMA teachers for every age group, but it's especially important when children are young). You know your children better than anyone, though, so if you feel four is too young for your child, then wait a couple of years and sign them up for classes when they're six.  The important thing is that they want to learn it and they're genuinely interested in MMA. If they have this, then they have every chance of being successful at martial arts! An Important Note On Age Before you get to the section about the benefits of martial arts for kids, it's important to note that the age at which your child starts martial arts doesn't dictate how skilled they'll be at it.  Some of the best MMA fighters began learning in young adulthood, so there really is no pressure in getting your child to the start line.  As soon as they're ready to learn, you'll know as their parent, and then you can sign them up for classes. When you eventually sign them up, look out for some key benefits too, because the most effective martial arts for children bring about some amazing benefits to their physical, mental, and social health! What Are The Benefits Of Martial Arts For Kids Near Me?  Burning energy If your kid is full of energy, then martial arts are a great way to burn off some of that excess energy in a positive way.  It's a physically demanding activity, so it gets them moving whilst also improving their motor skills, strength, and flexibility. In terms of the physical benefits, martial arts are some of the best activities you can get your child involved in. Increasing focus It's not only the body that is exercised during martial arts, it's the mind too. Martial arts will teach your child self-restraint, discipline, and the importance of goal-setting.  With most martial arts having a ranking system, your child will naturally learn the importance of focusing on a goal and striving for it. This lesson is important in martial arts, but it's important in life too. Teaching teamwork All martial arts require an element of teamwork. Even when sparring, respect for your opponent is key, and that requires some element of give and take.  Working together is important, and if your child is learning martial arts in a class with fellow children, then they'll have the importance of teamwork reinforced, and it'll also help form their social identity and teach them about the sort of friend they wish to be as they grow. Learning Effective Conflict Resolution It may seem counterintuitive to many parents, but martial arts aren't about violence, aggression, or conflict. It's quite the opposite, in fact. Martial arts are all about self-defense, effective conflict resolution, and peace first and foremost. The non-aggressive path is always encouraged in martial arts, so your child will understand the importance of effective conflict resolution early on. Decreasing Aggression The longer a child trains, the less aggressive they become. It links in with the idea above about effective conflict resolution, but it also links with the idea that your child is channeling their frustration and aggression in a positive way in a controlled environment.  There have been many studies looking at the effects of martial arts on aggression levels in children, and all of them show a downward trend. Practicing Listening Skills Any activity that involves a mentor and a student will help develop listening skills, but in martial arts, it's vital. Failing to listen could cause injury, so martial arts teachers insist upon every member of the class actively listening to instructions.  This gives your child the opportunity to practice their listening skills, which will only help them in the classroom and the world beyond. Teaching Respect Respect for your opponent, respect for your teacher, even respect for yourself. These are all things that are important in every martial arts class, so your child will learn the value of respect and they'll be able to take that forward into the rest of their life.  It's a skill they'll learn in childhood, thanks to martial arts, that will serve them well into adulthood. Building Confidence Perhaps this is the most important point of all for young children. Martial arts encourage children to build confidence in themselves, their abilities, and those around them.  During special events and grading, your child will need to perform in front of others, and even just perform in front of their classmates week in week out. This can take your child's confidence and make it soar as they see how skilled they really are. What Are The Most Effective Martial Arts For Children? Really, there is no such thing as “the most effective martial arts for children”. Why? Because ALL martial arts benefit ALL children, the important thing is that they select a discipline that they're passionate about.  By doing so, they give themselves the best opportunity to develop their skills in that particular martial art, but they also give themselves the best chance of being able to stick with it into adulthood, where the benefits listed above are still prevalent. How To Sign Your Kid Up To Jiu Jitsu or MMA Classes So, you're ready to sign your kid up to MMA classes to help them reap the rewards of martial arts? Well, if you're searching for 'martial arts for kids near me' and you're in the California area, why don't you look out for Jiu Jitsu Roseville classes that will take on children.  Wherever you're based, though, just look around for a local MMA gym and reach out to them about the children's classes they offer. Most will cater for children from four years old and up, so you will find a class for your child and see the benefits that martial arts can bring to kids in no time! Get a Free Week of training at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu >> Martial Arts for Kids Near Me

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!

If you're training in MMA Roseville, California, then you've probably heard your instructor telling you to engage your core when practicing different striking and grappling techniques to increase your power and stability.  And that's fine, but very few people actually know what the core is, much less how to work on those core muscles to help you during MMA sessions.  Well, if that sounds like you, today's post will be just perfect for you! You'll find out all about the core, what it is, what exercises will help improve it, and how specific exercises will directly affect your MMA performance. Ready to find out more? Let’s dive in! What Is “The Core”? In short, the core is a collection of muscles around your abdomen, lower back, and upper thighs.  Simply put, they're the first muscles that are engaged in any movement you do, and strengthening them helps support the spine by helping to keep it stabilized, aiding with rotation and motion. The muscles are split into two groups: the inner core and the outer core. The inner core is the muscles closest to the spine, so aren't visible just by looking at the body.  These include: * Diaphragm * Transverse abdominis * Pelvic floor * Deep cervical flexors The outer core muscles are mostly visible, so you can see the results as you train these areas because they'll become more defined.  These include: * Lats * Anterior muscles (your abs) * Glutes * Hip flexors * Spinal erectors Developing these muscles is essential for MMA, but why? How Does The Core Help You In MMA? Because the core supports movement, they're the first muscles that need to be strengthened to help you complete the range of motions required in MMA Roseville. Whether you're striking or grappling, you're still going to need to engage your core to make you more powerful and stable.  Any fast movement (so basically EVERY movement in MMA) needs a strong core, or else the power is lost and you can't perform the techniques with the intensity required for maximum effect. During explosive movements, your core is responsible for transferring power from your lower body to your upper body.  You can work your upper body and lower body in isolation until they're the best they can be, but without the core muscles, you won't be able to work at full power. Imagine your core muscles as the bridge through which any power-based move must cross.  If you're conducting a powerful strike in MMA, then it always starts in your core because of the momentum required to move towards your opponent.  If power can't be passed from your legs to your upper body through your core muscles, then the resulting strike will lack any real power. Your core muscles also protect your spine from injury, so making sure they're strong is vital if you want to perform MMA at your best without risking injury to your spine. Strong core muscles will stabilize your spine, so the moves you make in MMA don't jar it.  But perhaps the most important thing of all is that strong core muscles help you take powerful strikes from your opponent, just as much as they help you deliver them. This is vital in MMA. If you get knocked down, you can always get back up again with strong core muscles. What Are The Different Types Of Exercises That Affect The Core? There are different BJJ exercises you can do to affect your core muscles and work on them ALL.  For years, many people thought sit-ups for your six-pack were enough to build a strong core, but as you've already seen from the sheer amount of muscles involved in your core, that isn't the case.  It's important to understand the types of exercises there are that will work different core muscles. And don't worry, you'll see a bunch of specific exercise examples so you can incorporate them into your core strength training next time you workout. Anti-Flexion These exercises help you resist bending in your lumbar spine, which is important for stability, but also for protection from injuries during MMA Roseville. By keeping your lower back neutral and squeezing your glutes, you'll work the key core muscles responsible for anti-flexion.  Planks and Back Extensions are common anti-flexion exercises that will aid you here and improve stability in your core. Anti-Lateral Flexion These exercises help you resist side bending through your lumbar spine, which is important in grappling moves in MMA to keep you held firm in your chosen position.  The key here is to lock your spine in place without moving it. Common anti-lateral flexion exercises include Side Planks and Farmers Walks, which will train your core muscles to lock in place alongside your spine, improving your resistance. Anti-Extension These exercises help you resist extension through your lumbar spine, which is important for strength in striking moves, but also important for protection against injuries again.  The key is to keep your spine neutral without overextending.  Ab Wheel Roll Outs and Stability Balls help with this, because it works your lower back muscles as well as your abs, preventing overextension and improving your strength simultaneously. Anti-Rotation These exercises help you resist rotation through your lumbar spine, which is important for fast movements and power when striking in MMA Roseville. The key is to lock your core and not rotate through it or the lumbar spine, instead working the thoracic spine.  You don't need to know the difference right now, you just need to know the exercises that encourage this.  These include Medicine Ball Throws and Band Rotations, which help you rotate in the right way whilst locking down your core muscles, improving your power. Hip Flexion These exercises help you keep your core and lower back in neutral positions, which are important when grappling and striking in MMA to prevent injury and to increase the speed of your motions.  The key is to have a neutral spine without rounding your lower back. Jackknifes on a Stability Ball and Hanging Leg Raises are good examples of these exercises. Next MMA Roseville Training Steps If you're serious about getting better at MMA, then you need to strengthen your core muscles. Doing so will increase your power, strength, stability, and resistance in grappling and striking moves, all whilst helping you prevent injury to your spine.  Remember the different types of exercises listed above and start incorporating them into your workout routine. Yes, your upper and lower body muscles need your attention too, but without a strong core, you won't improve in MMA in the way you want to. Alongside your MMA classes, you'll also want to work on your core muscles to give yourself the best chance at performing well during your MMA Roseville or BJJ sessions! If you're yet to sign up to for MMA classes, then check out GBJJ.org, a Granite Bay MMA/BJJ school near Roseville, California.

If you're considering picking up martial arts, then you probably already have a reason for doing so. Be it weight loss, strength building, improving your social life, or even just for the love of the activity itself.  But one thing martial arts can help all practitioners learn is effective at-home self-defense. If this isn't something you've considered before, then stick around for today's post, as the most effective martial arts for at-home self-defense are ranked. So, if you still haven't dedicated yourself to one yet, then perhaps the information you learn today can assist you. Ready to find out which martial arts are best for self-defense? Then read on below! 5. Wrestling At the bottom of the Most Effective Martial Arts featured in today's list is Western wrestling. This grappling-based martial art is great for self-defense because the primary focus is on grappling and takedowns. In other words, it's all about disrupting your opponent's balance and keeping them in a held position for as long as you possibly can.  In self-defense terms, this is excellent for at-home use if you're faced with an opponent because it equips you with the skills necessary to take them down quickly. This is done in a variety of ways: footwork, throws, sweeps, and defensive counterattacks that can bring your opponent to the floor before they put you there.  Wrestling will teach you a lot of effective moves for self-defense, but no wrestling gym will teach you striking moves like some of the other martial arts on this list, because wrestling doesn't feature striking moves. That is why it sits at the bottom of this list of most effective martial arts. Takedowns are useful to know, but if you're not in a position to hold your opponent in a real self-defense situation (i.e. because they have friends) then you won't be prepared to fight where necessary. 4. Muay Thai Muay Thai (also known as Thai boxing) is a martial art developed in Thailand as a self-defense martial art designed to train you in close-quarter combat.  In other words, it literally prepares you for defending yourself in at-home self-defense scenarios, as there will always be close-quarter combat situations.  The focus here is on striking, with the aim being to remain on your feet, so no grappling takes place here, or takedowns that require both combatants to be on the floor. Muay Thai is also known as Thai kickboxing because it focuses on teaching striking moves that involve every part of your limbs: fists, feet, knees, elbows, shins - you name it, there is a striking move you can learn at a Muay Thai gym that'll pack a serious punch.  It's this versatility and the strength training you'll undergo whilst practicing this martial art that makes it so effective.  Despite being a close quarter combat sport, it teaches moves at close, mid, and long-range, so it will equip you with striking techniques at all distances so you're prepared no matter where an opponent starts an attack from.  This is great martial art, but it isn't something everyone can learn because it's very difficult and requires a lot of perseverance to be at the top of your game. For this reason, it can't rank higher on this list of most effective martial arts despite its value. 3. Krav Maga Krav Maga is a martial art developed by Hungarian martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld as an intuitive and realistic approach to life and death situations.  That's to say they designed it as a method of self-defense. In other martial arts, you'll face a set of rules, and different parameters you must stay within so you can score points at competitions. Krav Maga couldn't care less about that. Rules are thrown out of the window, and groin strikes, foot stomps, and throat strikes are all actively encouraged in this martial art.  The aim is to take down your opponent aggressively as quickly as you can. Better yet, Krav Maga also teaches you how to defend yourself against weapons such as knives and guns, and how to use things in your environment as a weapon to defend yourself. But perhaps the best thing about this martial art is that you're taught how to verbally de-escalate a situation as your first port of call. If that fails, then you're free to attack as a form of defense.  The reason it doesn't make the top of the list is that no sparring is possible because of the aggressive nature of most effective martial arts, so you don't get any practice in. You learn the techniques and skills, but the first time you'll use them for real is in a dangerous situation - which is far from ideal. 2. MMA MMA has to be near the top of the list because of the sheer range of skills you'll learn. As MMA takes the best bits and pieces from the most effective martial arts out there and incorporates it into one event, the focus is on teaching practitioners to be the best fighters they can be. As such, you'll learn everything from striking, takedowns, grappling and everything in between to prepare you for any situation you face at home.  It basically gives you every skill and technique you could need to turn yourself into someone who can defend yourself in any situation. So then why isn't this at number one? Because again, this isn't accessible for everybody. The steep learning curve feels insurmountable to some, and the amount you need to learn and remember to be a truly effective fighter turns some people away from the sport. To be the best martial art for self-defense, it should be accessible to everybody - meeting people where they are at now, and training them to get better and better at the martial art until they feel confident to handle themselves.  MMA doesn't do this for everybody, despite how effective it is in self-defense scenarios, so it can't be number one. 1. BJJ Finally, the top spot. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) sits at the top of the list of most effective martial arts for a few reasons. First, it was created as a martial art that anyone can access: old, young, tall, small, strong, weak - it's a martial art that meets you wherever you're at, and turns you into an effective fighter. It's a ground-based grappling martial art that teaches you how to get your opponent on the floor and keep them there, much like Western wrestling, but the difference here is that you don't need strength to do it like you do in wrestling. Instead, you learn a range of techniques based on targeting different weak spots. You don't know what your opponent's weak spots will be in a real-life situation, so having an arsenal of techniques is necessary.  Once you find their weak spot, you can bring them to the ground effectively and hold them there with a submission hold.  You also learn throws and trips to easily get your opponent down, so you're taught how to get the upper hand no matter who you're up against. Strength isn't important in this martial art - technique is, and this can be taught to anyone! What puts this one on top, though, isn't the offensive skills taught (although this helps) it's the defensive ones. Not only does BJJ teach you how to get your opponent to the floor, it teaches you how to reverse the situation if they get you to the ground first. BJJ teaches you how to get out of a dangerous situation and turn it to your advantage.  Better yet, you practice all these skills whilst rolling (otherwise known as sparring in other martial arts) so you get to practice these in a situation as close to a real-life one as possible. Most Effective Martial Arts Near Me All the martial arts covered today will help you in any self-defense scenario, but none more so than BJJ. As this martial art increases in popularity, more and more gyms are springing up all over, so look for a local one today and sign up to some free classes to get started!

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.

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.

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!

Every martial art will help you lose weight, but it's no secret to those who practice them that some are more effective than others. Whether it's because of the sparring exercises, techniques, or rigorous warm-up and cool-down exercises that are required, it doesn't really matter. Let's explore the most effective martial arts to lose weight. Every martial art will support you on your weight loss journey. However, there is one that stands out as the most effective martial art to lose weight in a fun way, so today this post will shine a spotlight on it.  As well as learning what that martial art is, you'll also learn about why it's so effective, what to expect from a typical training session, and the reasons it's a slightly funner way of losing those pounds! What Is The Most Effective Martial Arts to Lose Weight? Of all the martial arts, the most effective one for weight loss has to be Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or BJJ). That's because BJJ is a full-body workout that makes you engage every muscle whilst practicing your techniques.  Yes, all martial arts engage all of your muscles in some way or another, but none require you to do so as often, or as intensely, as BJJ does. One session at a MMA gym focusing on BJJ and you'll feel it. You'll work muscles you never knew existed and burn calories like you never imagined you could before. But what does BJJ do that makes it so effective for weight loss? Why is BJJ So Effective for Weight Loss? Perhaps the most important reason BJJ is effective at helping you lose weight is that it was never intended to do so. Confused? Don't worry.  What that means is that BJJ was created as a fun-filled martial art designed to better your self defense, teach discipline, respect, and control over one's aggression, and help your confidence blossom. The fact that you lose weight is just a fortunate side effect. It's no secret that BJJ involves a lot of intense movement, and the martial art is known for the demands it places on your body. But the best thing about it is that you don't start out having to go full-throttle on the intensity.  Instead, every BJJ class follows a similar pattern. What to expect from a typical session and how it helps you lose weight is in the section below, but for now, all you need to know is that every BJJ instructor encourages you to start off at a pace that is comfortable for you. BJJ allows you to ease into it. In fact, it encourages you to do so! How BJJ Is Different From Other Forms of Exercise Unlike running, or cycling, or swimming, you're not asked to go from zero to 100 at breakneck speed.  Nobody in BJJ wants you to go from a couch potato to a MMA fighter in a week. Instead, you're encouraged to get your body used to the martial art. Muscles are worked in BJJ that aren't often worked elsewhere, so you need to listen to your body as you're starting out. Once your body is used to BJJ, you can then up the intensity of your workouts during BJJ for maximum results, but in your own time. And this is potentially the biggest reason BJJ is so effective at helping you lose weight: It welcomes you cautiously, lets you get used to it, and then encourages you to work harder when you're ready to.  It's not like other methods of losing weight in that sense, because there's no pressure. It's easy to run away from running, but it's not so easy to run away from BJJ. But there is one more reason BJJ is so effective too; the confidence you gain through practicing it. As you develop your skills, spend time with your partners, and learn from your mentor, you become a more confident person.  This then makes you believe that anything is possible. A month before starting BJJ you might not have thought you could go out running, but one month later you'll have the confidence to know that you can. So now you're probably thinking that BJJ sounds great, but you're still not sure how a session would help you with the losing weight thing. Well, you can read the section below to find out! How Does A Typical Martial Arts Session Help You Lose Weight?  Warming Up The first thing you'll need to do in a BJJ session is warm up. This will involve cardio exercises to get your muscles working, dynamic stretches to ready your entire body for the class ahead, and other exercises to get your heart rate up and your muscles moving.  But don't worry, this usually only involves running around the mats, jumping jacks, guided dynamic stretching, and other similar exercises.  And remember, your BJJ instructor will expect you to do these at the intensity you're happy with. You won't be forced to push yourself beyond the limits you set, so anybody can complete these warm up exercises with no issue. This will help you lose weight because cardio exercises are the best way to burn calories and help you shed those pounds. And that's before the class has even begun! Practicing Techniques Next up are the techniques. This is the guided part of the session led by the instructor. They'll demonstrate BJJ techniques, such as grappling techniques, stances, and certain positions you'll need to know.  Then you'll copy them. You'll probably also be partnered with somebody of a similar size and skill set and then be asked to practice the techniques on each other. This is a great way to lose weight because even simple BJJ techniques require you to engage almost every muscle imaginable. By working these muscles over and over, and pushing yourself little by little each week, you'll burn more calories and lose weight quicker.  Having guidance from an instructor will help you with proper form, and working with a partner in a controlled way will let you master these techniques so you feel confident to give even more of yourself to the exercises.  This helps you lose even more weight over time too! Rolling Rolling (or 'sparring' in other martial arts and similar sports and activities) is where you'll see the most difference.  As you're partnered with someone of a similar experience level and physical size again, you'll be asked to try out ALL the techniques you've learned so far in a 'live' environment. In BJJ, a live environment is where you spar against someone for real now.  It's no longer just practice, you're genuinely trying to use the techniques you've learned against one another in a controlled way. This is where you lose the weight in BJJ. The intensity required to counter your partner and use the techniques for yourself in a live situation is high.  You'll burn far more calories this way, and as you progress through your BJJ sessions, you'll have even more techniques to practice, which means the rolling becomes even more intense, leading to even more weight being lost!  And the best thing of all? It's all done under the guidance of your instructor and with the support of your rolling partner, so you're never left alone in BJJ to fend for yourself with no clear direction. What Makes BJJ a 'Fun Way' to Lose Weight? To finish, let's just consider why BJJ is so fun. First, you're learning a new skill that will benefit you in every aspect of your life.  Then you're getting to practice techniques that are genuinely fun to try out with support from like-minded individuals.  And if all that wasn't enough, BJJ doesn't even feel like exercise. Instead, you're getting to leave your comfort zone, meet new people, practice new things, and get fitter and healthier whilst you're doing it. BJJ really has it all!

Today, we’re looking at the best pre-workout BJJ supplements for training. We’ve found three that we think are helpful to take before training.  Each of them uses all-natural ingredients and focuses on providing a high but consistent amount of energy for a training session.  We looked for quality, no fillers, and outstanding performance for the supplements, which we found in each of these. For the most part, there are also no added ingredients beyond the active ones providing energy and focus for your training sessions. 1 - Naked Energy  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071ZDD3HL/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B071ZDD3HL&linkId=b8c76b93db72386eaa0d0437e6d04e61 >> Check the latest pricing for Naked Energy on Amazon << Naked Energy is an all-natural pre-workout supplement made from 10 different ingredients, including natural amino acids, vitamins, and caffeine from coffee beans.  It’s vegan, with no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavors, or other fillers. Having no extraneous ingredients is essential when consuming a product for your body regularly. Naked has made a supplement specialized in being as clear of excess ingredients as possible.  It contains 40mg of Vitamin B3, 667mcg of Vitamin B6, 47mcg of Vitamin B12, 333mg of Vitamin C, 27mcg of Calcium, 200mg of caffeine, and 1mg of creatine. Bear in mind, this is an unflavored supplement. To put it simply, it does taste awful. It tastes metallic and very bitter when taken without anything else, to be precise.  Some people strategize by taking a small amount that chugging down some water to chase. You can also mix it with a tea or smoothie to cover up some of the taste, but don’t expect the taste to go away completely. It can also be dissolved in water easily, although this will also not get rid of the taste. The major advantage of this supplement is its purity and balance of ingredients. It has everything you need for a great workout with nothing additional added.  The caffeine and creatine provide a boost of helpful workout energy, while the vitamins and other ingredients offer more a more general supplement for your body to build with and thrive. Finally, BJJ supplements provide the focus and energy you need before a BJJ session without needing to resort to sugars or coffee.  2 - Organic Muscle Pre-Workout  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3Q1ONX/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3Q1ONX&linkId=8093f4e96ef281f86599ef2300005a4f >> Read real reviews about Organic Muscle Pre-Workout  on Amazon << Naked Energy is an all-natural pre-workout supplement made from 10 different ingredients, including natural amino acids, vitamins, and caffeine from coffee beans.  It’s vegan, with no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavors, or other fillers. Having no extraneous ingredients is essential when consuming a product for your body regularly. Naked has made a supplement specialized in being as clear of excess ingredients as possible.  It contains 40mg of Vitamin B3, 667mcg of Vitamin B6, 47mcg of Vitamin B12, 333mg of Vitamin C, 27mcg of Calcium, 200mg of caffeine, and 1mg of creatine. Keep in mind, this is another of the unflavored BJJ supplements. To put it simply, it does taste awful. It tastes metallic and very bitter when taken without anything else, to be precise.  Some people strategize by taking a small amount that chugging down some water to chase. You can also mix it with a tea or smoothie to cover up some of the taste, but don’t expect the taste to go away completely. It can also be dissolved in water easily, although this will also not get rid of the taste. The major advantage of this supplement is its purity and balance of ingredients. It has everything you need for a great workout with nothing additional added.  The caffeine and creatine provide a boost of helpful workout energy, while the vitamins and other ingredients offer more a more general supplement for your body to build with and thrive. Finally, the supplement provides the focus and energy you need before a BJJ session without needing to resort to sugars or coffee. 3 - Truth Natural Pre-Workout  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SQ412L8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gbjj-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07SQ412L8&linkId=5e94425089e06e17a66a818461365910 >> View Truth Natural Pre-Workout  on Amazon << Truth Natural Pre-Workout is a vegan pre-workout supplement with animno acids, botanicals, electrolytes, caffeine, and other energizing ingredients, but with no creatine. The active ingredients include a caffeine dose of 135mg per serving, BCAAs, taurine, and L-tyrosine. Like with the other supplements on this list, this blend serves as a solid basis for both a sharp increase in energy that will also last throughout a training session without feeling jittery or chemical-induced. You can mix this with water, or mix it into a tea or smoothie for a pre-workout energy boost. Truth Natural Pre-Workout Supplement comes in Fruit Punch, Lemonade, and Orange Tangerine flavors. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners added, instead coming from all-natural ingredients for a no-jittery feeling increase in energy. Due to its all-natural ingredients, the flavor is not great. It’s fairly bitter and has a medicine-like taste.  However, it works. It provides a nice energy boost before hitting a BJJ session that feels steady and natural instead of a chemical high. It helps you to keep focus and have the energy to get through a long session.  Conclusion: Best BJJ Supplements We’ve found and examined three solid natural pre-workout BJJ supplements that work great for training. These all have all-natural ingredients and no preservatives, fillers, sweeteners, or colors added. One of the main differences between the three is the taste, where Naked Energy has the worst due to adding no flavoring whatsoever. However, it also has no calories and no extras at all and serves almost twice as many servings for the same price as the other two. Both Organic Muscle and Truth have some flavoring that covers up the bad taste, but neither tastes delicious. In terms of performance, all three supplements provide significant energy and focus pre-training session.  Therefore, it comes down to your preference between the three. Naked Energy is overall a better deal, but can be harder to swallow, literally. Organic Muscle and Truth both have decent flavoring but are made with different ingredient lists. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Ways Kids Karate Lessons Can Change The World Choosing the right martial art for your child can be a challenge. There are so many martial arts that offer something to improve your child’s overall upbringing.  However, did you know that something as simple as enrolling your child in kids karate can lead to a series of events that could in-fact help change the world? We’re not kidding.  From improved mental health and cognitive development, as well as teach kids to be honest, respectful, determined, and self-sufficient.  Your child may be interested in martial arts, but unsure where to start and they may be asking themselves “what martial art should I learn?”. If this sounds familiar to your or your child’s interests, stick around, and let’s explore the many benefits that a child can receive by enrolling in kids karate.  Improved Mental Health Children live in a modern world filled with distractions. From online learning, video games, and YouTube, to parents and friends who are experiencing an ever-changing world with new challenges.  Believe it or not, our society is almost encouraging kids to doubt themselves and fear the unknown.  In our kid’s karate class, we teach your child to not only reject this ideation, but to embrace their new role as a leader, critical thinker, and problem solver. Kids are immersed in a stressful and distracting environment and without proper direction, physical exercise, and self-confidence, a child can end up depressed and full of anxiety at an age where they should be learning to change the world.  Each day in kids karate, your child will be greeted with new challenges and instruction that help your child build on their budding aspirations and reinforce a positive mindset.  From the physical exercise involved in kids’ karate to the breakthroughs of their own imposed mental barriers, your child’s mental health will get a much-deserved boost from kids’ karate.  Improved Cognitive Development Kids karate offers all children an opportunity to take on new tasks and build on their cognitive development. Your child will be learning new methods to communicate, problem-solve, and apply techniques with precision on each day of class.  Something as simple as a series of kicks and punches may seem not very challenging to the untrained eye, but each movement has a series of thought processes and techniques that require your child to develop their hand-eye coordination in each class.  Your child will not only be learning strikes like punches and kicks but also how to effectively de-escalate a potentially violent encounter using the most powerful weapon in the world - their mind.  In addition, in a kids karate class, there will be a mentally stimulating curriculum that challenges your child to learn the karate belt system, credos, and ethos to live by and these will be reinforced through class instructions and daily questions and answers between the coaches and your child to ensure it is retained and understood.  An Honest Child All children who enroll in kids karate classes learn from day one that honesty is an essential tool in any leader’s toolbox and must be developed at all times.  From what may seem like a little ‘white lie” to a full-blown example of dishonesty, it all will be treated the same, all young warriors in kids karate will learn that while there may be many ways to handle a situation, honesty is the foundation of all choices made both here at GBJJ and outside of the gym as well.  Our instructors at GBJJ will drive these honesty ethos home on a daily basis and teach your child that honesty is not only cool but an absolute must for anyone who steps foot on the mats. Each day of class, you can expect the coaches of GBJJ to quietly monitor the interactions each child has in class. If a situation arises where an honest action was not taken, this becomes a time to not berate or embarrass the child but to teach and uplift the child to make the right choice and correct the dishonesty.  A Determined Child Children are faced with many challenges as they grow up. If a child starts to lose confidence in themselves or their true potential, you may see a decline in their determination.  A child doesn’t lose determination because they are unable to do something or just not good enough, a child loses determination because they lose self-belief. Each day at GBJJ, our kid’s karate program uses a series of confidence-building programs that are seamlessly woven into our kid’s karate curriculum to build your child’s confidence and determination. Watching our children enter our doors full of concern and self-doubt and leave with a head held high and a determined outlook is one of the many priceless reasons a kid’s karate class is a beast when it comes to building a healthy, determined young person.  From role-playing with anti-bully scenarios to seeing your child face an intimidating encounter to getting stronger and more capable each week, your child’s determination levels will reach new heights.  A Self-Sufficient Child Children are often considered “unable” or “not capable”, after all, they are kids, right? Nope!  Our kid’s karate program at GBJJ is launching the abilities and confidence of our kids to show them they CAN do whatever it is they want to do. The cornerstone of any kid’s karate program is to teach and reinforce to your child they are more capable than they ever imagined.  At GBJJ, through skilled instruction, a safe learning environment, and a positive team atmosphere, your child will grow into their new, confident mindset, ready to change the world.  A Child Ready To Change The World Children enrolled in the GBJJ kids karate program are equipped with the tools needed to change the world.  From problem-solving to making new friends from all walks of life, your child’s development in a solid kids karate program cannot be replicated anywhere else.  Karate for kids takes a group of children from all walks of life, all social and economic backgrounds and teaches them that through respect, hard work, and dedication, they CAN change the world.If your child is ready to launch their inner superhero, then no time has ever been better than right now to start training at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu. Get started with a free week of training, click here!

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.

Defense Soap is one of the best hygiene products for athletes, martial artists, and people with active lifestyles. We’ve gathered together some of their most helpful hygiene products by Defense to find out how and why they work and whether you should pick them up. Here we have the classic Defense Soap with tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil; Defense’s Shower Gel sports a similar formula but without the peppermint for a more streamlined cleaning product; and finally, Defense’s Anti-fungal Soap which uses clinically proven tolnaftate to help get rid of common fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. 1 - Defense Soap >> Read real reviews about Defense Soap on Amazon << Defense Soap is one of the best all-around soaps to prevent workout-related problems. It works by using a combination of essential oils that are clinically proven to clean and protect the skin effectively—peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus help to maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier. The soap also cleanses the skin of dirt, oil, and sweat with all-natural ingredients.  Defense Soap also helps your skin recover from jock itch, fungal infections, and other skin ailments. It’s not a cure-all but seems to help speed up the natural recovery process. Because it’s all-natural, it works well for sensitive skin. It contains no added dyes, sulfate, fragrances, or alcohol which might irritate the skin. This also means the soap doesn’t hurt small wounds.  The peppermint oil has an additional benefit, which is aromatherapy. Peppermint in particular, improves mood and increases one’s level of alertness. The smell is noticeable but not overpowering and will keep you smelling fresh for hours after you use it. While the soap does help to regulate sebum and oil production in the skin, it won’t cure your acne. And while the soap provides faster recovery of other skin problems, its primary use is in preventing them from occurring in the first place.  Defense soap comes individually boxed for easy storage and use, allowing you to buy in bulk without an issue. Altogether, it’s a great soap to both prevent and deal with all the everyday skin problems athletes go through, and for that is the perfect addition to any gym bag.  2 - Defense Shower Gel (pack of 2 and 6) >> View Defense Soap Shower Gel on Amazon << Defense Shower Gel follows much of the same great formula as the Defense Soap. The shower gel is made from all-natural, non-GMO, and vegan ingredients, great for sensitive skin.  The clinically proven formula of 1% each of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil works together to help the skin naturally protect and heal from various athletic skin problems such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and more.  The shower gel foams into a rich lather, providing a deeper overall clean. In addition, the formula uses coconut, jojoba, and olive oils for further moisturizing properties, supporting the skin’s natural barrier while cleaning it of dirt, oil, and grime.  You can also use the gel to help promote the recovery of skin problems and to prevent acne outbreaks. It won’t necessarily cure these conditions, but many users have had success in promoting their recovery. The formula is also naturally deodorizing, helping to wash away common odor-causing bacteria. It can also be easier to store than some soaps, as you don’t need a separate container if you bringing it back and forth from the gym or dojo.  With the sweat and grime involved in an active lifestyle, this shower gel is one of the only ones that actively promotes the skin’s barrier and natural ecology to keep it looking and feeling clean all day.  3 - Defense Anti-Fungal Soap >> Read real reviews about Defense Anti-fungal Soap on Amazon << If you like Defense Soap but want one that targets fungal infections like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm, their anti-fungal soap is the first line of offense.  The main anti-fungal ingredient is tolnaftate, an FDA-approved topical medication against athlete’s foot fungus. The concentrated formula takes what’s great in the original defense soap and targets fungal infections with a laser focus.  Customer testimonials point to infections being cleared up in as little as two weeks for even large-scale rashes and skin problems. For true infections, the anti-fungal soap will be a lot more effective than the classic Defense Soap, which is better for prevention. You can switch to it once the infection is cleared up to give your skin better breathing room. It also includes a snap-case for storage to keep it tightly locked away from other toiletries and for bringing back and forth from the gym. Doctors will prescribe both oral medications and topical creams for most fungal rash problems. These will work but can be costly and uncomfortable to use. Instead, just switching out your soap for Defense’s clinically proven, FDA-approved anti-fungal soap, and you can get rid of your problem within 2 to 4 weeks. Conclusion Each hygiene product we’ve reviewed on this list provides its own specific benefits for users. The classic Defense Soap is one of the best overall first lines of defense for athletes looking for a powerful, all-natural cleaning product that leaves one clean, odor-free, and helps promote the skin’s natural health and barrier. But, the shower gel also foams to a rich lather and is useful for those who prefer a shower gel formula rather than a bar soap. Both products having a rich lather helps with getting a deep and satisfying clean. And finally, the anti-fungal soap is perfect for targeted removal of any kind of topical fungal infection. So go for it over the classic Defense soap if you’ve already got a problem. As an Amazon Associate, our Non-Profit earns a small commission from qualifying purchases to fund scholarships for training.