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There are so many ways to win a fight in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, but there are also some very obvious ways to lose one. Even though BJJ is a very technical and strategic martial art, we've all seen competitors lose a match by making some obvious errors. Illegal moves, for example. Illegal Jiu Jitsu moves are high on that list when it comes to avoiding the most common ways of losing in BJJ. Avoiding these five illegal moves in BJJ will help you win your next fight much faster and with less risk of injury from that move in particular. If you want to up your game even more than you already have, avoid these moves and keep reading… Jumping the Closed Guard Jumping the closed guard is a common illegal jiu jitsu move that happens way too often. When you jump the guard, you place your opponent's legs on top of their torso. This is a 100% non-sportive move that no referee in their right mind will let you get away with. The only time you can jump the guard is when you are transitioning from a standing position to a seated position, such as when you are trying to take your opponent down to the floor. If you try to jump the guard for any other reason, you will lose your match quickly. There are much better moves to use in BJJ, so avoid this one. Spinal Locks The spinal lock is a jiu jitsu move that we see in the Olympics from time to time. It's a very cool move that is highly effective when done correctly. It's also a very dangerous move that can cause severe damage to your opponent if you don't execute it flawlessly. The spinal lock locks your opponent's legs up very tightly and is usually used when you are trying to finish them off with a submission. Some spinal locks are extremely dangerous and can give your opponent some permanent damage if they are not careful. Avoid doing spinal locks in any BJJ matches and at least try to save them for Olympic wrestling. Heel Hooks Heel hooks are another dangerous illegal jiu jitsu move that can cause severe injuries if not done correctly. Most of the time, heel hooks are done when transitioning from standing to seated. However, you might see these in a match sometimes if both competitors get tied up and try to pull each other toward the ground. Heel hooks are great when done correctly, but they can be dangerous if your opponent does not tap out. If your opponent is not careful, a heel hook can cause severe damage to their knees and their ligaments. Be careful when applying a heel hook to your opponent, and ensure you know how to tap out if caught in one. Backward Finger Bending We've all seen it happen. One competitor will try to pull the fingers back of their opponent, which is a classic jiu jitsu move. Bending your opponent's fingers backward is a great way to break their grip when you are tied up with them in a match. You can also use this move to break a wrist lock and escape an excruciating position. Bending your opponent's fingers backward is a very effective way to break a wrist lock, but it's also a very dangerous move. Bending your opponent's fingers back can be extremely painful for them and cause serious and permanent damage. Avoid bending your opponent's fingers backward. Suplex Takedowns We've all seen this happen. One competitor will try to slam their opponent to the ground when they are standing up. This is a 100% illegal and non-sportive jiu jitsu move that seldom works. A takedown is a move when you stand up and try to take your opponent to the ground. A slam is when you lift your opponent off the ground and slam them to the ground using your momentum. This is a dangerous move that can cause severe damage if you don't do it properly. It can also happen accidentally if you are not careful. Avoid takedowns, but if you have to slam your opponent to the ground, ensure it's on their back and not on their head or neck. Avoiding These Jiu Jitsu Moves Can Save You Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a very technical sport with many different ways to win. However, there are also many ways to lose as well. These are the five worst ways to lose a match. Jumping the closed guard, spinal locks, heel hooks, backward finger bending, and super suplex takedowns are some of the worst ways to lose a match. If you want to win more matches and be a better BJJ practitioner, avoid these five moves at all costs. If you're interested in learning more about BJJ, including what moves you should and shouldn't use against an opponent, come learn with us at Granite Bay Jiu jitsu! We have classes for all ages and skill levels. You can even try out a free week to get a feel for the mat.

Both kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu are fighting sports that can be used to help you get in shape, improve your speed and agility, and give you a new set of skills. Which is better for you? It depends on your personal preferences and skill set. Both sports offer the same physical benefits but different strategic elements. In this blog post, we'll break down the pros and cons of each sport so you can decide which is best for you. If you're looking to try something new with an exciting element of danger and strength, balance, agility, and coordination, read on to learn more about these two popular fighting sports and their unique pros and cons. What Is Kickboxing? Kickboxing is a full-contact combat sport that uses both hands and feet to deliver kicks, punches, and knee/elbow strikes to your opponent to win a fight. You can do this in a ring or on a mat, but the rules vary. Kickboxing is one of the most popular combat sports around the world. It's a good sport for those looking to get into shape but also learn to defend themselves and get an adrenaline rush in the process. It's a full-body sport incorporating cardio, strength, flexibility, and speed training into its regimen.  Kickboxing is a great way to challenge and strengthen both your mental and physical health. It's an excellent sport for those looking to improve in both the short and long term. Kickboxing can strengthen your overall fitness, get stronger and faster, and boost your confidence. And the best part is that it can be done either at a gym with equipment or at home with minimal equipment. Kickboxing is an excellent sport for those looking to fight competitively, those who enjoy an extreme challenge, or those who want to mix up their workout routine. It's a good sport for those who want to try something new or might be interested in trying another fighting sport. And while it's a great sport, it has a few cons. Kickboxing can be very intense and competitive, and it can get bloody. It's a great sport but requires a lot of concentration and energy. What Is Jiu Jitsu? Jiu-jitsu is a martial art, a self-defense system, and a sport that focuses on grappling and takedowns and pinning your opponent to the ground. It's one of the most effective martial arts in the world for self-defense, focusing on grappling techniques such as chokeholds, joint locks, and takedowns. Jiu-jitsu is a good sport for those looking to get into shape and learn self-defense skills. It's one of the best sports out there, as it not only gives you a good workout but also has plenty of mental benefits, like improving your confidence, patience, and mental strength. Jiu-jitsu is a great sport for those who want to challenge themselves and test their mental and physical strength. It has many benefits, and it might be one of the best sports for you if you enjoy the thrill of competition. It's an excellent sport for those looking for a good mental challenge and who want a sport that gives them plenty of room to grow. And while it's a great sport, it has a few cons. Jiu-jitsu can be challenging to learn if you don't have a good instructor, and it can be hard on your body. It's a great sport, but it requires focus and patience. Differences Between Kickboxing vs Jiu Jitsu  When comparing kickboxing vs jiu-jitsu, there are a few differences between the two: 1. Kickboxing can be done with or without gloves, while jiu-jitsu always requires you to wear gloves. 2. Kickboxing requires standing on a mat or in a ring, while jiu Jitsu is on the ground. 3. Kickboxing is a full-contact sport, while jiu Jitsu is a grappling sport. 4. Kickboxing is typically done with two people, while jiu Jitsu can be done with one person or two people.  These are just a few differences between kickboxing and jiu-jitsu. Both are great sports that anyone can do at any age and level of fitness. They both offer similar physical benefits and can be a lot of fun to learn. Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu are both great sports for self-defense, but they offer plenty of mental benefits, like improving your mental strength and confidence. Which is Better: Kickboxing or Jiu Jitsu?  When comparing kickboxing vs jiu jitsu, we recommend choosing the one that is best for you. There is no right or wrong choice here, as they are both great fighting sports with plenty of benefits. It’s all about what you're looking for and what sport is best for you.  Kickboxing and jiu jitsu have similar benefits, so it comes down to personal preference. When it comes down to it, kickboxing and jiu jitsu are both great sports, and they both have lots of benefits. They can both be used for fitness, and they can both be used for self-defense. It depends on what you're looking for and which sport suits you.  Kickboxing and jiu Jitsu are both intense sports, so you must be physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. They're both high-impact sports, so make sure you are in good health and have the energy and focus to commit before trying one. Finding the Right Fighting Sport for You  Fighting sports like kickboxing and jiu Jitsu are excellent ways to get in shape and gain self-confidence. They are also very challenging and can be done alone or in a group. They can be a bit costly to start with, but the benefits are worth it. You can also look into other fighting sports like karate or krav maga. They have different benefits but are overall great sports. You can find the right sport for you by assessing your physical and mental fitness and what you're looking for in a sport. There are plenty of fighting sports out there, so it's easy to find one that is right for you. If you decide Jiu Jitsu is the fighting style that suits you both, come down to Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu and try it out. We offer a free trial week where you can get down on the mat and see how it feels!

Time on the mats and drilling your tris can fire up numerous muscle groups, but what do you do when you want to target your core muscles? The answer is simple — get an ab trainer! An ab trainer or roller is one of the most underrated pieces of equipment in most gyms. In the right hands, this modest-looking tool can strengthen all of your abdominal muscles and then some. A roller is also excellent for building your shoulder girdle’s stability, so keep this in mind when you’re struggling to retain your knee-on-belly position. We could go on and on about the benefits of an ab trainer, but the bottom line is this: get one! But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the best one? Don’t worry — we’ve done the research for you. These three tools will strengthen your core and get your abs to pop. Vinsguir Ab Roller Fresh off the labs of Vinsguir is an ab roller that’s one of the most robustly designed on the market. The Vinsguir Roller is a 3.2-inch dual-wheel roller that’s got “no quit” written all over it. The Vinsguir Roller boasts a wide wheelbase that provides unparalleled support. The 3.2-inch double-wheel construction helps you stay balanced as you roll forward and back, and the EVA rubber coating on the handles ensure maximum grip. The wheel features a unique textured surface that ensures maximum grip on any mat or surface. The textured surface makes your ab training sessions effective and safe, as the risk of slippage is slim to none. And don’t worry about the load tolerance of the Vinsguir — its compact and durable design allows it to bear as much as 200 kg. The Vinsguir Roller’s weight-bearing capacity comes from the thick stainless steel tube that lines the handles. Weighing only 649 grams, the Vinsguir is a portable piece of ab training equipment. Lightweight and compact, this ab roller fits in your gym bag or backpack. Because you can easily disassemble it, you can also fit the Roller inside a small gym sack. In short, the portability of the Vinsguir allows you to train your core anywhere and any time. The Vinsguir Ab Roller comes with a free kneepad and is available in black. Also included in the Vinsguir packaging is an instruction manual containing the roller’s specs and assembly instructions. Stable, robust, and built to last, the Vinsguir is one ab trainer you can’t go wrong with! >> CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE LATEST PRICES FOR the Vinsguir Ab Roller ON AMAZON << DMoose Ab Roller Wheel Many ab roller users can’t lock out their arms, risking injury when using an ab trainer. But what if there were a way to train the abs without locking the arms out? There is — and it’s called the DMoose Ab Roller Wheel! The DMoose Roller Wheel features a unique bicycle-type handle system, guaranteed to give you a safe and effective ab workout. The handle system consists of a handle and elbow rests, allowing you to hold the Roller Wheel in front of you as your elbows lay comfortably on the rests. This gives you a great ab workout minus the arm soreness. Measuring 16.5 x 15.5 inches, the DMoose Ab Roller Wheel is robust in its construction — the thick wheelbase guarantees maximum stability and support. With the DMoose, falling to one side while you train is almost impossible! The DMoose Roller Wheel may not be the lightest ab trainer on the market, weighing in at more than two kilograms, but it’s one of the most durable and sturdiest. The DMoose Roller Wheel has an EV-foam-based coating that delivers ergonomic comfort with anti-slip protection. Beneath the coating is load-bearing stainless steel that ensures a maximum loading of up to 120 kg. Available in gray, the DMoose Roller is your solution to targeted ab training without the ab fatigue. Look no further for a sturdy and stable ab roller that preps your core for when you roll! >> CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE LATEST PRICES FOR the DMoose Ab Roller Wheel ON AMAZON << ABDolly Core Fitness - Abdominal Training Machine Most ab trainers can’t exactly boast their versatility — however, one possesses versatility in spades. It’s none other than the AB Dolly Core Fitness Training System! The AB Dolly Core Fitness Training System allows you to train your core in multiple directions. Underneath the dolly are four caster wheels that move with you as you roll wherever you want. Plus, the Dolly Core Fitness Training System’s caster wheels have a ball-bearing construction to prevent them from jamming while you’re training. Unlike most ab trainers on the market, the Dolly consists of more than a wheel and handle. The trainer has a flat body with handles at the sides and one smaller handle in front. Also, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene coating ensures that you get a safe and comfortable core training session. The dolly flatbed opens various exercise options that you can’t get with just any ab wheel. In fact, it allows you to perform more than just ab exercises; because you can rest your feet on the Dolly’s flatbed, you can also perform exercises like glute bridges. This trainer lends itself to so many exercise options that it also comes with a free DVD instructional! Available in gray, the Dolly lives up to its hype. Get a core and glute trainer for the price of one with this core trainer from AB Dolly! >> CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE LATEST PRICES FOR the AB Dolly Core Fitness Abdominal Abs Training Machine ON AMAZON << Roll Your Way to Better Core Strength and Stability on the Mats! These ab trainers will help you develop core strength unlike any other piece of gym equipment can. Grab one of these ab rollers and build your core for the beach or the mats! Want some help building your core? Head over to Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu and learn more moves with the pros!

Introduction  There's no doubt that Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a physically demanding sport. It requires you to be strong, fast, and flexible. In order to improve your performance on the mat, it's important to address your overall fitness level. That means addressing core strength and balance training with specific exercises designed for BJJ athletes. The 10 Bosu Ball exercises covered in this article will help improve your balance and help you up your game during sparring or competition!  Importance of balance & stability training in BJJ & How Bosu Ball Workouts Can Help  The benefits of using a Bosu ball for BJJ are numerous. For one, the ball provides an unstable surface that forces your muscles to work harder in order to maintain balance. This not only strengthens your muscles, but also improves your coordination and proprioception.  Additionally, the ball challenges your core stability and can help to improve your posture. As a result, it can help you to become a better jiu jitsu fighter overall. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the ball is also great for injury prevention. The unstable surface of the ball helps to reduce the risk of shearing force injuries by producing less impact on your joints. Using a Bosu ball can help keep you healthy and injury-free so that you can train at your full potential.  Exercise 1: Bosu Ball Bridge  Bridges are one of the most basic exercises and a great way to work your core muscles, as well as your glutes and hamstrings. To do the bridge, start by lying on your back with your heels on top of the Bosu ball. Slowly lift your hips off the ground, and then hold for a few seconds. You can make the exercise more challenging by adding a weight to your lap, or by doing single-leg bridges.  Exercise 2: Bosu Ball Lateral Step-Over  This exercise is great for developing balance and improving your ability to keep your knees straight when dealing with a variety of attacks. It's also great for strengthening the muscles in your legs, so it can be useful if you're trying to improve your BJJ game or even just want to be more active overall.  To perform this exercise, engage your core muscles and step onto the ball with one of your feet. In a quick motion, lunge up and switch your feet so that your starting foot is on the side of the ball and your other foot is now on the ball and repeat.  Exercise 3: Bosu Ball Plank  The Bosu ball plank is an excellent exercise to strengthen your core, arms, back and hips. To do a Bosu plank, start in a push-up position with your hands on the ball and your feet on the ground.  Then, engage your core and straighten your body so that you are in a straight line from head to heels. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, and then lower yourself back to the starting position. Plank on a Bosu ball is a great way to challenge your balance and stability while also working your core muscles. So give it a try and see how it feels!  Exercise 4: Bosu Ball Push-ups  Start by placing the Bosu ball on the floor and making sure it's stable. Make sure that your body is straight in line with the ball and that your knees don't touch the ground (this will make it hard for you to engage your core). Then, place your hands on top of the Bosu—you should be able to see that they're slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.  Keep an eye on where your hips are throughout this exercise as well; you want them facing toward the ceiling at all times so you're working those glutes! From here, lower yourself down into a push-up position by bending at both elbows until they're 90 degrees from your body. Hold this position for two seconds before coming back up again using only muscles in arms and shoulders.  Exercise 5: Bosu Ball Squat  The Bosu ball squat is a great exercise to help strengthen your legs and improve balance. This forces the muscles to work harder to maintain balance. To do a squat on a Bosu ball, start by standing on the flat side of the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on your hips and slowly lower yourself into a squat position, keeping your knees behind your toes.  Exercise 6: Bosu Ball Jump Squat  Similar to the regular squat, the jump squat helps to increase muscle activation while challenging your balance. To do a jump squat on a Bosu ball, start by standing on the ball with both feet. From there, lower into a squat position, then explosively jump up into the air. As you land, be sure to absorb the impact through your legs so that your knees don’t take the full force of the landing.  Exercise 7: Bosu Ball Lunge  The Bosu Ball Lunge is another great exercise to improve your balance and leg strength. It's really quite simple: all you need to do is place a Bosu ball on the floor with the ball side facing up. Step onto it with one foot, keeping your upper body tall. From there, slowly bend your front knee until the thigh is parallel to the ground, then extend back up into the starting position. From there, you can switch sides.  Exercise 8: Balancing on a Bosu Ball  Just balancing on a Bosu ball is a simple, but effective exercise for improving balance and stability. Carefully place both feet onto the flat side one at a time. Make sure to keep your back straight and avoid rolling too steeply in one direction.  Once you feel comfortable with this step, release your support and balance yourself. This exercise strengthens the legs and ankle muscles, so try it several times before moving on to other exercises!  Exercise 9: One-Legged Balancing  Taking it a notch up from the previous exercise, you can challenge yourself and your balance by doing it with one leg to improve strength and range of motion. To perform a single-leg Bosu ball exercise, start by standing on the flat side of the ball with one leg. Slowly lift your other leg off the ground and hold it in the air for a few seconds.  Then, lower your leg back down to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. As you get comfortable with the exercise, you can increase the amount of time that you spend balancing on one leg.  Exercise 10: Bosu Ball March  Another great standing exercise is the Bosu ball march. This exercise will work your glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps.  Balancing on the ball, march one foot at a time. With each step, raise your opposite knee up to hip height (or higher). Alternate legs until you have completed 20 steps total.  Conclusion To improve your BJJ and judo balance, you need to have a strong base of support. The Bosu ball is the perfect tool for helping you do this. The ball can be used in many different exercises that will help improve your balance in all aspects of life. If you're interested in increasing your BJJ skills, come to Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu and try out a free week with us!

If you’re into ancestral health, you know that beef heart, beef tallow, and ox bile are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Not only are ancestral supplements packed with vitamins and minerals, but they also contain powerful compounds that support overall health. Beef heart is an excellent source of CoQ10, a nutrient that plays a vital role in energy production and cellular health. Beef tallow is rich in CLA, a fatty acid that has been shown to support weight loss and healthy cholesterol levels. Ox bile is a potent source of bile acids essential for fat digestion and absorption. While you can get these nutrients from whole foods, supplements are a convenient way to ensure you get enough of them. Here are some of our favorite beef heart, beef tallow, and ox bile supplements that are highly recommended and available on Amazon. If you’re looking for a way to support your fitness goals and overall health, be sure to check out these products! 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Read reviews and view current Amazon pricing to ensure you get the best deal. >> CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE LATEST PRICES FOR Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Heart Supplement ON AMAZON << Conclusion As a BJJ practitioner or wrestler, beef heart, beef tallow, and ox bile supplements can be key to maintaining your health and fitness. Each has unique benefits that can help you perform at your best. If you are looking for a supplement to improve your cardiovascular health, beef heart is an excellent option. Beef tallow is a good choice if you need a supplement to improve your joint health. Ox bile is a great option if you want a supplement to improve your digestive health. These are just a few options available to you regarding beef supplements. There are many more out there, so be sure to research and find the one that’s right for you. No matter which beef supplement you choose, you’re sure to enjoy all its benefits. Available on Amazon, these supplements are just a click away. 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Sun Tzu once said that, in war, skillful fighters put themselves in positions where defeat is unthinkable. In jiu-jitsu, the same applies. As a result, jiu jitsu positions are the starting point for every escape, sweep, and submission attempt. For this reason, these positions become every grappler’s key to victory — if grapplers master them, that is.  Whether an athlete is a white or black belt, these six positions are ubiquitous in every BJJ match. By knowing and training in these six jiu jitsu positions, grapplers leave no holes in their mat games. Also, victory can be one submission attempt or sweep away.   Learn more about the six fundamental positions every BJJ athlete should know and master! No. 1: Guard Position No other position exemplifies the art of jiu-jitsu better than the guard position. Therefore, the guard position is one of the most fundamental positions in BJJ. And it’s for this reason that it’s one of the first jiu jitsu positions white belts learn.  Grapplers assume the guard position by lying flat on their backs and locking their legs around their opponents’ hips. The legs wrapped around the opponent’s hips or midsection prevents the opponent from moving into a more advantageous position like side control or full mount.  A grappler can bring someone into the guard position in several ways. For example, grapplers and MMA fighters move to the gourd position after the opponent attempts a takedown. Meanwhile, another common way to assume the guard position is to pull someone. The pull can be with the gi lapel or with an arm drag.   To the average onlooker, being in the guard seems disadvantageous since it’s a bottom position in grappling. But make no mistake.  The guard position is where many BJJ submissions start. Grapplers adept in the position finish fights with triangle chokes, guillotines, armbars, and Kimura locks. Masters of the guard position can also attempt more challenging moves like the omoplata and gogoplata. Grapplers can also sweep from the guard and end up in the full mount, a more advantageous position in BJJ, catch wrestling, and MMA.  In short, the guard is a position that opens up various opportunities to outscore or defeat an opponent. So it’s a move worth mastering for anyone serious about the mat game.  No. 2: Side Control The side control position is a top position in jiu-jitsu and other grappling disciplines like wrestling and Sambo. It’s also one of the most popular positions in catch wrestling, as shown by grapplers like Josh Barnett.  The side control or side mount is similar to a wrestling pin position. In BJJ, a grappler can get into the side mount by staying on top of an opponent. The grappler’s knees must be at the armpit or hip. Also, grapplers who wish to hold side control must have their arms clasped around the arm and neck to prevent the opponent from shrimping. Side control is a position BJJ athletes can assume after a successful double-leg takedown. Grapplers can also move to side control after passing the opponent’s guard position.  Side control or side mount is an advantageous position in a grappling match or MMA fight. In BJJ, a grappler in side control can attempt various shoulder locks like Americanas and Kimuras. Athletes with longer forearms can also slide their arms in for arm triangle chokes, ala Jacare Souza.  Other possible side control submissions include scarf hold arm locks and side chokes like the one Josh Barnett used against Dean Lister in Metamoris.  If submissions aren’t possible in side mount, grapplers can move to full mount by sliding one knee across the opponent’s belly. The grappler can also “ride” the opponent by going knee-on-belly.  What’s the knee-on-belly position? Read on to find out!  No. 3: Knee On Belly Side control or side mount is one way to control the fight from the top. Knee on belly is another. And it’s a painful high-percentage way of imposing one’s will on the opponent! Getting the knee on belly position begins from side control. Once a grappler achieves side mount, all the grappler needs to do is slide the knee on the opponent’s stomach and posture up. Next, the grappler can post with the free leg and grab the opponent’s armpit or gi for added stability. Knee on belly works the same way as side control. It places the grappler’s weight on the opponent’s midsection, preventing escape. However, knee-on-belly adds more discomfort with the pressure of the knee atop the opponent’s belly (as the term implies).  With the knee on the opponent’s stomach, the opponent will breathe heavily, shrimping slowly. The added benefit of the knee-on-belly position is the space it gives the grappler. In this position, the grappler can fish for the opponent’s far arm and attempt an armbar.  As the opponent tries to turn in the direction of the knee, the arm is also susceptible — vulnerable enough for the grappler to attempt a Kimura.  The added benefit of the knee-on-belly position is the number of options the position opens up. For example, the grappler can transition into full mount or North-South position from knee on belly. The grappler can also take the opponent’s back if the opponent turns to the knee too much.  No. 4: Full Mount The entire mount is a position where a grappler sits on the opponent’s midsection with the legs on both sides of the opponent’s body.  For many, the total amount is the most advantageous position in any fight situation. A fighter can rain blows from the mount on an opponent’s head. Some of the best exemplars of this application include the likes of Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, and Diego Sanchez.  In jiu-jitsu, the full mount opens up various opportunities for submissions. It’s one of the most high-percentage positions for armbars and mounted triangle chokes. Grapplers can also attempt specific chokes from the mount.  Getting to the full mount requires work. The position demands working from several positions. One option is to pass the opponent’s guard to get to side control, then to full mount. Grapplers may also sweep the opponent from guard to get to full mount.  No. 5: Rear Mount or Back Mount The back mount is also one of the most sought-after jiu-jitsu positions. As the name suggests, the rear mount is a position where a grappler grabs the opponent from behind.  The rear mount has many versions. The most commonly taught version of white belts is the one where both feet are between the opponent’s thighs. Also, the arms must be in a “seat belt control” position where one arm is over the opponent’s shoulder, and the other comes from underneath the other shoulder.  Other versions of the rear mount include what’s known as “the truck.” The truck is in a rear mount position where both legs hook just one of the opponent’s legs. With the free leg exposed, grapplers who attempt the truck can attempt uncommon submissions like the electric chair or the twister. From rear or back mount, many submissions are possible. The most commonly attempted one is the rear naked choke. However, with enough flexibility, grapplers can attempt triangle chokes and armbars from the back mount.  No. 6: Turtle  Grapplers need to master the turtle position to add to their defensive arsenal. It’s also an excellent position to master for high-level jiu-jitsu competitions like ADCC. Just ask ADCC 2022 Superfight Champ Gordon Ryan and BJJ black belt Eduardo Telles.  The turtle position allows grapplers to defend themselves from back takes and chokes. A grappler gets into the turtle position by getting on all fours and keeping the arms, legs, and chin tucked. The tight position of the limbs and neck prevent the opponent from attempting any submission.  The turtle position is one of the most versatile defensive jiu-jitsu positions anyone can learn. Unfortunately, just like the guard, it is a misunderstood position. More specifically, most people deem it a vulnerable position.   However, grapplers can use the turtle position to defend and escape the bottom at the same time. An athlete whose opponent hasn’t taken the back can roll to either create distance or establish a better position. Athletes who have “turtled up” can also prevent opponents from scoring points for attempts and position takes in competitions where winning is possible by outsourcing the opponent.  In short, recreational or competitive grapplers must develop a solid turtle game.  Drill and Master Developing a well-rounded ground game requires mastery of the six essential positions mentioned here.  As we’ve said in the past, mastery requires drilling and repetition. If you’re looking for an academy to master your ground game, head over to Granite Bay Jiu-jitsu and sharpen your game in any position!

As a jiu-jitsu beginner, you may wonder which jiu jitsu books are worth reading to improve your skills. While many options are available, not all will be equally helpful. Look for Jiu Jitsu books with clear and concise explanations of techniques and step-by-step illustrations or photos.  But where should you start? What jiu jitsu books should you read first? Those are difficult questions to answer. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best Jiu Jitsu books for beginners. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to jiu-jitsu or want to learn more about the sport’s history, these jiu jitsu books will give you the information you need to improve your jiu-jitsu game. Jiu-Jitsu University Author: Saulo Ribeiro with Kevin Howell Version: Paperback Pages: 368 Dimensions: 8.56×0.88×10.85 inches First published in 2008, Saulo Ribeiro’s “Jiu-Jitsu University” has become one of the all-time most popular and best-selling Brazilian Jiu Jitsu books. The book is a comprehensive guide to the art of grappling, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced concepts. In addition to Ribeiro’s clear and concise explanations, the book also features hundreds of photos and illustrations, making it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced practitioners. To this day, “Jiu-Jitsu University” remains one of print’s most helpful jiu jitsu books. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in learning this fascinating martial art. Ribeiro takes a unique approach by organizing the chapters by belt rank instead of technique. This allows readers to progress through the book at their own pace according to their training level. In this book, Saulo goes over the essential jiu-jitsu that will always be relevant. The techniques and ideas he talks about are those he uses as a world champion. The primary focus is on using a gi, but the concepts can still be applied to no-gi situations. Jiu Jitsu University is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a jiu-jitsu book that will provide you with valuable information and techniques you can use on the mats. Reviews Summary Average Customer Rating: 4.8 Stars (3,494 Amazon ratings) “I bought the book and have been studying it 2-3 days per week in addition to going to class 3 times per week and I have noticed a HUGE improvement on my skills. The main reason is because the book has helped me understand what my role is as a white belt.”-Roboemon “As someone pretty new to BJJ, I am finding the book very useful, not just for technique but also the mantel game. Setting yourself realistic goals and knowing what you should be capable of when rolling as white, blue etc.”-Shane Fearson >> click here to check out the latest reviews for "jiu-jitsu university" on amazon << Mastering the 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Handbook for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Author: Paulo Guillobel Version: Kindle Pages: 114 (Print Length) File Size: 4,515 KB Paulo Guillobel’s “Mastering the 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” provides an in-depth, all-inclusive guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This one-of-a-kind book delves into the “undetectable aspects” of each BJJ move and strategy, giving readers a deep knowledge of the “subterranean elements” behind each one. With clear and concise explanations, Guillobel covers everything from the proper way to grip an opponent to the importance of balance and leverage in jiu-jitsu. Each chapter builds on the last, allowing readers to slowly but surely develop a complete toolkit of jiu-jitsu knowledge. And perhaps most importantly, Guillobel emphasizes why each technique is used, giving readers a clear understanding of jiu-jitsu principles and strategies. Whether you’re a beginner just starting or a seasoned vet looking to take your game to the next level, “Mastering the 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” is an essential addition to your jiu-jitsu library. Reviews Summary Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (554 Amazon ratings) “5 out of 5 stars. And a must-read (and meditate on, and embody in practice!) for any white belt and probably all the other belts as well (if I were a black belt then I would love to make that bold statement).”-Joe “The precision and thoroughness of the presentation of these unchanging core concepts is excellent and will be a treasure for humble students dedicated to mastery rather than merely technical focus. A must have for the BJJ student.”-james ogre >> click here to check out the latest reviews for "Mastering The 21 Immutable Principles Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" on amazon << Zen Jiu Jitsu – White to Blue Author: Oliver Staark Version: Kindle Pages: 120 (Print Length) File Size: 1,564 KB “Zen Jiu Jitsu – White to Blue” by Oliver Staark is a comprehensive manual that covers everything a white belt needs to know to become a competent blue belt. It begins with an introduction to the core principles of jiu-jitsu, and then moves on to drilling techniques and choosing a school. Technique concepts are explained in detail, and tactical considerations are given to help the reader make the most of their training. The book also includes some technique chains and maps for the white belt. This is an essential book for anyone wanting to progress quickly through jiu-jitsu. The author provides clear and concise explanations of the various techniques and concepts and offers helpful tips on applying them in real-world situations. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a valuable reference for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your game to the next level, this book will surely provide the insights and guidance you need to succeed. >> click here to check out the latest reviews for "Zen jiu jitsu - white to blue" on amazon << Reviews Summary Average Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (450 Amazon ratings) “Being new to Jiu-Jitsu, this was very helpful with understanding many of the beginning concepts. This also helped ease my mind and to remember to go slow. Learn technique and train.”-Verest “Great read for the white belt. Can be applied to what you’re learning in class. Great ideas and great info”-Jessica smith Learn Self-Defense With Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu If you are looking for a way to start your jiu-jitsu journey, or if you are looking for supplementary material to help improve your skills, then these three jiu jitsu books should be at the top of your list.  However, it is essential to remember that no matter how good the book is, you still need discipline and the proper mindset to fully maximize your potential. These jiu jitsu books are only there to help you — you have to do the rest. If you’re interested in learning more about self-defense and would like to train under some of the best martial artists in Sacramento, don’t hesitate to contact Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with more information on our programs.

Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are two popular fighting styles to learn. They also have several similarities and share some of the same roots. Therefore, telling the difference between the two may be difficult for someone new to martial arts and fighting. However, despite some things in common, the two are quite different regarding purpose, technique, and rules.  What Is Krav Maga? Krav Maga is a system designed to promote self-defense. It originated to help Jewish community members protect themselves and those near them from powerful anti-semitic and fascist forces. After Israel's founding, the discipline known as Krav Maga was further honed and developed to be used as a fighting system for the Israeli military.  The techniques that are incorporated into this style of combat include elements of Judo, Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, and Boxing. It has also been refined to use Muy Thai and Wing Chun components. It's important to remember that at its core, Krav Maga is not intended to be a sport or used in competition. Instead, its purpose was first and foremost to help vulnerable people defend themselves and, secondly, to be explicitly used by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in battle.  Krav Maga is also designed to be a last resort. Practitioners are told to avoid engaging in combat or violence whenever feasible. It's encouraged to take steps such as biting, pulling the hair of an aggressor, or kneeing them in the groin before choosing to fight.  If one does enter into a combat scenario, Krav Maga has a few fundamental principles to direct the behavior in a fight. These include guidelines like targeting your opponent's weaknesses, practicing repetition and quick responses, and ending the battle as soon as possible. Since Krav Maga is designed to help people protect themselves, it emphasizes techniques and moves that are practically effective so that even smaller or physically weaker people can utilize the fighting style to defend themselves successfully.  Overview Of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (also known as BJJ) is a martial art formed from key elements of the Japanese fighting styles of Judo and Jiu Jitsu in the 1920s. The Japanese disciplines were taught to Carlos Gracie, a Brazilian native, by Mitsuyo Maeda around this time. Gracie and his family would later open a gym and instruct others, and BJJ evolved from there.  Like the sports it was adapted from, BJJ, as a discipline, places a particular emphasis on grappling and fighting on the ground. Many other martial arts focus on kicks and punches, but this is not the case for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. While fights start standing up, combatants will attempt to get their opponents onto the floor with various moves and throws, and then the fight will largely continue at ground level. Different moves will also be employed to manipulate the joints of adversaries, as well as to choke them. BJJ began to take off on a global scale as a sport in the 1990s. During this time, championships started, and Royce Gracie, a martial arts founding family member, won multiple Ultimate Fighting Championships by employing the fighting style. It has since become one of the world's most popular and competitive styles of martial arts.  What Are The Similarities Between Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Krav Maga and BJJ were created using techniques established in other preexisting martial arts and disciplines. Krav Maga combines many different styles, including Judo and Jiu Jitsu, the martial arts that are the basis of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Additionally, both styles of combat are particularly effective when used in self-defense. Krav Maga, as mentioned, was developed explicitly for this purpose. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was not created with the sole intent of helping people defend themselves from aggressors. Still, the style and nature of the sport make it quite effective in this capacity. This is because it emphasizes very close encounters and those that take place on the ground, which often are circumstances that define assaults and situations in which self-defense techniques might be helpful.  What Are The Technique Differences Between Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Krav Maga and BJJ share a common background and are similarly effective, but they differ in several ways. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was created to be a competitive martial art, and Krav Maga was not. Krav Maga is a style of fighting that is meant to help people defend themselves and is not meant to be used unnecessarily or for sport.  Since Krav Maga and BJJ have different intentions, each discipline's learning process and road to mastery vary. It is a feature of the design of Krav Maga that it can be studied and effectively executed by anyone and doesn't take particularly long to become skilled in. This is to boost the defensive capabilities of vulnerable populations.  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, on the other hand, is genuinely an art. It involves more moves and techniques and can take much longer to become a true master.  Furthermore, BJJ tends to be very specific in the exact moves and techniques that it incorporates. Fights largely take place on the ground and revolve primarily around throws, grapples, and choking moves. These elements are part of Krav Maga as well, but it goes beyond the narrow focus to include punches, kicks, strikes, etc.  The focus of Krav Maga is to protect oneself. Therefore, it is highly offensive and designed to deal out a high amount of damage. It also really emphasizes speed and quick responses. There are defensive techniques as well, but it focuses more on fast, harsh attacks that will help end combat quickly.  What Are The Rule Differences Between Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu only permits a selection of moves and techniques. Therefore, some moves are not allowed. Furthermore, some techniques can only be implemented in specific scenarios. This is because BJJ is a sport and martial art, first and foremost. It is designed to be learned and used in competition.  On the other hand, Krav Maga does not bar combatants from using specific techniques or moves. Everything is permitted. This is because Krav Maga is not intended for sports but is a method of self-defense. The ultimate aim of Krav Maga is to help someone protect themselves and survive an encounter. Any move that accomplishes this end goal is going to be allowed.  What Are The Differences in Gear For Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Krav Maga and BJJ are also distinct because of the equipment used in each discipline. Essentially, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will not utilize specific tools or weapons in a match because it is purely a hand-to-hand method of combat. However, Krav Maga is meant to prepare people to defend themselves, so it will teach people how to disarm an aggressor with a gun or knife. Real weapons aren't used in practicing Krav Maga, but fake ones will be used for training.  Is Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Better?  When deciding between Krav Maga and BJJ, the right choice will vary depending on what someone hopes to get out of it. Both have merits and drawbacks, so neither is universally the superior option.  They both are helpful in self-defense scenarios. However, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will offer more limited training and be more focused on the art of the techniques. This does not mean it is not practically applicable because it can be beneficial in a fight. However, its usefulness may be limited to more specific instances than Krav Maga, which is designed to prepare anyone for any situation where they need to protect themselves. Krav Maga is going to offer techniques to handle weapons and use a variety of moves that might be considered "dirty" or "illegal" in other fighting styles. Krav Maga will also be an excellent option for those at a physical disadvantage due to their size or strength because it is designed to help anyone get the upper hand and survive.  On the other hand, if you're interested in competing or studying a discipline for sport, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is likely the better choice. There is a lot to learn, and it's a real feat to become a master of this style because it's a true martial art. There are also many tournaments and opportunities to prove yourself in the BJJ scene. BJJ Near Me If you’re interested in learning more about the art of Jiu Jitsu, we offer a supportive community with skilled instructors for both adults and children! Come join us for a free 7 day trial at Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu and see what we have to offer.

With the growing popularity of mixed martial arts, many fighters and sports fans have paid closer attention to two of the most effective disciplines in the world. Muay Thai is known as the most effective martial art for stand-up striking, while Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has established a reputation as the top martial art for grappling. But the question lingers in our minds — which one is better? In this blog post, we discuss the essentials of these two diverse kinds of martial arts and settle the debate once and for all about which one is better. What is BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)? In 1882, BJJ evolved from Judo, a Japanese martial art, and has since become a sport and a martial art itself. The “jiu” in Jiu-Jitsu is actually derived from the “ju” in Judo, and is an anglicized variant of the Japanese word that means “soft” or “gentle.” As its name suggests, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a form of martial art that originates in Brazil and utilizes grappling as the main attack. Fighters who use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu use chokeholds and joint locks to render their opponents immobile. This discipline is more about using technique and leverage rather than exerting power, making it great for self-defense. It’s also a good option for people who are looking to lose weight and tone their bodies. It wasn’t until the 1990s when Royce Gracie dominated the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) using BJJ that the discipline gained notoriety and recognition for its effectiveness. As a member of the prominent martial arts Gracie family, Royce Gracie became a central figure in the popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Soon enough, Royce’s expertise in ground combat paved the way for the future and proved the efficiency of this martial art. Since then, this grappling style has become a signature technique you’ll find in all MMA fighters. What is Muay Thai? Muay Thai, on the other hand, was developed in Thailand and is known for its aggressive style that involves striking opponents. The techniques it uses are based on movements found in animals such as the elephant, tiger, and crane, and aim to help fighters stand up to opponents who may be stronger and larger. Muay Thai was originally a form of kickboxing, which typically uses elbows, fists, shins, and knees to hit their opponents. This form of Thai boxing focuses more on power rather than speed, and can also be a good option for self-defense while offering benefits for strength and cardiovascular training. Because of its success as a martial art for striking opponents, the popularity of Muay Thai has grown in the past few years and has been heavily featured in MMA and other combat arenas. As a result, Muay Thai is practiced by many of the top fighters in the world. However, we’re still unsure of how much Muay Thai could be used in the future of UFC. Even so, time will tell when it will get a permanent spot in the world’s toughest martial arts competition. Muay Thai VS Jiu Jitsu - Which One Is Better? Now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, it’s time to answer the big question: which is better? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple — we first have to consider that each discipline has its own unique techniques that are suited for different situations. For instance, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the better option for grappling, while Muay Thai is much better for stand-up striking. When we’re talking about the ground game, a fighter who uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can grapple a Muay Thai fighter — and the Muay Thai fighter would have plenty to fear if this happens. The effectiveness of BJJ would allow the fighter to neutralize and wear down the Muay Thai fighter while on the ground, eventually getting on top and pinning them. A BJJ user could keep the fight under control by utilizing different joint locks and chokes, which means that a Muay Thai fighter would need to avoid getting taken down at all costs. Should they fail to stay on their feet, the fight would be highly likely to end quickly. A Muay Thai fighter, on the other hand, would be considerably stronger when it comes to a stand-up fight where they can use a range of kicks made effective by their long limbs. They would also be able to perform roundhouse kicks with a lot of power due to their flexible legs and hips. Additionally, a Muay Thai user could keep their opponents within range and cut off the ring, where they could then deliver devastating attacks using their elbows and knees. Overall, it comes down to this: in a fight between a Muay Thai fighter and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter, if the Muay Thai fighter is knocked down, the BJJ fighter is likely to win. If the BJJ fighter cannot knock them down, however, they’ll be at a serious disadvantage. BJJ and Muay Thai FAQs Which is Harder to Learn: BJJ or Muay Thai? Muay Thai is harder to learn than BJJ because it relies heavily on timing, which can take months and even years to develop. BJJ relies more on muscle memory and leveraging strength, which can be learned much faster. To provide you with an idea of the learning curve between these two disciplines, you’ll have a pretty high chance of beating an untrained opponent after training for 2 years in BJJ. If you choose Muay Thai, you’ll still have a decent chance after 2 years, but the odds would be stacked slightly further against you. This is because even untrained people can throw a basic punch, but they don’t know how to fight once they’re on the ground. Which Should I Learn First? If you’re interested in learning both practices, you can start with either; they’re both great for getting in shape and for self-defense. Because you can learn both, it doesn’t matter which one you start with — but keep in mind that sparring using Muay Thai is a lot harder on your body compared to BJJ sparring. If you plan to start sparring quickly, it’s best to start with BJJ, which will get your body accustomed to a moderate amount of impact before moving on to the heavy blows you’ll receive in Muay Thai. Muay Thai also has a more difficult learning curve, so if you want to become a better fighter quickly, it’s best to learn BJJ first. Can I Combine Muay Thai with BJJ? Combining BJJ with Muay Thai sounds like a great idea on paper. With the best striking martial art and the best grappling martial art at your disposal, you can train to be a well-rounded fighter. However, there is value in learning them separately; most MMA fighters will be a jack of all trades and a master of none. This means that they will be worse grapplers compared to pure BJJ fighters and will be worse at striking compared to pure Muay Thai fighters. It’s up to you to decide where you want to excel and which strategy to use to supplement your existing arsenal. Conclusion Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu is a leading martial arts school that inspires and motivates individuals who have a burning passion for transforming their lives. We hold both youth and adult MMA programs, BJJ and kickboxing classes, and self-defense classes in Granite Bay, California. If you want to stay safe on the streets, tone your muscles, or just improve your skills in a discipline that many have come to love, be sure to visit our website or contact us today at (916) 587-1411.

Whether you’re new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and are looking to learn more about this martial art, or are a seasoned practitioner looking to watch footage of some role models and idols in the sports, there are plenty of great BJJ documentaries out there. Since new movies come out all the time, and things change and evolve in the scene, here is a list of the best Jiu Jitsu documentaries to watch in 2022. Choke Documentary The 1999 classic still reigns supreme as one of the best Jiu Jitsu films out there. But beyond just being a good BJJ documentary, it’s also a great documentary in its own right.  It follows Rickson Gracie, one of the Gracie clan who are responsible for creating BJJ as it is known today, as he gets ready for a fight. However, this is not just any match, it is a single elimination tournament with eight participants, and it is taking place all in one night.  The Choke documentary is notable for the light it shines on Rickson, as well as on the entire Gracie family. It captures their training style, approach to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, philosophy of competition, and gives great context for their history and present role as major players in the BJJ community.  Most of the film is backstory and build-up to the competition, however, at the end of the hour and a half Choke documentary, real footage from the very intense match is shown. When it came out in the 1990s, this documentary helped to spark an interest in BJJ for an entire generation, and it’s still inspiring new people to take a class in the martial arts to this day. The Way of Jiu-Jitsu This is the perfect introduction to BJJ for those that don’t have much familiarity with the sport, but are interested in learning more. It’s also quite short, at just around 20 minutes long, which makes it a great taste of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for those that don’t want to commit to watching something longer.  This documentary gives a cursory overview of many aspects of BJJ. It offers insight into the training process, the techniques of masters, and the general philosophy that surrounds the discipline. There are also numerous notable fighters in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene that are featured in this film, including Royce Gracie, Cobrinha, Randy Couture, and Rashad Evans. It’s a really great primer for anyone looking to quickly study this martial art.  Eddie Bravo: Building an Empire If you’re looking to watch the best jiu jitsu documentary about a famed figure in BJJ that isn’t centered on one of the Gracies, this is the documentary for you. Eddie Bravo is a major figure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has been a force of innovation in the sport and has developed and helped popularize numerous techniques. This film will give you a glimpse into the history and mind of Eddie Bravo. It shows how he began learning the martial art, as well as gives insight into the way he now teaches it. His philosophy and approach, as well as his style and thoughts on the current state of BJJ, are all covered in this documentary.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - The Great Ego Destroyer This documentary focuses on BJJ through the specific lens of self-improvement. It highlights that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a discipline that can benefit more than just the body, but also has enormous potential to help people grow and work on themselves mentally.  As a documentary,The Great Ego Destroyer is also notable because it doesn’t put the focus on the famous fighters and the championship-winning athletes that are a small minority of the scene. Instead, it chooses to focus on normal people who are dedicated to BJJ as a lifestyle, and showcasing why it works for them.  This film shows why people make attending BJJ classes such a habit and part of their regular routine, even if they aren’t trying to make it in the sport competitively. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be almost addictive because it can help people create better versions of themselves.  Jiu-Jitsu vs. The World This is another one of the best jiu jitsu documentaries that is ideal for those that are new to the sport of BJJ. It’s especially great as a recommendation from someone already involved in the scene, so it should be the go-to for those that are trying to get a friend to take a class with them. This one offers a pretty comprehensive picture of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It discusses the history, lifestyle, and philosophy of the sport. It also illustrates the value of BJJ and the reason to study it. Plus it goes into more niche areas, like the experiences of women and children in the sport.  The overall theme of this film is the positive influence and potential of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It demonstrates perseverance and the way that exploring this style of fighting can help one improve. It also features tons of prominent figures in the scene in interviews and footage. The Saint of Crackland Like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - The Great Ego Destroyer, this documentary focuses on the potential of BJJ to have an impact, instead of documenting the stories of tournament champions. However, The Saint of Crackland is unique because its focus is specifically on the way that BJJ can be used to help benefit society as a whole.  It documents a program that helps to benefit kids and young people in the rough and impoverished Cracolandia neighborhood in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This area is notorious for being a hotbed of criminal activity and drug use that ranks globally for its dangerous climate.  The film shows the people behind the program, the students who take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes through it, and the way in which it has helped them. BJJ is seen to be a hugely positive influence and an outlet for disadvantaged youths in the area.  Roll: Jiu-Jitsu In SoCal This one stands out because it takes a look at a very specific part of the (already niche) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sport. Roll shows how BJJ took off in the States, and specifically hones in on the martial art’s impact in Southern California, and the community that developed.  It transports the viewer into the 1980s, and really showcases the experience of students learning this unique fighting style when Karate Kid and kung-fu movies were the popular draws to martial arts.  It doesn’t focus on many specific famous athletes, but it does give profiles of significant places in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history, and gives nice insight into how the sport grew and carved out a place in American culture and society.  Franjinha And The House Of Paragon Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller is a major player in the BJJ scene. Not only is he known for being a strong and skilled competitor, he also has established himself as one of the best instructors of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after founding Santa Barbara’s Paragon Academy in the late nineties.  But, success did not come easy to him. His story is one filled with struggles and speed bumps. However, the resounding message is one of perseverance and triumphing over obstacles. This documentary takes the viewer through Franjinha’s journey and offers an inspiring tale of an underdog.  Brave New World: A Jiu-Jitsu Film This is a short documentary, and is very different from the rest of the entries on this list. It does not focus on the sport’s community or celebrities, or even its history. Like The Saint of Crackland, it showcases the potential that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has to affect positive change.  However, this film is very specific to the ways that BJJ can be used to help veterans who have PTSD. It offers insight into the ways that those that practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can specifically use their skillset to help this demographic that has sacrificed and suffered for their country.  Renzo Gracie Legacy If you want an introduction to one of the biggest names in martial arts period, let alone just Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, look no further. This documentary will offer background into his family’s history and the major impact that they have left on the sport, as well as his own relationship with his family, and his specific legacy in BJJ. The film also shows phenomenal footage of Gracie’s fights and is entertaining for those looking for more Brazilian Jiu Jitsu knowledge or just love a good sports documentary.

Brazilian jiu jitsu is one of the most challenging martial arts. As a beginner, you’ll definitely struggle. Brazilian jiu jitsu moves require a large amount of dexterity, mobility, and raw strength or power. You also need a lot of quick-thinking and strategizing, in order to set up the moves and use them at the right time, with the right approach. Even as you gain experience and go up the ranks, BJJ will continue to challenge and push you to your limits. Learning advanced techniques can make you feel like a beginner again.  Mastering these advanced moves will take time — perhaps even years. Ask any experienced jiu jitsu enthusiast or even your coach, and they will likely have at least one jiu jitsu move they are still trying to perfect to this day. Below are five of the hardest jiu jitsu moves you can look forward to learning and adding to your repertoire: Gogoplata The gogoplata is one of the hardest submission moves — not only to master but also to set up. As a result, it’s one of the rarest jiu jitsu moves used in competitions, even high-level ones. Overcoming the high difficulties of mastering this move comes with a high reward, though. The gogoplata is one of the most airtight chokes in BJJ. When you master and do it properly, there is very little to no chance of your opponent getting out of the submission hold. How to Perform the Gogoplata The gogoplata is a pain choke that utilizes the shin bone to choke the front of your opponent’s throat. Instead of constricting their carotid artery, you put pressure on their trachea or windpipe. This jiu jitsu move is typically attempted from the rubber guard position, though some people have also done it from the mount position. From the guard position, you first have to break your opponent’s posture and trap their arm in an overhook. Once that’s done, you can move to an open guard position. To perform the gogoplata, you need to pull your leg up and place your shin across your opponent’s throat. Following that, you secure your hands at the back of your opponent’s head and pull it down to apply more pressure on their windpipe. What Makes the Gogoplata Hard Basically, the gogoplata heavily relies on the individual’s physical attributes. You need to be both flexible and powerful enough to pull off the move from set up to finish. The typical starting position of the gogoplata, the rubber guard, is one of the primary contributors to its difficulty. You need extensive leg flexibility to properly establish the rubber guard and the gogoplata itself. Additionally, this move requires flexible hips, knees, and ankles. Pace Choke The pace choke, also known as pillory choke, is a cross between the blood choke and the triangle choke. It got its name from Nick Pace, the mixed martial artist who popularized the move. Nick Pace famously used this in The Ultimate Fighter as his finishing technique against Will Campuzano. How to Perform the Pace Choke To set up the move, you need to get your opponent into the half guard position on their left leg if you are attacking using your right leg, and vice-versa. After that, you need to break their posture and grab their neck. Pull their neck downwards then swing your leg up and over his neck, making sure to get your kneecap on their nape to keep them still and ensure their posture remains broken. Using the same side principle, pass your arm under their neck to grab your ankle. You can plant your opposite arm on the floor for leverage to sit up and do this more smoothly. This will put your forearm under the center of their throat. To apply more pressure, gable grip the arm under your leg and pull towards you. What Makes the Pace Choke Hard Similar to the gogoplata, this daunting move requires you to have incredible flexibility in your legs, hips, knees, and ankles. In addition, you’ll also need to have flexible arms and considerable strength to squeeze your limbs in a tight triangle and keep them immobile. Omoplata The omoplata is also referred to as ashi sankaku garami, or the leg triangle entanglement in judo. The move is similar to the Kimura. However, instead of using your hands for a figure-four grip, you use your legs to lock your opponent in place. Compared to the first two jiu jitsu moves in our list, the omoplata is more versatile. It can be set up and performed in various ways.  How to Perform the Omoplata The most common way to apply this move is from the guard. You need to place your leg under your foe’s armpit then turn 180 degrees. This leads to your leg moving over the other person’s back and around their arm, putting them in a great submission hold and allowing you to set up other moves. You can do this by first creating more space between you and your opponent. Grip one of their wrists while simultaneously pushing their head away. Once you’ve opened the guard, lift your leg on the same side of your opponent's wrist. Place it over their shoulder then sweep over their head. You can grab it with your hands for greater ease, security, and control. If done correctly, your opponent’s face and shoulder should be touching the mat. What Makes Omoplata Hard What makes the omoplata one of the hardest jiu jitsu moves is the number of steps you need to do just to set it up and perform it. Because of this, many BJJ practitioners refrain from even trying to do this move in competitions. Moreover, the opponent is often in an upright position due to the nature of omoplata’s setup. Since your opponent is not in submission, you first need to break their posture. If your opponent is not wearing a gi, they can resist your moves much more easily. D’arce Choke The D’arce, or Darce, choke is a deceptive jiu jitsu move. It looks easy to do when you’re seeing it done before you, but you’ll soon realize how hard it is to do after just one attempt.  Also known as the screw choke and no-gi brabo, this advanced technique is as powerful as it is difficult to pull off. The move got its name from Joe D’arce, an American grappler who popularized it. The Darce choke is largely similar to the Anaconda choke. It creates an inverted arm triangle to trap the opponent’s throat and apply pressure on the carotid arteries. How to Perform the D’arce Choke This choke can be applied from a side mount position, though doing it from a sprawl often offers higher success rates. To perform this jiu jitsu move, you need to ensure you remain on top of your opponent after taking them down on a sprawl. Loop one of your arms over your opponent’s arm then under their armpit. Pass it under their chin and up the side of their head. Then, grab onto your other arm to lock the hold. Plant the elbow of your free arm onto the mat for stability and push your whole body forward to increase pressure on your opponent’s neck. What Makes Darce Choke Hard This technique favors BJJ practitioners with longer, slimmer, and more flexible arms. Shorter and wider forearms makes it doubly difficult to loop your arm over and under your opponent’s arm and chin. Additionally, a large part of this move relies on the practitioner having a “feel” for where and when to put pressure and distribute weight to ensure the chokehold works. This means having numerous instances of doing the move correctly, particularly during fights or spars. North South Choke The North-South Choke has a reputation for being the hardest “simple” or “easy” choke among all jiu jitsu moves. Rather than relying solely on your strength and power, this move relies on your technical skills. The North-South Choke is similar to the no-arm guillotine. It is basically an upside down triangle choke that doesn’t rely on or include the opponent’s arm for it to work. This makes it more efficient than other similar holds.  How to Perform the North South Choke Going from the north-south position, you need to position your arm around your foe’s neck. Do this by folding your arm back and positioning your forearm on his nape. When doing so, you need to make sure you put your biceps against the side of their neck. Once your hold is secure, sprawl back on the mat. Use your ribs or side of the torso to tighten your hold and turn your opponent’s head away from you. Then, you continue to move your body further back and away from the opponent — essentially pulling on their neck through the choke. What Makes the North South Choke Hard The main difficulty in doing this technique lies in setting it up and getting all the moves down. Positioning is very important in doing this move, particularly your arms and your opponent’s head. The move also requires quite a bit of arm depth as you need to go as deep as you can for a secure hold. Moreover, you need a lot of body awareness, strategic thinking, and full understanding of the technique. Oftentimes, performing the North-South choke will require you to make on-the-go adjustment to pull off the move completely. The Key to Mastering the Hardest Jiu Jitsu Moves Learning BJJ will challenge you and push your limits. If you want to master all of the hardest and most advanced jiu jitsu moves, you need to be committed to the sport and your training. Nothing is impossible if you put in the required effort. Working on your moves repeatedly and consistently will help drill them not only into your mind but also your muscles.  Joining a great gym and finding the right coaches will help you learn faster and better. With the right mentors and the right environment, you can rise through the ranks steadily and achieve your goal. If you are looking for a place with a supportive community and skilled instructors to help you master the hardest jiu jitsu moves, visit Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu today. Sign up for a free trial week and see what our gym has to offer.

It’s one thing to pass a standard BJJ guard. However, pulling off a guard pass for someone’s butterfly guard is a whole different ball (or should we say “mat?”) game. Because of the sweeps and submissions that come from the butterfly guard, grapplers need to learn to defend against it and pass it effectively. With the butterfly guard pass, students can avoid sweeps and submissions, score points in competitions, and get into better positions — positions good enough for a submission attempt.  Of course, like all things BJJ-related, there’s a whole universe of techniques. The variety will confuse if not overwhelm even the most eager of students.  Luckily, we at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu have handpicked the three best butterfly guard passes for grapplers of all levels. We’ve seen these guard passes to be high-percentage with a relatively flat learning curve.  Let’s expand your BJJ toolkit with these three butterfly guard pass variations!  What’s a Guard Pass in BJJ? We’ll start by explaining what the guard is. The guard is a position where an athlete locks the opponent’s body with the legs. The grappler can also lock the opponent’s legs. Such is the case for positions like the half guard and 50/50 guard. Athletes use the guard to immobilize their opponents who are on top. Because grapplers lock their legs in this position, their opponents can’t finish the fight with a submission. The opponents won’t be able to move to better positions either, at least for a few moments. The guard buys the athlete more time to escape, sweep, or attempt a submission from the bottom. Now, one may ask: “What if I’m in the opponent’s guard and I want to move to a better position?” To this question, we give this answer: “go for a guard pass.” A guard pass is any maneuver that opens up the opponent’s guard. A standard BJJ guard pass involves applying pressure on the opponent’s inner thigh, forcing them to release the lock they have on the athlete. This allows the athlete to “pass” and get to a more advantageous position. What’s a Butterfly Guard? The butterfly guard is a unique type of guard in BJJ. Grapplers don’t immobilize their opponents by locking the legs; rather, grapplers using the butterfly guard sit and lift their opponents with their shins. The butterfly guard requires grapplers to place both insteps of the feet deep into their opponents’ inner thighs. From here, grapplers sit up and get double underhooks on their opponent. The underhooks prevent the opponent from mounting any effective escape or defense. When the grappler sits back while maintaining the position of the feet and the underhooks, they can sweep the opponent. From here, grapplers can take the top position.  Some world-class BJJ athletes use the butterfly guard as a setup for submissions. Here’s a video of Renato Tavares's black belt Nick “Chewy” Albin demonstrating a shoulder lock variation from a butterfly guard! A Butterfly Guard Pass Cheat Sheet: 3 Passes for BJJ Athletes Now that we’re clear on what the butterfly guard is, let’s talk about getting around it. As mentioned, there are three elements to the butterfly guard — the insteps in the thighs, the underhook, and sitting upright. Take any one of these away, and you’ll be avoiding butterfly guard sweeps and submissions.  All of our butterfly guard passes involve eliminating these elements. Let’s begin with one that our students pick up quickly:  1. Double-leg Pass The double-leg pass resembles the double-leg takedown. Here’s why:  As soon as the opponent sets up the butterfly guard, the grappler must grab both of the opponent’s legs. The grappler must clasp the legs as tight as possible to remove the insteps from the thighs. From here, the grappler drops to the mat. The opponent’s legs will be straight, allowing the grappler to pivot to one side. While pressing on the opponent’s upper thighs, the grappler steps over their legs. The grappler ends up in a position that resembles a completed double-leg takedown. The grappler can now release the legs and move to side mount. 2. Semi-cartwheel Pass To perform the semi-cartwheel pass, it’s important to break the opponent’s posture as they set in for the butterfly guard. As the opponent scoots in for the butterfly guard, the grappler must push the opponent away using the head. The grappler’s crown must be directly under the opponent’s chin. Doing this will prevent the opponent from scooting farther in for the butterfly guard. From here, the grappler continues to drive the head forward, forcing the opponent to lie flat. At this point, the opponent will be flat on the mat. The grappler should then loop the arm over one of the opponent’s knees. The motion will be an overhook. As the arm loops over the knee, the grappler should grab the opponent's ankle. For gi matches, grapplers can grab their pants instead. With one hand on the opponent’s ankle, the grappler should post up with the other hand. After this step, the grappler digs one shoulder on the overhooking side and hops over the opponent’s leg. The grappler will land on one side of the opponent, ready to consolidate the side mount. 3. Smash Pass To perform the smash pass, a grappler needs to break the opponent’s posture. One way to do this is with the same head-to-chin technique used in the semi-cartwheel pass.  Once the opponent is flat on the mat, the grappler should drive one fist on the mat next to the opponent’s hip. From here, the grappler should press the forearm against the opponent’s inner thigh. This will cause the opponent to angle toward the side of the pressed thigh.  As the opponent turns to one side, the knee on the pressured side will be farther away. The resulting position allows the grappler to climb over the knee and move to the side mount. A Whole Universe of Guard Passes and Submissions Await You You’ve just read our top three butterfly guard passes — each one deserves a place in your BJJ arsenal.  Of course, the road to mastery never ends. If you’re interested in fortifying your submission and guard-passing skills, you need an academy and like-minded BJJ trainees.  A universe of techniques awaits you at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu. Try a free week to experience the benefits of evidence-based Jiu-Jitsu training first-hand!